MarketWatch News Break
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It's safe to check your 401(k) again
Andrew O'Day says average balances on 401(k) plans top $80,000 for the first time, but not everyone is in on the party. The world's biggest restaurant chain needs an equally big game changer.
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Most of us would boycott bad corporate citizens
Andrew O'Day says promises to boycott socially irresponsible companies appear to be more than lip service. The retail business faces legal heat over allegations some price markdowns are phony.
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Fiscal discipline as status symbol
Andrew O'Day says keeping up with the bills is the new "Keeping up with the Joneses." Used car prices are falling from record highs, but there's a reason: No one would want them. Generation X may never retire!
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Poverty hits home in the suburbs
Andrew O'Day looks into research showing the rapidly changing face of American poverty. As the government scales back spending, citizens do more heavy economic lifting. Hollywood brings back some of the glam.
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Doing well and still doing good -- Bill Gates
Andrew O'Day says Bill Gates' return to the claim of world's richest person comes as his philanthropy sets new giving records. Standards vary widely as to what makes for a safe factory in Bangladesh. Every day can be Happy Birthday for cake lovers.
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Bangladesh reforms may not save garment business
Andrew O'Day says western companies are shopping for low-wage countries to replace Bangladesh as their clothing suppliers. Regulators are starting to hear fast food industry protesters. People would pay bottom dollar to avoid the middle seat.
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Retailers create wiggle room in Bangladesh reforms
Andrew O'Day says that as European retailers push, U.S. retailers nudge for factory reform in Bangladesh. A coffee supply crisis is costing Central American farmers a lot more than it's costing us.
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U.S. retail should join Bangladesh factory reform
Andrew O'Day says opportunity is knocking for big retailers to be good global citizens, but only Europe is answering thus far. The U.S., Canada and Mexico soon may be the new OPEC. Microsoft learns Klingon.
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Here's hoping 'Sell in May and Go Away' goes away
So much for Sell in May and Go Away! Andrew O'Day returns from his overseas jaunt to discover that instead of selling at the start of May, investors are ignoring the silly old adage and keeping the rally going.
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It's a job-seeker's market in construction
Home builders say they are hurting for workers. Steve Potisk says this is a problem just as some parents are spending thousands to make their teens more comfortable at home. And McDonald's says so long to the Angus burger and Whole Foods has a problem with chicken salad.
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Foreclosures point to a real housing recovery
The April news on home foreclosures helps put housing on a solid foundation. Joan Doniger spoke with RealtyTrac's Daren Blomquist who says foreclosures fell to a 6 year low last month.
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The Dow has been strong, but look at oil
The Dow's new highs may make you think about how other investments have been doing. Steve Potisk says oil investors have made out rather well. Mortgage delinquencies are down. And no that 801 phone number is not toll free.
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Housing on Fire: Tips for Buyers and Sellers
The housing market is heating up again. MarketWatch Radio levels the playing field with tips on how buyers can avoid bidding wars and how sellers can boost their sale price. Alisa Parenti reports.
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Do your homework when choosing an online college
Lenders are more willing to lower some of the strict standards they put in place for mortgages after the housing meltdown. But Steve Potisk tells us you better have impeccable credit. And we take a look at online education, one of the hottest topics in the academic world.
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High tech finance tools can smooth summer travel
After years of relentless tuition increases that have far outpaced the rate of inflation, Steve Potisk says some colleges are compensating. With the travel season almost here, we look at some tech tools for managing money on the road. And Viagra users don't have to head to the pharmacy anymore.
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The April job report a reason to be 'happy'
The April jobs report was better than expected. Steve Potisk says that's a hopeful sign when some other economic indicators have been suggesting a spring slowdown in the economy. Tracy Johnke spoke with Beth Ann Bovino, S-and-P deputy chief economist, about the results.
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As jobless claims fall, Ford is looking to hire
Ford hangs out the "Help Wanted" sign even as unemployment lines get smaller. And Steve Potisk tells us grades are great, but business schools want to know how students feel.
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The jobs picture gets cloudier
Private-sector employment growth slowed down in April. Apple even borrows money in a big way. And flame grilled or fried burgers? Steve Potisk says don't decide until you hear this.
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Home prices rise as the Fed starts to meet
The Fed opens a two-day meeting with some new numbers to consider. Steve Potisk says there's good news on the housing market as home prices rise. And if you like hummus, you are in good company.
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Maximize rewards points through organization
Fast food outlets go 24/7 to boost their sales. But it is not without a price. And Steve Potisk speaks with a personal finance expert about rewards programs and how they can be all pluses and no minuses if you learn how to handle them properly.
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Better GDP, but not good enough
Economic growth picked up the pace so far this year. But Steve Potisk tells us not as much as economists had hoped. A billionaire hedge fund manager and political activist sees something to like at JC Penney. Best Buy has its own plans for recovery. It's called customer service.
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It's a non-union reunion for Twinkie fans
The long national nightmare is just about over. Yes the return of the Twinkie is imminent. But labor union fans may not want to buy. Verizon may make a really big bid to buy the entire wireless firm that carries its name. And home price gains are slowing.
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Does small business want a higher minimum wage?
Increase the minimum wage? Steve Potisk tells us one small business group says, why not? Superman teams with a powerful retailer. And TV for car drivers? Not likely around these parts.
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A new first worst job takes the top spot
There is a new winner, or is it loser, when it comes to the worst job. And as Steve Potisk tells us this job used to be more desirable. Also Netflix is doing something right, it hired Kevin Spacey.
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Honest Tea does its bit for Mother Nature
Organic tea company, Honest Tea, is celebrating Earth Day all year long with its Great Recycle initiative. MarketWatch Radio's Steve Potisk spoke all about it with Honest Tea boss, Seth Goldman. He shares how everyone can get involved with what the division of Coca Cola is doing.
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Breathe easier with natural gas booming
With natural gas supplies rising, it is being used more to generate electricity. Steve Potisk tells us that means we can all breathe easier. Michael Dell is just about the last man standing to take his company private. And it's all about the earnings.
