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Google vs. China's Censors
Google vs. China's Censors
Clarence Page
Google launched its China operation in January 2006 with high hopes. The democratizing benefits of increased Web access for the Chinese people, the Internet giant hoped, would outweigh the Chinese Communist Party's ferocious censorship and e-mail spying. Google also hoped to make shiploads of money. But that was then. Four years later Google threatens to walk away.
Journalism: Desperate Metaphors, Revenue Models and the Need for Better Journalism
Arianna Huffington
Apparently, some in the old media have decided that it is, in fact, an either/or game and that the best way to save, if not journalism, at least themselves, is by pointing fingers and calling names. It's a tactic familiar to schoolyard inhabitants everywhere: when all else fails, reach for the nearest insult and throw it around indiscriminately.
FedEx and UPS Feud Over Union Rules
Alex Kingsbury
The country's two largest private package-delivery companies, UPS and FedEx, have their horns locked in battle on Capitol Hill over the patchwork of laws that determine the rights workers have to form unions.
Financial Crisis, Enron, Hurricane Katrina Examples of Leadership Gone Wrong
Tamara Lytle
The New Orleans masses who huddled in the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina, the Enron retirees who lost their life savings, and the laid-off workers buried under the economic ruin of financial companies all live with a simple truth. Just as spectacularly as great leadership can spark success, failed leadership can bring down cities, businesses, and economies
Crisis Management: Leading Successfully Through the Storm
Bret Schulte
Contemporary examples of strong crisis leadership are in surprisingly short supply, experts say. And all too often, the reaction to a crisis is to hunker down and ride it out. But there are a few modern standouts, especially in the business world.
How to Fix the Financial System: Let Federal Reserve oversee new regulations for finance giants
Mortimer B. Zuckerman
In the grip of our Great Recession, with more job losses to come, we have yet to fix the broken financial system that is an underlying cause of this whole mess. How can we do it?
FCC 'Net Neutrality' Rules Would Keep the Web Free for Speech and Trade
Andrew Jay Schwartzman
If the federal government does nothing -- that is, if it does not adopt network neutrality rules -- it will be allowing telephone and cable companies to block, degrade, or slow down any content on the Internet for any reason. Without such rules, the Internet will not live up to its full potential for fueling economic growth and serving as a vehicle for artistic, political, and social expression
FCC Could Mess Up Internet With 'Net Neutrality' Rules No One Needs
Barbara S. Esbin
The FCC's proposed rules codify and expand its 2005 Internet policy principles -- intended to preserve 'openness' while giving ISPs flexibility. Despite its recognition that these principles have helped preserve Internet openness, the FCC is now poised to take far more intrusive action. Simply put, the case has not been made for regulating at this time. Here's why ...
In a Global Economy, American CEOs Are a Different Breed
Thomas K. Grose
If you think of global business styles as a continuum, U.S. executives are at one end, their Asian counterparts at the other. American executives, and the companies they lead, are generally more comfortable with risk and uncertainty than those in Europe and, particularly, Asia.
Small Businesses Hold on Despite Economy
Matthew Bandyk
Conventional wisdom holds true when it comes to small businesses struggling in an economic recession. Small businesses drive the nation's economy so when the economy slows down, they take the brunt. Compared with large businesses, they have less of a cushion of capital. Tight credit makes business expansion difficult. And economic slowdowns can expose fundamental flaws in business plans. But despite all these disadvantages, the number of small businesses as a whole seems to be recessionproof.
Obama's Hidden Business Tax Increase
by Matthew Bandyk
Obama's proposal would require companies to account for their inventories on a first-in-first-out (FIFO) basis rather than a last-in-first-out (LIFO) one -- an eye-glazing change that's highly significant. In an era of rising costs, to assume that you're selling your oldest inventory rather than your newest increases reported profits and thus taxes, even though nothing real has changed. If inflation turns worse, as many analysts predict, FIFO would force companies to pay real taxes on phantom profits as the value of goods gets inflated while they sit in inventory.
Employers to Make Deeper Cuts in 2010 Health Coverage
by Martha Lynn Carver
Look for employers to cut more deeply than ever into health care coverage for their workers in 2010. Companies are getting walloped by higher than expected costs just when they can least afford it.
Obama's New Antitrust Rules Have Big, Powerful Companies Sweating
by Tamara Lytle
The Obama administration has swept away policy after policy from the Bush administration, and the top antitrust regulator, Assistant Attorney General Christine Varney, made it clear in her speech that she's coming in with a very big broom.
Varney repudiated the Bush administration's more laissez-faire approach to monopoly cases in a forceful speech to a liberal think tank and then in another one to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. A report issued last year by the Bush administration on monopoly regulation is no longer government policy, she warned judges, lawyers, and companies.
"As antitrust enforcers, we cannot sit on the sidelines any longer, both in terms of enforcing the antitrust laws and contribution to sound competition policy as part of our nation's economic strategy," she said in her speech.
January chill for housing market
Activity in the UK housing market was frozen by the icy weather in January, surveyors say, but prices continued to rise.
Euro bounces back against dollar
The euro strengthens against the pound and the dollar ahead of a meeting of EU leaders later this week.
Lloyds and RBS 'failing to lend'
Royal Bank of Scotland and Lloyds are criticised by MPs for failing to lend enough to homeowners and businesses.
Bad weather hits January sales
UK retail sales described as 'awful' as the icy weather and the unsteady economy keep shoppers at home.
Trade deficit widens in December
The UK's goods trade deficit with the rest of the world widened in December, figures show, after imports rose faster than exports.
Greece 'to ban early retirement'
Greece's government intends to raise the pension age and ban early retirement as it tackles its budget crisis.
Indian economy 'to grow by 7.2%'
India's fast economic growth forecast for this year raises the chance that state support could be withdrawn.
More pay freezes expected in 2010
Workers face a second year of pay freezes despite rising inflation and the UK's emergence from recession, a report says.
Ex-IMF economist warns on UK debt
Britain should be seen in the same category of highly indebted countries such as Greece, a leading economist says.
Surprise fall in US unemployment
The US unemployment rate unexpectedly fell in January, to its lowest level in five months, official figures show.
China to put duties on US chicken
China is to enforce anti-dumping duties on US chicken imports, accusing poultry firms of exporting at unfairly low prices.
Debt and job worries hit shares
Global shares fall sharply for the second straight day amid continued concerns about government debt levels.
Oil fuels UK producer prices rise
The prices of goods leaving UK factories rose at their fastest rate for 13 months in January, fuelled by the rising cost of oil.
Euro MPs shun data deal with US
A committee of Euro MPs moves to block the renewal of a deal allowing US anti-terror officials to access Europeans' bank data.
OFT reopens probe into pubs
The Office of Fair Trading reopens its investigation into so-called "beer ties" between pub companies and their tenant landlords.
Pause for UK stimulus plan
Bank of England decides against further quantitative easing, the policy designed to stimulate growth in the economy.
Greek officials strike over cuts
Customs officials and tax inspectors in Greece are holding a two-day strike to protest at government austerity measures.
China hits back at US over trade
China defends its policies after US President Barack Obama promised to take a tougher line with Beijing over trade.
House prices rise another 0.6%
UK house prices are up for the seventh month in a row - rising by 0.6% in January, the Halifax says.
Eurozone rates maintained at 1%
The European Central Bank keeps eurozone interest rates on hold at a record low of 1% for the ninth month in a row.
Finance minister falls foul of 'welcome' igloo
A Canadian minister was lucky not to get a frosty reception after wrecking an igloo built by Inuit to welcome officials to G7 talks.
Stephanomics
If Europe had a Lehmans, who would pay?
Hewitt on Europe
Is the euro being stretched to breaking point?
Business elan
France rediscovers its entrepreneurial spirit
Robert Peston
Why are mortgage markets looking so vulnerable?
Hidden jobless
US unemployment is much higher than the official figure
Stephanomics
What does the Bank have to show for its £200bn?
BBC News | Business | Economy | UK Edition
The latest Economy News from the BBC: breaking news on the global and UK economy and international investments including audio and video coverage.
Toyota in global recall of Prius
Toyota recalls thousands of Prius cars worldwide because of braking problems, in a new blow to the world's largest carmaker.
City regulator to step down
Hector Sants, chief executive of the Financial Services Authority, announces he is to step down as head of the City regulator.
January chill for housing market
Activity in the UK housing market was frozen by the icy weather in January, surveyors say, but prices continued to rise.
Euro bounces back against dollar
The euro strengthens against the pound and the dollar ahead of a meeting of EU leaders later this week.
Barclays boss defends big banking
The chief executive of Barclays, John Varley, defends the role of big banks in the global financial system.
Regional papers sold in £44m deal
The Manchester Evening News (MEN) is to be sold off by the Guardian Media Group (GMG) as part of a £44.8m deal.
Pension fund deficits rise again
The deficit in final salary pension schemes in the private sector rose in January, the Pension Protection Fund says.
Lloyds and RBS 'failing to lend'
Royal Bank of Scotland and Lloyds are criticised by MPs for failing to lend enough to homeowners and businesses.
Bad weather hits January sales
UK retail sales described as 'awful' as icy weather and the unsteady economy keep shoppers at home.
Former BP boss admits fears about publicly revealing his sexuality
Former BP chief Lord Browne, admits knowledge of his sexuality could have prevented him from landing the top job at the oil firm.
Stephanomics
If Europe had a Lehmans, who would pay?
Price of loyalty
Do shoppers or retailers gain the most?
Dave Harvey
Are Kraft too late to save some Cadbury workers?
Ghosn's goal
Nissan-Renault's head plans an electric-car future
Expert advice
How to go about getting the mortgage you want
Hewitt on Europe
Is the euro being stretched to breaking point?
Opel plans 11bn euro investment
General Motors' Opel unit announces plans to invest 11bn euros ($15bn; £9.7bn) in new cars over the next five years.
Trade deficit widens in December
The UK's goods trade deficit with the rest of the world widened in December, figures show, after imports rose faster than exports.
Greece 'to ban early retirement'
Greece's government intends to raise the pension age and ban early retirement as it tackles its budget crisis.
Alert on sending money abroad
People transferring money abroad should only use authorised or registered services, the City regulator warns.
