GDP growth
The is growth of the U.S. economy still so slow and weak? One reason is that average American consumers account for the vast majority of the spending in the economy and they are still strapped.
Continue reading… “Why America’s economy stinks: Because business owners are greedier than ever”
The race between Apple’s iOSand Google’s Android appears as if the open-source mobile operating system is a clear winner. However, a closer look reveals other levels of competition not so clearly defined.
Continue reading… “iOS vs Android: Apple still leads with apps and profits”
Travel can affect a company’s bottom line.
A new study conducted by Oxford Economics and commissioned by the U.S. Travel Association has found businesses that continued to send employees on the road during the recession were more profitable than those that cut back on business travel.
Continue reading… “Cutting business travel hurts profits: Study”
Apple overshadows other mobile phone companies where it counts the most: profits.
The Apple iPad rules the tablet market and the iPhone is a popular among smartphone users, even though a panoply of devices running Google’s Android owns the majority of the smartphone market. We also know Research in Motion is in serious decline, and Nokia is struggling to reverse its slide through Windows Phones — a strategy set back at least temporarily as customers wait for Windows Phone 8, given that current Nokia smartphones won’t run Microsoft’s first serious version of Windows Phone.
Continue reading… “Apple rules the mobile market”
Many companies are skeptical about the long-term payoff of daily deals.
Daily deals become increasingly popular with consumers. But, there is conflicting information about whether such offers are worth it for businesses. For some, the payoff does not justify the payout even though others enjoy profits and new customers from the venture.
Continue reading… “Are daily deals worth it for the businesses?”
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.
Meanest major carrier – United Airlines
Last year was a good one for the airline industry, with U.S. airlines churning out the highest profits in more than a decade. With the exception of American Airlines, every major carrier turned in positive profits for the year.
In the 2011 Airline Quality Rating (AQR) report released on April 4, quality is up as well.
Continue reading… “Meanest Airlines in the U.S.”
A mechanical engineer working on a marine engine for Caterpillar in Friedrichsort Caterpillar near Kiel, northern Germany.
Why isn’t anyone hiring when corporate profits are up and stock prices are up?
Actually, many American companies are — just maybe not in your town. They’re hiring overseas, where sales are surging and the pipeline of orders is fat.
Continue reading… “U.S. Unemployment Remains High While U.S. Companies are Hiring Overseas”
Commuters stand in the doorways of a crowded local train as it leaves Churchgate railway station in Mumbai
Investment is needed to improve track, rolling stock and delivery times. At present passenger trains manage an average of 50 kph, while freight just 22 kph. Indian Railways has long been regarded as the backbone of the socioeconomic growth of India. The country has the world s fourth largest rail network and the second largest in Asia after China. Indian Railways has recently attracted immense global media and corporate attention due to its turnaround to profitability, and has been consistently recording buoyant growth rates over the last few years as India’s population continues to increase. According to India Railways, the cash surplus before dividend and net revenue were estimated by the government at US$6.17 billion and US$4.53 billion, for 2007-08 respectively. This places Indian Railways in a better position than many Fortune 500 companies.
It’s not all doom and gloom in the U.S. economy. Some products are bucking the recession and flying off store shelves.
Sales of chocolate and running shoes are up. Wine drinkers haven’t stopped sipping; they just seem to be choosing cheaper vintages.
Gold coins are selling like hot cakes. So are gardening seeds. Tanning products are piling up in shopping carts; maybe more people are finding color in a bottle than from sun-worshipping on a faraway beach.
Continue reading… “Some Products Flying Off Shelves Despite The Recession”
A survey by the American Legacy Foundation found that 25 percent of American smokers said that worrying about the economy made them smoke more every day.
Continue reading… “Worrying About Economy Causes Increase In Smoking”