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Job market puts the 'down' in downtown
Even as the job market slowly recovers, Andrew O'Day says new research finds jobs still fleeing the nation's downtowns for the suburbs. Wall Street hopes not to follow the latest leading indicators. The caffeine snack business gets a jolt.
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Falling markets--stocks, oil, gold, cupcakes
Andrew O'Day says the market for frivolities such as expensive cupcakes has crashed. Young couples increasingly are putting mortgage ahead of marriage. No stranger to bad news, J.C. Penney gets even more of it.
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Microsoft sees handwriting on the tile
Andrew O'Day says after the colossal flop that is Windows 8, Microsoft may allow you to ditch the tiles. Carnival will pay for its unscheduled ride from the Coast Guard. You're never quite finished paying for your car.
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Where are the jobs? You might not want to know
Andrew O'Day says the coming boom of boomer retirements and the expected hyper-growth of the nursing home industry will create massive opportunities for a thankless, grossly underpaid and dangerous job.
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Consumers crash Wall Street's party
Andrew O'Day says reports on retail sales and consumer sentiment have combined with weak bank revenue to inspire little but the sellers.
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Requiem for PC industry's Windows 8 hopes
Andrew O'Day says the global sales tumble for personal computers cements Windows 8's place in history as a flop. McDonald's plans to crack down on rude employees, but what about the rude customers? Taco Bell realizes yo quiero nutrition.
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Penney CEO's golden parachute is a lead balloon
Andrew O'Day says fired J.C. Penney CEO Ron Johnson gets barely anything as an exit package, and some say he still got too much. Two Google rivals will work more closely together to challenge Google. Game Show Network may get more religious.
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The Dow may continue its record trek
One strategist predicts we'll see Dow 18,000 with a few years. And banks are trying new ways to get customers inside.
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More Americans leave the vast wasteland
MarketWatch Radio's Andrew O'Day says TV broadcasters are getting more nervous as millions unplug their TV sets.
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Employment report is a spectacular miss
Andrew O'Day says today's jobs report is abysmal from every angle. Kentucky Fried Chicken reinvents itself to the bare bones. The pitchman for Dos Equis beer proposes the most interesting calendar change in the world.
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March job predictions may be downsized
Andrew O'Day says after a string of employment misses, the market may temper its expectations ahead of Friday's March jobs report. Detroit's auto business now has a fourth wheel. For the laundry soap business, innovation is a dirty word.
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Why must we learn financial lessons the hard way?
Andrew O'Day says although we'd never want to go through it again, the 2008 financial crisis and its aftermath appear to have taught us some lasting lessons. Look out below! The boss of J.C. Penney gets a merit-based pay adjustment.
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Automakers are Supremes in Motown
Andrew O'Day says two of Detroit's three car makers are posting multi-year sales highs while the third is posting creative writing. It turns out witches simply can't hocus pocus away their pounds. Is there any actual pizza with that cheese?
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Made-In-USA gets new market mojo
Andrew O'Day says despite its issues, the U.S. economy and market is about as good as it gets now. Someday Cyprus may get its mojo back, but probably not its investors. The drug business reconsiders the alternative industry it once warned against.
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Wall Street gets fuel for a strong Q2 start
Andrew O'Day says strong reports on personal incomes, spending and consumer sentiment could help Wall Street keep running next week. Gasoline prices let off some steam. Legal action gets sudden acceleration against Ford.
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Welcome back to the record books, S&P
Andrew O'Day says the S&P 500 finally has reentered record territory after a frustrating string of flirtations. The final glance at GDP looks less horrible than the first glance did. Wal-Mart delivers one of its craziest ideas yet.
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Hope you're happy. Penney brings back price tricks
Andrew O'Day says after a year of nightmarish sales, J.C. Penney is back out of the business of upfront pricing. Protein becomes the new low carb in the packaged food business. No blushing for the publisher of Fifty Shades.
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Consumer confidence goes M.I.A.
Andrew O'Day says the budget sequester may end up hurting the economy more than first thought, but only because of the consumer fear it caused. Exxon Mobil gets slapped with a lawsuit its accountants may barely notice. Soft drink sales fizzle.
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Investors slide down Cyprus Hill
Andrew O'Day says today's Cyprus bailout rally followed the typical relief rally script: here today, gone today. Some U.S. jobs sent to Bangalore are ending up in Baltimore. Maybe you should have bought that '67 Mustang when you had the chance.
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Blackberry Z10! Anyone paying attention? Hello?
Andrew O'Day looks at Blackberry's expectation for its new phone platform versus everybody else's expectation for it. Health premiums soon could be sickening. Welcome to the plywood bubble!
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Investors find it tougher to ignore Cyprus
Andrew O'Day says as the standoff between Europe and Cyprus gets real, markets must adjust to the possibility of fracturing. The housing market feels something it hasn't felt in years--growing pains. YouTube joins the billions-served club.
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Young workers entitled, unprofessional, sloppy?
Andrew O'Day looks at a study suggesting new college grads enter the workplace with a sense of entitlement and lacking professionalism. The airline industry flies out of turbulence. Energy drink makers figure out how to run away from regulators.
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Cyprus rules the world for a day
Global investors are hoping we have not just witnessed a new revenue stream for governments. Andrew O'Day says the news business finally has a good story. Coffee prices are going down the drain.
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Carnival is cruisin' for a bruisin'
No vacation for Carnival as Andrew O'Day looks at all FOUR ship malfunctions of the past month. Facebook hashes out a plan to be more Twitter-like. International students working in the U.S. really deserve a break today.
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You down with GDP? Now you're back up!
Andrew O'Day looks at shifting revisions to economic growth forecasts. The first self-described conservative cable channel is coming. And Samsung is the best thing since Color TV, or so it says.
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Small but measurable hope from big business
Slow and steady is the theme as Andrew O'Day places today's economic outlook survey from the Business Roundtable in context with other recent readings. You may sour on the sweet purchase Uncle Sam is about to make with your money.