Swiss bank UBS returns to profit
Swiss bank UBS reports its first quarterly profit for a year, helped by lower costs and a large tax credit
Nissan reports return to profit
Japanese carmaker Nissan has reported a return to profit for the last three months of 2009.
About 100 jobs to go at Mini base
About 100 jobs are set to go at BMW's Mini plant in Swindon where the firm said there was an surplus of workers.
BSkyB to sell most of ITV stake
The pay-TV group BSkyB has given up its court fight over ITV and has cut its stake to meet competition rules.
Ofgem label shows 'green' power
The power regulator, Ofgem, is bringing in a new scheme that forces supplier to prove they are cutting emissions.
Olympic firms in £1bn loan pledge
Lloyds Bank says it is earmarking a special fund to alert businesses around the country to Olympic-related opportunities.
Administration for Ethel Austin
Clothing retailer Ethel Austin and its sister firm Au Naturale go into administration, raising fears about the future of 3,700 staff.
Ex-Merrill boss takes over at CIT
The former chief executive of Merrill Lynch, John Thain, was at the heart of the bonus row - now he has a new job as boss of US lender CIT.
Pensioners warned on tax codes
Pensioners have been warned to look out for mistakes in tax code notices being sent out by HM Revenue & Customs.
UK firms 'cut dividends by £10bn'
Shareholders in UK companies saw their dividend payments cut by £10bn last year, according to a report.
Santander fault hits customers
A power cut knocked out cash machine and online services for customers with Santander bank on Sunday.
IT glitch causes more tax errors
Revenue staff tip off Radio 4's Money Box that there are more tax code problems than their bosses are admitting to.
Indian economy 'to grow by 7.2%'
India's fast economic growth forecast for this year raises the chance that state support could be withdrawn.
More pay freezes expected in 2010
Workers face a second year of pay freezes despite rising inflation and the UK's emergence from recession, a report says.
Ex-IMF economist warns on UK debt
Britain should be seen in the same category of highly indebted countries such as Greece, a leading economist says.
Xstrata resumes dividend payments
Mining group Xstrata is to resume dividend payments despite reporting a drop in full-year profits.
SAP chief Leo Apotheker resigns
The chief executive of SAP unexpectedly resigns after his contract is not renewed, the company says.
Japanese brewers call off merger
Japanese brewing and food groups Kirin and Suntory call off merger talks having failed to agree terms.
Super Bowl breaks ratings record
The New Orleans Saints' victory in the Super Bowl is the most-watched programme in US TV history, early figures show.
Palace sale advertised in the FT
Financially-stricken Crystal Palace advertise the sale of the club in a national newspaper as their search for a buyer continues.
Guidelines for financial journalists
BBC News | Business | UK Edition
The latest BBC Business News: breaking personal finance, company, financial and economic news, plus insight and analysis into UK and global markets.
E.C.B. Chief Cuts Short Trip to Attend Summit on Debt Crisis
Jean-Claude Trichet is returning early from Australia to attend a meeting of European leaders, amid speculation over possible action to ease the debt crisis in several countries.
European Stocks Up Cautiously on Hopes for Greece
Stocks climbed on hopes that E.U. officials will provide Greece with support to handle its debt and keep the market crisis from spreading to other vulnerable countries.
Toyota Details Recall of 2010 Prius for Brake Problems
The worldwide recall will affect about 437,000 units of the 2010 Prius and other hybrid models, according to the company’s filing.
Optimism Persists in a Kentucky Town Where a Carmaker Brought Jobs
As production resumes this week in Georgetown, Ky., and other American cities where Toyota builds cars, people are eager to see its recall problems blow over.
E.U. Slow to React to Toyota Safety Problems
The system for monitoring car safety across the European Union has appeared, like Toyota, opaque and slow to react.
Opel’s Strategy Has Fewer Jobs and Less Capacity
Opel, G.M.’s European unit, says it plan to become profitable by 2012 by cutting its workforce by 8,300 while introducing many new models.
UBS Returns to Profit but Clouds Linger
UBS posted its first quarterly profit in over a year Tuesday, but customers continued to pull money out of the bank, sending its shares down.
Japan Airlines Decides to Stick With American Airlines
The Japanese carrier said Tuesday that it will stay in the Oneworld alliance, rejecting an overture by Delta Air Lines of the rival SkyTeam group.
S.E.C. Enforcers Focus on Avoiding Madoff Repeat
Robert S. Khuzami, the head of enforcement, must restore confidence that the S.E.C. can police Wall Street.
As Data Flows In, the Dollars Flow Out
The average American is expected to spend nearly $1,000 this year on services like cable, Internet and video games.
Google to Add Social Features to Gmail
Google will unveil add-ons to Gmail that let people post and view messages about their day-to-day activities.
On the Road: A List No Hotel Wants to Be On
This year’s lists singled out the 10 "dirtiest" hotels in each of six regions — the United States, Asia, Canada, France, Italy and Britain.
China Lists $9.6 Billion in Shares of U.S. Companies
The China Investment Corporation bought more than $9 billion worth of shares in companies like Bank of America and Apple.
A Move to Expand Falters as Kirin Ends Talks With Suntory
Kirin, the Japanese brewing giant, cited differences over management independence and transparency in a merged company as the reason for ending the talks.
With Shake-Up, SAP Seeks Better Customer Relations
The chairman of SAP, the German software company, said a decision to raise maintenance fees was wrong and acknowledged that he had been partly responsible for the move.
Maker to Fix Airline Seats After Faking Safety Test Results
Koito Industries, whose parent is affiliated with Toyota, will fix about 150,000 seats in planes operated by 32 airlines after saying that it falsified test results.
European Central Bank in a Squeeze
As alarm about Greek debt increases, a weakness of the European monetary union has been exposed: its lack of a strong political arm.
Media Cache: Free vs. Paid, Murdoch vs. Rusbridger
The head of News Corporation and the editor of The Guardian are facing off over whether newspapers should charge for content on the Web.
Asia Sails Smoothly Through Debt Waters
The Asian financial crisis of 1997 led many countries to be more conservative about borrowing and spending than Western nations.
In Secret, Nations Work Toward Crackdown on Piracy
Negotiators, under intense pressure from media companies, luxury brands and other corporate victims of piracy to complete a deal, are facing criticism over the process.
Operators Pin High Hopes on Singapore Casinos
Singapore has high hopes for its two new casinos, but its tight restrictions on junket operators and high entry fees for local visitors could hurt business.
Russia’s Evolution, Seen Through Golden Arches
When McDonald’s entered the Soviet Union 20 years ago, it had to supply its own ingredients. Now the last one — burger buns — has been turned over to the private sector.
Dealbook Column: Shareholders Deciding a Dividend
The dividend, which private equity firms routinely paid to themselves until the economy turned against them, is back.
SAS to Issue Shares, Cut Jobs After Posting Loss for 2009
SAS, the Scandinavian airline group, said Tuesday that it would issue new shares to raise capital and cut 700 jobs after reporting a loss for 2009.
Coca-Cola Profit Climbs on Rising Global Sales
Earnings rose to $1.54 billion as the world’s largest soft drink maker sold 5 percent more beverages worldwide.
Macquarie Cautious on Outlook; Shares Down 6 Percent
Australia’s top investment bank spooked investors on Tuesday with a lukewarm outlook, warning them about weakening markets.
Nissan Returns to Profit and Lifts Forecast
Nissan said it returned to profit in the third quarter from a year earlier and raised its annual forecast.
How Toyota Can Find Its Way Back
What lessons should the carmaker have learned from recall fiascoes of decades past?
NYT > Business
Tourism to Bring $110 Billion to Asia Pacific by 2009
Tourism should bring the Asia Pacific region
$110 billion in revenues over the next three years, with much of that
coming from travelers in the region, according according to the report
from the Pacific Asia Travel Association or PATA, reports AP.
US Agency Revenue Up 8.8% to $28.2 Billion
U.S. agencies offering digital marketing
services led the charge as overall agency revenue grew 8.8% to $28.2
billion in 2006, reports
AdAge. Billings from traditional advertising and
media were up just 4.2%, reaching $13.1 billion. Income from marketing offerings rose from
13.1% to hit $15.1 billion.
Ethanol Demand Boosts Corn Planting 15% in 2007, Biggest Since 1944
Corn planting will be up 15% this year to 90.5 million acres and
12.1 million more acres than in 2006, the biggest
U.S. corn planting since 1944, boosted by high demand from the ethanol industry and
strong export sales, reports AP, citing the U.S. Department of Agriculture's
annual prospective plantings report.
Easter Spending Expected to Hit $14 billion
American
consumers are eager to celebrate Easter with their family and friends,
with the tTotal holiday spending estimated to reach $14.37 billion, according
to NRF’s 2007 Easter Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey. This year,
shoppers who are planning to celebrate Easter (79.5%) are expected to
spend an average of $135.07, up 11% from last year’s $121.72 per
person.
$22B US Generic Drugs Industry by the Numbers
With
the new Democratic Congress promising to lower
health care costs, generic drug makers take on
brand-name rivals
to level the playing field, reports
AP. Here are some key metrics and stats
on the generic drugs market:
U.S. Sales of Hybrid Vehicles Jump 28% to 254,545 in 2006; 1.5% of US Vehicles
U.S. sales of gas-electric hybrid vehicles rose 28%
to 254,545 in 2006, but the rate of growth is starting to slow,
according to a report by R.L. Polk &
Co. Hybrids accounted for about 1.5% of U.S. vehicle sales last
year. Toyota Prius led the
segment with 42.8% of new registrations.
12th-Graders Math Proficiency Falls; Reading Skills Lowest Since 1992: Study
The
average U.S. 12th-grader reading score in 2006 was the lowest since 1992,
while less than one-quarter (23 percent) of 12th-graders scored at or
above the Proficient level in the 2005 National Assessment of
Educational Progress (NAEP), according
to The Nation’s Report Card.
Metrics 2.0- Business and Market Place
Business and Market Place by the Numbers
Venture-backed companies in US Account for 17% of GDP and 10 million Jobs: Study
U.S. companies that received
venture capital from 1970-2005 accounted for 10 million jobs and $2.1
trillion in revenues in 2005, according to a study conducted by Global
Insight for the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA). This
represents 9% of the total private sector work force and 16.6% of total
U.S. GDP. Venture investment itself represents just 0.2% of U.S.
