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Latest Dispatches
Recent posts in this blog
The index rebounds back above 10,000 as material and energy stocks gain. Investors bet that the European Central Bank's president has a plan to address Greece's debt.
Posted by TheStreet Staff on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 8:51 AM
The blue-chip average closes below 10,000 for the first time since early November. Wall Street turns bearish amid concerns about European deficits.
Posted by TheStreet Staff on Monday, February 8, 2010 5:25 PM
Shares of both stocks jump on the results.
Posted by Elizabeth Strott on Monday, February 8, 2010 12:09 PM
Fallout from European sovereign debt persists. Bank stocks are hit. Home Depot, CVS Caremark top earnings expectations.
Posted by Elizabeth Strott on Monday, February 8, 2010 9:51 AM
Leaders from Group of Seven nations meet to allay investors' concerns about sovereign debt in Europe. Oil and gold prices climb as the dollar loses value.
Posted by TheStreet Staff on Monday, February 8, 2010 8:50 AM
European sovereign debt and a weak job market will likely pressure stocks. Investors prepare for new data on consumer sentiment and retail sales.
Posted by TheStreet Staff on Friday, February 5, 2010 7:28 PM
Stocks recover late after spending most of day in the red amid worries about sovereign debt in Europe and mounting job losses. Crude oil falls as gold prices and the dollar rise.
Posted by TheStreet Staff on Friday, February 5, 2010 12:24 PM
The economy sheds 20,000 jobs, but unemployment falls to 9.7% as more people stop looking for work. Toyota president apologizes.
Posted by Elizabeth Strott on Friday, February 5, 2010 10:12 AM
NYC's Smith & Wollensky will allow diners to pay for meals with a company stake.
Posted by Elizabeth Strott on Friday, February 5, 2010 9:55 AM
A lawsuit is filed against the company for deceptive advertising.
Posted by Elizabeth Strott on Friday, February 5, 2010 9:16 AM
Stock futures are mixed after the unemployment rate falls despite increased job losses. Foreign stocks decline amid concerns about sovereign debt.
Posted by TheStreet Staff on Friday, February 5, 2010 8:57 AM
Stocks sell off after initial jobless claims unexpectedly rise. Widening deficits in Europe cause commodity stocks to fall and the dollar to gain. With video reports.
Posted by TheStreet Staff on Thursday, February 4, 2010 5:30 PM
And his departure tweet is a haiku. With video updates.
Posted by Elizabeth Strott on Thursday, February 4, 2010 1:29 PM
Macy's and Abercrombie top expectations, but Target and Walgreen miss.
Posted by Elizabeth Strott on Thursday, February 4, 2010 12:20 PM
A Japanese news service says the automaker will recall about 270,000 Prius vehicles in Japan and the US.
Posted by Elizabeth Strott on Thursday, February 4, 2010 10:29 AM
First-time jobless claims hit the highest level since mid-December. Worries rise about European government defaults. With CNBC video updates.
Posted by Elizabeth Strott on Thursday, February 4, 2010 10:00 AM
New jobless claims increase unexpectedly as Wall Street braces for data on factory orders and productivity. Activision, Conway and Sunoco will report quarterly results.
Posted by TheStreet Staff on Thursday, February 4, 2010 8:59 AM
Only the Nasdaq finishes higher -- by a point -- despite service-sector growth and fewer private-sector job losses than expected in January.
Posted by TheStreet Staff on Wednesday, February 3, 2010 5:53 PM
Transportation secretary backtracks and says owners should take recalled cars in for a fix.
Posted by Elizabeth Strott on Wednesday, February 3, 2010 12:27 PM
The drug giant also gives weak guidance for 2010.
Posted by Elizabeth Strott on Wednesday, February 3, 2010 11:15 AM
Investors weigh new signs that the economy struggles to gain traction. Services grew slightly in January. Pfizer disappoints.
Posted by Elizabeth Strott on Wednesday, February 3, 2010 9:41 AM
New data from the Institute for Supply Management is expected to show growth in the service industry. ADP says the U.S. lost 22,000 jobs in January, down from 84,000 in December.
