Economy Shaky Economy Rattles Gens X, Y February 29, 2008 • Continued news about the wobbly U.S. economy has finally gotten the attention of people just starting out. Anya Kamentz, Yahoo's Generation Debt columnist, says everyone has something to lose.
Economy Sellers Look for Spring Thaw in Housing Market February 29, 2008 • Spring is a critical season for those looking to sell their homes. Jonathan Clements, personal finance columnist at The Wall Street Journal, talks to Renee Montagne about whether spring will bring a thaw in the housing market.
Economy Oil Surpasses $103 a Barrel February 29, 2008 • The price of oil passed $103 a barrel for the first time Friday as persistent weakness in the U.S. dollar and the prospect of lower interest rates attracted fresh money to the oil market.
Economy Dollar Hits New Low as Economic Woes Continue February 29, 2008 • The U.S. dollar hit an all-time low against the Euro on Thursday. The dollar's slide followed comments by Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke that he's prepared to lower interest rates again.
A Portfolio Check-Up During Tough Times February 28, 2008 • David Gardner, co-founder of the Motley Fool, talks about how to navigate the stock market in today's turbulent economy. He also checks in on the $10,000 imaginary dollars in Neal Conan's fantasy stock portfolio. Is it time to reconsider Talk of the Nation's investments?
What Does 'Stagflation' Mean for You? February 28, 2008 • On Thursday, President Bush addressed concerns about the country's sluggish economy. As higher oil prices, foreclosures and the weakened dollar make headlines, the word "stagflation" has started floating around. What does it all mean for your finances?
Business The Dollar Weak, New York Stores Turns to the Euro February 28, 2008 • Shopkeepers in New York City have started accepting the currency of the European Union, as the American dollar remains weak and tourists jet in for bargains.
Raiding Your 401(k) to Pay the Bills February 27, 2008 • More people are dipping into their 401(k) retirement accounts to get by. Wall Street Journal personal finance columnist Jonathan Clements explores who's doing it and the risks they're taking.
Economy Lenders: Bankruptcy Bill Will Hurt Homeowners February 27, 2008 • Senate Democrats are seeking to change bankruptcy laws with a bill that would allow judges to change the terms of mortgage loans during bankruptcy proceedings. Lenders say it would ultimately hurt homeowners by raising loan costs for all.
Economy Oil Prices Hover Over $100 a Barrel February 27, 2008 • The price of a barrel of oil hit $100.88 on the New York Mercantile at the end of trading Tuesday. Prices rose even higher in overseas trading. Analysts point to rising global demand and concerns over supply.
Should You Take the Buyout? February 26, 2008 • Ford Motor Company is currently offering its employees buyouts that include $140,000 or college tuition plans. Buyouts are a standard way for a company to reduce its work force. Have you ever been offered a buyout? What did you do?
Economy Stocks Climb as Ambac, MBIA Keep Ratings February 26, 2008 • Stock prices rallied Monday as Standard and Poor's affirmed the AAA rating of bond insurers Ambac Financial Group and MBIA. Investors feared a downgrade of the bond insurers' ratings could trigger the forced selling of bonds, leading to more losses for troubled banks.
Law Insurance Executives Convicted on Fraud Charges February 26, 2008 • Five former insurance executives, including a top official from AIG and a former CEO of insurance giant General Re, were convicted on federal charges Monday. Prosecutors say they schemed to improperly inflate AIG's financial numbers.
News A Site's New Tack: Walking Away from Mortgage February 25, 2008 • An online company is trying to convince some homeowners that losing their home might not be so bad. The Web site, youwalkaway.com, features pictures of happy families; it urges stressed-out homeowners to "use our proven method to Walk Away."
National Amid Bad News, Homeowners Meet with Lenders February 25, 2008 • Sales of existing homes fell again in January, marking the sixth month of declines in a row. The median price of those homes also fell, to just over $200,000 — down more than 4 percent from a year ago. In an effort to hold down the rising number of foreclosures, lenders are reaching out to borrowers.