GDP.
Private Equity Bonus Scorecard 2006: Dealmaker
Private-equity
funds continued to increase their dominant position on both ends of the
domestic markets; they accounted for roughly one-fourth of M&A
activity and sponsored more than 40% of all IPOs, with the time between
purchase and sale often shrinking to mere months, reports Dealmaker
magazine.
Pre-money Valuation of VC-backed Startups Reaches $18.5 million in 2006, Highest Since 2000
The
median pre-money valuation of U.S. venture-backed companies reached $18.5
million in 2006, compared to $15 million in 2005, according to VentureOne
data. This is the highest median valuation since the peak of $25.1 million
in 2000.
Charitable Giving to Colleges Grew to a Record $28 billion; Top 20 Colleges and Sources
Charitable
contributions to higher education grew 9.4% to a record $28 billion in the
last academic year, according
to a report by the Council for Aid to Education. Contributions to
Stanford University rose 50% to top $911.6 million, the largest amount
ever raised by a U.S. university in a year, according to the report.
ETF Assets Jump 1.1% to $422 billion in January; Set to Climb 40% in 2007Â
The net amount of money invested in exchange traded funds climbed 1.1%
or $4.5 billion in January to $422 billion, according to State Street Global Advisors,
reports IBD.
Affluent North Americans to Reach 37.7 million and $19 trillion in Assets by 2010
The population of affluent and
wealthy individuals in North America will grow 24% to 37.7 million by 2010
from from 30.4 million in 2006, according to Celent. The report expects
this affluent group to control over $19 trillion in assets by 2010.
Identity Theft Loss Falls 12% to $49 billion in 2006
Americans lost about $49.3 billion in 2006 to
identity theft criminals, a 11.5% decline from $55.7 billion identity
theft loss in 2005, on increased vigilance among consumers and businesses,
according to
The 2007 Identity Fraud Survey Report by Javelin Strategy &
Research.
Metrics 2.0- VC, Private Equity, Financial Markets
VC, Private Equity, and Financial Markets by the Numbers
Toyota in global recall of Prius
Toyota recalls thousands of Prius cars in Japan because of braking problems, in the latest blow to the world's largest carmaker.
Opel plans 11bn euro investment
General Motors' Opel unit announces plans to invest 11bn euros ($15bn; £9.7bn) in new cars over the next five years.
Euro bounces back against dollar
The euro strengthens against the pound and the dollar ahead of a meeting of EU leaders later this week.
Swiss bank UBS returns to profit
Swiss bank UBS reports its first quarterly profit for a year, helped by lower costs and a large tax credit
UK financial regulator resigns
Hector Sants, chief executive of the UK's Financial Services Authority, announces he is to step down as head of the City regulator.
Greece 'to ban early retirement'
Greece's government intends to raise the pension age and ban early retirement as it tackles its budget crisis.
Nissan reports return to profit
Japanese carmaker Nissan has reported a return to profit for the last three months of 2009.
Chavez declares energy emergency
President Hugo Chavez says emergency measures are needed to help tackle Venezuela's power shortages.
Ex-Merrill boss takes over at CIT
The former chief executive of Merrill Lynch, John Thain, was at the heart of the bonus row - now he has a new job as boss of US lender CIT.
Finance minister falls foul of 'welcome' igloo
A Canadian minister was lucky not to get a frosty reception after wrecking an igloo built by Inuit to welcome officials to G7 talks.
Olympic firms in £1bn loan pledge
Lloyds Bank says it is earmarking a special fund to alert businesses around the country to Olympic-related opportunities.
Super Bowl breaks ratings record
The New Orleans Saints' victory in the Super Bowl is the most-watched programme in US TV history, early figures show.
Palace sale advertised in the FT
Financially-stricken Crystal Palace advertise the sale of the club in a national newspaper as their search for a buyer continues.
Guidelines for financial journalists
Stephanomics
If Europe had a Lehmans, who would pay?
Ghosn's goal
Nissan-Renault's head plans an electric-car future
Racing ahead
India looks to make Formula 1 breakthrough
Hewitt on Europe
Is the euro being stretched to breaking point?
Poverty & power
Real change still long way off for India's poor
Business elan
France rediscovers its entrepreneurial spirit
January chill for housing market
Activity in the UK housing market was frozen by the icy weather in January, surveyors say, but prices continued to rise.
Lloyds and RBS 'failing to lend'
Royal Bank of Scotland and Lloyds are criticised by MPs for failing to lend enough to homeowners and businesses.
Bad weather hits January sales
UK retail sales described as 'awful' as the icy weather and the unsteady economy keep shoppers at home.
Barclays boss defends big banking
The chief executive of Barclays, John Varley, defends the role of big banks in the global financial system.
Regional papers sold in £44m deal
The Manchester Evening News (MEN) is to be sold off by the Guardian Media Group (GMG) as part of a £44.8m deal.
Administration for Ethel Austin
Clothing retailer Ethel Austin and its sister firm Au Naturale go into administration, raising fears about the future of 3,700 staff.
Tullow close to Ugandan oil deal
Heritage Oil says the sale of its assets in Uganda to the UK's Tullow Oil will be approved "imminently".
SA probes World Cup price-fixing
Six South African airlines are being investigated for allegedly colluding to hike fares for local flights during the football World Cup in June.
BAE handed £286m criminal fines
Defence group BAE Systems is to pay fines of £280m after pleading guilty to criminal charges in Britain and the US.
Euro MPs shun data deal with US
A committee of Euro MPs moves to block the renewal of a deal allowing US anti-terror officials to access Europeans' bank data.
Japanese brewers call off merger
Japanese brewing and food groups Kirin and Suntory call off merger talks having failed to agree terms.
Panasonic profits after cost cuts
Electronics group Panasonic reports strong profits after heavy cost-cutting and steady sales.
Greece to face economic scrutiny
The European Commission says it supports Greece's plans to reduce its deficit but will closely monitor its progress.
Greece unveils austerity measures
Greece's prime minister announces tough austerity measures aimed at cutting his country's soaring public debt.
Shell signs Iraq oil field deal
Oil giant Shell and Malaysia's state-run Petronas finalise a contract to develop Iraq's large Majnoon oil field.
Iraq oil contract goes to Angola
Angola's state-owned oil company, Sonangol, has signed a deal to produce oil in one of the most dangerous parts of Iraq.
Indian economy 'to grow by 7.2%'
India says its economy is set to grow by 7.2% this financial year, raising the chance that state support could be withdrawn.
India bids to contain inflation
India's central bank holds interest rates but increases cash reserve requirements for lenders in a bid to contain inflation.
Pension fund deficits rise again
The deficit in final salary pension schemes in the private sector rose in January, the Pension Protection Fund says.
Warning on sending money overseas
People transferring money abroad should only use authorised or registered services, the City regulator warns.
Pensioners warned over tax codes
Pensioners have been warned to look out for mistakes in tax code notices being sent out by HM Revenue & Customs.
UK firms 'cut dividends by £10bn'
Shareholders in UK companies saw their dividend payments cut by £10bn last year, according to a report.
BBC News | Business | World Edition
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Toyota recalling Prius in Japan for brakes
Toyota is recalling nearly 200,000 of its signature Prius green cars in Japan for braking problems, the latest in a string of embarrassing safety problems at the world's largest automaker.
Toyota Motor Corp. president Akio Toyoda will hold a news conference at the automaker's Tokyo office later Tuesday to outline details of the braking problem, including plans for a possible recall in the U.S., a company official told The Associated Press.
The number of Prius gas-electric hybrids being recalled would swell to about 300,000 if there is a recall in the U.S. and other regions. (AP)
Moon, sun 'could help trigger powerful earthquakes'
The gravitational pull of the moon and sun may serve as the last straw in triggering earthquakes, researchers have found.
Though the effects of the two heavenly bodies--known as the lunar and solar tidal forces, respectively--have only about 0.1 percent of the accumulated-strain energy that triggers a powerful earthquake, such a force could act as the last push for a major tremor when seismic strain strong enough to cause a quake has accumulated, according to the researchers, including Sachiko Tanaka, a research fellow at the National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention. (Yomiuri)
Cops search ex-hostess' house over 2nd murder
Police searched the apartment of a former bar hostess under arrest for murder-robbery Monday, suspecting she also killed and robbed a truck driver who was found drowned off Tottori Prefecture in April, The Yomiuri Shimbun has learned.
The Tottori prefectural police believe Miyuki Ueta, 36, killed the truck driver to avoid paying money she owed him.
In both cases, the men died in similar circumstances. (Yomiuri)
Where is the love? More than 1/3 of Japanese couples now 'sexless'
One in three married Japanese couples is apparently "sexless," a startling proportion said to be swelling by the year. However, it's not just the marriage bed that's gone cold. Many young couples, too, are foregoing quality time between the sheets even before tying the knot. And while sex may be the most private part of our private lives, it's time to ask where the love has gone. (Mainichi)
U.S. study disputes increase in Antarctic minke whale population
The population of Antarctic minke whales has not increased even after other larger whales in food competition were hunted, according to a recent study by U.S. researchers, countering arguments Japan cites as a reason for conducting what it calls research whaling.
With larger species of whales including blue whales being intensely hunted in the late 20th century, Japan's Fisheries Agency and researchers have hypothesized that Antarctic minke whales may have increased as a result of lesser competition for krill that they feed on. (AP)
Police question victim of alleged assault by Asashoryu
Police questioned a man allegedly assaulted by retired sumo grand champion Asashoryu on Tuesday and could consider whether to hear from the Mongolian himself.
The Metropolitan Police Department questioned the man on a voluntary basis at the Azabu police station in Tokyo, where Asashoryu's lawyer had informed officers of a settlement reached between both men. (AP)
Sea Shepherd in water cannon fire stoush
Anti-whaling activists hope to prevent Japanese whalers from making a kill for the next three weeks, as they exchange water cannon fire on the high seas.
The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society's ship Steve Irwin joined its other vessel, the Bob Barker, in Antarctic waters about 7am (AEDT) on Monday in pursuit of the Japanese factory ship, Nisshin Maru.