Posted by TheStreet Staff on Wednesday, February 3, 2010 9:03 AM
The Dow and S&P 500 climb after Ford reports strong January sales and UPS beats earnings expectations.
Posted by TheStreet Staff on Tuesday, February 2, 2010 5:24 PM
The Internet search giant plans to open a store for online business software.
Posted by Elizabeth Strott on Tuesday, February 2, 2010 10:45 AM
January was a solid month for automakers, with sales coming in ahead of year-ago levels.
Posted by Elizabeth Strott on Tuesday, February 2, 2010 10:12 AM
Pending home sales rise. D.R. Horton posts its 1st profit in nearly 3 years. UPS sees shipments picking up in 2010.
Posted by Elizabeth Strott on Tuesday, February 2, 2010 9:40 AM
The billionaire investor wants a 37% stake in the company.
Posted by Elizabeth Strott on Tuesday, February 2, 2010 9:26 AM
The network will air more than 60 spots in Sunday's game.
Posted by Elizabeth Strott on Tuesday, February 2, 2010 9:20 AM
Wall Street expects pending-home sales to have increased in December after dropping in November. Kraft, UPS, MetLife and Archer Daniels will report quarterly results today.
Posted by TheStreet Staff on Tuesday, February 2, 2010 9:07 AM
The Dow and S&P rise after a manufacturing index increases more than expected, stoking investor optimism. Exxon Mobil's quarterly results beat analysts' estimates.
Posted by TheStreet Staff on Monday, February 1, 2010 5:23 PM
Smart Spending
Recent posts in this blog
Karl Rabeder has traded unbridled luxury for life in a two-room flat.
Posted by Karen Datko on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 8:15 PM
Expect more mobile coupons as retailers seek to reach phone-addicted millennials.
Posted by Teresa Mears on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 6:32 PM
The co-founder of Seventh Generation says detergent is often unnecessary. She does a test.
Posted by Karen Datko on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 4:56 PM
Survey shows fewer companies believe employees will have enough money for retirement.
Posted by Teresa Mears on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 3:41 PM
Card issuers are supposed to consider a person's ability to pay before they issue a new card. But what does that really mean?
Posted by Karen Datko on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 1:13 PM
Here's how the IRS picks tax returns to examine more closely.
Posted by Karen Datko on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 9:41 AM
Organic markets have been cutting prices. Should you buy?
Posted by Karen Datko on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 8:48 AM
A guide to using your coupon without demonstrating to the server that you're stupid or cheap.
Posted by Karen Datko on Monday, February 8, 2010 4:55 PM
For most homeowners, insulation gives you the best bang for your buck, but you might want to start with an energy audit.
Posted by Teresa Mears on Monday, February 8, 2010 4:20 PM
Looking for online love by Valentine's Day? How to avoid getting ripped off.
Posted by Karen Datko on Monday, February 8, 2010 11:32 AM
Millions of people will overpay to file their taxes this year. Don't be one of them.
Posted by Stacy Johnson on Monday, February 8, 2010 11:09 AM
A poll is one thing, but what are your thoughts?
Posted by Karen Datko on Monday, February 8, 2010 9:24 AM
New voluntary program gives a bigger employee discount to those who meet certain health criteria.
Posted by Karen Datko on Friday, February 5, 2010 6:01 PM
Pizza, wings and a chance to cover up men without pants.
Posted by Teresa Mears on Friday, February 5, 2010 1:42 PM
Deciding among sales, discounts and deals isn't always about the price.
Posted by Karen Datko on Friday, February 5, 2010 12:31 PM
Do it right or pay the price.
Posted by DonnaFreedman on Friday, February 5, 2010 12:26 PM
One of the frustrating things about money is that our goals are often years away.
Posted by Karen Datko on Friday, February 5, 2010 11:27 AM
The company is taking a beating right now, but the recalled cars will likely regain value.
Posted by Karen Datko on Thursday, February 4, 2010 7:59 PM
Heinz introduces larger, easier-to-use package, plus makes health-related improvements to its products.
Posted by Teresa Mears on Thursday, February 4, 2010 7:09 PM
Prices begin to make up some lost ground, and sellers are acknowledging the long road back to 'normal.'
