While the Fed cut interest rates in order to curb the economic slowdown, the European Central Bank has decided to hold its short-term rate steady at 4%. Steven Beard reports from London on how the rate will affect both U.S. and European economies.
The latest retail figures made for a disappointing January for everyone from teen clothing vendors to Wal-Mart. Nancy Marshall Genzer looks at possible factors in the slump, including high gas prices and gift cards.
While the Federal Reserve's cure for an economic slowdown is to cut interest rates, the European Central Bank decided today against that move. Doug Krizner talks to Stephen Beard about where the ECB is most concerned.
Though close to passing, the economic stimulus package fell short of approval in the Senate by just one vote. John Dimsdale reports what's holding the package back, including an extra $40 billion requested by Senate Democrats.
BHP Billiton, the world's largest mining company, is looking to buy one of its competitors, Rio Tinto. So far, Rio Tinto has rejected BHP's offers. But if the deal goes through, it would be the second-biggest takeover ever. Bob Moon reports.
New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine wants a big boost in turnpike fees to pay down the state's staggering debt. But the plan isn't too popular in a state where toll plazas are a fact of life.
When the economy's good, Americans tend to act better toward their fellow citizens. But commentator Will Wilkinson says in a sliding economy, we tend to slam the gates of opportunity.
The economy not only affects our wallet, but our sense of style. Jill Barshay reports some designers are working with more all-purpose colors and more affordable in a new wave of recession chic.
Commentator Charles Handy reflects on the philosophies of economist Peter Drucker to figure out what to do when a consumer economy starts to buy less stuff. First in an occasional series.