"As we moved towards them they we had a bit of a water cannon fight and demonstrated ours was a more powerful water cannon," Captain Paul Watson told AAP on Tuesday from the Steve Irwin.
(Sydney Morning Herald)
Olympics: Japan targets record medal haul
Japan, which managed just one Winter Olympic medal in 2006, vowed on Monday to restore their pride with a record-matching performance at the Vancouver Games.
"Our athletes have worked hard for four years, aiming for the highest spot," Japan's chef de mission Seiko Hashimoto said. Japan collected a record 10 medals, including five golds, on home ice and snow in Nagano in 1998. (CTV)
For Japan's cellphone novelists, proof of success is in the print
She likes Care Bears, doesn't wear makeup yet, and took her nom de plume from a character in the Disney classic "Bambi."
And last year, 15-year-old "Bunny" became one of Japan's top authors of a genre called keitai -- cellphone -- novels.
After getting its start as a tale told on tiny cellular screens, her three-volume novel "Wolf Boy x Natural Girl" has gone on to sell more than 110,000 paperback copies since its release in May, according to Starts Publishing Co.
The "Wolf Boy" author, who took her alias from Thumper's friend Miss Bunny, started writing when she was in the sixth grade, after her parents bought her a cellphone. "I was so excited," she says with a shy smile. (Los Angeles Times)
Dead man found in landing gear of US jet in Japan
Street vendor puts on the dog for popular Japanese figure skater
Every day, Misa Tamura hand-punches gold and red-coloured maple leaves out of yuba - membrane-like dried tofu skin - to sprinkle on Japanese hotdogs celebrating Japan's figure skating Olympic hopeful Mao Asada.
The hotdogs, sold at her husband Noriki Tamura's popular Japadog street stand at Smythe and Burrard, are being snapped up these days by Japanese media in town for the Olympic Games, along with Japanese tourists and the stand's regular customers. (Vancouver Sun)
Ships collide as whale war hots up
Hostilities broke out between Japanese whalers and conservation group Sea Shepherd in the Antarctic yesterday, where the two sides collided in their first meeting since the sinking of the Ady Gil.
The Sea Shepherd ship Bob Barker collided with the stern of the whale chaser Yushin Maru No. 3, leaving a metre-long gash in the side of the activists' vessel, the group's leader, Paul Watson, said last night. (Sydney Morning Herald)
Record 85% favor death penalty
The percentage of people in favor of the death penalty has reached a record high, with 85.6 percent of survey respondents saying capital punishment is "unavoidable," according to a government poll released Saturday. The highest percentage since the government began the surveys in 1994 indicates the public is seeking strict punishment for heinous crimes following a spate of such incidents, including a stabbing rampage in Tokyo's Akihabara district in 2008. (Japan Times)
Are people getting away with murder?
Could the nation's autopsy system be so wanting that people are getting away with murder?
In 2009, about 160,000 people in Japan died suspicious, unnatural deaths. But autopsies were performed in only about 10 percent of these cases, according to the National Police Agency.
With police having started probes into several mysterious deaths that took place in Tottori and Saitama prefectures, there have been growing calls to make drastic changes to the nation's autopsy system. (Yomiuri)
Heavy snowfall, strong winds hit parts of northern to central Japan
Heavy snowfall and strong winds hit parts of northern to central Japan on Saturday, with the Japan Meteorological Agency warning of continued snow and winds as well as high waves on Sunday.
Heavy snow was seen in regions facing the Sea of Japan, including areas in Niigata, Aomori and Yamagata prefectures where close to 300 centimeters of snow had accumulated by Saturday evening, the agency said.
Winds of more than 100 kilometers per hour blew through parts of Niigata and Akita prefectures on Saturday morning. (AP)
Japanese ask: Is US backlash behind Toyota woes?
Despite the criticism of Toyota over car safety, Japanese citizens still largely view the world's largest automaker with pride -- so much so that some people here wonder whether pressure on Toyota in the U.S. is a ploy to boost American auto producers and undermine Japan Inc. That notion may seem far-fetched to the millions of Toyota owners in the United States and around the world whose confidence in the company has made it the world leader -- and are now simply worried about the safety of their cars.
(BusinessWeek)
Isle of Man schoolgirl becomes an anime star in Japan
Like most 14-year-old girls, Rebecca Flint likes to dress up and dance. But unlike most girls, she records and posts her performances on YouTube.
The results have made her an internet phenomenon in Japan, home of the anime cartoon characters she imitates. More than eight million people have watched Rebecca performing as Beckii Cruel, dancing to bouncy J-pop (Japanese pop music) and anime theme songs in the attic of her home on the Isle of Man.
Her success has led publishing giant Tokuma Japan to sign up Beckii, teaming her with 18-year-old French college student "Sara Cruel", from Lyon, and a 16-year-old student from Portsmouth known as "Gemma Cruel". The trio -- Beckii Cruel and the Cruel Angels -- release their debut album in Japan on Wednesday, when it is expected to reach the top of the charts. (guardian.co.uk)
Nara fears 1,300th anniversary flop
The ancient capital of Nara is celebrating the 1,300th anniversary of its founding throughout 2010 with hundreds of events that officials hope will bring in nearly 13 million visitors and raise the city's profile domestically and internationally as a historical and cultural tourism center. But questions are growing about how successful the celebrations will ultimately prove, with concerns over the effect of the weak economy on events and attendances, a lack of foreign language tourism information and a local populace that has been slow to embrace the festivities. (Japan Times)
DPJ's Ishikawa, other Ozawa aides make bail
Democratic Party of Japan lawmaker Tomohiro Ishikawa, Ichiro Ozawa's former aide now under indictment for cooking the DPJ don's financial books over a shady Tokyo land buy, made bail Friday.
After paying ¥12 million through his lawyers, Ishikawa left the Tokyo Detention Center in the evening.
Mitsutomo Ikeda, an ex-aide of Ozawa, and Takanori Okubo, a current aide, also were released after making bail. Okubo paid ¥7 million and Ikeda ¥3 million. (Japan Times)
Japan grapples with greying needs
Just before 5pm on a sunny autumn afternoon, Tetsuhito Aikawa strode into the headquarters of the Democratic Party of Japan, an unprepossessing eight-storey building in Tokyo's Nagatacho district.
Guards stationed on the ground floor saw nothing suspicious about the 24-year-old part-time worker from Yamanashi Prefecture, who was wearing a black suit and tie and making his way to the ruling party's seventh-floor reception desk.
When he emerged from the lift, Aikawa pulled out a 53-centimetre wooden sword and charged up a set of emergency stairs to the unattended office of the Prime Minister, Yukio Hatoyama, where he began smashing a computer server until he was finally overpowered by security.
"I thought I could put a stop to the party's policies," Aikawa was reported to have said, in a reference to a proposed bill that would give permanent foreign residents the right to vote in local elections.
His ambitious plan was the surest indication yet of rising resentment among Japan's right-wing groups about the government's plan. (Sydney Morning Herald)
A crisis made in Japan
In Japan there is a proverb, "If it stinks, put a lid on it." Alas, this seems to have been Toyota's approach to its burgeoning safety crisis, initially denying, minimizing and mitigating the problems involving brakes that don't brake and accelerators that have a mind of their own. President Akio Toyoda, grandson of the founder, was MIA for two weeks and the company has appeared less than forthcoming about critical safety issues, risking the trust of its customers world-wide. (Wall Street Journal)
3rd Brazilian arrested over fatal hit-and-run in Nagoya
A third Brazilian suspect was arrested Friday over a hit- and-run in Nagoya earlier in the week in which three pedestrians were killed, police said.
Fabricio Rocha, 26, was wanted on suspicion of dangerous driving resulting in death and committing a traffic law violation as the driver of the car, which was allegedly carrying four Brazilians and failed to stop after hitting the three victims past midnight Monday. (AP)
Emperor infected with norovirus
Emperor Akihito has been infected with norovirus, the Imperial Household Agency said Friday.
Other imperial family members, including Empress Michiko, and the agency officials have shown no symptoms of enteritis caused by the virus, and the infection route is not known, according to the agency.
The emperor suffered stomachache and had a mild fever earlier this week, but his condition is stable, it said. (AP)
Sumo: Mongolian newspapers blast Japanese sumo over Asa's retirement
Several Mongolian newspapers on Friday featured articles on their front pages, reporting that a conspiracy was behind former grand champion Asashoryu's decision to quit sumo over his alleged assault of a man in downtown Tokyo.
Most of them failed to mention Asashoryu's problematic behavior, instead stressing that Japanese sumo officials had pressured him to retire for fear of the fiery yokozuna breaking sumo legend and former yokozuna Taiho's record of 32 title wins. (AP)
Sumo: Asashoryu retires in tearful farewell
Troubled sumo grand champion Asashoryu announced his retirement from the ancient sport at a tear-filled news conference on Thursday, following a probe into reports of a drunken scuffle in Tokyo last month.
"I have caused great trouble to everyone, as well as to the Japan Sumo Association," the 29-year-old said, dabbing his eyes at times.
Asashoryu has often been in hot water outside the sumo ring but is beloved by fans for his exploits in it. Japanese broadcasters flashed new bulletins with his plans to retire, later telecasting his farewell announcement. (Reuters)
News On Japan
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South East Asian government and business hails arrest of Hamadi
The arrest of Riduan bin Isomuddin alias Hamadi in Thailand can only be good news for business in South East Asia. Hamadi was responsible for severe damage to the economies of much of South East Asia, by instilling fear in foreign and local investors, increasing country risk and insecurity, driving away tourism dollars, and slowing down the participation of many South East Asian countries in the global economy.
Thailand visa fees to increase substantially
Thailand visa fees for tourism, business and residency purposes will rise by around 100 to 400 percent in late August 2003. While such fees may not represent a significant increase in business travel or tourism costs overall, it makes Thai visa fees in many cases (depending on length of stay) similar or significantly higher than those for neighbouring countries Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand, canceling out a previous competitive advantage for Thailand.
Asia Pacific to provide highest economic growth of any global region through 2007
The Economist Intelligence Unit predicts 5.9 percent annual economic growth for the Asia Pacific ex Japan through 2007, making the region the fastest-growing globally. However this growth is not evenly spread, with China and India leading the charge, while other Asian economies struggle or show limited growth.
