Summer lull may hit Wall Street early this year Jun 16, 2009
And a prolonged decline in the dollar would further erode the buying power of consumers. As a result, investors will stay focused on how much demand Treasury auctions garner in the coming weeks. (MSNBC -- Business)
The Medicine Shoppe to Change Franchises Jun 16, 2009
"We think Health Mart has more to offer than the Medicine Shoppe. Health Mart provides a lot of buying power to customers and has more improved market visibility," Roger Helling said. He noted that many longtime residents will recognize the new name to mean the business is truly an independently owned pharmacy. (Missourian Publishing, MO)
A new world currency? Jun 16, 2009
That means that countries that are more productive generally see the value of their currency strengthen, which gives people who earn wages in that currency more buying power when they buy products priced in other, weaker currencies. This makes the Chinese proposal for unified currency somewhat ironic, given that for many years, China artificially suppressed the value of its currency, the yuan, to make its products more competitive when priced in other currencies. (MSNBC -- Business)
Bipartisan Jobs Bill Designed to Create New Jobs Jun 16, 2009
HUD Funds Provide Buying Power for Qualified Homebuyers to Purchase Foreclosed Homes ST. LOUIS (SLFP.com), June 7, 2009 - The Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) has begun administering a down payment assistance program through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP), which provides funds to purchase foreclosed property that will be used as the owner's principal residence ... "This program gives Missourians a significant amount of buying power to purchase foreclosed homes in... (Saint Louis Front Page)
Zero-percent investing? Jun 16, 2009
So while your earning power has disappeared, youre not losing buying power. In fact, youre still getting something of a break. (MSNBC -- Business)
Counterfeit or just fake? Jun 16, 2009
Hell, the dollar has lost 96% of its buying power since the Fed took control in 1913. On the other hand, gold is the one thing that IS a "store of value", which is why people who invested in gold are far, far ahead of those morons who invested in anything else over the long-term. (Asia Times Online)
Financial stocks pull US mkt higher Jun 5, 2009
A falling dollar can trigger inflation, hurting consumers' buying power. In other trading, the Russell 2000 index of smaller companies rose 8. (India Times)
Disbelief at Libraries Over Proposed Cuts Jun 5, 2009
It seeks to create efficiencies within the library network by providing a forum for exchanging information and ideas, promoting effective use of technology and leveraging buying power for membership libraries ... "We're going into the next year with the same amount from the town that we had last year. And the annual appeal, it's a wish every year. This year, I think we will make it-if don't, we'll be within $10,000, but, that said, we need it. We've already cut the budget by 8 percent and are... (Litchfield County Times, CT)
Miracles tolaugh at Jun 5, 2009
Well, to the latter I say, "Not any more! Hahaha!" and to the former I say, "The dollar index is just a measure of the relative monetary stupidity of governments and their central banks. If you want to know the future of the dollar in terms of its buying power, on the other hand, then look at the dollar-price of gold, you moron!". And on that golden note, Jim Willie of Goldenjackass. (Asia Times Online)
Energy Northwest considers more nuclear power Jun 4, 2009
The federal agency that sells electricity wholesale to public utilities in the region, Bonneville Power Administration, must follow the council s guidelines for buying power. BPA still owes roughly the full 6. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Fiesta Night a perfect fit for Bulldogs Jun 4, 2009
At stake: a piece of Hispanic buying power that is expected to total about $1. 2 trillion in the United States by 2012, according to the Selig Center for Economic Growth at the University of Georgia. (Fresno Bee)
Bernanke warns on deficits as interest rates rise Jun 4, 2009
Noting that tax increases can dampen a recovery by eroding consumer buying power, Bernanke suggested Congress must look closely at paring entitlement programs a politically explosive idea. Social Security and Medicare, he said, will rise to 12. (USA Today -- Money)
Lifetime Television Signs Agreement Providing Top-Rated Women's Network to New In-Car Entertainment Service, AT&T CruiseCast(SM) Jun 3, 2009
"Women's household buying power is a key selling point in the automotive industry. This deal perfectly complements our corporate strategy to make Lifetime Television available to our targeted audience across all platforms.". "Delivering the best programs to in-vehicle viewers of all ages is what the AT&T CruiseCast service strives to provide," said Steve Symonds, co-founder and executive vice president of RBC. "The content we have licensed from Lifetime includes some of the most popular programs... (PR Newswire)
GSA offers e-Buy to state and local governments Jun 3, 2009
E-Buy combines Web technology and the federal governments buying power to ensure state and local governments get the best value possible, said Paul Prouty, GSAs acting administrator. Using the new agreement, state and local customers can access and request quotations from pre-approved vendors that provide disaster recovery, information technology, and Homeland Security products and services under GSAs cooperative purchasing and disaster recovery purchasing programs. (FCW.com)
South Africa: Public Investment Body Approves India Telecoms Tie-Up Jun 3, 2009