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How to know you can trust an economic report
Two reports today paint slightly different pictures of the job market. Andrew O'Day examines what makes such first-glance apparent contradictions so common--including the what, the how, and especially the who behind them.
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Corporations are rewarded not to invest in U.S.
Andrew O'Day looks at research showing offshore locales as the most fertile places to grow profits. More people working means more people stuffed into trains and buses. Hotel loyalty programs now require more loyalty.
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Economists challenge unemployment rate usefulness
Andrew O'Day explores ways some economists are now measuring the true job market. One bank is sweating more than others after the Fed's latest stress test. The energy drink business has something new to chew on.
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Retail sales reports slouch toward irrelevance
Andrew O'Day says so many retailers have stopped issuing monthly sales, the few reports left are no longer useful. Time is no longer on Time Warner's side. The Simpsons are moving to Legoland.
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Today investors, tomorrow consumers
Andrew O'Day channels Moody's Analytics Chief Economist Mark Zandi, and looks at the Dow's record as economic indicator. Spoiler alert: It's pretty good.
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Dow record high--What is Wall Street high on?
Andrew O'Day looks at the Dow's all-time high including some of what's behind it. Feverish health care spending increases may be cooling off. International tourists flock to the U.S. to get their target practice on.
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Cut the deficit? Yes. Sequestration? No.
Andrew O'Day looks at NABE's latest critique of Washington. The world's richest person holds onto a Slim lead. And it's Ishtar 2013!
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Auto sales help drive stocks away from big losses
Andrew O'Day says sales increases for the Detroit Three help reverse early Wall Street losses. Doctor visits become virtual. Groupon has an interesting way of showing gratitude. They pour whiskey differently in Scotland.
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Almost half of 2012 home sales were distressed
RealtyTrac finds foreclosures and short sales accounted for 43 percent of residential sales last year, according to vice president Daren Blomquist. He joins Alisa Parenti for MarketWatch News Break.
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A workplace health trend that may make you sick
Andrew O'Day says more employers are looking to set your health insurance premium based on how healthy you are. A box office bomb causes collateral damage on hundreds of jobs. A lawsuit claiming watered down suds has beer drinkers in a froth.
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Why Yahoo's telecommuting ban isn't a surprise
Cali Williams Yost, author of 'Tweak It- Make What Matters to You Happen Every Day,' joins Alisa Parenti in MarketWatch News Break with a closer look at the challenges facing CEO Marissa Meyer.
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Economists to Washington--Thanks a lot guys!
Andrew O'Day says politicians appear even less popular with economists than with the rest of us. Master Card no longer thinks there's a great future in plastics. And Verizon loses connection with General Motors.
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Come on Dow! Stop teasing us.
Andrew O'Day looks at why Wall Street keeps flirting with the Dow's all-time high, but never asks for a date. That bestseller book might as well be on the snake oil bestseller list.
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Happy 13th Birthday, New Normal
MarketWatch Columnist Paul Farrell explains to Andrew O'Day how he says Wall Street helped kill the American Dream in 2000. When it comes to used cars, one man's jalopy is another man's jewel. Plus the latest from the honey racket.
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Behind the office retail merger two-step
Andrew O'Day gives a step-by-step account of the botched Office Depot/Office Max merger announcement, and why it isn't even the worst M&A related story of the day.
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Greed, for lack of a better word, is back
Andrew O'Day says fresh signs point to market fear abating, whether it ought to or not. Google is dipping its toe in the retail business. Microsoft changes its outlook on Hotmail as it changes Hotmail to Outlook.
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He wasn't just a president, he was also a client
Sy Sperling changed the hair replacement industry when he founded the Hair Club for Men in the 1970s. His iconic TV commercials where he told viewers he wasn't just the company's president, but also a client, are still remembered in some places around the country. He joined Steve Potisk to look back at how his own thinning hair made him, and his company, a success.
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RealtyTrac says foreclosures near 6-year low
RealtyTrac says home foreclosure activity dropped to a six-year low last month. RealtyTrac's Daren Blomquist talked about his findings - and California's role in the decline -- with MarketWatch's Tracy Johnke.
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Higher payroll tax rips into retail sales
Expiration of our payroll tax cut gets the blame for a near-flat reading of January sales, but the haves don't mind spending to have even more. GE exits NBC stage left. And more corporate fat cats are sitting in the middle seat.
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New technologies to stop distracted driving
At the Chicago Auto Show, Continental AG unveils a new program to cut back on distracted driving. Automobile Magazine Executive Editor Todd Lassa joins Alisa Parenti with a look at the technology in MarketWatch News Break.
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Apple to bring Dick Tracy's famous watch to life
Andrew O'Day says Dick Tracy's two-way wrist radio is far from far-fetched, as Apple designs its next little big thing. Ford offers to pay its dealers to upgrade their facilities. The upscale Bravo channel for men is born.
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Wireless microphones face possible cord-cutting
Andrew O'Day says rockers, referees and preachers have formed an unlikely alliance to keep their microphones wireless. Hollywood is upset as more feature films show up on YouTube. The timetable is set for the next airline mega-merger.
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Restaurant sales fatten as customers get skinnier
Andrew O'Day looks at a study showing low calorie meals at restaurants are good for business. American Airlines nears the all-clear to get acquired and rescued from bankruptcy. And there goes the neighborhood... Barbie leaves Malibu.
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Dollar stores get less bang for the buck
Andrew O'Day says rapid expansion is cooling the runaway hottest sector in retail. Commercial spots sell out for 'the other' Super Bowl. And it's Christmas at Home Depot.
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The end of the elevator ride for Muzak
Andrew O'Day says a brand synonymous with unobtrusiveness has reached its swan song. Dude, Michael Dell is getting a company. Uncle Sam sues S&P. Turbo boosters on your new car may have boosted nothing but the price.
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Flacco F-bomb! Another fine mess for CBS?