Blast rocks J.W. Marriott Hotel in Jakarta Indonesia
Jakarta's J.W. Marriott hotel was the scene of an explosion today, just as Indonesia and the Indonesian economy was recovering from the Bali incident and leaders receiving praise for their fight against terrorism.
Strange Sunday in Makati
ThereÂ’s an eerie parallel with today's military rebellion in the Philippines with the Cory years - a female leader swept into office by People Power swears to clean up corruption, but somehow never quite delivers and things just get more and more crooked. Bottom line - nobody's delivering pizza in Makati, Manila's financial district, tonight...
Competitiveness Rankings sees South East Asia on the rise
Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore are the rising stars of the IMD's World Competitiveness Scorecard for 2003 published in their yearbook last week. At the same time traditional lean and mean Scandinavian economies which have dominated the rankings since their inception, as well as the mature East Asian economies, seem to be losing their competitive advantage.
SARS and ASEAN: Some facts - Some perspective
In the lead-up to the ASEAN SARS summit in Bangkok Thailand this week, a call for some perspective. SARS is not so much an Asian problem, but a world-wide and China and Singapore problem. China, Singapore and Hong Kong distinguish themselves by high incidence levels and local transmission. Incidence and local transmission among other countries, Western and Asian alike, is much lower, at least for the moment. And latest data suggests that the peak of new infections, especially outside China, may have been reached.
Why when China sneezed, the world caught a cold
It used to be said that when the US sneezed, Asia caught a cold, usually referring to the economic health of the US, based on the importance of that market both to the dependence of Asian manufacturers on US imports, and the central place of the US economy and investment on the global economy. However in the case of the SARS virus, for maybe the first time of many, the reverse is true.
Iraq: The view from Washington - Washington Square that is - Bangkok Thailand
The view on the Iraq war from Washington - Washington Square that is - Bangkok Thailand - is at once predictable and surprising. There is much agreement on the 'need' or 'justification' for the US triggering a war with Iraq that many thought unnecessary for example. After all many regulars here have suffered from risking their lives and seeing mates lost in the cause of 'freedom' and 'democracy'.
Malaysia and the Iraq War
Malaysians are predominantly anti the Iraq war. And that's a under-statement. For the first time in living memory the Iraq war has unified the ruling Barisan Nasional government and their bitter rivals the fundamentalist PAS party. So much so that members from both political groups staged a demonstration outside the US embassy yesterday. It was a small gathering or perhaps 100 or so, but in Malaysian terms it was significant.
Will a war against Iraq reduce terrorism - or increase it?
Bush's tilts against the UN, accusing it of irrelevance and losing credibility, as well as statements that continue to emphasize that the US will go it alone in Iraq if necessary, does little to convince many that this war is more about terrorism and protecting the world than it is about increasing US power and influence by force of arms.
Building a Brand and Losing Your Shirt
In Asian countries where competition, individual achievement and standing out from the rest are not among the most important values, there are typically few well known brands. Still, Asian marketers have always understood the need to persuade and compete in their advertising messages.
Bali tourism on the road to recovery
There is optimism all around for the Bali tourism industry as international and regional travel and professional organizations rally around to choose Bali for their 2003 meetings strengthening the MICE market and reinforcing confidence in Bali. There are strong signs of recovery in the holiday and incentive sectors as well.
Malaysiakini: Not the Messiah - just a very naughty boy
To the Malaysian ruling government, MalaysiaKini is not the Messiah of the Press - he's just a very naughty boy...
MalaysiaKini press release on police raid on offices
Malaysiakini press release dated Jan 20th 2003 on the police raid and confiscation of Malaysiakini computers following a complaint lodged against the newspaper by the ruling government's youth wing.
Hari Ini Asian Business Strategy
Street intelligence from Asia for Asian business strategy professionals, researchers and news hounds
China fuels energy cold war
Driven by the lack of a coherent multilateral approach to energy security in Asia and by China's already tense relations with neighboring states, competition for energy resources may prove to be the spark for regional and international conflict. Ultimately, this would bring China into confrontation with the world's largest energy consumer, the US. - Chietigj Bajpaee
Cornering the dragon
The goals of confrontationists in the Bush administration are to ring China with military bases, support Taiwanese independence, and work for the fall of the Communist Party. In short, corner the dragon.
Bush has a clear run at Syria
Despite the highly questionable assertions that form the basis of President George W Bush's antipathy toward Syria, there have been no serious challenges to his views on Capitol Hill: Bush appears to have few obstacles should he once again choose to lead his country to war.
Asians kick Big Tobacco in the butt
It was a formidable challenge: slow the poisoning of Asians by foreign cigarettes without poisoning multilateral trade ties. But the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control became a reality over the weekend, and it could be a landmark achievement not just for human health in Asia, but also for long-term economic well-being. - Alan Boyd
SOUTHEAST ASIA:
Thailand wants to become the "gold standard" in the drive to snuff out smoking.
Commentary - by Francesco Sisci Black holes and rogue states
The US, having dealt with one "rogue" state, Iraq, now has its sights set on Iran, and to a lesser extent on North Korea. This is a dangerous strategy because, by dealing with a rogue state, what in effect is created is a lawless geopolitical black hole that offers terrorists a sanctuary they would otherwise not have had.
SOUTH ASIA:
Delhi put a dent in Kabul's dreams about a pipeline project. - Sudha Ramachandran Bangladesh could be coming out of denial on Islamic miliancy.
CENTRAL ASIA:
Europe is unfazed by a uranium deal signed by Russia and Iran.
KOREA:
North Korea may need to rescue the South from its too-rapid aging. - Jeffrey Robertson SPEAKING FREELY: Forget the "Libya model" for Pyongyang. - Yoshinori Takeda
CHINA:
Hong Kong is already anxious about its next chief executive, as is Beijing. - Qiu Xin
MIDDLE EAST:
Long suppressed by Saddam Hussein, the Shi'ite Da'wa Party has risen from the ashes.
China's takeover battle in a tangled web
China's leading online game operator Shanda seemed poised to take over top portal Sina and create a national Internet giant. But Sina's poison pill may signal "game over" and set the stage for a global bidding war. - Gary LaMoshi
Boom time for India's primary share market
Indian share markets have experienced an unprecedented bull run over the past two years, thanks mainly to young investors who are willing to wait. This is also one of the reasons initial public offerings are doing so well. - Indrajit Basu
Philippines follows Argentina's debt path
Public-sector debt default is looming in the Philippines, where just as in Argentina, the risk of default is being driven by social revolt and weak governance. - Jephraim P Gundzik
Daily Forex Commentary
There were more bad signs for the US dollar, but there were bad signs for the euro, too. Both had their backers and their detractors. Who's right? - Jack Crooks
Asia Times Online Community
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Asia Times Online
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Bill Jamieson: Why debt worries are on the rise globally, not just in Europe
OVER the past week, Europe's debt and deficit woes have been making the headlines.
Martin Flanagan: Holding the banks to account is a worthy cause
WHITEHALL'S august committee of public accounts came out swinging yesterday, having a pop at both the partly taxpayer-owned banks and the Chancellor, Alistair Darling.
Metal prices see miners shine
LONDON FTSE 100 CLOSE 5,092.33 +31.41
One to Watch: Signalling intent
Sarantal Group
2.5p unch
Scotsman says HOLD
Scotsman.com Business - Market Reports
bus-mark:Market Reports
Cimarron expands to Digital
Business News: Jon Smith is promoted to senior VP -- Cimarron Entertainment has expanded its interactive division, now called Cimarron Digital.
BSkyB to sell ITV stake
Business News: Murdoch's British network ends legal battle -- BSkyB, the U.K.'s dominant paybox, has accepted defeat in its protracted battle to maintain a 17.9% stake in local terrestrial rival ITV, which airs shows such as "X Factor" and "Coronation Street."
Hasbro reports strong earnings
Business News: 'Transformers' brings in big bucks to toy maker -- Strong demand for Transformers toys helped Hasbro report stronger-than-expected earnings during the critical holiday shopping season.
Photoshop's proud papa
Business News: 20 years ago, ILM's Knoll turned his hobby into a hit -- Twenty years after its debut, Photoshop is an indispensable tool for digital photography, publishing and even movie vfx. But few in the biz realize its origins go back to the day a young motion-control assistant at Industrial Light & Magic, John Knoll, dropped by ILM's nascent computer graphics department and decided software development might be fun.
Epix deals with Charter Communications
Business News: Pay channel gets distribution platform on cable operator -- Epix continues to pick up distribution momentum. The fledgling feevee service owned by Viacom, Lionsgate and MGM unveiled a carriage deal Thursday with Charter Communications that will make the channel available to another 5.5 million cable subscribers.
News Corp. reports $254 million profit
Business News: Film, TV and publishing power media conglom -- News Corp. topper Rupert Murdoch was jubilant Tuesday amid signs a brutal economic slump that's hammered the media business for the better part of two years may be coming to an end.
Running a lean production
Business News: Shooting smart keeps 'Damages' on budget -- On the fourth episode of the first season of "Damages," Mark Baker fired himself.
Guilds gird for fresh takes on contract talks
Business News: Cates will be DGA negotiator -- Making its first major move toward upcoming negotiations, the Directors Guild of America has tapped secretary-treasurer Gil Cates to head its negotiating committee for the fourth consecutive time.
RazPR gets excited about Miller
Business News: Taps her as managing director, promotes Wang -- Julie Miller has been tapped as RazPR's managing director. Besides the Miller hiring, Natasha Wang is being promoted to senior account supervisor of the company.
Jensen joins Zuber & Taillieu
Business News: Regarded for her work in copyright law, she will serve as partner -- Jan Jensen has joined Zuber & Taillieu as a Partner.
Allied boosting Brown
Business News: Exec will oversee agency's digital initiatives -- Allied Integrated Marketing has tapped Emmanuel Kofi Brown to oversee the entertainment media buying agency's digital initiatives, including social media, web and mobile marketing.
Agents set up their own shops
Business News: Two below-the-line reps kick off new agencies -- In the intensely competitive world of below-the-line agencies, two agents recently ankled their firms to start their own shingles, taking several clients with them.