They also cited the benefits of massive economies of scale for better buying power, and the ability to share best practices. Analyst Mike Davies of Eurasia said the complex exchange of cash and shares raised regulatory concern in both countries, but they were not likely to be enough to block the deal. (allAfrica.com)
Oil leads commodities recovery Jun 2, 2009
The trend will support higher commodity prices as producers push up export prices to protect their buying power. The rand has benefited from commodity strength and held onto recent gains yesterday as the exchange rate closed below R8 to the dollar. (Business Report, South Africa)
Hanover's Business of the Month interview: Kahian's ApplianceOne & HDTV Jun 2, 2009
Because we have $11 billion per year buying power, we can usually offer a lower price. Our average salesperson has more than 12 years experience in the appliance business. (Hanover Mariner, MA)
Strong foreign demand for Australian properties Jun 1, 2009
Purpose-built properties in choice locations in the inner city with a strong theme should sell well, he said, adding that developers needed to understand the buying power and needs of the community first before starting construction. PDG was the developer for the Milano Service and Artists apartments which were 70% sold before their construction. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Geithner headed to China (145) Jun 1, 2009
That shift would uncork enormous buying power and help rebalance world trade. It could hasten an end to the global recession and narrow America's huge trade gap because the Chinese would buy more American products. (Pocatello Idaho State Journal, ID)
Canadian Consumers Fed Up With Prices at the Pump Fight Back Jun 1, 2009
is the product of ordinary working people, who grew frustrated by their lack of buying power with fuel vendors ... "FuelTribe.ca allows consumers to use their collective buying power to negotiate a price reduction in their gasoline purchase" said Morgan Archer, FuelTribe's Membership Director ... Using annual buying power as leverage, FuelTribe will represent members interests by negotiating a reasonable discount at the pump. (Canada Newswire)
Tri-county 9-1-1 looking to help other agencies May 31, 2009
We could be an umbrella agency when it comes to upgrades for radios and computers and use our buying power to help other agencies, he said. Bradley was unable to give an accurate cost estimate because he is still in the early stages of taking an inventory stock of the different departments in the area. (Gaylord Herald Times, MI)
Buying abroad May 31, 2009
In markets like Brazil and India the increase in local buying power and an emerging middle class is propping up their property markets, says De Villiers. As more people get access to mortgages this trend will accelerate. (iAfrica.com)
Mayor, council vote to raise bidding amount May 29, 2009
Members of the city council said the $2,000 bid limit was too low, because inflation had reduced buying power so that such purchases became more routine over the years. Under the new policy, any purchase up to $5,000 will no longer have to be bid out to seek the best price among multiple vendors or products. (Keyser Mineral Daily News Tribune, WV)
South Africa: Central Bank Expected to Cut Rates May 28, 2009
Bank governor Tito Mboweni has defended the policy staunchly, saying inflation erodes the buying power of poor people. He and other MPC members have given the shrinking economy priority over a near-term deterioration in SA's inflation outlook. (allAfrica.com)
More looking for vacations costing less May 28, 2009
If you can afford overseas travel, said Leffel, the dollar's strengthened buying power plus airfare deals and bargain packages make Europe, Latin America and South Africa prime destinations this summer. "The luxury end is holding up fairly well," he said. (Fresno Bee -- Lifestyle)
South Africa: Probe on Collusion Welcome, Say Shoprite and Pick N Pay May 28, 2009
But finance director Dennis Cope pointed out that the supply chain in SA was so restricted that it significantly reduced the buying power of retailers. "It's very competitive out there and no one in the retail industry is a price setter . Certainly, negotiations with suppliers are extremely robust but there are few instances where a retailer could refuse to deal with a major supplier on the basis of price alone. "It should also be said that many suppliers have been hit by historic high input... (allAfrica.com)
Virtual cash, coming soon May 27, 2009
"There are currency implications, there are buying power implications, and there are payment provider implications," said Mike Trigg, vice president of marketing at social network Hi5, when asked in an interview about balancing the physical world's diverse economic systems. Hi5 launched a virtual currency called Hi5 Coins late last year. (CNN)
Public hospitals must reinvent themselves May 27, 2009
They must weigh the benefits of belonging to a large public network with its economies of scale and buying power with the nimbleness of private enterprises. Most of all, they must protect not only the bottom line, but the lives and health of those they serve. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Nevada guv vetoes domestic partners bill May 26, 2009
The casino giant pointed to an estimated $700 billion in buying power among potential lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender customers. The bill also had support from of the powerful Nevada Resort Association, and drew praise from the American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Idaho Latinos: Economic dynamo, political mystery May 26, 2009
Latino buying power in Idaho soared 11. 3 percent last year, faster than the purchasing power of Latinos nationwide and the state's non-Latino population, according to a new report from the Selig Center for Economic Growth at the University of Georgia. (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
