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Jobs numbers in the spotlight

Oct 4, 2012
When it comes to all of the different indicators used to measure the country’s economic health, especially during the election year, the unemployment rate is the Big Man on Campus.

Spain gets serious with budget plan, mixed U.S. economic data

Sep 27, 2012
Spain has unveiled an ambitious budget plan. Will it be enough to get the job done? Meanwhile, what does the mixed economic data in the U.S. mean for the economy?

Consumer confidence vs. consumer sentiment

Aug 28, 2012
Sr. Producer Paddy Hirsch explains the difference between consumer confidence and consumer sentiment.
Shoppers walk down the Third Street Promenade outdoor shopping mall in Santa Monica, Calif.
Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Economists share unofficial economic indicators

Jul 6, 2012
What baristas and tailors and over-educated sandwich-makers tell us about the economy.
A man shops for suits in New York City.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Economic indicators that impact elections

Feb 28, 2012
With Super Tuesday a week away, we wanted to know which measures of the economy are the ones to watch.

Unemployment down -- but so are wages

Feb 23, 2012
The dip in unemployment and job claims indicate optimism -- but wages fell sharply for the majority of American workers last year in a way that they haven't since 2007.

Making your own version of the Fed's Beige Book

Jan 12, 2012
The Federal Reserve's Beige Book is a review of economic trends in the country. The Fed's method of gathering data on the economy is pretty simple, though: Just calling around and asking.

For public good, not for profit.

For 2012, "cautious" optimism abounds

Jan 2, 2012
Today's data on global manufacturing was better than expected. Combine that with slightly better numbers on unemployment and housing last month, and analysts think the economy is, well, better.

Happy Daze

Nov 17, 2010
There is word that Britain's center-right coalition government wants to make the happiness and well-being of the British public part of the...

One Economic Boost We Could Live Without

Oct 18, 2010
Here are seven English words that may never have been used in this order before: Thank goodness for the Gulf oil spill. No sane person would ever...