J F KEEFER & ASSOCIATES
© March 2006 J F Keefer &
Associates
all rights reserved
Associates
all rights reserved
If you like our SIte, "Tell a Friend!"
NPR
NPR Topics: Business
Find the latest business news with reports on Wall Street, interest rates, banking, companies, and U.S. and world financial markets. Subscribe to the Business Story of the Day podcast.
Argentine Farmers Try To Weather Economic Woes
Until just a few months ago, farmers in Argentina were thriving like never before. Now, they are facing the pressures of a worsening international economy, as well as drought. Demand for crops is plummeting as costs for fertilizers, herbicides and other necessities have gone up.
The Art Of Convincing People To Buy In Rough Times
Advertising campaigns must adjust to the fact that people are more cautious about spending money right now. Romi Mahajan, chief marketing officer for the digital ad agency Ascentium, discusses how companies are revamping their strategies.
How On Earth Are Boutiques Surviving?
Every city has its specialty shops that raise eyebrows— even in good times — about how they can break even. We look at how these stores are faring now, when times are tough for everyone. Some owners are more optimistic than others.
Thrift Stores Boom While Other Shops Suffer
Used clothing stores are thriving in the tanking economy. Donna Speigle, owner of The Snooty Fox, which offers previously worn designer duds at a fraction of the original price, says sales are up 17 percent at her eight stores in the Cincinnati area.
iPhone Embraces Voice Recognition Technology
Google has updated its search function for Apple's iPhone to now include voice recognition software. This allows for spoken search queries without having to press any buttons. John Markoff, senior technology writer for The New York Times, talks about how to use the new software.
Cal State Schools May Slash Enrollment
The California State University system may cut student enrollment by 10,000 students because of a statewide budget cuts. Allison Jones, assistant vice chancellor of the California State University system, explains what the move could mean for current and future college students.
Farmers' Health Insurance: A Costly Row To Hoe
Many U.S. farmers struggle to meet their health care costs. A recent survey by the nonprofit Access Project says farmers pay twice as much as nonfarmers for insurance and out-of-pocket expenses. As small-business owners, they have few options and often buy insurance as individuals.
Companies Looking Everywhere To Cut Costs
As companies try to survive the rough economy, they are cutting costs. The person in charge of deciding where and how deeply to cut is often the chief financial officer. CFO Magazine recently interviewed more than 300 CFOs, and nearly half said they plan to lay off workers. Kate O'Sullivan, a writer with the magazine, tells Steve Inskeep that companies are also looking at hiring freezes and reductions in overtime.
Auto Industry Jitters Drive Down Stock Prices
Worry that the U.S. auto industry could collapse has added to recession jitters on Wall Street. The Dow Jones industrial average finished down nearly 430 points Wednesday, falling below the 8,000 mark — levels not seen since 2003.
Economy Continues Downward Spiral
The economic news just keeps getting worse. The stock market is at its lowest level in more than five years. The number of homes being built continues its downward spiral. Retailers are predicting a miserable holiday season. David Wessel, economics editor of The Wall Street Journal, tells Steve Inskeep he's watching for signs of deflation.
Airlines Looking To Unload Idle Planes
American, Continental and United Airlines are shopping around more than 270 old planes, Bloomberg News reports. These are less fuel-efficient models that have been pulled from their fleets. They're draining money because airlines have to pay hefty storage fees and still have to make lease payments. Credit snags have upended several deals. Continental is hopeful it can sell its old jets to airlines in Russia. Other promising markets include Africa and South America.
Falling Prices Point To A Struggling Economy
Economists say falling prices are a sign that the economy isn't doing well. Slowing consumer demand is behind the fall in oil prices, which are heading toward $50 a barrel. The government reported Wednesday that prices for consumer goods are eroding at a record pace. A short while ago, inflation seemed to be the danger. Economic policymakers now are fretting about deflation.
Retirees Watching Anxiously; Will GM Be Saved?
Detroit automakers have hundreds of thousands of retirees who are wondering what might happen if their former employers go bankrupt. Auto executives say without $25 billion in loans, they could be forced into bankruptcy.
Auto Bailout Debate Turns to Bankruptcy
U.S. automakers seem unlikely to secure $25 billion in emergency loans from Congress. But a new debate has emerged over the possibility of a planned or "pre-packaged" bankruptcy filing.
A Parts Firm Exec's View Of Car Industry Woes
Gregg Sherrill, chairman and CEO of the auto parts manufacturer Tenneco Inc. talks to Melissa Block about problems with the auto industry. His company has been hit hard by the financial problems of GM, Chrysler and Ford. He supports a bridge loan for the companies.