Andrew O'Day says nine years after the wardrobe malfunction, CBS faces the possibility of more Super Bowl trouble with the FCC. One rally away from its all-time high, the Dow surrenders to profit takers. Electric cars lose their spark.
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Dow 14K comes as Main Street still looks for work
Andrew O'Day says as Wall Street flirts with new all-time highs, the job market flirts with becoming a permanent underachiever.
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Wall Street January Barometer faces high pressure
Market momentum is not unique to January. Andrew O'Day, with help from Hulbert Financial Digest Editor Mark Hulbert, questions why the theory is married to a single month. And the film Argo becomes a blockbuster in a place you might not expect.
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GDP OMG! RIMM BYE!
Andrew O'Day looks at Wall Street's downside economic surprise including why we're far from needing to panic. Fresh news from Toyota makes everyone 'recall' one of its past problems. And Blackberry squashes Research In Motion.
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128GB iPad is a bigger deal than it appears
Andrew O'Day says today's surprise announcement of a more powerful iPad may reveal a tectonic shift in Apple's tablet strategy. The term 'starving musician' is more than an exaggeration these days. And J.C. Penney brings back the sale!
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General Motors demoted as Toyota reclaims Number 1
Andrew O'Day says Toyota is rebuilt following earthquake and recall damage. Housing becomes a victim of its own resurgent popularity. The snack cake business takes the Southern route.
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Chicken wing shortage story just won't fly
The sky is not falling, and neither is the chance you'll score delicious wings on Super Bowl Sunday: Andrew O'Day chronicles a media story gone bad. Depending on where you look, Wall Street has never looked better.
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Apple and Netflix trade places as darling and dog
Andrew O'Day explores the role of super-sized market expectations on Apple and Netflix. Welcome to the golden age of the junk mail industry.
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The triumphant return of the Super Bowl Predictor
Unabashed Ravens fan Andrew O'Day explains why this year, Wall Street doesn't care who wins the big game. Hulbert Financial Digest Editor Mark Hulbert says it's crazy the market would care any year.
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Made in the USA gets hot again
Andrew O'Day says consumer clamor for merchandise to be made in the USA is getting louder again. Boeing can only dream its 787 mess is purely American-made. Wal-Mart gets tough on overseas factories.
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In its debut, stock in Norwegian cruises
A year after experts predicted the Costa Concordia disaster would have the cruise business taking on water, Andrew O'Day says brand new stock Norwegian Cruise Line joins its rivals as a stellar performer.
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New look for American Airlines, but same problems
Even as it wallows in bankruptcy, American Airlines revamps its look for the first time in almost a half century. Andrew O'Day reports on a new flu vaccine. And Sandy heats up housing starts.
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Flu runs America down, but it runs back on Dunkin
Andrew O'Day returns from the flu as the bug decimates more American workplaces. A big bank starts handing out I.O.U. slips instead of bonuses. Dunkin Donuts finally spreads from sea to shining sea.
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Corvette turns 60 with a Stingray remake
GM's redesigned Chevy Corvette is stealing the spotlight this week. Automobile Magazine writer Robert Cumberford joins Alisa Parenti from the Detroit Auto Show in MarketWatch News Break.
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Now boarding. Business travel seen rising in '13
Now boarding. Business travel is likely to rise this year. Plus, what cities get rave reviews for family trips this year? John Wordock reports in MarketWatch News Break.
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Fragrance company to send fans into space
Flu's economic cost; some Axe users will get an astronaut's-eye view of the planet. MarketWatch Radio's Adrienne Mitchell has those stores and more.
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Inaugural bubbly leaves French cold
A Franco-American flap over champagne; Lipton pushes its plain old tea; colleges are wooing students as demand drops. MarketWatch Radio's Adrienne Mitchell has MarketWatch News Break.
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Indicator promises 2013 win. Bullish or baloney?
Andrew O'Day crunches the Five Day Rule which suggests a strong start will lead to a strong year. Financial firms want more government help with cyber security, but fewer rules. Apple 's flirtation with a cheap iPhone may cheapen the whole brand.
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That's gratitude for you. AIG may sue us.
Andrew O'Day explores AIG's possible legal action following its taxpayer-funded rescue. A new optimism index finds small business owners off the cliff, but still on the ledge. A new business school tries a new approach: character building.
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MBA Blues. The hottest business degree cools off
Gasoline prices begin their annual ascent early this year. Earning an MBA no longer guarantees earning a lot of money. Personal electronics may rebound this year after a terrible 2012.
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The job market is climbing up a down escalator
Andrew O'Day says December's jobs report shows a comfortably frustrating predictability, but must be understood in its cloudy context. investors bail on actively managed mutual funds. The e-reader business may be reaching the end of the story.
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Retailers find a new reason to blame Congress
Andrew O'Day explores the fiscal cliff's drag on holiday retail sales. The private sector creates more jobs than predicted, but still too few. Wendy's redefines value with its new value menu.
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Fiscal deal sentiment to go from bullish to bull
Andrew O'Day says today's fiscal cliff deal angelic market euphoria obscures the devil in the details. Even before playoffs, CBS Television wins the Super Bowl. The auto business shifts into the fast lane. Edison's light bulb meets its twilight.
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Hollywood says Horray For You, and Regis loses job
Andrew O'Day looks at the best year ever for the movie business, Tribune emerges from bankruptcy, and TD Bank stops banking on Regis and Kelly.
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Good economic news no match for the fiscal cliff
The latest news on the home front, as well as manufacturing is pretty good. But Steve Potisk tells us the fiscal cliff trumps all of that.
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The economic news is good, but consumers feel bad
There some hopeful signs on the jobs front - and new homes are selling -- yet Steve Potisk tells us consumers remain firmly down in the dumps.
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Edmunds.com calls 2013 "Year of the Truck"
Auto sales should reach 15 million in 2013 with trucks leading the way. Michelle Krebs at Edmunds.com joins John Wordock to talk about Ford, GM and Toyota's fortunes next year.
