This year retailers did their best to lure consumers to open their wallets with lots of early-morning specials. But while the economy has shown some signs of an improvement, analysts say the high rate of unemployment is weighing on people's willingness to spend. Full Story »
One reason it is so hard to slash carbon emissions is that climate change occurs globally. The countries that produce the most greenhouse gas all need to take action to fix the problem. That raises a classic economic dilemma called the tragedy of the commons. Full Story »
A painting by the late pop artist Andy Warhol of 200 $1 bills, recently sold for $44 million. That's one of the highest prices ever paid for one of his paintings. Art writer Sarah Thornton has been exploring why works by Warhol maintain such high prices — his continued fame is one reason. She talks to Steve Inskeep about her article in The Economist. Full Story »
Sony's new online service connecting the whole range of its gadgets to downloadable content like movies and games should help build brand loyalty, a top executive said. Full Story »
Unemployment has hit most professions, including economists and financial researchers. So, the National Association for Business Economics has set up a jobs Web site to help out-of-work economists find employment. Full Story »
Dubai was an economic marvel in recent years, enjoying a huge real estate boom. Then came the worldwide recession, and debt payments are now due. Dubai's government said Wednesday that two leading state-run firms are seeking several more months to meet their obligations. The firms have been developing man-made islands shaped like palm trees that feature multimillion-dollar properties. They face a debt payment of $3.5 billion. Full Story »
Fear turns out be a very good thing for certain businesses. When North Korea or Iran mentions the word "nuclear," orders pour in to NukePills.com — a Web site that sells potassium iodide. The government also stockpiles this FDA-approved drug. Full Story »
The debate in Washington over how much the health care overhaul bills will cost has largely centered on the bottom line for the federal government. But polls repeatedly show Americans are much more concerned about how a reshaped health care system will affect their own family's financial situation. Full Story »
The insurance company has been fighting Maurice "Hank" Greenberg ever since he was ousted amid an accounting scandal in 2005. AIG said it will pay up to $150 million in past legal fees and expenses for both Greenberg and former Chief Financial Officer Howard I. Smith. Full Story »
Hunts Point in Bronx, N.Y., is the largest wholesale food market in the country. The action there happens late at night. The ebb and flow at the market, who's buying when, and at what price, are a real-life economics lesson compressed into a single night. Full Story »
