Guessing the Fed’s next move
After Friday’s jobs gains, the speculation about the Federal Reserve Board ending the $85 billion a month bond-buying program picked up. Coverage began Friday and continued through the weekend about one of the economy’s most important stimulus plans. Here’s the story from the Wall Street Journal: Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke will have to build consensus […]
Covering the economic surprise
The U.S. gross domestic product grew more than expected in the third quarter. But some of the coverage wasn’t positive as reporters actually dug into the causes for the increase. Here’s the beginning of the Wall Street Journal story: The U.S. economy expanded significantly faster than initially estimated in the third quarter as businesses fattened […]
More fines for banks
The European Union is getting into the bank-fining act, imposing record penalties on six financial firms for their roles in the Libor case. It’s just the latest round of payments for many of these firms and ultimately their shareholders. Here’s the Wall Street Journal story: Six financial institutions were fined €1.71 billion ($2.32 billion) by European […]
What happens after Snowden?
Once again, press freedoms are coming under fire as government officials cite national security as the reasoning for the questioning. The Guardian’s top editor testified before U.K. Parliament about publishing files obtained from Edward Snowden about surveillance. The New York Times lead with a quote about intimidation: The top editor of the British newspaper The […]
New York magazine cuts issues
While it may not be well known outside the five boroughs of New York City, the magazine of the same name is something of a must-read for certain in-the-know city dwellers. A mix of culture, fashion, design, products and news, the magazine often wins awards and sparks conversations. The announcement the weekly was moving to […]
Reporting on holiday spending
Despite retailers’ best efforts, holiday spending dropped this year even as more people went to stores. It’s not a great sign for the season if people are watching their budgets instead of taking advantage of the discounts. Here’s the Wall Street Journal story: Aggressive discounts on clothes and toys lured slightly more consumers into stores […]
Forget Black Friday, many shopping on Thanksgiving
In the quest to grab as big a share of people’s holiday shopping budget as possible, more and more retailers are opening their doors on Thanksgiving. While Black Friday has traditionally been the day for people to spend money, those looking to get the best deals are shopping earlier than ever before. The New York […]
Subprime loans are back
Subprime loans are back, according to two pre-Thanksgiving stories. But it isn’t for those looking to buy a home, now banks are issuing them to business owners and those looking for cars. The New York Times had a story about small businesses using subprime loans. Banks are issuing them as investor demand for yield rises […]
Men’s Wearhouse turns tables on suitor
When Jos. A. Bank made a bid for Men’s Wearhouse, it was just a straightforward M&A transaction. But on Tuesday, when Men’s Wearhouse turned the tables and made a bid for Jos. A. Bank, the whole story got a lot more interesting. The Wall Street Journal wrote this story: Men’s Wearhouse Inc. launched a surprise offer to […]
Wal-Mart investors get new CEO for the holidays
Wal-Mart shareholders and employees are getting a new head of the company for the holidays. The world’s largest retailer announced that its promoting Douglas McMillon to replace retiring chief executive Michael Duke. The Wall Street Journal reported he will be the fifth person to head the company: Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said company veteran Douglas McMillon will take […]
