12/4/2009
3 reasons 2010's economy looks iffy -- Signs of a recovery look promising in manufacturing, auto sales, real estate and other key sectors. But problems remain, and you should start protecting your portfolio now. (Source: MSN Money)

Near-Zero Rates Are Hurting the Economy -- Low rate expectations are pushing dollars abroad. That capital needs to stay here to grow businesses and create jobs. (Source: The Wall Street Journal)

Hyperinflation Is the Least of Our Worries -- Gold is hitting all-time highs amid growing fears of inflation. (Source: MarketWatch)

What Lurks on the Books of Banks -- Their profits have rebounded, but shaky home-equity and credit-card debt for starters could change that. (Source: BusinessWeek)

Did The Stimulus Stimulate? -- Yes, but tax cuts had the smallest bang for the buck. (Source: Forbes.com)

Word on the Street

A surprising drop in the unemployment rate and far fewer job losses last month was welcomed by investors. Figures published today by the Labor Department revealed that the economy lost only 11,000 jobs in November , far fewer than the 130,000 expected by most analysts. In a separate report, the Commerce Department said factory orders rose by 0.6% in October, analysts had expected orders to remain flat.

Breaking Down the Employment Data

When a drop in unemployment isn't all it seems

President Obama is expected to endorse the use of TARP funds for a jobs creation program . Obama has been evaluating a few different ideas, so this is not a definite course of action. Should TARP funds really be used for this type of program?

GM's Whitacre Names His Team - Executive shakeup continues with new heads of N. America and Europe, and Girsky as a key lieutenant. Lutz becomes advisor on design.

Christmas Comes Early for Cisco Systems - Perseverance has finally paid off for Cisco Systems (CSCO). The world's largest maker of networking equipment said it won about 89 percent of shares for its 19 billion-kroner ($3.38 billion) bid for Tandberg ASA and plans to complete the acquisition soon.

Let the fight commence.