Newsfeed display by CaRP
Find the latest business news with reports on Wall Street, interest rates, banking, companies, and U.S. and world financial markets. Subscribe to the Business Story of the Day podcast.
Argentine Farmers Try To Weather Economic Woes
Until just a few months ago, farmers in Argentina were thriving like never before. Now, they are facing the pressures of a worsening international economy, as well as drought. Demand for crops is plummeting as costs for fertilizers, herbicides and other necessities have gone up.
The Art Of Convincing People To Buy In Rough Times
Advertising campaigns must adjust to the fact that people are more cautious about spending money right now. Romi Mahajan, chief marketing officer for the digital ad agency Ascentium, discusses how companies are revamping their strategies.
How On Earth Are Boutiques Surviving?
Every city has its specialty shops that raise eyebrows— even in good times — about how they can break even. We look at how these stores are faring now, when times are tough for everyone. Some owners are more optimistic than others.
Thrift Stores Boom While Other Shops Suffer
Used clothing stores are thriving in the tanking economy. Donna Speigle, owner of The Snooty Fox, which offers previously worn designer duds at a fraction of the original price, says sales are up 17 percent at her eight stores in the Cincinnati area.
iPhone Embraces Voice Recognition Technology
Google has updated its search function for Apple's iPhone to now include voice recognition software. This allows for spoken search queries without having to press any buttons. John Markoff, senior technology writer for The New York Times, talks about how to use the new software.
Cal State Schools May Slash Enrollment
The California State University system may cut student enrollment by 10,000 students because of a statewide budget cuts. Allison Jones, assistant vice chancellor of the California State University system, explains what the move could mean for current and future college students.
Farmers' Health Insurance: A Costly Row To Hoe
Many U.S. farmers struggle to meet their health care costs. A recent survey by the nonprofit Access Project says farmers pay twice as much as nonfarmers for insurance and out-of-pocket expenses. As small-business owners, they have few options and often buy insurance as individuals.
Companies Looking Everywhere To Cut Costs
As companies try to survive the rough economy, they are cutting costs. The person in charge of deciding where and how deeply to cut is often the chief financial officer. CFO Magazine recently interviewed more than 300 CFOs, and nearly half said they plan to lay off workers. Kate O'Sullivan, a writer with the magazine, tells Steve Inskeep that companies are also looking at hiring freezes and reductions in overtime.
Auto Industry Jitters Drive Down Stock Prices
Worry that the U.S. auto industry could collapse has added to recession jitters on Wall Street. The Dow Jones industrial average finished down nearly 430 points Wednesday, falling below the 8,000 mark — levels not seen since 2003.
Economy Continues Downward Spiral
The economic news just keeps getting worse. The stock market is at its lowest level in more than five years. The number of homes being built continues its downward spiral. Retailers are predicting a miserable holiday season. David Wessel, economics editor of The Wall Street Journal, tells Steve Inskeep he's watching for signs of deflation.
Airlines Looking To Unload Idle Planes
American, Continental and United Airlines are shopping around more than 270 old planes, Bloomberg News reports. These are less fuel-efficient models that have been pulled from their fleets. They're draining money because airlines have to pay hefty storage fees and still have to make lease payments. Credit snags have upended several deals. Continental is hopeful it can sell its old jets to airlines in Russia. Other promising markets include Africa and South America.
Falling Prices Point To A Struggling Economy
Economists say falling prices are a sign that the economy isn't doing well. Slowing consumer demand is behind the fall in oil prices, which are heading toward $50 a barrel. The government reported Wednesday that prices for consumer goods are eroding at a record pace. A short while ago, inflation seemed to be the danger. Economic policymakers now are fretting about deflation.
Retirees Watching Anxiously; Will GM Be Saved?
Detroit automakers have hundreds of thousands of retirees who are wondering what might happen if their former employers go bankrupt. Auto executives say without $25 billion in loans, they could be forced into bankruptcy.
Auto Bailout Debate Turns to Bankruptcy
U.S. automakers seem unlikely to secure $25 billion in emergency loans from Congress. But a new debate has emerged over the possibility of a planned or "pre-packaged" bankruptcy filing.
A Parts Firm Exec's View Of Car Industry Woes
Gregg Sherrill, chairman and CEO of the auto parts manufacturer Tenneco Inc. talks to Melissa Block about problems with the auto industry. His company has been hit hard by the financial problems of GM, Chrysler and Ford. He supports a bridge loan for the companies.
Newsfeed display by CaRP