economy

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The number of people seeking U.S. unemployment benefits increased last week after falling sharply two weeks ago. Despite the rise, the level of applications remains near pre-recession levels, a sign that hiring will likely remain healthy.

When it comes to hiring and spending, optimism among chief executives at some of the nation's largest companies is down.

It officially ended five years ago, but the Great Recession appears to have instilled a permanent sense of fear and pessimism in the minds of the American public.

Janet Yellen has won credit for guiding the Federal Reserve's first six months of transition from the Ben Bernanke era. Bernanke's Fed had steered the economy through a deep crisis by slashing interest rates and restoring confidence in banks. Yellen has so far carried on his approach with barely a hiccup.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Economists have long argued that a rising wealth gap has complicated the U.S. rebound from the Great Recession.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A sixth straight month of solid 200,000-plus job growth in July reinforced growing evidence that the U.S. economy is accelerating after five years of sluggish expansion.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The U.S. unemployment rate has plunged since the start of last year to a five-year low of 6.1 percent. And the July jobs report being released Friday will likely show a sixth straight month of healthy 200,000-plus gains.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A private survey shows that businesses hired at a healthy pace in July, though the job gains slowed from the previous month.

New Jersey's chief economist is leaving his job next month to take a position as a resident scholar at Ramapo College.

The weekend seems to fly by, and employees often find themselves wishing for one more day off. Studies are finding that having more time off from work can increase productivity in workers.