Posted by Karen Datko on Thursday, February 4, 2010 5:28 PM
Consumer Reports tastes 37 ground coffee blends and isn't overwhelmed with the results.
Posted by Karen Datko on Thursday, February 4, 2010 3:16 PM
Trent's friend says she eschews frugality because she 'wants to have a life.'
Posted by Karen Datko on Thursday, February 4, 2010 1:02 PM
The restaurant chain again uses Super Bowl ads to launch its hugely successful Grand Slam breakfast giveaway. With video reports.
Posted by Teresa Mears on Thursday, February 4, 2010 12:56 PM
Slumping hotels are offering guests freebies and discounted rooms.
Posted by Karen Datko on Thursday, February 4, 2010 10:53 AM
The average salary cost per pound of the Saints' starting defensive line and other fun facts.
Posted by Karen Datko on Wednesday, February 3, 2010 8:22 PM
New Coke Mini can cost a lot more than a regular-size can. Still, maybe having the option of a smaller size is progress.
Posted by Teresa Mears on Wednesday, February 3, 2010 4:34 PM
Bundle shows how shoppers across the country are spending -- and saving -- on food.
Posted by Janet Paskin on Wednesday, February 3, 2010 3:39 PM
Scammers claiming to be from the Better Business Bureau are ripping people off.
Posted by Karen Datko on Wednesday, February 3, 2010 1:52 PM
Cheap seats clock in at $1,500. Read these tips before you buy.
Posted by Karen Datko on Wednesday, February 3, 2010 11:43 AM
Some rules of house-sitting etiquette and tips for finding locations and clients.
Posted by Karen Datko on Wednesday, February 3, 2010 10:46 AM
Top Stocks
Recent posts in this blog
Growth in Disney's TV unit fueled fourth-quarter earnings, beating analysts' estimates.
Posted by TheStreet Staff on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 6:55 PM
Inventories were down in December, calming fears about the strength of the recovery.
Posted by Jim J. Jubak on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 3:52 PM
1 has posted an 18% increase this year, while the S&P 500 Index has fallen 5%.
Posted by TheStreet Staff on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 3:07 PM
The Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue hits newsstands today, and readers aren't the only ones excited about its debut.
Posted by InvestorPlace on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 2:17 PM
The list shows confidence in the consumer. Homebuilders also get some love.
Posted by Kim Peterson on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 2:05 PM
The beverage company's fourth-quarter profit rises 55%, boosted by sales in China and India.
Posted by TheStreet Staff on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 1:59 PM
The US Treasury loses its entire $2.33 billion TARP investment in CIT Group -- the largest TARP loss to date.
Posted by TheStreet Staff on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 1:29 PM
Stocks have become playthings for forces that have nothing to do with fundamentals or prospects.
Posted by Jim Cramer on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 8:17 AM
The coffee king is taking a page from the Tea Party focusing on grass roots and local tastes. The strategy is working.
Posted by Jamie Dlugosch on Monday, February 8, 2010 6:37 PM
Evidence suggests the economic recovery is gaining traction.
Posted by Anthony Mirhaydari on Monday, February 8, 2010 6:15 PM
Are the euro's troubles and China's lending problems tied up in the same crisis? Whatever the answer, the US is still the wild card.
Posted by Jim J. Jubak on Monday, February 8, 2010 4:52 PM
Central bank actions in India could pull the banking sector down. This may be a time to jump in.
Posted by Jim J. Jubak on Monday, February 8, 2010 4:21 PM
Controversial banking exec John Thain to lead struggling lender CIT Group. Do two wrongs make a right here?
Posted by Kim Peterson on Monday, February 8, 2010 2:39 PM
Investors could easily double their money in 2010 as this global battle for customers and profits takes shape.
Posted by InvestorPlace on Monday, February 8, 2010 2:22 PM
The e-book leader will likely add a color screen to its Kindle to make it the device to beat, analyst says.
Posted by TheStreet Staff on Monday, February 8, 2010 12:35 PM
The future of cocoa looks tasty, even in a recession.
Posted by InvestorPlace on Monday, February 8, 2010 11:23 AM
Remember, this is 2010 -- any confidence will be undermined.
