Martin Crutsinger

Read the latest stories and analysis from Martin Crutsinger.

In this Friday, Nov. 23, 2012 photo, a cashier hands a customer his change and receipt during a transaction at a Sears store, in Henderson, Nev. Consumers spent and earned more in November, reflecting a rebound from the disruptions caused by Superstorm Sandy. The Commerce Department says, Friday, Dec. 21, 2012, consumer spending rose 0.4 percent compared with October. Personal income jumped 0.6 percent, the biggest gain in 11 months. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

Signs suggest better economy if ‘cliff’ is averted

Martin Crutsinger · December 21, 2012 10:01 pm

In this Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012 photo, a person exits a business with a "Closing Sale" sign, in Philadelphia. Confidence among U.S. consumers has sunk to its lowest point since July, according to a monthly index released Friday, Dec. 21, 2012. The University of Michigan says its consumer sentiment index for December fell to 72.9, a sharp drop from the November reading of 82.7. The November figure was a five-year high. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

A gauge of consumer confidence hits 5-month low

Martin Crutsinger · December 21, 2012 8:39 pm

US consumer spending rose 0.4 percent in November

Martin Crutsinger · December 21, 2012 2:29 pm

In this Friday, Nov. 23, 2012, photo, a man examines a row of washers and dryers while shopping at a Sears store in Henderson, Nev. U.S. companies increased their orders for long-lasting manufactured goods in November, with a second consecutive monthly gain in a key category that reflects businessesâ investment plans. The Commerce Department reported Friday, Dec. 21, 2012, that orders for durable goods rose a seasonally adjusted 0.7 percent in November, compared to October, when orders had risen 1.1 percent. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

US durable goods orders up 0.7 percent

Martin Crutsinger · December 21, 2012 2:21 pm

US economy grew at 3.1 percent in summer

Martin Crutsinger · December 20, 2012 6:03 pm

Measure of future US growth dips 0.2 percent

Martin Crutsinger · December 20, 2012 3:23 pm

In this Friday, July 13, 2012, photo, a container is loaded onto a ship from China at Massport's Conley Terminal in the port of Boston. The U.S. current account trade deficit narrowed in the July-September quarter to the smallest level since late 2010, but the improvement may not last. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)

US current account deficit fell in third quarter

Martin Crutsinger · December 18, 2012 10:12 pm

Economists forecasting moderate 2013 growth

Martin Crutsinger · December 17, 2012 1:49 pm

US manufacturing output rises 1.1 pct. in November

Martin Crutsinger · December 14, 2012 3:20 pm

A customer makes a purchase in the flagship Toys 'R' Us store in New York's Times Square in2012. The retailer, which filed for bankruptcy last year, is closing all its U.S. stores.

US retail sales rose 0.3 percent in November

Martin Crutsinger · December 13, 2012 2:42 pm

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke speaks during a news conference at the Federal Reserve Board in Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012, following the Federal Open Market Committee meeting. The Federal Reserve sent its clearest signal to date Wednesday that it will keep interest rates super-low to boost the U.S. economy even after the job market has improved significantly. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Fed links interest rates to 6.5 pct. unemployment

Martin Crutsinger · December 13, 2012 12:47 am

Fed projects high unemployment for next 3 years

Martin Crutsinger · December 12, 2012 9:49 pm