Archive for May 16th, 2008

In these uncertain economic times, only the strong survive. These five companies generate a lot of cash and use it wisely, making them good bets in a rocky market.

I am not standing near enormous platters of shrimp and sushi under a tent at Lincoln Center. I am not listening to Maroon Five play while the stars of "Gossip Girl" glow and mingle. I am not at the annual television upfronts because, as you may have heard, they don't really exist any more. They are over, a relic of the past like drive-in movies or bolo ties or Cabbage Patch dolls.

A small-business business owner for president? These Libertarians are ready for the job.

Stocks slipped Friday morning, as oil and gas prices hit new all-time highs and consumer sentiment retreated, overshadowing any relief about a surprise jump in new home construction.

There's no question about it, a new breed of speculator is pouring money into the oil market and helping drive prices to record levels. What's less certain is if this new money is essential to a healthy market.

Initial construction of U.S. homes rose unexpectedly in April, but the all-important single-family housing start measure fell to another 17-year low, according to a government report released Friday.

Stocks were mixed early Friday, as any relief about a surprise jump in new home construction was countered by worries about inflation as oil and gas prices hit new records.

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