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4Q looking good for small, independent retailers
The latest retail sales report from the government augurs well for small and independent retailers for the fourth quarter, with one possible snag: the impact of trade tariffs.
Outlook for Maryland manufacturers trails
The percentage of manufacturing and distribution companies in Maryland who say they are doing well is about half of the national mark, according to a new survey. In the 2014 Manufacturing & Distribution Monitor by McGladrey, a CPA and consulting firm, 36 percent of such companies nationwide call themselves thriving, as opposed to 17 percent […]
Fed downgrades its outlook for U.S. economy
WASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve has a more downbeat outlook on the U.S. economy for 2013 and 2014 than it did three months ago. The Fed predicts that the economy will grow just 2 percent to 2.3 percent this year, down from its previous forecast in June of 2.3 percent to 2.6 percent growth. Next […]
Microsoft’s Outlook takes aim at Google’s Gmail
SAN FRANCISCO — Microsoft is so confident it has the Internet’s best email service that it is about to spend at least $30 million to send its message across the U.S. The barrage begins Tuesday when Microsoft’s twist on email, Outlook.com, escalates an assault on rival services from Google Inc., Yahoo Inc., AOL Inc. and […]
Wal-Mart 2Q profit rises 5.7 pct, raises outlook
NEW YORK — Wal-Mart Stores Inc. reported a 5.7 percent increase in second-quarter net income and raised its outlook for the full year as the world’s largest retailer continues to woo back frugal shoppers by re-emphasizing it has the lowest prices on everything from clothes to electronics. But Wal-Mart is seeing its momentum slow down […]
Under Armour lowers its projections for online sales
Under Armour Inc. executives said Tuesday they have lowered projections for online sales for the year as the Baltimore-based sports apparel company continues to have difficulty converting site visits to dollars.
Summer job outlook on shore is promising
OCEAN CITY — Lower Shore residents looking to earn a few extra bucks this summer may be in luck, as this year’s job outlook is promising. Leighton Moore, owner of Seacrets in Ocean City, said the number of people he’s hiring for the season is hovering around 500, which is average. “Our hiring numbers dropped […]
Economy grew modest 2.8 pct. in Q4, best in 2011
WASHINGTON — The U.S. economy grew at a 2.8 percent annual rate in the final three months of last year, the fastest growth in 2011. Americans spent more on cars and trucks, and companies restocked their shelves at the strongest pace in nearly two years. But growth in the October-December quarter — and all of […]
McCormick & Co. 4Q net income falls, revenue up
Spice maker McCormick & Co.’s net income dipped 1 percent in its fiscal fourth quarter, weighed down by transaction costs related to an acquisition and joint venture. The Sparks-based company also gave a 2012 earnings outlook Thursday that is below analysts’ expectations, as it foresees the weak economy and rising costs continuing to pressure its […]
Fitch keeps AAA US credit rating but dims outlook
WASHINGTON — Fitch says it will keep its rating for long-term U.S. debt at the top AAA level, despite a congressional panel’s failure to agree on long-term deficit cuts. But it is lowering its outlook to negative. The rating agency says it has less confidence in the federal government’s ability to take the necessary steps […]
Carmakers show off in Frankfurt but outlook dims
FRANKFURT — The world’s carmakers showed off the next generation of cleaner, smaller, and higher-mileage vehicles at the Frankfurt auto show Tuesday, but all the thumping sounds systems, slick videos and glossy concept cars could not obscure the anxiety about Europe’s financial crisis. The industry’s fortunes have largely turned around since a recession emerged from […]
Wal-Mart, Home Depot boost profit outlooks
NEW YORK — Consumers may not be confident, but the stores that sell to them certainly seem to be. Wal-Mart and Home Depot, two of the nation’s largest retailers and bellwethers of the U.S. economy, on Tuesday joined a string of other merchants that have boosted their profit outlooks for the year despite a flow […]
