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EconNews Online is South-Western's service to provide summaries of the latest economics news stories. Review the brief summaries and, for stories of interest, select the full summary. |
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Iran subsidizes its citizens' gasoline consumption, such that the price paid by consumers is only 1/5th the actual market price. But now it's considering not only removing the subsidy, but also rationing gasoline consumption. Why? Because while Iran has lots of oil, it's missing that middle step between crude oil and gasoline - refining capacity. (Updated April, 2007) |
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Despite people’s vehement dislike of direct mail, the annoying fliers work. Or, at least, they used to. (Updated December, 2005) |
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Since the early 1970s, the percentage of Americans who smoked has fallen from 37 percent to 22.5%; during the same period, the percentage of Americans over the age of 20 who are considered obese has increased from 14% to 30%. Is there a connection? (Updated September, 2005) |
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Costco is the largest warehouse retailer, with almost 50% of the market, compared with Sam's Club 40% market share. Costco's profit last year was $882 million, up 22% from the previous year. How does it do it and keep it going? (Updated September, 2005) |
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SBC Communications has announced a move to lower the price of broadband Internet access for only $14.95 a month, sharply undercutting competitors, and putting it below the cost of some dialup plans. The move is putting significant pressure on competitors to follow suit and lower prices. (Updated August 2005) |
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Some state governments are considering imposing a tax on a number of cosmetic surgery procedures, from face-lifts to liposuction to Botox injections. This has drawn protests from plastic surgeons who argue that they will be adversely affected by such a tax. (Updated August, 2005) |
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The percentage of wireless-only households increased to 6% last year, an increase over the previous year. But the increase isn't as large or as dramatic as experts predicted it to be. (Updated August, 2005) |
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On the heels of the success of the disposable cameras, drugstore giant CVS Corporation is going to begin selling single-use, disposable digital camcorders. (Updated August 2005) |
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Global oil demand is expected by grow globally by 2 million barrels a day in 2005, but supply will grow by less than half that rate. (Updated July, 2005) |
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Tungsten prices worldwide have increased by over 100% since the beginning of 2005, rising from $9,000 per ton to about $22,000 per ton. What is tungsten? Why is its price increasing? (Updated June, 2005) |
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Even though the price of oil has increased more than 40% since last year, U.S. demand for gasoline has not shown any sign of abating. (Updated November, 2004) |
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For the first time in 4 years, Starbucks is raising its prices across is menu by 4-5%. The good thing - for Starbucks - is that most people probably won't care about the additional 10-15 cents that their treats will cost. (Updated October, 2004) |
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While some amusement
parks have increased their gate prices this year, they have also aggressively
discounted tickets by offering a variety of package and online discounts
to increase park attendance. (Updated August, 2004) |
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Business travel has
begun to pick up after a three-year lull, and with increased business travel
comes the end of discounts and travel packages designed to encourage people
to take vacations. (Updated August, 2004) |
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Recent studies demonstrate
that while U.S. citizens spend far more than any other country's citizens
on health care services - about 14% of GDP compared to 8% for other developed
nations - U.S. consumers receive fewer services and lower quality health
care in some health concerns. (Updated August, 2004) |
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Pharmaceutical giant
Abbott Laboratories has decided to increase the price of its drug Norvir,
a critical component in AIDS drug "cocktails," from $1500 annually
to $7800. Consumer and AIDS advocates argue that this is price gouging at
its most extreme. (Updated June, 2004) |
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Broadband access to
the Internet is growing more slowly as prices rise and discounts are reduced
in a sluggish economy. (Updated June 15, 2002) |
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Alcohol sales are growing
less than expected due to the recession. Consumers are drinking at home
more, and are buying cheaper bottles. Retailers and producers are stepping
up their promotional campaigns. (Updated January 15, 2002) |
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In the face of inadequate
Medicare payments, HMOs are leaving enrollees to pick up larger co-payments,
and are restricting coverage, such as for brand-name drugs. Long gone are
the days of free eyeglasses and health club memberships. (Updated November 1, 2001) |
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Airline travel has fallen
since September 11. Losses and layoffs abound. The European Commission would
like to see more airline consolidation, rather than huge subsidies. (Updated November 1, 2001) |
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Bargains abound for
tourists wishing to visit Great Britain. Foot and mouth disease has scared
many away, although it is harmless to humans and tourist sites are reopening.
(Updated July 1, 2001) |
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The economic slowdown
is resulting in curbs on business travel. Many companies are requiring their
employees to stay at lower-rated hotels. Such hotel chains are trying to
appeal to corporate clients by enhancing amenities. (Updated May 1, 2001) |
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House prices in the
Tampa Bay area are rising rapidly due to the booming economy, a growing
population, and concern about the availability of suitable housing in the
future. While house buyers are paying high prices now, there is uncertainty
about whether they will remain high. (Updated June 1, 2000) |
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The rising price of
home heating oil led President Clinton to release more federal aid to low-income
families in the Northeast. However, he declined to release oil from the
Strategic Petroleum Reserve. (Updated April 1, 2000) |
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Retailers saw sales
grow faster over the 1999 holiday season than in any December since 1992.
The gains were uneven, however, with moderate-price department stores performing
less well than high-end retailers, specialty retailers, and discount stores. (Updated February 1, 2000) |
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The price of managed
care plans is increasing. Employers are variously raising co-payments and
premiums, charging differential amounts for generic and name-brand drugs,
and changing plans. Some employees are affected more than others. (Updated January 1, 2000) |
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Louisiana has recently
banned video poker machines in many parishes, and South Carolina is putting
the issue to the voters. If video poker gambling survives, it will be limited
and taxed heavily, although jackpots will be allowed to increase. (Updated August 1, 1999) |
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Although nearly half
the households in the U.S. own a PC, December 1998 saw a massive PC sales
growth as prices tumbled. Retailers who sold budget computers fared better
than those who stayed in the mid-price market segment. (Updated March 1, 1999) |
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A government study indicates that increasing the price of cigarettes would cause some smokers to quit or to cut back. The effect would be greater among the young, minorities, and the poor. (Updated August 18, 1998) |
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