Posted by Jim Cramer on Monday, February 8, 2010 9:11 AM
The market is not reacting to the numbers from the economy, positive earnings or job numbers but by the hot air spewing from Washington. In this time of uncertainty maybe Robert Stovall's Super Bowl indicator is the answer.
Posted by Jim Van Meerten on Sunday, February 7, 2010 3:03 PM
Despite the market's bearish turn, most of the successful investment gurus I keep an eye on aren't turning away from equities.
Posted by John Reese on Friday, February 5, 2010 4:59 PM
Do your homework before investing in the highly popular Berkshire Hathaway B shares.
Posted by TheStreet Staff on Friday, February 5, 2010 4:45 PM
Having recently emerged from bankruptcy, the maker of auto parts is poised to capitalize.
Posted by Jamie Dlugosch on Friday, February 5, 2010 3:17 PM
Here's a look at how Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner has dealt with the challenges he faced when his tenure began.
Posted by TheStreet Staff on Friday, February 5, 2010 3:14 PM
The future of the metal is being debated.
Posted by Minyanville on Friday, February 5, 2010 3:04 PM
Chief executive James Keyes plans to save the video-rental chain by focusing on digital initiatives and kiosk expansion.
Posted by TheStreet Staff on Friday, February 5, 2010 2:03 PM
A third publisher calls for a new pricing model -- one that removes any advantage Amazon had.
Posted by Kim Peterson on Friday, February 5, 2010 1:50 PM
The company's president apologizes for the global recalls of other models and annouces quality-control efforts.
Posted by TheStreet Staff on Friday, February 5, 2010 1:09 PM
What's the better bet? The paper of Spain or the paper of UPS, which just raised its dividend?
Posted by Jim Cramer on Friday, February 5, 2010 7:58 AM
Credit bears push government debt risk to levels not seen since last April.
Posted by Anthony Mirhaydari on Thursday, February 4, 2010 5:49 PM
A reporting 'glitch' could revise previous payroll data dramatically lower -- to the tune of more than 820,000 jobs 'lost.'
Posted by Louis Navellier on Thursday, February 4, 2010 2:28 PM
Yes, the latest unemployment numbers are disappointing. But other economic indicators show a recovery on track.
Posted by Jim J. Jubak on Thursday, February 4, 2010 2:20 PM
Currency Center
Recent posts in this blog
Negative economic news takes a toll.
Posted by MSN Money on Monday, November 2, 2009 9:34 PM
The United States economy might not be doing so well, but local economies are fighting back.
Posted by MSN Money on Monday, November 2, 2009 9:30 PM
The mighty U.S. dollar has tumbled over the past five years and is likely to keep falling. Here's how it could change your life.
Posted by MSN Money on Monday, November 2, 2009 9:27 PM
Or francs. Or pounds. Whatever protection you gain by investing outside the U.S., you get that much more by investing outside the dollar.
Posted by MSN Money on Monday, November 2, 2009 9:22 PM
zzzz
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Recent posts in this blog
Video: The U.S. government quietly agreed not to collect billions of dollars in potential taxes from Citigroup.
Posted by MSN Money on Thursday, December 17, 2009 6:35 PM
Smart Taxes
Recent posts in this blog
An interactive tool lets you see how tax rates and spending have changed in the past 70 years.
Posted by Kay Bell on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 1:02 PM
We put 4 popular tax preparation services to the test. Find out which one is best for you.
Posted by TheStreet Staff on Monday, February 8, 2010 1:49 PM
When it comes to small-business taxes, you have to pay the piper. But there are ways to delay the big bill.
Posted by TheStreet Staff on Monday, February 8, 2010 1:39 PM
Combining tax-free home rental with charitable donation is a win for both you and your favorite cause.
Posted by Jeff Schnepper on Monday, February 8, 2010 11:49 AM
Add up deductions, credits for children, a few other credits and soon you're up to $79,000 in tax-free income.
Posted by Jeff Schnepper on Friday, February 5, 2010 11:40 AM
If other states follow Oregon's lead, federal tax changes could make hikes doubly painful.
