Unemployment Rate Falls to Lowest Since March 2009

By Christopher S. Rugaber WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. unemployment rate fell last month to its lowest level in more than two and a half years, as employers stepped up hiring in response to the slowly improving economy. The Labor Department said Friday that the unemployment rate dropped sharply to 8.6 percent last month, down …

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U.S. Clutching for Straws With Energy Independence

Two key paragraphs from the latest comments from Tom Barnett as they appeared last Monday in the World Politics Review. The United States is on the verge of an industrial renaissance, according to energy experts enthusiastic about technological advances surrounding the “fracking” of shale gas and the processing of “tight oil.” America is sitting on …

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A Healthy Dose of Reality

Paying for healthcare was the primary topic of a recent issue of Financial Planning magazine. When it comes to retirements, we assume that each of us will qualify for Medicare. For those of us already qualified, Medicare is a lifesaver, no pun intended. But... When we are young and feeling good, we take our health …

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Weekly Market Recap – 05DEC11

Check here for your weekly market recap from J.P. Morgan.

Occupy Wall Street and the GOP

Fox Pollster Tells GOP Governors Why 'Occupy' Scares Him Thu, 12/01/2011 - 11:32pm — Joe Conason When the reigning wordsmith of the Republican right says that he is “frightened to death” by Occupy Wall Street, there must be a compelling reason for him to admit his fear. Such was the confession of Frank Luntz, famed …

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Volatility Not Markets’ Fault And It’s Not Going Away

  By Tom Steinert-Threlkeld The volatility seen in stock markets this year has been high. And it will continue. But it may not be that unprecedented, according to Joseph Mecane, chief administrative officer for U.S. markets of NYSE Euronext. Take August, he told professionals gathered at the Marriott Marquis hotel in New York for the …

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A Cornucopia of Republican Turkeys

(A few days late but you'll get the point. TK) By Jurek Martin Never in the 390 year history of Thanksgiving in America have so many turkeys been roaming the land. Unfortunately, most of them are political – Republican presidential candidates gobbling nonsense, the congressional super committee that failed to carve up the debt bird, …

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Why Your Tax Bill Might Surge Next Year

The basic ideas in this post come from Bob Jennings and were published November 07, 2011 on foxbusiness.com You may not have a good idea what your income tax future will look like in 2013 if Congress fails to modify the existing tax rules. Many people have no idea what tax breaks are expiring this …

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What Does Retirement Really Cost? – Part III

What we’ve talked about in Part I & II is a basic application of the time value of money, given today’s interest rates. So, is it time to take up boozing, smoking and to hell with the exercise bike? Maybe. As a financial advisor, I can provide you with reams of data that suggest, over …

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Capital Market Insights – November 21, 2011

Here is your Weekly Insights update from Curian’s Asset Management Group. This informative capital market update is designed to help those of you who want to manage your own money. Stay informed about important developments in economics and the markets. CONTINUE HERE...