Monthly Archives: September 2011

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Pending sales of existing U.S. homes fell less than expected in August despite rock-bottom mortgage rates, underscoring the difficulties policymakers face in helping the struggling housing sector. The National Association of Realtors said on Thursday that its … Continue reading →

BERLIN – Germany kept alive hopes that the 17-nation euro currency can survive the sprawling debt crisis when lawmakers in Europe’s largest economy voted overwhelmingly on Thursday in favor of expanding the powers of the eurozone’s bailout fund. The vote … Continue reading →

WASHINGTON – Fixed mortgage rates have fallen to historic new lows for a fourth straight week and are likely to fall further. The average on a 30-year fixed mortgage fell to 4.01 percent from 4.09 percent this week, Freddie Mac … Continue reading →

In sheer mathematical terms, it looks like an emphatic victory. On Sep. 29, the Bundestag – Germany’s Parliament – voted overwhelmingly to approve expanded powers for the European Union’s bailout fund. The final tally showed 523 members of parliament voted … Continue reading →

WASHINGTON – The economy is showing signs of modest improvement — not enough to reduce high unemployment but enough to ease fears that another recession might be near. Fewer people applied for unemployment benefits last week, though some of that … Continue reading →

(Reuters) – The rock-bottom price of the new Kindle Fire tablet computer is raising questions about Amazon.com Inc’s ability to keep up with demand and the device’s effect on the company’s already razor-thin profit margins. Amazon’s billionaire Chief Executive Jeff … Continue reading →

CHARLOTTE (Reuters) – Bank of America Corp plans to charge customers who use their debit cards to make purchases a $5 monthly fee beginning early next year, joining other banks scrambling for new sources of revenue. U.S. banks have been … Continue reading →