Live Nation, Ticketmaster move forward
Business News: Department of Justice imposes conditions on merger -- The long-pending merger between concert promotion giant Live Nation and major ticketing and artist management firm Ticketmaster will go through, pending approval of a settlement to an antitrust suit filed Monday by the Department of Justice.
Foley artists in sync with filmmaking process
Business News: Post-production artists brings skills to screen -- Post-production has many skilled specialties that make an artistic contribution to a finished show.
Take-Two shakeup
Business News: Carl Icahn now controls 3 of 8 board seats -- Carl Icahn is leading a shakeup of struggling vidgame publisher Take-Two Interactive's board of directors.
Bronfman Jr., Messier due in Parisian court
Business News: Investors accuse ex-Vivendi execs of mismanagement, lying -- Former Vivendi toppers Jean-Marie Messier and Edgar Bronfman Jr. will go on trial June 2 in Paris.
Argentine producer eyes U.S.
Business News: Cuatro Cabezas USA will be run by Finkelpearl -- Argentine producer Eyeworks Cuatro Cabezas has opened a beachhead in Washington, D.C. to pump sales in the U.S.
FCC closes 'terrestrial loophole'
Business News: Move paves way for review of Comcast-NBC merger -- FCC closed a loophole that has enabled cable TV operators to withhold local sports broadcasts from other TV providers.
AMC picks up theaters
Business News: Exhibitor set to purchase most of Kerasotes circuit -- AMC Entertainment is set to acquire nearly all Kerasotes Showplace Theaters.
Korea on a ride
Business News: Local firms provide money for Universal Studios park -- Two South Korean companies have resuscitated a plan to construct a $2.7 billion Universal Studios theme park in the country.
Variety.com - Business News
The premier source of entertainment news. Turn to Variety.com for timely, credible articles, reviews and analysis of film, TV, music, theater, video, gaming and movie and television production -- information vital to your showbiz career.
Linux Q&A with Microsoft
Microsoft responds to questions on TCO, indemnification, and the value proposition of Linux.
Opening the Desktop
Companies such as KeyCorp are evaluating the impact of the Firefox browser.
Time to IIT: Inter-Institutional Transfers Catch On
The hows and whys of integrating Inter-Institutional Transfers (IITs) into online banking.
Reg NMS was just re-released last week and the document surprised everyone, notes Larry Tabb, CEO of the Tabb Group and Contributing Editor to WS&T. Tabb offers his perspective on the regulation, pointing out its winners and losers. "While this may sound tame, it has the teeth of a shark," he says, "and for better or worse it will shred many current market practices."
http://www.informationweek.com/
The SEC voted yesterday to publish its reproposed version of Reg NMS for public comment. The revised regulation limits price-protection to automated quotes; prohibits sub-penny pricing; promotes uniform inter-market access via private linkages; and authorizes market centers to distribute their own data independently of the joint-industry plans.
The NYSE Revamps Floor Broker Technology
The NYSE is giving floor brokers new wireless handheld PCs to participate in a hybrid market subject to SEC approval. The project is a big win for IBM.
Phillips Says It One More Time: PeopleSoft Customers, We Love You
Oracle plans to port its database software to IBM's iSeries server in a bid to keep J.D. Edwards software users in the fold.
Think Like a CFO, Part II: Formulating Answers
After years of relative autonomy, senior IT executives at insurance companies are finding themselves increasingly under the thumb of tech-savvy CFOs charged with reducing costs. To succeed in this new environment, CIOs must prepare to address tough questions that go beyond the traditional IT domain.
Effective Agent Enablement
Providing the people who sell policies with tools that enhance their effectiveness is essential to carriers' success. And because these improvements make possible a higher level of customer service, they can also help to ensure increased customer retention and loyalty.
FinanceTech.com
FinanceTech.com online is the leading online resource for senior-level business and technology executives in the industry, helping guide their IT purchasing decisions.
Toyota announces global recall of more than 400,000 Prius, other hybrid cars
TOKYO -- Toyota on Tuesday announced another global recall -- this time, more than 400,000 Prius and other hybrid cars with braking problems, as a quality crisis continues to curse the carmaker that built its global reputation on quality.
Top Treasury Department staff works through the federal snow day
Talk about a snow-day killjoy. Shortly after the federal government announced that it would close for Monday -- cue the yelping for joy around Washington -- the office of the executive secretary for Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner sent out a message to its staff.
Credit unions seek larger share of business loans
The names of small businesses seeking loans are scrawled across a whiteboard in the Bethesda offices of Mid-Atlantic Financial Partners: A Denny's franchisee with plans for a new restaurant, the owner of a limousine fleet hoping to consolidate his auto loans, a government contractor seeking a lin...
Voxiva launches U.S. text service to aid pregnant women
A D.C.-based mobile technology firm is behind a new government effort to educate and encourage healthy habits in pregnant women.
The week ahead: Feb. 8-12 in business
This week will bring a fresh reading on retail sales, the first congressional testimony of the year by Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke, and the first release of a new and potentially useful economic indicator.
Toyota to recall and repair brakes on new Priuses sold in Japan
TOKYO -- Toyota's quality woes mounted over the weekend, with a reported decision in its home market to recall and repair the brakes on its latest model of the Prius, the hybrid that last year was the best-selling new car in Japan.
U.S. sends a message by stepping up crackdown on foreign business bribes
Federal authorities want companies to know that the cost of paying bribes to win overseas contracts is growing steeper by the day.
Greenworks owner bet on flowers, and the risk has paid off big
You are shoveling out from another big snowfall and yet another drop is expected later this week. So who is thinking about the sunniness of flowers, roses by the basket and a heart-filled Valentine's Day, which arrives Sunday?
In SEC filing, China reveals vast U.S. holdings
China's sovereign wealth fund has lifted the veil on its U.S. securities holdings, revealing more than $9.6 billion of holdings in about 60 U.S. companies.
Criminal probe is launched in Connecticut power plant blast
Authorities looking for the cause of an explosion that killed five people at a power plant under construction launched a criminal investigation Monday, saying they could not rule out criminal negligence as the cause.
Many workers find a way to get to the job, even in a blizzard
Jeff Campbell has been at his job as a security officer since Friday, sleeping in a chair and eating military MREs. Andre Wye left home at 4 a.m. Monday to drive 25 scary, slippery miles to the supermarket where he's a cashier. Sia Gbolie deposited her teenage son with a neighbor and camped out with...
Managing a 'river of consumption'
Martha N. Johnson is the new head of the General Services Administration, which serves as the government's primary landlord and buyer. Johnson was interviewed Thursday, moments after the Senate approved her confirmation.
In Congress, it's decision time on long-term unemployment benefits
As the Senate this week considers a "jobs bill" to reduce unemployment, lawmakers will have to decide whether to continue an unprecedented change in how the country treats people who are out of work, which was quietly approved last year.
Calif. insurer's rate increases draw attention of federal government
President Obama's secretary of health and human services fired off a sharply worded letter to a California insurer Monday, demanding to know why it is raising rates for individual policyholders by as much as 39 percent.
U.S. proposes new climate service
The Obama administration proposed a new climate service on Monday that would provide Americans with predictions on how global warming will affect everything from drought to sea levels.
INSIDER TRANSACTIONS
-- Thomson Financial
APPOINTMENTS
Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic of Bethesda named Mark Lapidus , former director of marketing, vice president of digital media.
Local events
TUESDAY Recordkeeping and Accounting. Workshop explains accounting principles, financial statements, general business, taxes and management accounting. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., American Bar Association Building, 740 15th St. NW, third floor, Washington. Sponsor: Service Corps of Retired Executives....
Bankruptcies
These firms recently filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court's local clerk of court offices.
Pizzamaker braves snow to deliver on Super Bowl Sunday
For pizza shops, Super Bowl Sunday is the biggest night of the year, a chance to do a week's worth of business in a single night, an event to look forward to all year.
Can the U.S. government require you to get an IRA?
One of the biggest priorities for the Middle Class Task Force led by Vice President Biden is a push to improve and standardize American retirement planning. This is where the Obama administration can make big changes. But whether average workers or financial service firms and insurance companies ...
Steady nerves help in jittery stock market
For many investors, the past three weeks of Wall Street action must have felt hauntingly familiar. Stocks slid a little, then a lot. There was a partial recovery, then another tumble.
Racking up miles? Maybe not.
Within a few years, a driver who pulls up to the gas pump may pay two bills with a single swipe of the credit card: one for the gas and the other for each mile driven since the last fill-up.
Paying your credit card bill before the mortgage
My grandmother Big Mama had a key financial rule that I've followed throughout my life.
New at the Top: Tekedra M. Jefferson, AOL
I worked at a real estate law firm as a student in high school. It was very stressful but it piqued my interest in law and, when I went to college in the District, I used the city as my university. I did internships with companies that lobbied on the Hill, researched papers at the Library of...
New at the Top: Tekedra M. Jefferson
Position : Senior vice president of public policy at AOL, a global Web services company based in Dulles.
Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner: Global bank reform still needed
Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner said Saturday that the recovery in the global economy has not caused major economies to ease up on their commitment to stiffen the rules for banks.
General-aviation security proposal is being scaled back
Citing industry objections, the Transportation Security Administration is preparing to scale back a controversial plan to expand aviation security rules for the first time to thousands of private planes.
2010 Mitsubishi Outlander XLS
Complaints: It's faulty automotive advertising, especially those ads showing cars and trucks rip-roaring along off-road paths or along severely weather-compromised roads. Disclaimers citing the drivers in those advertisements as "professional" or their various driving environments as "closed" are...
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Visualize a career change several steps ahead
After growing up traveling as an "Army brat" and studying in Spain while attending James Madison University, Kate Heffley decided that international business would be a great career choice. She moved to the District jobless but before long landed a job at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as an...
Behavioral interviews require answers, not your questions
Adapted from a recent online discussion with career advice columnist Lily Garcia.
Investment strategist forecasts events that could affect the economic recovery
It's a tradition on Wall Street to offer predictions early in the year about where the economy is headed, whether companies will prosper and what will happen in the stock market. Here, Ed Yardeni, president of Yardeni Research, a New York-based firm providing independent investment strategy...
