NPR Topics: Economy

For Firms That Cut Wages, Keeping Workers A Worry

The economic downturn forced many companies to seek extra ways to shrink costs: Some imposed furloughs or fewer work hours; others tried a straight wage reduction. Many of those companies are now c...

College Graduates Struggle To Repay Loans

The abysmal job market is making it hard for some to start making student loan payments, which come due this month for May graduates. A new law could ease the pain for some: It limits monthly payme...

Who Needs College, And Who Shouldn't Go?

Many parents and teachers view college as the natural path to success. But diplomas are getting more expensive, and many people succeed without a bachelor's degree. Guests address the value of a c...

Iffy Consumer Outlook Clouds Holiday Hiring

Each holiday season, thousands of people find temporary jobs helping retail companies meet the demands of the busiest shopping period of the year. This year, many companies are being cautious about...

Tax Credit Helps Boost Home Sales 10.1 Percent

Home resales far exceeded expectations last month, surging 10.1 percent to the highest level in 2 1/2 years as first-time buyers rushed to take advantage of an expiring tax credit. Sales rose to a ...

Undertaker Hopes To Revive Dying Kansas Town

Many small towns across rural America continue to see population declines. But the tiny town of Preston, Kan., is getting help from an unlikely source: An Arizona mortician who has set up shop ther...

Survey: Job Losses To Bottom Out In 1st Quarter

Economists expect the joblessness that has weighed down the nation's economic recovery will start to slowly abate in 2010, but they predict consumers will continue to keep a tight rein on spending,...

IMF Chief: Global Economy Still Fragile

The international economy is still fragile and vulnerable to shocks despite recent improvements in financial markets, the managing director of the International Monetary Fund said. Dominique Straus...

Charity Tries Texting To Make Up For Donations

Like many charities, donations are significantly down to the United Way in Charlotte, North Carolina. In June, it announced cuts to nearly every member agency. The problems have continued. Now the ...

Small Business Stays 'Attached' To Laid-Off Workers

A Charlotte, N.C., construction firm is among an increasing number of small companies trying a strategy that makes the firing process a bit gentler. It's called "attached unemployment," a kind of t...