babin

Black Friday not looking so black

admin — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:54:10 -0600

Retail experts are predicting the weakest holiday shopping season in decades, and consumers' spending on Black Friday isn't changing that view. Today, retail stocks were down. Janet Babin reports.

Time to update Economic Theory 101

admin — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 13:24:48 -0600

Some economists believe that economic models are dated and deficient, and they're looking for theories that would help make sense of the financial crisis and global economy. Janet Babin has more.

Product liability case closely watched

admin — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 12:30:01 -0500

The Supreme Court takes up a case next week that could affect consumers' ability to sue drugmakers over claims that a medicine caused injury or death. At issue is whether the FDA can pre-empt state juries. Janet Babin explains.

Southwest's hedge on fuel backfires

admin — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 14:45:27 -0500

At first, it looked like Southwest Airlines hedged its bets well when it prepaid for fuel because prices were going up. Unfortunately, now oil prices are falling. Janet Babin has more on Southwest and airlines in general.

The strings attached to cash infusions

admin — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 13:41:51 -0500

The idea of having the Treasury Department take stakes in selected banks is to provide them with cash to start making loans again, not to keep it to themselves. Janet Babin wonders if banks will agree to that.

Home price cuts for Coldwell fire sale

admin — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:30:45 -0500

Coldwell Banker Real Estate is planning to slash home prices up to 10% across the nation, based on agreements with home sellers, to try to boost slumping sales. Janet Babin has more.

Wachovia suddenly has many suitors

admin — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 13:06:22 -0500

Wachovia has billions of dollars in toxic mortgage debt, but now Wells Fargo wants to buy it, Citigroup says it has first dibs and Warren Buffet is joining the party. Janet Babin sorts it all out.

Bailout may help homebuyers

admin — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 17:29:20 -0500

There are a lot of ways to try to measure the goverment's bailout of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Sheer dollar amounts. Share prices. Bond yields. Or how about this: It's cheaper to get a mortgage today than it was on last week. Janet Babin reports.

Bailout could help homebuyers

admin — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 17:29:20 -0500

Productivity is up, but wages aren't

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:25:51 -0500

American workers' productivity in the last quarter was way up, according to a government report. But another report said labor costs decreased. That may be good news for those worried about inflation, but not so good for workers. Janet Babin reports.