Business Bankruptcies: 2011 Will Likely Follow 2010 Lower

In another bit of good economic news, the list of U.S. business bankruptcies will likely get shorter, and probably less distinguished, in 2011, just as it did this year. Still, several factors beyond an improving economy are al…

Holiday Shoppers Keep Their Plastic in Their Pockets

Retail sales have perked up, but consumers aren’t resuming their old habit of using credit cards to splurge on gifts. According to a new poll, more than half of American adults say they’re sticking with cash this holiday shoppi…

Markets Have Posted Big Gains Since the Fed Launched QE2

Republican leaders may be worried about the Federal Reserve’s second round of quantitative easing, but the stock and credit markets are delighted: They’ve improved significantly since the plan was announced. But can the rally b…

Markets Have Posted Big Gains Since the Fed Launched QE2

Republican leaders may be worried about the Federal Reserve’s second round of quantitative easing, but the stock and credit markets are delighted: They’ve improved significantly since the plan was announced. But can the rally b…

Consumers May Get Hit With Higher Debit Card Fees

New rules proposed by the Fed for debit card transactions may mean consumers end up paying more to use their cards, while big retailers save billions. The rules would sharply limit the transaction fees sellers pay, so banks cou…