What Obama Really Needs: Robust Income Growth for Americans

As much as the market and Corporate America may like what they heard in the president’s speech Tuesday night, history shows Obama’s reelection in 2012 remains pinned to boosting Americans’ income growth to at least 3%. Problem …

A Dose of Bah, Humbug for Holiday Sales Growth

Rising retail sales are adding to the list of positive economic developments as 2010 winds down. But how important are holiday sales in the larger scheme of things? Investors may be giving too much credit to what turns out to …

Less Affluent Households Give Consumer Sentiment a Boost

September’s consumer sentiment level unexpectedly rose to 68.2 from its preliminary 66.6 reading. However, the entire gain came from more positive responses among households earning under $75,000 — those who wouldn’t be affect…