US Economy

AP - The catering business isn't what economists would call "recession-proof." Luckily for J.W. Walton, most of his biggest clients are. More Info...  

Reuters - Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said on Monday that he was focused on getting economic stimulus payments to consumers quickly to boost the economy and had no interest in a second stimulus plan.

Reuters - The U.S. economy braked sharply in the first quarter, growing at its slowest pace in over five years as consumers curbed spending and jobs disappeared, a Reuters poll forecast. More Info...  

AP - Consumers struggling with high gas prices, rising food costs and falling home values have something new to worry about: Sharply rising electricity rates due to a surge in coal prices over the past year.

Reuters - Warren Buffett, the world's richest person, said on Monday the U.S. economy is in a recession that will be more severe than most people expect.

Reuters - Consumers, banks and financial companies are "slimming down" after a bloated era of easy credit, but face an extended period of fixing their finances, Pacific Investment Management Co said in a new report.

AP - Tax rebates will start going out today, earlier than previously announced. President Bush announced the change in schedule on Friday.