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The news is good on home prices
The trend is the homeowner's friend when it comes to home prices. Steve Potisk looks at that upbeat news on the home front as well as the latest packaging for your favorite wine and the winners in the category of best Holiday 2012 commercials.
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The practical gift rules for 2012
The economy has made 2012 the year of practical holiday gift. Steve Potisk has more on that along with how Microsoft's Windows 8 and PC sales may not be a winning combination and how online retailers customize prices to individual customers.
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Research In Reverse. Bye Bye Blackberry
Andrew O'Day looks at the first quarter of contraction in the history of the Blackberry, the criticism of Apple Maps turn out to be on track, and Instagram's privacy policy does an about-face.
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Market texts 'meh' after merger and economic news
Andrew O'Day says strong readings of GDP, housing and Philadelphia manufacturing fail to spark a rally as traders head for the Hamptons. ICE promises NYSE's floor trading tradition won't be swept away. And one industry cashes in on the apocalypse.
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Home builder confidence is more than just talk
Andrew O'Day says Super Storm Sandy's slamming of housing apparently was only temporary. Try again: The White House says "No Deal!" to Boehner's Plan B. And a charity finds a half-billion new reasons to love Mark Zuckerburg.
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Obama and Boehner, Deal or No Deal?
Andrew O'Day tracks the back-and-forth between both sides in budget talks, Toyota gets tripped up by floor mats again, and 3-D movie rehashes are falling flat at the box office.
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McDonald's employees grimace at Christmas workday
Economic forecasters think 2013 will be slightly better than 2012. Andrew O'Day explores better cola taste through unpronounceable chemistry. And Ronald McDonald does his best "Bah, Humbug!"
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Temp job market heats up. Are permanent jobs next?
Andrew O'Day looks at a strong increase in hiring of temp workers, women are more stingy shoppers than men this holiday season, and Twinkies may move from one company known for strained labor issues to another.
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Google tries to stop accidental porn
Andrew O'Day says people searching online for smut will have to be more specific now that Google has changed its settings to make porn harder to find. Apple allows its mea culpa app -- Google Maps -- to return. And day or night, soon there will be no escaping Toys R Us.
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Predictions rise for a fall off the fiscal cliff
It's time to cue up the soundtrack to Thelma & Louise. Andrew O'Day looks at more indications we're getting close to the fiscal canyon's edge. The spirit is willing, but the wallet is weak for holiday shopping. And Microsoft tries to deepen a surface relationship.
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NFIB laments that we didn't throw the bums out
Andrew O'Day looks for optimism, but can't find any, in the latest National Federation of Independent Business optimism index. The film isn't even released yet, and already there's a battle involving hobbits.
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Holiday shopping season becomes silly season
Andrew O'Day gets red faced over Green Monday, another made-up holiday season shopping day. Chief financial officers predict a decent, although not robust, 2013. And novelty items making fun of the fiscal cliff find no one laughing.
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Move along. Nothing to see in this jobs report
Andrew O'Day explains why we should resist the urge to put too much credence in today's employment report; and after a half decade and a half-billion hits, Charlie is still biting our finger.
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Thanksgiving is dead, long Live Black Thursday
Andrew O'Day explores the total eclipse of the once great holiday, the former Thanksgiving. At Darden restaurants, labor scores a temporary victory against management over salad and breadsticks. Credits Shmedits! Zynga now wants you to bet with real money.
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Creative writing in Citi's job cut announcement
Andrew O'Day explores the latest example of creative corporate verbiage surrounding bad news, Sandy gets blamed for washing thousands of November jobs away, and Starbucks promises to find someplace for 1500 more coffeehouses.
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Abraham Lincoln, Automobile Pitchman
Andrew O'Day explores Wet Seal facing racism accusations, Hasbro is challenged to think outside the Easy Bake Oven box, and Lincoln goes uber-retro.
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Analysts blame stupid shows for TV ratings drop
TV ratings keep falling, car sales are rising, and text messaging turns 20: Hpy Bday 2 U!
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Economy riding on consumers and the fiscal cliff
Unless consumers come out for the holidays, there's a "non-trivial risk" that the economy won't grow at all this quarter, warns Tom Porcelli of RBC Capital Markets. And next quarter, if there's not fiscal cliff deal: "Recession. No one should delude themselves into thinking that a recession can be avoided if we go over the cliff."
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Black Friday couldn't save November for stores
Three-quarters of stores reporting November sales missed consensus targets, says Ken Perkins of Retail Metrics. Nearly all of them say Sandy was to blame.
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Naroff sees new home sales heading sideways
October's slight pullback and September's sharp downward revision leave new home sales at "essentially flat" levels for most of this year, says Joel Naroff, president of Naroff Economic Advisors, and well below what's needed.
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Distressed homes still weigh on market
The S&P Case Shiller Home Price Index rises for a sixth straight month, but the downturn was so deep, complete recovery remains elusive. Celia Chen, housing economist at Moody's Analytics joins Alisa Parenti in MarketWatch News Break.
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Fiscal cliff on BestBuy.com chief's mind
BestBuy.com president Scott Durchslag thinks Cyber Monday is going to be the site's biggest day of the year, but he's not worried that consumers will wrap up their shopping today. "I think we'll have a strong season as long as consumer confidence stays high," says Durchslag. If the fiscal cliff remains unresolved by December 25th, "then I'll start to worry."
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Shopper enthusiasm doesn't equal momentum
The NPD Group's Marshal Cohen pulled an all-nighter to talk to the Black Friday shoppers doing the same thing, and he finds them generally more optimistic and planning to spend more this year. But he cautions that the stores that got us to buy more, earlier, likely front-loaded their holiday sales.
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Toys 'R' Us preps for stretch beyond Black Friday
Retailers this year are up against a longer-than-usual break between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and analysts warn of a potential sales lull. "We aren't taking anything for granted," says Toys 'R' Us CEO Jerry Storch. "We're going to keep coming and coming and coming with more deals... all season long."
