The 'Ask Your Uncle' Approach To Economics
The Beige Book — a big, official report — is mostly a bunch of stories gathered by talking to businesses around the country.
Economy
Congress Debates Taking A Step Back From The Mortgage Market
Lawmakers are trying to figure out how to scale back the outsize role that mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac play in the housing market. A bipartisan Senate proposal would replace Fannie and Freddie with a scaled-down program, while a Republican House proposal would go even further.
Market Mood Improves After Bernanke Remarks
Stock and bond markets reacted positively to Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke's remarks on the economy Wednesday morning. Bernanke was on Capitol Hill delivering the Fed's twice yearly update on the economy and Fed policy before the House Financial Services Committee.
Rising Interest Rates Worry Banking Industry
Five years after the start of the financial crisis, the U.S. banking industry continues to earn strong profits. On Tuesday, Goldman Sachs became the latest big bank to report better than expected earnings. But rising interest rates mean a riskier environment for banks.
Use The Books, Fans: 'Star Wars' Franchise Thrives In Print
More than 200 novels, the Star Wars' book series spans 25,000 years, from the beginning of the Jedi Order to 40 years beyond where the original trilogy left off. According to The Wall Street Journal's Alexandra Alter, the books help keep fans interested between movies.
When Employees Need More Than An Advance On Their Paycheck
Some companies offer employees one-on-one financial counseling. The service can be revealing.
How Hackers Tapped Into My Cellphone For Less Than $300
A group of good guy hackers showed us how they can listen in on phone conversations and read text messages of Verizon customers simply by using inexpensive store bought technology.
Triad Hostess Fans Get First Batch of Twinkies & Cakes
They are back! Hostess brands are officially on the market this week. Some Triad residents are excited about getting one of the first batches of Twinkies in eight months.
Winston-Salem Company Is One of the Best Places to Work For Those Over 50
A Winston-Salem company is getting some national recognition. The Industries for the Blind received an award Wednesday for being one of the best employers for workers over the age of 50.