by Veronica Stone on May 14th, 2009
By Bob Willis
May 14 (Bloomberg) — Prices paid to U.S. producers probably rose in April as oil costs rebounded, economists said before a report today.
The projected 0.2 percent increase in wholesale prices would follow a 1.2 percent drop in March, according to the median estimate of 68 economists surveyed by Bloomberg News. Another report may show the number of people claiming jobless benefits climbed last week from a three-month low.
Signs that the worst of the recession is over may boost commodity costs further, alleviating concern over deflation, or an extended drop in prices that hurts the economy.... Read more »
by Leeia Ladipoh on April 28th, 2008
If you run a retail business, you may be very well aware of how the rising value of the Chinese Yuan is affecting your bottom line. Many products for sale on the U.S. retail market are purchased from China. It used to be that purchasing these items was always a great deal, because the U.S. dollar was strong while the Chinese Yuan was weak.
However, times have changed.
The Yuan has been creeping up over the past year and is continuing to gain strength, while the Dollar is struggling in the world market.
For retailers, the impact is crystal-clear. It... Read more »
by Larry Slusser on April 2nd, 2008
The Federal Reserve again cut the short-term interest rates to 2.25 percent, which is three-quarters of a point lower than it has been since the end of 2004. The thought was that the decision was made due to the $30 billion in financing it gave to JPMorgan Chase for the acquisition of Bear Stearns. The question that remains is that will this move help the economy in any way?
The Fed’s decision is to help keep consumers spending and borrowing, which is good for businesses. The lowering of the short-term interest rates will also keep asset prices higher. However, the... Read more »