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High-priced fill-ups add up to record gas spending
Falling gas prices are providing some relief to Thanksgiving travelers, compared to what we've been paying all year. Tom Kloza of the Oil Price Information Service says this will be a record year for gas spending.
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It's springtime for builder confidence
Buyers are getting serious, and that's giving home-builder confidence a major boost. The National Association of Home Builders' David Crowe talks about why builders are in their best mood since spring of 2006.
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Mortgage exec willing to let mortgage deduction go
Fiscal cliff? More like a tumor, says MarketWatch columnist Rex Nutting. And as the White House opens talks with congressional leaders, Residential Finance Corp.'s Barry Habib says the popular mortgage interest deduction should definitely be on the table.
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Sandy gives NY, NJ a temporary foreclosure break
In New York, foreclosure activity shot up more than 120% in October compared to the same month last year. In New Jersey, foreclosures jumped 140%. But RealtyTrac says these results are not typical. And it expects Sandy will slow foreclosures in the Northeast, for a time.
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Sandy shifting shopper priorities, says survey
Sandy helped some retailers, and hurt others as the storm swept through the northeast in October. And Britt Beemer of America's Research Group thinks the storm's devastation will be seen in the holiday sales data as well, with stores in the hard-hit areas losing "15, 18, 19 percent" of their Christmas sales.
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Rising home prices lift Home Depot sales
Ken Perkins of Retail Metrics is impressed and encouraged by Home Depot's third quarter earnings, in part because of the reason for the company's strong results. Perkins says rising home prices that have been so good for Home Depot are good for most types of retailers.
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Earlier start to Black Friday bargains
Better eat early on Thanksgiving Day because retailers are moving Black Friday back into Thursday. Retail consultant Howard Davidowitz tells Joan Doniger there are two reasons: the weak economy and the growth of online shopping.
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Sandy seen as overall boon to housing comeback
As Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac suspends foreclosures in Sandy's disaster areas, IHS Global Insight economist Patrick Newport says recovery efforts should enhance the overall housing recovery.
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Weekly jobs data could see Sandy impact for weeks
Because of Sandy's impact, it could be a few weeks before jobless claims report is a reliable economic gauge, says economist Gus Faucher of PNC Financial. More reliable is the September trade gap, which Faucher says contains good news that's "a little bit surprising."
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Pawlenty expects fiscal cliff will be averted
Congress is likely to act to avert the fiscal cliff now that "the walls of reality are closing in" says former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R), CEO of the Financial Services Roundtable. Pawlenty, in a wide-ranging conversation with MarketWatch reporter Ron Orol, says the potential impacts are dramatic, but he thinks "the contours of a grand bargain are within reach."
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Markets wonder if our leaders will show leadership
The election has eliminated one uncertainty: Who will lead us. But now Wall Street is worried about whether our elected officials will manage to lead us away from the fiscal cliff, says Paul Pagnato of HighTower.
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LPL says Wall Street is voting for status quo
Despite a late surge in "Republican-favored" sectors like coal, LPL Financial's Wall Street Election Poll Index indicates the election will end with same parties controlling the White House and Congress. And LPL's Jeff Kleintop says that means "the real fighting's about to begin in Washington."
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Wall Street's September surprise might help Obama
Presidential election-related number crunching from Ryan Detrick of Schaeffer's Investment Research: The Monday before Election Day is usually good for the Dow. A GOP win usually results in a day-after stock win. And the stock market's September highs might give the incumbent something to cheer about.
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Listen to Campaigning for Any Job in the Land
President Obama and GOP challenger Mitt Romney are not the only ones looking for employment. So too are thousands of Americans. In this special report, MarketWatch Radio talked to real Americans about their job market challenges on the eve of the Election.
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Brusca: Politicizing jobs report is for fools
"Only a fool" would think that the October jobs report is election fodder, says economist Bob Brusca of Fact and Opinion Economics. The good is the jobs growth, the bad, he says, is the drop in hours worked.
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Ken Perkins: Retailers can recoup lost Sandy sales
Sandy arrived too late to have much impact on October retail, says Ken Perkins of Retail Metrics. November could be rough, says Perkins, but stores have a good chance of recovering sales lost to storm damage and closures.
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Market trading a sign: 'We'll get through this'
The fact that Wall Street is open for business is "amazing" and a sign that "we'll get through this," says Kevin Kern of Advisors Capital Management. Kern says Wall Street is trading on the corporate and economic news, not on the destruction that surrounds it.
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S&P: Sandy's impact on housing? Could take weeks
It may take "another few weeks" before we know how badly Sandy has hurt the housing market. So says David Blitzer at S&P Indices. He talks with Tracy Johnke after the release of the latest Case-Shiller home price report.
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'Eye of the storm' for traveler help firm
Cranky Concierge, a company that assists air travelers, is in the "eye of the storm" right now, waiting for the next round of flight cancellations. Brett Snyder advises passengers to be patient, and take advantage of the airlines' offer to reschedule at no charge.
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Look for wealthy donors to give more
A Bank of America study on high net worth giving bodes well for non-profits. Claire Costello of US Trust reviews the findings with Alisa Parenti in MarketWatch News Break.
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Naroff: Fiscal cliff still depressing GDP
The U.S. economy grew two percent in the third quarter, a little better than expected, but Joel Naroff, President of Naroff Economic Advisors, says it could be better still, if Congress can work out a deal to avoid the "fiscal cliff."
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Lender deal damps foreclosure activity: RealtyTrac
A look at foreclosure activity in the nation's largest metro areas is starting to show declines. RealtyTrac's Daren Blomquist tells MarketWatch Radio's Joan Doniger that part of the reason is a settlement deal with big lenders.
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Small business owners more optimistic
New research from the Principal Financial Group finds a majority of small business owners are looking for improving conditions over the next year. Principal's Amy Friedrich reviews the findings with Alisa Parenti in MarketWatch News Break.
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Borrowers not taking the low interest rate bait
The Federal Reserve's recent pledge to keep interest rates low until mid-2015 is having little impact on people's inclination to borrow, says Bankrate.com's senior financial analyst Greg McBride. He talks with Joan Doniger in MarketWatch News Break.
