WSJ.com: Economy

Economists See Rate Increases Near Elections

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:21:33 EST

Economists in the latest Journal survey expect the Fed to raise interest rates around September 2010, a politically sensitive time ahead of midterm elections when unemployment will likely be stubbornly high.

FHA's Reserves Drop

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:50:24 EST

A key measure of the Federal Housing Administration's cash reserves has dropped sharply to well below the congressionally mandated level.

Pacific Rim Skeptical on Dollar

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:16:35 EST

The U.S. reiterated its support for a strong dollar Thursday, but Pacific Rim trading partners remained skeptical, intensifying their calls on Washington to stabilize its sliding currency.

U.S. October Deficit Is $176.36 Billion

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:55:09 EST

The federal government kicked off fiscal 2010 by posting its widest-ever October budget deficit, $176.36 billion, Treasury said Thursday.

Jobless Claims Fall in Latest Week

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:52:26 EST

The number of U.S. workers filing new claims for jobless benefits fell by 12,000 to 502,000 last week, a further sign labor-market weakness may be close to bottom.

Rise in U.K. Home Repossessions Slows

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:22:54 EST

The rise in U.K. home repossessions slowed in the third quarter, but strains on household finances are expected to drag on consumer spending and economic recovery in the coming months.

Obama Plans December Jobs Summit

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:15:32 EST

President Obama Thursday announced plans to convene a December meeting in which administration officials, CEOs, small businesses and labor unions would discuss ways to create jobs and boost economic growth.

Fed Slaps Curbs on Overdraft Fees

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:02:48 EST

The Fed imposed rules making it harder for banks to hit customers with fees for overdrawing their accounts.

Governors Predict Revenue Struggle

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:25:27 EST

State governments likely will struggle with dragging revenue until 2012, the National Governors Association predicted Thursday.

ECB Says Rates Are 'Appropriate'

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:40:57 EST

The European Central Bank said current interest rates are appropriate because the overall price outlook remains subdued.

Euro-Zone Production Rises for Fifth Month

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:49:35 EST

Industrial production in the euro zone rose for the fifth consecutive month, boosted by production of capital goods and output of nondurable consumer goods.

IEA: Oil Rise Risks Derailing Economy

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:42:30 EST

The International Energy Agency revised 2010 world oil demand forecasts higher, but said rising crude prices could smother economic recovery.

South Korea Keeps Rates Steady

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:23:00 EST

The Bank of Korea kept interest rates at a record low and dashed expectations of any increase this year, aiming to sustain a nascent recovery in Asia's fourth-largest economy.

Demand for Workers in China Rises

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:23:00 EST

Demand for workers in China picked up sharply in the third quarter, adding to recent signs that the nation's economic recovery is improving conditions for consumers.

Bank of Korea Leaves Rates at Record Low

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:56:16 EST

South Korea's central bank kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at an all-time low of 2.00% for a ninth consecutive month to help sustain a nascent recovery in Asia's fourth-largest economy.

Dollar Rallies on Weaker Outlook for Recovery

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:52:38 EST

The dollar broadly strengthened as U.S. stocks snapped a six-day winning streak.

Tech Sector Employment Still in Slump

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:06:29 EST

As Silicon Valley rides a recovery in the technology sector, local companies have said they will beef up their work forces. But judging by California's employment data, such hiring has yet to happen.

Geithner Affirms Strong Dollar

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:21:38 EST

Geithner said maintaining a strong dollar is "very important" for the U.S. economy.

Australia Jobs Surge

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:22:54 EST

Australia's economy created a further 24,500 jobs in October, sending a strong signal to the central bank to continue raising interest rates.

Obama to Hold Southeast Asia Meeting

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:23:17 EST

Obama will hold a first-ever summit with the leaders of Southeast Asia as the U.S. tries to regain its dominance in a region that plays a crucial role in global trade but has rapidly expanded ties with China in recent years.

USDA Raises Crop-Price Outlook

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:08:03 EST

The USDA trimmed its production forecast and raised its price outlook for crops after the slowest harvest season in decades across the Midwest and South.

U.S. Job Openings Increase Slightly

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:07:52 EST

U.S. firms are gradually ratcheting up their search for workers, a possible signal the job-market decline could be nearing an end.

U.K. Sees Slow Recovery

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:06:29 EST

The Bank of England is likely to keep policy steady for an extended period amid a "slow" U.K. economic recovery and subdued inflation.

China's Exports Continue Recovery

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:06:29 EST

The picture for China's exports continued to improve in October -- a sign that a pickup in global demand is starting to support the nation's recovery.

EU Mulls Extra Time for Deficit Cuts

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:06:29 EST

Many EU countries could be given more time to narrow their budget deficits, but Greece must take immediate action, the European Commission said.

Thai Central Bank Buys Dollars

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:58:04 EST

Thailand's Finance Ministry said the central bank has bought about $15 billion so far this year to support the falling greenback.

China Faces Pressure Over Yuan

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:12:09 EST

China is coming under new pressure from Pacific Rim countries to let its currency rise amid rising concerns about the damage weakness in both the yuan and dollar could inflict on Asian economies.

Foreclosures Weigh Down Home Prices

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:11:52 EST

Home prices continued to decline across the nation as sales of heavily discounted foreclosed properties weighed down the market.

Fed Officials Make Case for Low Rates

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:48:02 EST

Several Fed officials reaffirmed that the central bank isn't likely to raise interest rates anytime soon.

Japan Machinery Orders Rise

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:03:51 EST

Japanese core machinery orders rose 10.5% from the previous month in September on strong demand from non-manufacturers, and from overseas customers.

Festivals, Lower Rates Boost Car Sales in India

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:26:51 EST

Car sales in India climbed at their fastest pace in nearly three years in October, as easing loan rates, new models and a slew of festivals boosted demand.