Rep. Ryan proposes radical solution to budget problem
I spent the first part of the week thinking about President Obama's proposal for next year's budget. It's a modest document meant to take current policy and nudge it forward and leftward while beginning the hard work of pushing the deficit downward. It makes its changes at the edge of the state, ...
Mortgage bankers group sells D.C. offices to Bethesda company
Even the pros are taking a beating. The Mortgage Bankers Association, its membership expert in real estate, sold its $90 million headquarters in downtown Washington on Friday for $41 million.
Paulson's book details GE chief's private concerns in 2008 over company's debt
As the financial crisis worsened toward the end of 2008, chief executive Jeffrey Immelt and other leaders at General Electric repeatedly assured the public there was no need to worry about the company's ability to access credit markets and refinance its massive debts as they came due.
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Auto reliability ratings might not be reliable with problems such as Toyota's
Toyota's recall of millions of cars in order to fix sticky gas pedals and loose floor mats has inconvenienced customers around the world and damaged the automaker's reputation. Now it could also be undermining public confidence in the system of independent ratings and reviews that consumers have ...
Debt crisis unsettles European economy
LONDON -- Governments in Athens, Madrid and Lisbon struggled on Friday to quell fears of a looming debt crisis in Europe that is pummeling the euro and rippling across global markets, as authorities vowed to impose fiscal austerity and plug their yawning budget deficits. The problem, however, is...
Beazer Homes posts $48 million first-quarter profit
Thanks largely to a hefty tax gain, home builder Beazer Homes of Atlanta said its fiscal first-quarter profit was $48 million, compared with a loss of $80.3 million in the year-earlier period. The builder booked a tax gain of $101 million, and revenue was essentially flat at $218.8 million.
Goldman Sachs CEO Blankfein gets stock-based $9 million bonus
Goldman Sachs said Friday that its chief executive, Lloyd Blankfein, received a stock-based bonus of $9 million in 2009, ending weeks of speculation about how much the New York-based investment bank would dole out amid rising public anger over Wall Street pay.
Reverse exodus of migrant workers in Persian Gulf challenges India
KOCHI, INDIA -- When his overnight flight landed, Abdul Wahib walked out of Kochi's palm-fringed airport and hugged his family. After 24 years of working in the United Arab Emirates, he was home. He carried a suitcase and a layoff notice: His well-paid job as a forklift operator at Dubai's once-b...
BAE Systems pays $450 million to settle bribery scandal charges
The world's second-largest defense contractor, BAE Systems, agreed on Friday to pay nearly $450 million in penalties to settle U.S. and British charges related to a long-running bribery scandal.
Corrections
-- A Feb. 5 Page One article about stocks tumbling because of anxiety over economies in southern Europe and an increase in U.S. jobless claims incorrectly said that a flight by investors to U.S. Treasury securities drove down the value of the U.S. dollar. It should have said the flight drove up the...
Obama calls for new government aid for small businesses
President Obama on Friday outlined proposals to make it easier for small businesses to get government-backed loans and to refinance their mortgages, saying both steps would help accelerate the nation's slow recovery from the ongoing job crisis.
Markets flat in face of debt concerns, jobless report
Wall Street treaded water Friday as investors weighed gloomy news about debt problems in Europe and a report that showed an unexpected drop last month in the unemployment rate.
NHTSA overly reliant on carmakers' accounts during complaint reviews, critics say
The deluge of complaints about Toyota cars, first over floor mats, then over sticky pedals and recently over Prius brakes, has aroused criticism that federal regulators compromised vehicle safety by too often trusting carmakers' explanations.
Fear of E.U. economic woes, rise in U.S. jobless claims send markets plunging
Fears about financial crises in the wobbling economies of southern Europe and an unexpected increase in U.S. jobless claims sent global stock markets reeling Thursday, posing new challenges for the European Union and the U.S. economic recovery.
N.Y. Attorney General Cuomo charges Bank of America with fraud
New York Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo filed fraud charges Thursday against Bank of America and two of its former top executives, alleging that they lied not only to investors but also to government officials who were orchestrating a massive bailout of the bank in the final months of 2008.
House votes to revive pay-as-you-go budget rules
Congress agreed Thursday to revive the pay-as-you-go budget rules that helped wipe out massive deficits and balance the budget during the Clinton administration, although the new version includes a long list of exceptions that would permit Democrats to add at least $1.5 trillion to the nation's t...
Dodd, Shelby hit impasse, imperiling financial system legislation
The divide between Republicans and Democrats over how to protect borrowers from abusive lenders continues to jeopardize the prospects for legislation to overhaul the nation's financial regulatory system -- a top priority for President Obama.
House Democrats attack GOP budget proposal
Congressional Democrats are hammering a controversial budget proposal recently put out by a bloc of Republicans, looking to put the GOP on the defensive about its own ideas and blunt momentum the Republicans have gained from attacking Democratic policies.
Drop in unemployment rate shows signs of an economic reprieve
A surprising dip in the unemployment rate for January offers promise that the job market is finally stabilizing after a long, steep decline.
Markets down on fear of E.U. economic woes, rise in U.S. jobless claims
Overseas stock markets dropped sharply for a second day Friday amid concern over the strength of the economic recovery and mounting government deficits in some European countries.
Ford addresses hybrid braking issue as Toyota president vows to lead task force
Automaker response to squishy-feeling brakes on hybrid vehicles spread beyond Toyota to Ford on Friday, and the president of Toyota held a surprise news conference in Japan, apologizing for safety problems that have led to massive vehicle recalls around the globe.
Overseas markets respond to U.S. jobless claims, fear of E.U. economic woes
Overseas stock markets dropped sharply for a second day Friday amid concern over the strength of the economic recovery and mounting government deficits in some European countries.
The myth of Washington bipartisanship and the art of true compromise
Give this to Scott Brown: He's just been sworn in, and he's already having a positive impact on the governing dynamic in the capital. The president, key lawmakers and even the press have begun to focus on the dysfunctionality of the political process that now threatens all incumbents, irrespective...
Cash-in refinancing could help homeowners save
Thinking of cashing out some equity when you refinance your mortgage? Sure, that used to be what millions of homeowners did when they needed extra money.
An infrared sauna: Luxury at a price you can relax with
Lyme disease left Kathy Fowler's hands so stiff that she couldn't type. She couldn't remember simple directions. Intravenous antibiotics helped, but Fowler, a health reporter for WJLA (Channel 7), wanted to explore alternative treatments as well.
It's property tax assessment time. Here's what homeowners need to know.
Thousands of Washington area homeowners are receiving their property tax assessment notices from their local jurisdictions. But many homeowners, will see their property tax assessments fall as the housing market continues to suffer.
U.S. agency to probe braking problems on Toyota Prius
The U.S. government on Thursday launched an investigation into reported braking problems with Toyota's high-profile hybrid, the Prius, as the Japanese auto giant denied media reports in its home country that it will expand the Prius recall.
Official says Fed might buy more mortgage-backed securities
The Federal Reserve would consider reopening its program to support the mortgage market if interest rates spiked or the economy showed new weakness, Federal Reserve Bank of New York President William C. Dudley said in two new interviews.
U.S. officials hopeful China will make concessions on currency
Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner said Thursday that he believed China would allow its currency to appreciate vis-à-vis the dollar -- a move President Obama contends is essential to the U.S. economy by making U.S. exports more competitive and lowering China's massive trade surplus.
Toyota's shares slide as its reputation loses steam
For more than two decades, Toyota has won a reputation as a builder of high-quality, reliable vehicles. Sure, they were priced somewhat above their American competitors, but they were worth it, consumers were told, because Toyotas were the product of an innovative management culture, a happy work...
Obama pay czar vows to press for lower AIG bonuses but cites contract obstacles
The Obama administration's compensation czar said Wednesday that he will continue pushing for reductions to the hefty bonus payments being handed out by American International Group but acknowledged that he is constrained by guarantees the company made to employees years ago.
Economic crisis looms for Japan amid financial and manufacturing problems
TOKYO -- It's been a humbling few days for Japan. Toyota, the nation's largest company, announced vehicle recalls on three continents and shut down five assembly plants in the United States, and its president told the world, "We're extremely sorry."
Health-care sector grew as economy contracted in 2009
Health-care spending in the United States grew last year despite a contracting economy, amounting to 17.3 percent of the gross domestic product, according to estimates released Wednesday.
AOL reverses steep fourth-quarter loss but revenue drops 17%
Reporting quarterly results for the first time in a decade as an independent company, AOL said Wednesday that it earned $1.4 million in the fourth quarter, reversing a steep loss from a year earlier.
An important tax credit that might not be on your radar screen
For millions of Americans filing their 2009 tax returns, things could be vastly different this year.
Nation Digest
Despite a contracting economy, health-care spending in the United States grew last year at its fastest pace since at least 1960, according to estimates released Wednesday.
Google to enlist NSA to help it ward off cyberattacks
The world's largest Internet search company and the world's most powerful electronic surveillance organization are teaming up in the name of cybersecurity.
2007 federal probe of Toyota complaints resolved nothing
Federal regulators uncovered stark evidence that some Toyota cars accelerated unexpectedly more than two years ago. But neither the government's safety agency nor the automaker apparently recognized at the time how broad the dangers would turn out to be.
Intelligence chief acknowledges U.S. may target Americans involved in terrorism
Director of National Intelligence Dennis C. Blair acknowledged Wednesday that government agencies may kill U.S. citizens abroad who are involved in terrorist activities if they are "taking action that threatens Americans."
Bernanke starts new term with speech acknowledging critics' points
Ben S. Bernanke officially kicked off his second term as Federal Reserve chairman Wednesday with a simple message for those who criticized him during a bruising Senate confirmation battle: I hear you.
Treasury offers loans to banks funding community development
The Treasury Department said Wednesday that it will offer up to $1 billion in low-cost loans to banks that focus on funding development in lower-income communities, part of the administration's new emphasis on helping smaller banks.
Pfizer triples its fourth-quarter profit
EPA biofuels guidelines could spur production of ethanol from corn
The nation's farmers got a big boost Wednesday when the Obama administration issued new biofuels guidelines that could open the way for large increases in the production of corn-based ethanol.
After Toyota recall, investigators look for faults in electronic throttles
Federal regulators have launched an inquiry into whether engine electronics caused vehicles to accelerate unexpectedly as legislators and experts on Tuesday cast doubt on Toyota's explanation of its "runaway cars."