Posted by Teresa Mears on Thursday, February 4, 2010 12:00 PM
Lawyer went all the way to Tax Court with attempt to write off prostitutes and porn as medical deductions.
Posted by Jeff Schnepper on Wednesday, February 3, 2010 11:47 AM
Obama wants to retain or expand many tax credits, reinstate estate tax.
Posted by Kay Bell on Tuesday, February 2, 2010 12:31 PM
There's no estate tax on the books for 2010, but that situation probably won't last long.
Posted by TheStreet Staff on Monday, February 1, 2010 6:01 PM
Instead of getting a tax refund, you can keep the money to use during the year.
Posted by Jeff Schnepper on Monday, February 1, 2010 12:20 PM
Congress gives taxpayers a choice of taking deduction in 2009 or 2010 but you have to itemize.
Posted by Jeff Schnepper on Friday, January 29, 2010 12:19 PM
Value assigned to reward points is low, plus you have to pay a fee.
Posted by Kay Bell on Thursday, January 28, 2010 12:08 PM
Previous fraud prompts IRS to require paper documents to claim home buyer tax credit, which will delay refunds.
Posted by Jeff Schnepper on Wednesday, January 27, 2010 1:12 PM
Feds say player owes $2.2 million in back taxes and penalties; he sues and says the agency has treated him badly.
Posted by Teresa Mears on Tuesday, January 26, 2010 12:58 PM
Anybody who earned wages needs to file this form, or risk paying too much in taxes.
Posted by Jeff Schnepper on Monday, January 25, 2010 11:45 AM
Agency produces informational videos to explain tax issues to public.
Posted by Teresa Mears on Friday, January 22, 2010 12:48 PM
Reform proposals would give agency significant responsibility.
Posted by Jeff Schnepper on Friday, January 22, 2010 12:41 PM
Congress passes bill that would allow Americans to deduct contributions to Haiti relief efforts from 2009 taxes.
Posted by TheStreet Staff on Thursday, January 21, 2010 7:07 PM
The agency plans to look through the books of 6,000 companies over 3 years.
Posted by TheStreet Staff on Thursday, January 21, 2010 5:42 PM
Poor customer service hurts ability to collect taxes, taxpayer advocate says.
Posted by Teresa Mears on Thursday, January 21, 2010 11:12 AM
Installation of some improvements is included, but for other upgrades, you get credit only for material.
Posted by Jeff Schnepper on Wednesday, January 20, 2010 12:36 PM
Proposal would allow contributions to be deducted on 2009 returns.
Posted by Kay Bell on Tuesday, January 19, 2010 4:19 PM
New rules, which start next year, may help weed out the crooks.
Posted by Jeff Schnepper on Monday, January 18, 2010 11:28 AM
But the unlimited exclusion is likely to end this year, and the tax will stay alive.
Posted by Jeff Schnepper on Saturday, January 16, 2010 3:07 PM
This complex set of rules changes too often.
Posted by Jeff Schnepper on Saturday, January 16, 2010 2:45 PM
Tax code sounds boring, but it leads to mental Viagra.
Posted by Jeff Schnepper on Saturday, January 16, 2010 2:01 PM
Ruling could aid other students who want to deduct costs of getting MBA.
Posted by Teresa Mears on Friday, January 15, 2010 9:26 PM
Washington weighing proposals to increase taxes on wealthy.
Posted by Kay Bell on Friday, January 15, 2010 9:09 PM
Fund data provided by Morningstar, Inc. © 2009. All rights reserved.
StockScouter data provided by Gradient Analytics, Inc.
Quotes supplied by Interactive Data.
MSN Money's editorial goal is to provide a forum for personal finance and investment ideas. Our articles, columns, message board posts and other features should not be construed as investment advice, nor does their appearance imply an endorsement by Microsoft of any specific security or trading strategy. An investor's best course of action must be based on individual circumstances.
StockScouter data provided by Gradient Analytics, Inc.
Quotes supplied by Interactive Data.
MSN Money's editorial goal is to provide a forum for personal finance and investment ideas. Our articles, columns, message board posts and other features should not be construed as investment advice, nor does their appearance imply an endorsement by Microsoft of any specific security or trading strategy. An investor's best course of action must be based on individual circumstances.
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