Week in Preview: Retail Sales, Consumer Credit, Earnings

Yes, the unemployment rate sank below 9% in February, but the investors didn’t seem to be impressed by that report. They’re expected to focus this week on government data regarding consumer credit, some retail earnings and who…

N.Y. Gift Fair Puts Rising Consumer Confidence on Display

Gift-buying trends revealed at the New York International Gift Fair showed that consumers are still focused on value, but less leery of spending. Signs of the brighter mood were everywhere, from the color palettes to the growth…

Credit CARD Act: One Year Later, How’s It Going?

During the battle over Credit CARD Act, much talk focused on what the legislation would — and wouldn’t — do. A year after the law rolled out, what’s the word now? Here’s an on-the-ground look at how card issuers and consumers…