Home builder Habitat for Humanity now in eighth place
Habitat for Humanity, the philanthropy that builds housing for low-income families, is now the eighth-largest home builder in the U.S., says Builder Magazine. It’s ranked just behind Hovnanian Enterprises and ahead of Ryland Homes, two traditional for-profit builders.
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GM's sales in China outstrip sales in U.S.
General Motors’ car sales in China have for the first time surpassed those in the U.S. During the first half of this year, GM sold 1.21 million vehicles in China—a nearly 50 percent gain over last year—compared with 1.07 million sold in the U.S.
247Wallst.com
Target to roll out designer diapers
Beginning in mid-July, retailer Target will roll out an array of stylish diapers designed by Cynthia Rowley. The designer Pampers will feature pastels, stripes, madras, and ruffles, and will retail for $15.99 for a package of two dozen—about $6 pricier than a package of plain Pampers.
Associated Press
U.S. loses top spot as world's most competitive economy
For the first time in 17 years, the U.S. has lost the top spot as the world’s most competitive economy, as measured by Switzerland’s IMD business school. The U.S. slipped to No. 3, behind first-place Singapore and second-ranked Hong Kong. Only three European economies—Switzerland, Sweden, and Norway—made it into the top 10.
Bloomberg BusinessWeek
Sales of bottled water fall
Bottled water sales in the U.S. fell 2 percent in 2009 after falling 3.2 percent in 2008, says the Beverage Marketing Corp., a market-research firm.
MSNBC.com