Economy News

WTO’s Lamy Tells Negotiators to Push for Doha Deal

Members of the World Trade Organization are showing new energy and determination to reach a global trade deal but must now abandon fixed positions to clinch the agreement, the head of the WTO said on Tuesday. WTO Director-General Pascal Lamy …

Senate Expected to Pass Tax Cuts; House Democrats Balk at Estate Tax

President Barack Obama’s sweeping plan to extend expiring tax cuts for millions of Americans headed for overwhelming passage in the U.S. Senate on Wednesday as it moved through Congress. While the Senate neared a rare bipartisan vote on the bill …

Senate Passes Tax Cut Plan, 81-19

A deal that President Barack Obama struck with Republicans to extend expiring tax cuts for nearly every working American and spur job growth sailed through the U.S. Senate Wednesday. The Senate passed the legislation in a 81 to 19 vote. …

Outlook: South Carolina Economy to Improve Slowly in 2011

The South Carolina economy improved in 2010 and will continue to recover in 2011 with better job growth. But the improvement next year will happen slowly. Job growth is expected to increase to 1.2 percent in 2011 from 0.1 percent …

Missouri Health Plan Loses Enrollees

Enrollment in Missouri’s health care plan for state workers and retirees has fallen almost 5 percent after the state announced it was making budget-cutting changes that would result in higher out-of-pocket costs for participants. Beginning Jan. 1, the Missouri Consolidated …

UN Secretary General Urges Climate Agreement ‘Short of Perfect Deal’

Saying the health of the planet is at stake, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged 190 nations meeting in Mexico on Tuesday to agree to steps to fight climate change that fall short of a perfect deal. “We cannot let the …

Swiss Re’s Economic Forum Sees Continued Growth, Pressure and Risks

Swiss Re’s Economic Forum singled out three main factors that will continue to affect the re/insurance market in 2011. The Forum’s economists forecast “continued global economic expansion in 2011, led by emerging markets; insurers’ profitability will remain under pressure amid …

EU Will Back Russia’s WTO Entry

The European Union formally backed Russia’s bid to join the World Trade Organization on Tuesday, clearing the way for Moscow to join the body in 2011, after 17 years of trying. EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht and Russian Economic …

Ho-Ho-Holidays Can Be Problem for Small Businesses

The holiday season isn’t necessarily the most joyous time of the year for small businesses. Holiday parties and celebrations can turn unpleasant if employees or guests misbehave. Productivity can drop when employees are distracted by all the personal things, including …

Lawyer Malpractice Claims on the Rise

The economy has taken its toll on all businesses today and law firms are no exception. They have experienced downsizing, pressure to change specialties in order to compete for new business, and other cost cutting measures, according to industry insiders. …