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McDonald's stock slides after sales miss
What are the larger investing implications after McDonald's rare quarterly miss? Hilary Kramer of Game Changer Stocks joins Alisa Parenti in MarketWatch News Break.
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McDonald's earnings disappointing, not disasterous
The Monopoly promotion has gotten tired, says BurgerBusiness.Com editor Scott Hume, and McDonald's needs to bring some excitement back into its brand. Still, he tells Alisa Parenti, the earnings miss comes after a very long winning streak.
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Newsweek magazine folds -- who's next?
Print media analyst John Morton weighs in on word that after 80 years, Newsweek magazine will no longer exist outside the virtual world. He joins Alisa Parenti in MarketWatch News Break.
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Housing party is just getting started
PNC Financial Services Group chief economist Stuart Hoffman takes a look at the housing starts and permits gains with Alisa Parenti in MarketWatch News Break.
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Retailers predict 4% holiday spending hike
The National Retail Federation expects spending to tick higher to $586.1 billion this holiday season. NRF's Kathy Grannis joins Alisa Parenti to review this year's new spending trends.
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Listen to NAHB's David Crowe on builder report
Home builders are feeling slightly more confident about their business prospects. The chief economist at the NAHB, David Crowe, breaks down the results with Alisa Parenti in MarketWatch News Break.
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Internet and car sales boost retail figures
Retail sales numbers beat expectations, according to Burt Flickinger, managing director and retail consultant at Strategic Resource Group, but he tells Alisa Parenti that consumer electronics may be a troubled category moving forward.
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Hear JPM's Dimon on housing, QE3, fiscal cliff
Before he jumped on J.P. Morgan Chase's third-quarter conference call, CEO Jamie Dimon said the housing market has turned the corner. Hear what else he has to say about housing, mortgages, QE3 and the fiscal cliff in excerpts from JP Morgan's call with analysts.
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Foreclosures fall to 5-year low
Foreclosure activity returned to 2007 levels in September and the third quarter. RealtyTrac's Daren Blomquist says the drop masks trouble spots where activity is surging, but he also says we are unlikely to see a return to the bad old days on a national level.
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Walmart and Toys 'R' Us try being more selective
Janney Montgomery Scott finds signs that Walmart is trying again to lure more upscale customers. Separately, Toy's 'R' Us is opening its holiday pop-up stores inside some Macy's stores this year. The key to success in both ventures, says retail consultant Howard Davidowitz, is being selective.
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Small businesses pare back hiring plans
After a "nice" bounce in August, small business hiring plans fell off in September, says the National Federation of Independent Business. But more confidence about future business conditions kept NFIB's small business optimism index from falling off as well.
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Bluebird not going to replace banking: Bert Ely
Walmart and AmEx's new Bluebird prepaid cards will be accepted everywhere that take American Express. That, says banking consultant Bert Ely, is a potential disadvantage. "It's amazing how many locations do not accept American Express cards," he says.
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Jobless rate down due to new hires, not dropouts
The drop in September's unemployment rate checks out, says Wells Fargo's chief economist John Silvia. This time, the Labor Department's survey found people were working, not leaving the labor force.
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Challenger sees "quite benign" layoff picture
The layoff picture has turned "quite benign," says John Challenger. The head of Challenger Gray and Christmas tells John Wordock companies aren't going through "bloodletting" like they were a few years ago.
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Surge in homeowners giving refis a try
Refinance applications shot up to a 3.5 year high last week. The Mortgage Bankers Association's Mike Fratantoni talks what's behind the rush to refi, and whether it makes sense for you to give it a try.
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When is Ford like Apple?
When there is a major product refresh in the works. Just as Apple complained of slower iPhone sales ahead of the iPhone 5 release, Michelle Krebs of Edmunds.com says Ford sales flattened amid the 2013 Ford Fusion's debut.
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'Maybe we shouldn't get too excited' about ISM
Wall Street is greeting the ISM manufacturing index with too much enthusiasm, says Mark Vitner of Wells Fargo. He has "a sneaking suspicion" that the new orders' role in the improvement may be exaggerated.
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'Hard for the U.S. to be an island' as world slows
A weak Chicago manufacturing report and a warning of weakness at McDonald's contributes to Wall Street's troubles at month's and quarter's end, says Paul Nolte of Dearborn Partners.
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Jobless claims drop trumps 'old news' GDP
Markets are weighing better jobs data against a "disappointing" final look at the second quarter GDP - and going with the jobs, says S&P's deputy chief economist Beth Ann Bovino.
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New home sales fall from 2-year high
Never mind the August pullback in new home sales. The long-term trend is still positive, says PNC Financial Group's Gus Faucher. He expects new home sales to rise for the rest of this year and throughout next year.
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Real gauge of housing's health still to come
Maureen Maitland of Standard & Poor's sounds a note of caution about the improved Case-Shiller home price index. Four months of home price gains is a "good trend," but they will prove that housing is recovering only if the trend continues into the fall.
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Facebook and Apple lose friends on Wall Street
Investors are being less friendly to Apple and Facebook. Zephyr Management's Jim Awad says one is being hit by profit-taking, the other, by questions about its worth.
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iPhone 5 launch more for fans than profiteers
The launch of a new iPhone has become an annual social and even an "emotional" event for Apple's fans, says the Envisioneering Group's Richard Doherty. But he says the lines for the iPhone 5 appear to be shorter than usual - because of the simultaneous launch in 8 other countries.
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Philadelphia Fed finds gloom now, hope for later
Philadelphia-area manufacturing has now been in contraction mode for five straight months. But the Philadelphia Fed survey's key finding is the change in outlook, says Joel Naroff of Naroff Economic Advisors. There's a surge in optimism about the future.
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Existing home sales take off in August
"Those numbers were off the charts," says Patrick Newport of the nearly 9% jump in August existing home sales. He says the best part about that and the home builders' outlook - is that they're improving without the aid of tax credits.
