Searching for trickle-down profits
Corporate America’s profits rose 29.2 percent in 2010, the fastest growth in more than 50 years. While the return to profitability has resulted in hefty raises for many CEOs, the improved results have yet to trickle down to most employees.
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China posts quarterly trade deficit
China posted its first quarterly trade deficit in seven years as the cost of imported commodities offset gains from exports. The first-quarter excess of imports over exports amounted to $1.02 billion. China is still expected to post a trade surplus for the full year.
The Wall Street Journal
Consumers borrow to finance cars
Consumer borrowing rose by $7.6 billion, or 3.8 percent, in February, despite a 4.1 percent decline in credit-card debt. A 7.7 percent surge in car loans accounted for the entire increase.
USA Today
Life expectancy and age of retirement
Since 1971, the life expectancy of the average 65-year-old in the developed world has increased by four to five years. Over the same period, the average retirement age has fallen to 63, almost a full year lower than in 1970.
The Economist
Money in hedge funds nears all-time high
Investors poured $22 billion into hedge funds in March, the biggest inflow in more than a year. The industry now has a hefty $2.5 trillion under management, just a shade below its all-time high reached in 2008.
SmartMoney.com
Bing makes headway over Google
Microsoft’s Bing has gained 30.01 percent of the U.S. search market, slightly denting Google’s lead.
Los Angeles Times