An American icon
Big pickup trucks have had a great ride but those days are over. Sales and profits for U.S. car companies are down. The big pickup truck is victim of rising fuel costs, a troubled economy and changing consumer tastes.
Continue reading… “The Big Pickup Truck – An End to an American Icon”
Most expensive city in the world – Toyko.
Americans might complain about the high cost of living, but overseas the U.S. dollar is even weaker. Find out where it buys the least.
Continue reading… “Top 10 Most Expensive Cities in the World 2011”
Weak economy increases demand for used cars.
In Indianapolis, Debra Neel went to check out used Jeeps when she left with a bad case of sticker shock.
Continue reading… “Prices Soar on Used Cars as Demand Skyrockets and Supply Plummets”
Danish residents have consistently rated themselves as the happiest in the world for years.
The question, which has been debated by philosophers for centuries, is “what makes people happy?” That question is now being tackled by international bureaucrats and the results are interesting, to say the least.
Continue reading… “Top 10 Happiest Countries in the World”
Americans tighten belts as they are squeezed by rising prices and stagnant wages.
Consumers are being squeezed on both sides by wages that aren’t increasing and rising prices. According to survey data by Goldman Sachs, the number of people who believe they will bring home more money one year from now is at its lowest in 25 years.
Continue reading… “Americans Pessimistic About Income Growth”
China’s working-age population has plateaued in size and will begin getting smaller.
The large labor force in China has been central to its rise as an economic power. It has allowed companies to tap a seemingly endless pool of workers willing to move from their home towns, often live at the factory site and accept comparatively low wages.
Continue reading… “China’s Workforce Will Start Shrinking in the Next Five Years”
Futurist Thomas Frey: The total number of governmental bodies in the U.S. is approaching a staggering number – 90,000. During normal economic times there is plenty of money to go around, but now every city, state, county, parish, township, and special taxing district is competing for the same tax dollars that the federal government is.
Continue reading… “A Country of 90,000 Governments”
32.4% of American adults participated in recreational boating in 2010
They didn’t have enough cash for a cruise to the Caribbean. They didn’t have the available credit on their credit card to charge a flight to Disney World.
But 75 millions of Americans during tough economic times the perfect little getaway in 2010: a weekend of boating.
Continue reading… “Record Number of Americans Participated in Recreational Boating in 2010”
The world’s largest retailer reported the eighth consecutive quarterly decline at its US stores.
Wal-Mart admits it has been struggling to persuade shoppers to buy much beyond the necessities, as rising food and gas bills hit the spending power of US consumers.
Futurist Thomas Frey: Consider the following scenario. Over the next few years, several major cities in the U.S. will begin to impose a ban on all new residential and commercial construction. With populations declining in numerous metro areas, they will worry openly about becoming the next Detroit with abandoned neighborhoods signaling a rapid decline in property values.
Continue reading… “Turmoil Ahead for Housing”
Health insurers propose double-digit increases in their rates, citing a need for protection against any sudden uptick in demand once people have more money to spend on their health.
Major health insurers in the U.S. are heading into a third year of record profits. Their earnings have been enriched in recent months by a lingering recessionary mind-set among Americans. Many who are postponing or forgoing medical care.
College graduates face a double digit unemployment rate.
Today’s college grads are the new underclass. They have been beaten down by heavy debt and lack of work. Many are struggling to stave off financial ruin.
Continue reading… “85% of Young People Return Home After Graduating From College”
By delving into the futuring techniques of Futurist Thomas Frey, you’ll embark on an enlightening journey.
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