Martin Crutsinger

Read the latest stories and analysis from Martin Crutsinger.

FILE - This Dec. 18, 2013 file photo shows Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke listening to a question during a news conference at the Federal Reserve in Washington. Bernanke said Friday, factors that have kept the economy from accelerating appear to be abating and he foresees stronger growth in 2014. Bernanke said Americans' finances have improved and the outlook for home sales is brighter. He also expects less drag from federal spending cuts and tax increases. Combined, those factors bode well for U.S. economic growth in coming quarters. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)

Bernanke: 2014 could be better year for US economy

Martin Crutsinger · January 3, 2014 9:41 pm

In this Monday, Nov. 11, 2013 photo, a worker caulks the peak of a new condominium complex under construction in Pepper Pike, Ohio. The Commerce Department releases new home sales for November on Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2013. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

US sales of new homes slipped 2.1 percent in Nov.

Martin Crutsinger · December 24, 2013 8:12 pm

FILE - In this Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, file photo, Robert McCormick, 23, whose car is not big enough for a 60-inch HDTV he purchased from a Kmart store, talks on the phone while waiting for his father-in-law to bring his pickup truck in Anaheim, Calif. The Commerce Department releases the report on durable goods for November, on Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2013. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)

US durable goods orders jumped 3.5 pct. in Nov.

Martin Crutsinger · December 24, 2013 2:16 pm

FILE - This Jan 14, 2010 file photo shows the Federal Reserve Building in Washington. The Federal Reserve celebrates 100th birthday at a time of unprecedented global influence on Monday, Dec. 23, 2013. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

5 ways Fed’s influence has expanded over 100 years

Martin Crutsinger · December 23, 2013 11:50 pm

FILE - In this Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, file photo, a shopper holds her purchases while shopping at a Gap factory store at the Citadel Outlets in Los Angeles. The Commerce Department reports how much consumers spent and earned in November on Monday, Dec. 23, 2013. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)

US consumer spending rose 0.5 percent in November

Martin Crutsinger · December 23, 2013 5:00 am

In this Nov. 14, 2013, file photo, President Obama speaks at ArcelorMittal, a steel mill in Cleveland. The Commerce Department released its third-quarter growth rate Dec. 20 and found The t.S. economy grew at a solid 4.1 percent annual rate from July through September, the fastest pace since late 2011 and significantly higher than previously believed. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File)

US economy expands at 4.1 percent rate

Martin Crutsinger · December 20, 2013 5:00 am

Lew: Congress facing deadline to raise debt limit

Martin Crutsinger · December 19, 2013 9:48 pm

Gauge of economy’s health up 0.8 percent

Martin Crutsinger · December 19, 2013 3:47 pm

Bernanke to stay in Washington after leaving Fed

Martin Crutsinger · December 18, 2013 8:37 pm

Bernanke: Bad luck contributed to subpar recovery

Martin Crutsinger · December 18, 2013 8:26 pm

Ben Bernanke consulted Janet Yellen before vote on bond buys

Martin Crutsinger · December 18, 2013 8:04 pm

Bernanke: More cuts in bond buys likely next year

Martin Crutsinger · December 18, 2013 7:54 pm