Feature

Best business commentary

Now is a good time to consider “how to protect your family, yourself, and your portfolio from the blahs,” says Linda Stern in Reuters. Oil’s sharp rise hasn’t “significantly impacted consumers’ wallets,” says Aleksandra Todorova in SmartMoney.com. “At lea

How to survive a recession

Now is a good time to consider “how to protect your family, yourself, and your portfolio from the blahs,” says Linda Stern in Reuters. The signs are “all pointing to the specter of a recession,” but even if its just “slow growth or stagnation,” as some predict, “that’s not much better, is it?” So sock away money in bank CDs and invest in companies that make “toilet paper and the other necessities of life” and those that pay dividends. Pay off your debt, and “diversify your ability to earn money” by taking “that Web design class” or starting “that eBay biz you’ve been thinking about.” As always, “spend less and save more.” And take heart: “you’re not giving up gratification, you’re just deferring it.”

How bad will $100-a-barrel feel?

Oil’s sharp rise hasn’t “significantly impacted consumers’ wallets,” says Aleksandra Todorova in SmartMoney.com. “At least not yet.” But as oil nears $100 a barrel, “consumers worry about what sort of hit” they’re in for. Refiners and gas stations have absorbed most of the increase so far. “But should the current price of oil be maintained—or go higher,” you can expect more than higher gas prices. Heating oil users will see a 25.6 percent annual hike. Airlines will raise fares, if they can. And if you planned “to save on gas by taking to the Internet” for your shopping, higher gas means higher shipping costs. Groceries will go up, too. If there’s a “silver lining,” it’s that merchants have already started cutting prices to stay competitive.

Recommended

The daily business briefing: June 8, 2023
New York City wreathed in hazardous wildfire smoke
Business briefing

The daily business briefing: June 8, 2023

Will Apple's $3,500 VR headset take off?
Vision Pro headset
Today's big question

Will Apple's $3,500 VR headset take off?

Why is Riyadh going it alone on oil cuts?
An illustrated image of oil rigs and oil barrels
Today's big question

Why is Riyadh going it alone on oil cuts?

Jamie Dimon 2024?
Jamie Dimon on Capitol Hill
Profile

Jamie Dimon 2024?

Most Popular

Ban the Bible?
Holy Bible.
Briefing

Ban the Bible?

What is Mike Pence thinking?
Former Vice President Mike Pence on a motorcycle
Talking point

What is Mike Pence thinking?

CNN CEO Chris Licht steps down
Chris Licht
so long

CNN CEO Chris Licht steps down