Dour forecast underpins Obama's budget plan
President Obama's proposed budget rests on a series of gloomy economic projections, which suggest that the administration does not foresee a quick leap out of the deepest downturn in generations.
AvalonBay's funds from operations rises, but rental revenue falls
AvalonBay Communities reported Wednesday that fourth-quarter funds from operations, a common measure of profitability for real estate investment trusts, more than doubled, to $52.7 million, from $23 million a year earlier.
Struggling banks need government help, trade group says
The head of a major trade group for community banks said Tuesday that the Obama administration's $30 billion program to spur small-business lending would not work unless the government offered money to struggling banks alongside stronger ones.
D.C. unemployment rate increases overall number for Washington metro area
Unemployment in the Washington region rose slightly in December, to 6.2 percent, according to government data released Tuesday, pushed up largely by an increase in the District's jobless rate.
W.R. Grace issues earnings report
Columbia-based W.R. Grace said it earned $46.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2009, down 2 percent from the last quarter of 2008. Revenue fell 12 percent, to $678.3 million. For the year, the construction materials company reported that it earned $81.2 million, a drop from $136.9 million in 2008....
Intelligence officials say al-Qaeda will try to attack U.S. in next 6 months
The Obama administration's top intelligence officials on Tuesday described it as "certain" that al-Qaeda or its allies will try to attack the United States in the next six months, and they called for new flexibility in how U.S. officials detain and question terrorist suspects.
Business Digest: FHFA reducing Fannie, Freddie portfolios
MORTGAGE FINANCING The federal regulator in charge of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac said Tuesday that the mortgage finance giants would not be taking on additional measures to bring down interest rates on home loans as other government programs to stimulate the housing market expire.
Volcker urges Senators to adopt Obama's rules on banking
Former Federal Reserve chairman Paul Volcker urged a Senate panel Tuesday to adopt new rules that would limit the investment activities of large banks as part of an overhaul of financial regulations, but lawmakers said the proposal could complicate ongoing negotiations on sweeping reform...
Pilot error to blame in crash of Flight 3407 near Buffalo, NTSB says
Mistakes by pilots, not bad weather, caused the crash of a turboprop plane near Buffalo last year that killed 50 people, the National Transportation Safety Board said Tuesday in its final hearing on the crash.
D.C. unemployment rate increases overall number for Washington metro area
Unemployment in the Washington region rose slightly in December, to 6.2 percent, according to government data released Tuesday, pushed up largely by an increase in the District's jobless rate.
AIG plans to pay $100 million in another round of bonuses
American International Group plans Wednesday to pay another round of employee bonuses, worth about $100 million, said several people familiar with the matter, a year after similar payments at the bailed-out insurance giant infuriated many Americans and inflamed Washington.
Despite his roots, Obama struggles to show he's connected to middle class
NASHUA, N.H. -- President Obama's 165th flight on Air Force One required all the customary protocols of a presidential trip. He took a helicopter from the White House lawn to Andrews Air Force Base, where seven military officers waited at full attention. He entered his plane through a door decorated...
$19.3 billion profit is a 57% drop for Exxon Mobil
Exxon Mobil posted a $19.3 billion profit in 2009, an imposing figure in corporate America but down 57 percent from the all-time record the company set during the previous year's roller coaster in prices.
Government data show an ongoing but uneven economic recovery
In another sign of the nation's uneven economic recovery, new data released Monday showed manufacturing activity at its highest level in more than five years while consumer demand continued to moderate.
Obama's $3.8 trillion budget calls for jobs assistance, tax changes
The $3.8 trillion budget blueprint President Obama plans to submit to Congress on Monday calls for billions of dollars in new spending to combat persistently high unemployment and bolster a battered middle class. But it also would slash funding for hundreds of programs and raise taxes on banks an...
Toyota issues public apology, details plan to fix pedals
Toyota apologized directly to its U.S. customers Monday and announced the details of its plan to repair the cars it has sold with potentially sticky accelerator pedals.
Obama banking plan complicates regulatory bill
WASHINGTON -- The Obama administration's stepped up demand for tougher restrictions and new taxes on big banks is complicating Senate efforts to write a bipartisan financial regulation overhaul, even drawing a sharp rebuke from a top presidential ally in the Senate.
Rising FHA default rate foreshadows a crush of foreclosures
The share of borrowers who are falling seriously behind on loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration jumped by more than a third in the past year, foreshadowing a crush of foreclosures that could further buffet an agency vital to the housing market's recovery.
Geithner: Banks must pay fully for bailout
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Obama administration is prepared to impose fees on financial firms for as long as necessary to ensure that every cent spent on bailing out banks is repaid, U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said on Tuesday.
Ex-TV news director David Silverstein runs with chance to work on Super Bowl
Super Bowl XLIV kicks off in Miami next Sunday, and Howard County resident David Silverstein is in South Florida, working for the city's host committee on the zillion off-the-field details that go into making the huge event a success.
Silverdome's bargain price reflects financial woes in Detroit suburb of Pontiac
PONTIAC, MICH. -- Once this city had its own car, 23,000 busy factory workers and the $55.7 million Silverdome, a storied Teflon-coated stadium where the Detroit Lions played, Elvis Presley sang, WrestleMania's Hulk Hogan stalked and Pope John Paul II prayed.
Corrections
-- The Spring Arts Preview in the Jan. 31 Arts & Style section incorrectly listed the art exhibit "David Smith Invents" as being scheduled to open at the Phillips Collection in June. This exhibit is planned for next year. Another listing, for the dance performance "Make History Now: Two Friends and...
Gannett posts profit on cuts, smaller slide in ad sales
Gannett, the largest U.S. newspaper publisher, said Monday it turned a profit in the fourth quarter, helped by a drop in one-time costs and a smaller decline in ad sales.
CACI International completes deal for cybersecurity firm
CACI International of Arlington said Monday that it has completed its acquisition of cybersecurity company SystemWare for an undisclosed sum.
White House proposes increase in FDIC deposit insurance fund
The Obama administration wants to increase the size of the insurance fund that repays depositors in failed banks, a step that would require all banks to pay larger fees to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.
Lessons for U.S. in report on Pakistan-Afghanistan border efforts
Two years ago, along the unstable Pakistan-Afghanistan border -- where Taliban and al-Qaeda fighters were established and U.S. forces had begun their Predator missile strikes -- the U.S. Agency for International Development signed off on a three-year, $43.4 million project called "Capacity Buildi...
Wash Post Business
The Washington Post Business and Economy section provides coverage and analysis of economic policy,business policy and financial news as it relates to Washington,D.C.,the federal government and individual agencies. Washington Post Business also offers video,discussions and blogs about major economic issues.
Erase Bad Credit Legally - Sponsored Link
Ad - www.Repair-Credit-Today.com Feb 9 2010 1:03PM GMT
China builds stakes in Canadian mining companies
Globe and Mail Feb 9 2010 1:03PM GMT
Potash deal clouded by price secrecy
Globe and Mail Feb 9 2010 12:29PM GMT
Toyota sales in Germany drop 20% on gas pedal problem
MarketWatch Feb 9 2010 12:07PM GMT
Russia's VTB to cut 10 pct of staff this year
Reuters Feb 9 2010 11:59AM GMT
Obama Tax Attack Jobs Kill?
CNBC Feb 9 2010 11:01AM GMT
BMW's January car sales up 16.6% on the year
MarketWatch Feb 9 2010 10:47AM GMT
Tui Travel bullish on summer bookings
Financial Times Feb 9 2010 10:37AM GMT
Mainland steel body wants to cut iron ore imports
South China Morning Post Feb 9 2010 10:30AM GMT
BMW's January car sales up 16.6% on the year
MarketWatch Feb 9 2010 10:21AM GMT
Boots signs deal to sell Mothercare clothes
Guardian.co.uk Feb 9 2010 10:16AM GMT
Wolfson hurt by poor consumer demand
Financial Times Feb 9 2010 9:42AM GMT
Electronic Arts predicts fall in sales
Financial Times Feb 9 2010 9:22AM GMT
China Car Sales Up 84.2% In Jan On Robust Rural Demand
Nikkei Net Interactive Feb 9 2010 9:14AM GMT
Toyota recalls hybrid cars over brakes
Guardian.co.uk Feb 9 2010 9:06AM GMT
TUI Travel's quarterly net loss widens, sales down
MarketWatch Feb 9 2010 8:55AM GMT
'Outrage' over BAE deal
BBC Feb 9 2010 8:54AM GMT
Abbas Says He May Accept Offer of ?Proximity? Talks with Israel
BusinessWeek Feb 9 2010 8:50AM GMT
Geo Launching Tender Offer For 2nd Street
Nikkei Net Interactive Feb 9 2010 8:18AM GMT
Judge Questions Bank of America's New Deal With S.E.C.
New York Times Feb 9 2010 7:44AM GMT
TUI Travel's quarterly net loss widens, sales down
MarketWatch Feb 9 2010 7:38AM GMT
Swiss bank UBS returns to profit
BBC Feb 9 2010 7:22AM GMT
Resourcehouse named wrong company in coal deal
MarketWatch Feb 9 2010 6:57AM GMT
Swatch Group profit drops as watch sales fall
MarketWatch Feb 9 2010 6:57AM GMT
Swatch Group profit drops as watch sales fall
MarketWatch Feb 9 2010 6:57AM GMT
Toyota To Freeze Sales Of 3 Hybrids
Nikkei Net Interactive Feb 9 2010 6:46AM GMT
Resourcehouse named wrong company in coal deal
MarketWatch Feb 9 2010 6:10AM GMT
Google lowers fee to break Nexus contract
Chicago Tribune Feb 9 2010 5:50AM GMT
Ford, Geely Said to Miss Feb. 14 Target for Signing Volvo Deal
BusinessWeek Feb 9 2010 5:15AM GMT
?Genghis Khan,? Barings CEO Seek Success Where Goodwin Failed
BusinessWeek Feb 9 2010 5:14AM GMT
?Genghis Khan,? Barings CEO Seek Success Where Goodwin Failed
BusinessWeek Feb 9 2010 5:14AM GMT
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