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Why US economy could likely withstand a brief fall off the ‘fiscal cliff’ next year

WASHINGTON — It’s the scenario that’s been spooking employers and investors and slowing the U.S. economy:

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Federal Reserve wraps up 2012 still facing high unemployment and sub-par economic growth

WASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve is wrapping up 2012 the way it began the year, searching for ways to help a U.S. economy that is still struggling with high unemployment and sub-par growth.

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‘Cliff’ movement? Boehner and Obama exchange proposals, talk on phone as deadline approaches

(J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press)

WASHINGTON — In a test of divided government, President Barack Obama and House Speaker John Boehner sought an elusive compromise Tuesday to prevent economy-damaging tax increases on the middle class at year’s end, conferring by phone after a secretive exchange of proposals.

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Obama, Boehner trade ‘fiscal cliff’ proposals but appear no closer to a deal

Sides still sniping just three weeks before automatic tax hikes and spending cuts are set to take effect.

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As developed world struggles, talk of a U.S.-E.U. trade deal intensifies

(Pete Souza / OFFICIAL WHITE HOUSE PHOTO)

A free-trade zone across the Atlantic would be the largest in the world — but politically difficult to negotiate.

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James Hodgson dies at 96; labor secretary championed hiring of minorities, veterans

(Charles Del Vecchio / The Washington Post)

As labor secretary under Nixon, Mr. Hodgson championed the hiring of minorities and veterans.

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‘Cliff’ movement? Boehner and Obama exchange proposals, talk on phone as deadline approaches

(J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press)

WASHINGTON — In a test of divided government, President Barack Obama and House Speaker John Boehner sought an elusive compromise Tuesday to prevent economy-damaging tax increases on the middle class at year’s end, conferring by phone after a secretive exchange of proposals.

Article

News Summary: US wholesale stockpiles up in October but sales down

INVENTORIES UP: U.S. wholesale businesses increased their stockpiles by 0.6 percent in October to $497.1 billion. That is nearly 30 percent higher than the low hit in September 2009 as the country was struggling to emerge from a deep recession.

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News Summary: US trade deficit widened to $42.2 billion in October as exports fell

DEFICIT HIGHER: The U.S. trade deficit grew 4.8 percent in October from September to $42.2 billion. The deficit increased because exports fell by a larger margin than imports.

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News Summary: US employers post more open jobs in October, a good sign for future hiring

MORE JOB OPENINGS: U.S. employers advertised more jobs in October than September, a hopeful sign that hiring could pick up. The Labor Department said Tuesday that openings rose by 128,000 to 3.68 million.

 

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