Experts see US narrowly avoiding recession
Washington experts foresee the United States dodging a recession, though barely, as Bernanke warns of worsening downside risks and Paulson cautions on a slower growth pace amid a housing correction. Markets fell on renewed credit concerns even as trade deficit improved in December and 2007.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bernanke
Treasury
Henry M. Paulson Jr
Paulson
Wall Street
Dow Jones
Toy safety drive targets global toy makers standards
The Toy Industry Association and ANSI will unveil new proposed safety standards to audit toy factories in China the US and Europe. Factories would be rated Tier 1 to Tier 3 with Tier 3 default until audits are finished. A voluntary seal option may appear alongside stricter testing and lead reductions.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
San Francisco
Toy Industry Association
American National Standards Institute
China
U.S
Europe
Joan Lawrence
The
Toy Association
House
Senate
Nancy Nord
Americans reduce gasoline use amid higher prices
Los Angeles area workers switch to smaller transport and consolidate trips as gasoline costs rise. Experts note discretionary driving declines and long term conservation may outlast price spikes, with Californians cutting fuel use for six straight quarters and nationwide shifts toward fuel-efficient vehicles.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Los Angeles
James Eric Freedner
Beverly Hills
Freedner
Edward Leamer
University of California, Los Angeles
Anderson
Bruce Bullock
Maguire Energy Institute
Southern Methodist University
Cox School of Business
Dallas
California
Congressional Budget Office
Jumbo mortgage relief eyed as stimulus lifts loan caps
Washington homeowners eye rate relief as Bush stimulus raises jumbo loan caps to 729,750 for high cost regions. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will back larger loans, with HUD setting area medians to define limits. lenders warn details and timing remain uncertain as markets adjust.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Washington
Anna Galloway
Charles County
Galloway
Bush
Fannie Mae
Freddie Mac
Federal Housing Administration
Keith Gumbinger
HSH Associates
New Jersey
Department of Housing and Urban Development
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United States
Federal Reserve
Ben Bermanke
Toy Industry
Ucts Safety Commission
Toys R Us
McClatchy
Thomas & Friends
Federal Saving
Bum Caan
Ubeene
Third Federal
Thirdfederal.com
Mela
Carla
Vman
Prac
Whighoy Ly