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05 Feb 2010 10:19

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Biz, U.S.: Why the drop in unemployment is less impressive than it seems

  • 9.7% the current jobless rate, a five-month low source
  • Why this seems good After months of hovering over the 10% mark, it seems like (on the surface) we’re finally cutting into the economy’s debilitating factor. Obama has been feeling pressure on this for months now.
  • Why it really isn’t Payrolls still cut by 20,000 despite unemployment, which suggests that some people have stopped looking and are no longer counted. Also, some major industries are struggling, including construction.
  • Some promising signs Despite the job market’s mixed signals, there are signs the worst is over. Workweeks are longer, overtime is going up, more temps are getting work, and average earnings are up too.  source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

04 Feb 2010 21:48

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Biz: The stock market went through a pretty hellish day today

  • 268 the number of points the Dow lost today alone, due to debt fears; it’s the biggest fall in 2010 so far
  • 10,002 the closing number for the Dow today; it dipped below 10,000 for a short while today source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

04 Feb 2010 10:15

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Biz: People working harder so companies have to hire less

  • 6.2% increase in worker productivity in 2009 source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

03 Feb 2010 21:19

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U.S.: Michigan Governor: We aren’t just about cars anymore

  • Where the old Michigan economy was all about autos and manufacturing…the new Michigan economy is much broader: clean energy, life sciences — like bio-economy and medical devices — homeland security and defense, advanced manufacturing, film and tourism.
  • Micigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm • In her final State of the State address before being term-limited out of office. The state, which has felt the worst effects of the recession, needs a change in mentality. Granholm says she plans to help the state leapfrog the auto industry in its entirety, while not quitting it entirely. With less than a year left, can she pull it off? With the economy in such dire straits, she needs to. source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

31 Jan 2010 20:25

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U.S.: Our yearly federal budget deficits will get better … eventually

  • $3.8 trillion budget for fiscal 2011, starting in October
  • $1.4+
    trillion     the budget deficit in 2009, which was a record level already
  • $1.6
    trillion     the anticipated budget deficit for 2010, which is an even bigger record
  • $700
    billion     the budget deficit planned by 2013, which is a bit better source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

31 Jan 2010 10:18

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Biz: Speaking of scams, 419 scams via e-mail a big business in 2009

  • $9.3 billion went from your hands to the Nigerians source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

29 Jan 2010 13:56

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Biz, U.S.: Small businesses, not fat cats, winners in Obama’s job plan

  • $33 billion in tax credits for businesses that hire people
  • $5,000 in tax credits per employee hired under Obama’s jobs plan
  • $500k the limit on the size of the tax credit, to ensure it helps small businesses
  • zero what small businesses will have to pay in capital gains taxes source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink
 

29 Jan 2010 09:24

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Biz: The economic picture: Growth’s happening, but jobs aren’t

  • 5.7% growth in the last quarter, which is the best quarter since 2003 (!)
  • 208,000 jobs were lost last quarter, which isn’t awesome at all source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

28 Jan 2010 20:17

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U.S.: Ben Bernanke reconfirmed because he recovers well after a fall

  • Chairman Bernanke’s performance in addressing the economic crisis and his current efforts to significantly enhance financial regulation to help prevent future crises outweigh his past mistakes.
  • Michigan Sen. Carl Levin • Discussing why Ben Bernanke was worthy of getting reconfirmed as Federal Reserve Chair, despite populist sentiment against a guy seen as one of the main causes for the financial crisis. Ultimately, it was his inventive solutions to tough problems that saved his job. While not always graceful, he did successfully help get the economy back on track. source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

27 Jan 2010 10:27

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Biz: 2009: Airlines’ worst year ever. Can the Apple Tablet save them?

  • 3.9% decline in overall worldwide passenger loads in 2009
  • 10.1% decline in overall worldwide cargo
    loads in 2009
  • no this story has nothing to do with the Apple Tablet at all source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink
 
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