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Rising prices motivating home buyers
National Association of Home Builders' senior economist Robert Denk says members are feeling upbeat about more committed buyers, as opposed to those 'just looking.' He tells Alisa Parenti the housing market index is as high as it's been in six years.
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Gen Z disconnect on financial planning
Some red flags are popping up when it comes to financial planning among the country's young people. Carrie Braxdale of TD Ameritrade joins Alisa Parenti in MarketWatch News Break.
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Retail sales and inflation gains went into a tank
The August retail sales and consumer price reports smelled like gasoline. And like gasoline fumes, the high gas prices that lifted both will fade, says Stuart Hoffman of PNC Financial, leaving us with a "scrawny" economy that the Fed cannot save on its own.
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RealtyTrac sees foreclosure hot spots shifting
The foreclosure hot spots aren't disappearing. They're just moving. So finds RealtyTrac. Illinois is now tops for foreclosures, leaping over Florida and California. RealtyTrac's Daren Blomquist talks with Tracy Johnke.
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Apple keeping stock market earthbound
"People are fully expecting the Fed to make a move tomorrow that will boost the markets," says Phil Silverman of Kingsview Management, and the trend is positive. Apple, however, is keeping stocks from "shooting to the moon."
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NFIB: Small businesses can't shake recession mood
Small business optimism has improved for the first time in three months, says Bill Dunkelberg of the National Federation of Independent Business, but he's concerned that owners have been stuck in recession mode since the Great Recession officially ended.
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Ford adding 1,200 jobs in Mich.
Ford is assembling another shift at a Michigan plant that will become the U.S. home of the Fusion next year. And Ford's Mark Shields says it will need another 1,200 workers to build those vehicles.
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Porcelli: 'Unabashedly bad' jobs growth pushes Fed
The August jobs report is "unabashedly bad," says Tom Porcelli of RBC Capital Markets, even the drop in the unemployment rate. Porcelli also says the Fed was already inclined to act, "and I think this report certainly pushes them over the edge."
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Wall Street embraces the good in jobs and ECB news
Wall Street braced for bad news and got nothing but the good stuff from the ECB and jobs reports, says Hugh Johnson of Hugh Johnson Advisors. Johnson also says the Federal Reserve has got to be scratching its head and saying, "Do we need to do much more?"
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Lumia 920 focus on photos could win over consumers
Even though the Nokia Lumia 920 unveiling is getting a thumbs down from Wall Street, the phone's features - and potential price tag - give it a real chance with consumers, says Tecca's Michael Gray.
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Autos do well in August, but is that sustainable?
"August was a great month for the domestic automakers," but University of Maryland economist Peter Morici questions whether it's sustainable. He does say that Ford, GM and Chrysler do have an edge over other U.S. manufacturers: Their products provide an incentive to buy that most home appliances do not.
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Parsing Bernanke, no timetable for QE
Bob Brusca, Chief Economist at Fact & Opinion Economics, says the market was looking for more from Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke, but Brusca tells MarketWatch Radio's Joan Doninger that what they got in his Jackson Hole speech was "a day in the life of the Fed."
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Perkins sees "very good start" to school shopping
Call it retail therapy. Consumers may be worried about the economy. But they're hitting stores. A range of chains posted unexpectedly high gains. Ken Perkins from Retail Metrics talks to Joan Doniger about winners and losers.
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Blitzer sees 'significant turn' in housing market
The pattern is "clearly going upward," says David Blitzer, who oversees the Case-Shiller home-price index for Standard and Poor's. He tells the MarketWatch Radio Network that the housing market has taken a "fairly significant turn" thanks to the first year-over-year gains in home prices since 2006. What cities are coming back? And is your home's value about to climb again? Blitzer talks to Joan Doniger.
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Gas prices' big break not until after Labor Day
Many Americans will enjoy a three-day holiday weekend soon, but they are unlikely to enjoy a break in gas prices. However, Tom Kloza of the Oil Price Information Service says the weeks after Labor Day do give us something to look forward to.
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Consumer tech invasion at the office hurts H-P
Companies that encourage employees to BYOD - Bring Your Own Device - are hurting corporate sales at Hewlett-Packard and Dell, says Rob Enderle of the Enderle Group. And he says H-P is running into more trouble by trying to do it all.
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Hoffman: Housing's warming trend is getting hotter
After seeing July's existing home sales and prices improve over last year's levels, economist Stuart Hoffman of PNC Financial Services Group thinks "bigger gains" for both are in store for this fall.
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Jeffrey Sica: Look for selloff, soon
As investors await the next Fed meeting, and with looming disappointment in Europe, we may see Wall Street retreat from its winning ways, according to Jeffrey Sica of Sica Wealth Management. He talks with Alisa Parenti in MarketWatch News Break.
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Walmart gets into holiday spirit a month early
Walmart is starting its holiday layaway a month early this year. Why? Retail consultant Britt Beemer thinks Walmart has tight-fisted customers and free-spending presidential campaigns in mind.
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Fall shoppers looking for value more than price
An annual survey finds this year's back-to-school shopper is looking for good values rather than just deep discounts. Robert Passikoff, founder and president of Brand Keys, joins Alisa Parenti in MarketWatch News Break.
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Davidowitz sees no relief for retailers
Consumers are suffering, so retailing is going to continue to be bad, according to Howard Davidowitz, Davidowitz and Assoc., a national retail consulting and investment banking firm. He tells Alisa Parenti which retailers are doing well and why.
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Series of mishaps lead to pain at the pump
Explosions, fires and leaks at refineries have us paying more to fill up the tank. Phil Flynn, senior market analyst at Pricegroup in Chicago predicts how long the high prices will stick around. He joins Alisa Parenti in MarketWatch News Break.
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Retail sales just 'okay' compared to last year
July retail sales numbers may sound a cautionary note, according to Craig Johnson, at Customer Growth Partners. He says the big picture is not as great as you would think at first blush. He joins Alisa Parenti in MarketWatch News Break.
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