msnbc.com: Stocks & economy

Stocks close slightly higher on jobless data

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 22:45:30 GMT

Stocks posted a modest gain after the Labor Department said the unemployment rate topped 10 percent in October for the first time since 1983, but also that the pace of job losses slowed.

Easing job losses point to wobbly recovery

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 17:23:41 GMT

The economy is still shedding jobs, but at a much slower pace than earlier this year, the government reported. That bolsters the view that the economy is making a slow but steady recovery.

Unemployment rate rises above 10 percent

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 20:06:01 GMT

The unemployment rate has hit double digits for the first time since 1983 — and is likely to go higher.

When unemployment last topped 10 percent

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 20:59:55 GMT

The last time unemployment climbed past 10 percent, "The A-Team" was one of the top 10 TV shows and Michael Jackson was about to release "Thriller."

Obama signs homebuyer, jobless bill assistance

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 19:06:59 GMT

President Barack Obama signed a $24 billion economic stimulus bill into law Friday, giving tax incentives to homebuyers and additional jobless benefits to those idled by the business slump.

Small banks in Ga., Mich. closed

Sat, 7 Nov 2009 00:28:24 GMT

Regulators have shut small banks in Georgia and Michigan, bringing the number of bank failures this year to 117 amid the struggling economy and a cascade of defaults on loans.

Berkshire Hathaway's profit triples

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 23:37:39 GMT

Warren Buffett's company said that its third-quarter profit tripled as the improving economy and stock market boosted the value of Berkshire Hathaway's derivative contracts.

Consumer borrowing falls for record 8th month

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 20:40:22 GMT

American consumers borrowed less for a record eighth straight month in September amid rising unemployment and tight credit conditions.

Oil tumbles below $78 on jobless rate

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 20:15:44 GMT

Oil prices tumbled Friday after the government said the U.S. unemployment rate topped 10 percent for the first time since 1983.

New jobless claims drop to lowest since Jan.

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 15:22:04 GMT

The number of newly laid-off workers filing claims for unemployment benefits falls to the lowest level in 10 months, evidence that job cuts are easing as the economy slowly heals.

Companies doing more with fewer workers

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 15:45:22 GMT

Productivity surged in the third quarter at the fastest pace in six years while labor costs continued to drop sharply.

Long-term jobless face frayed safety net

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 22:25:31 GMT

For millions of out-of-work job seekers, unemployment insurance is providing an increasingly tenuous financial lifeline.

October sales offer some relief to retailers

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 16:51:26 GMT

Consumers, enticed by cooler weather, early holiday discounts and an improving economy, spent a little more in October.

Fed keeps key rate at record low

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 22:17:29 GMT

The Federal Reserve pledged to keep a key interest rate at a record low for an "extended period," signaling that the weak economy remains dependent on government help to grow.

Stimulus watch: Pay raise counted as saved job

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 16:40:51 GMT

A Georgia nonprofit's inflated job count is among persisting errors in the government's latest effort to measure the effect of the $787 billion stimulus plan.

Service sector grows for 2nd straight month

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 16:15:04 GMT

The U.S. service sector grew for a second straight month in October, but at a slower pace than in September, as a broad economic recovery creeps along.

Treasury expects to hit debt limit next month

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 16:00:39 GMT

The Treasury Department now expects to hit the government's debt limit in December, two months later than its initial estimate.

Cisco earns down; says ‘tipping point’ passed

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 23:56:12 GMT

Cisco Systems says its quarterly income dropped 19 percent but that recession-dampened orders are improving.