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Every February, gem traders gather in Tucson, Ariz., for one of the world's largest industry shows. Traditionally, it's where prices and fashion trends are set for the year. What effect has the economic slowdown had on the sparkly things? Traders are cutting back and looking for bargains. One segment of the gem trade appears to be strong: big, rare or unusual stones for investment. ()
A zombie bank drains bailout capital but doesn't respond with any meaningful lending. ()
As the number of home foreclosures and job losses mount, many Americans wonder, "What now?" ()
February 15, 2009 · These days the government seems to be telling us to spend, spend, spend — but isn't that what got us into this financial mess in the first place? Economics columnist David Leonhardt offers some principles for spending wisely. ()
February 14, 2009 · Much of the government's focus so far has been on big banks, but many of the banks that have failed have been small community banks. Kris Ausborn runs a community bank in Emmetsburg, Iowa. He says his bank is thriving and that big banks have something to learn from the little guys. ()
February 16, 2009 · One major question echoed from the halls of Congress to the talking heads on TV is: Can tax cuts actually stimulate the economy? Financial writer David Cay Johnston talks with Steve Inskeep about the value of the tax cuts in President Obama's stimulus package. ()
February 14, 2009 · "It's easier to go buy something, but a lot of stuff is pretty expensive nowadays," one crafter says. For some people, the troubled economy means making their valentines and other gifts instead of buying them. ()
February 13, 2009 · Hollywood is always on the lookout for a good villain. The new movie The International stars Naomi Watts and Clive Owen as investigators trying to bring down what is apparently the most evil institution in the world: a multinational bank. Does the movie portray the world of high finance correctly? ()
February 13, 2009 · The issue of how to address the country's burgeoning foreclosure problem remains a major concern. Various public and private programs designed to help alter mortgages to enable homeowners to stay in their homes and for lenders to keep collecting payments haven't worked. ()
February 12, 2009 · Bank executives told members of the House Financial Services Committee that lending has increased since the government's $165 million cash infusion. One executive says his bank is lending to consumers but other parts of the financial system have tightened credit. David Wessel of The Wall Street Journal talks with Renee Montagne about the credit crisis. ()
February 12, 2009 · On Capitol Hill, Democrats are supporting a bill that would let judges block home foreclosures. The measure would allow bankruptcy judges to alter home loans. Industry insiders say that would cause more harm than good, but economists disagree. ()
February 11, 2009 · Casino revenues in Atlantic City are down. Visitors are defecting to new gambling halls in Delaware, Pennsylvania and New York. Some Atlantic City hotels have teamed up to start a new luxury express train from New York City. ()
February 9, 2009 · While most airlines are skimping on basics like food and pillows, one carrier is going in a different direction. Virgin America is selling environmentally conscious passengers the chance to fly guilt free. It's the first domestic airline to sell carbon-offset credits in-flight. Passengers concerned about their carbon footprint on a cross-country flight can buy the credits from their seatback screens. Virgin America directs the money to one of two green projects in California. So far, 1 percent of the airline's passengers have used the service. ()
February 9, 2009 · Discount air carriers are doing better financially this year than last. Several went bankrupt last year. David Field, U.S. editor for Airline Business Magazine, says lower fuel costs are one reason for the brighter outlook. ()
February 6, 2009 · Consumer borrowing fell for a third straight month in December, the longest stretch in 17 years, as households cut spending amid a steep recession and rising job layoffs. The Federal Reserve says consumer borrowing dropped in December at an annual rate of 3.1 percent. ()
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