LDSPro by Meridian - Your directory for LDS Businesses and Services

First Line News
- Business -
Friday, May 16, 2008

U.N.: World Economy on Thin Ice
The United Nations says the world economy is "teetering on the brink" of a severe downturn and will grow by only 1.8 percent in 2008. The U.N. blames the globe's dire situation on the decline of the U.S. housing and financial sectors.

The Dollar’s Short-Lived Comeback
The greenback has rebounded nicely from lows hit in April. But some currency experts don't expect it to last.

Consumers’ New Strategy: Buy Small
Shoppers have been lugging ever-larger products to their ever-bigger cars for years. Now, more of them are feeling so pinched by the sagging economy that they are embracing a new behavior: buying a little at a time.

Fliers Squeezed by Gov. Fees
As if high fuel prices aren't enough, airlines and passengers are getting pinched by rising taxes as the U.S. government demands a bigger piece of the pie.

Error Eliminates Fuel Charge on United
A clerical mistake temporarily cancels the airline's fuel surcharge, saving some customers as much as $130.

Retailers: Credit Card Fees Detrimental
Americans' increasing preference for paying with plastic has pitted retailers against credit card companies in a dispute over the cost of the billions of transactions.

IRS: Up To 350,000 Tax Rebate Checks Wrong
Up to 350,000 households aren't getting the $300 per child owed them as part of their economic stimulus rebate payments, the Internal Revenue Service said Thursday. The tax agency says taxpayer human error and computer glitches were responsible for the problem.

Bernanke: Banks Must Boost Risk Control
Commercial banks and other financial institutions need to beef up their ability to detect and protect themselves against risks like the credit and mortgage debacles, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said Thursday.

High Gas Prices Driving Up Scooter Sales
With the average price of gas closing in on $4 a gallon, many cash-strapped motorists are turning to fuel-stingy motor scooters and smaller motorcycles. Dealers across the nation report brisk sales this spring, particularly for those that get from 75-120 miles per gallon.

Memorial Day Driving to Drop
Motorist group sees first decrease in holiday travel since 2002, with Americans at a 'travel tipping point.'

Brazil Fertile with Promises for U.S. Farmers
Cheap land, long season create opportunity for growing corn, other crops.

How Tata is Making the World’s Cheapest Car
Indian automaker relies ingenuity and innovation to build 'people's car'.

One Laptop Per Child Teams Up with Microsoft
The One Laptop Per Child Foundation, of Cambridge, will next month start distributing a version of its XO laptop that will run Microsoft Corp.’s Windows operating system. While the move has long been expected, it represents a major shift for OLPC, which has relied on the free Linux operating system.

Three Ways to Bolster User Authentication
Many organizations are decreasing their reliance on user names and passwords for user authentication. They are also learning more about the benefits of deploying strong user authentication to increase the level of assurance for online identities as part of an overall approach to securing access to information and managing risk.

Banker Sees Rich Market in the Poor
Wizzit is a South African company that has garnered international attention for its creative approach to getting basic banking services to the world's poor.

Airlines Will Pack Planes Despite Fewer Fliers
Fewer Americans are expected to fly this summer, but don't expect more empty seats as carriers pack planes to help offset surging fuel costs.