Hispanic consumers are focus of 2 chains May 26, 2009
TUCSON - Two major retail chains looking to cash in on Spanish speakers are opening stores in Tucson - demonstrating the growing buying power of Hispanics, even during tough economic times. El Super, a Los Angeles-based grocer, and La Curacao, an electronics and appliance retailer that styles its stores to resemble Mayan and Aztec pyramids, are setting up at the Southgate Shopping Center. (AZCentral -- Business)
Bharti restarts MTN merger talks May 26, 2009
"There are some tangible benefits for both: bigger market exposure, access to innovative products and better buying power," said Khulekani Dlamini, a fund manager at Cape Town's Afena Capital. Bharti signed a sponsorship deal with England's Manchester United Football Club earlier this month. (BBC News -- South Asia)
Big Changes In Small Markets May 25, 2009
Bresnan got the benefit of TCIs buying power when it came to programming and equipment ... Its nice to know they have our back and we can take advantage of their buying power and technological prowess. (Multichannel News)
Art.view: Piling in May 24, 2009
The growing buying power of the Chinese, from Hong Kong, Taiwan and the mainland, means any object that was rare or enjoyed a good provenance had as many as six or eight buyers fighting over it. Lot after lot saw European buyers as underbidders as Chinese collectors were happy to top almost any price for something they particularly wanted. (The Economist)
America's Thrift to open Gardendale store May 23, 2009
We are able to make tremendous deals due to our buying power and footprint in the Southeast. Reader Comments. (Birmingham Business Journal, AL)
Startup Vital signs of a young regional company May 23, 2009
The product: A service that uses social networking to help consumers get lower prices on brands, products and services by creating buying power. Price: Consumers request offers for free. (OregonLive, OR -- Business)
Donate today to help the hungry May 23, 2009
Due to Second Harvests buying power and influence as part of our nations largest food bank, Americas Second Harvest, they can generate $9 in food for every $1 that is donated. $9. (Florida Today)
Domestic partnership law advocates gear up for Nevada governor's veto May 22, 2009
Jones said that Harrah's has targeted the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community for years, adding that it has an estimated $700 billion in buying power. She added the Las Vegas Visitor and Convention Authority markets to the same community. (KLAS-TV)
Hot Market: Orlando Home Sales Soaring May 22, 2009
"Orlando homebuyers are getting back into the market and taking advantage of the improved affordability," says ORRA President Les Simmonds, L.G. Simmonds Real Estate Corp. "Lower prices, record low interest rates, and a vast selection of homes give homebuyers increased buying power, making it an excellent time to buy a home. This is especially true for first-time buyers who are eligible for the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit.". The housing market has benefited from the depressed prices... (RealtyTimes)
Hispanic business booms May 21, 2009
Hispanics are the nation's fastest growing minority group, and according to a new study by market research company Packaged Facts, Hispanic buying power totaled more than $980 billion in 2008, and is expected to increase by 31 percent in the next five years. "If you look at statistics, Hispanic-owned businesses are growing three times faster than the national average, so I think there is a lot of potential," Giometti said. (Florida Today)
2 more co-ops drop out of coal plant group May 20, 2009
Miller said GreyStone would consider buying power from the plant, if and when it gets built. Dean Alford, a spokesman for Power4Georgians, said there s no doubt the plant will be built because of the demand for power. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Business)
Will Sensex touch 20,000 again by December? May 19, 2009
The government will not increase personal tax as it will greatly reduce the buying power of people, he added. According to brokers and fund managers, the key sectors to look forward are infrastructure (increased spending), realty (some financial support expected), banking and insurance (policy reforms expected), steel and cement. (India Times)
Chris Hobson: Watch energy legislation May 18, 2009
The buying power of a Georgia household could decline more than $2,000 annually. It's also estimated Georgia could have 120,000 fewer jobs as a result. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Retail Group expects weaker growth rate for retail sales for 2009 May 18, 2009
Sunway City Bhd property investment managing director Ngeow Voon Yean also agreed that buying power had contracted in the first quarter. While Sunway Pyramid still has a relatively high number of visitors, consumer spending has been softer in the first half, Ngeow said. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Houston mayor gets a big pay increase May 18, 2009
Marc wrote on May 17, 2009 4:01 AM:" I found an inflation calculator online. According to this calculator, $400.00 in 1975 had about the same buying power as $1,620.27 in 2009. Annual inflation over this period was about 4.2%.At 45 hours / week a $1500 per month salary works out to approximately $8.33 per hour salary. How many people who gripe about the increase in salary would work for $8.33 per hour? Well then if that is a hard pill to swallow, how about the approximate $2.22 per hour that the... (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Hunting for hits in Hollywood May 18, 2009
The recession, and an accompanying steep decline in advertising dollars, is expected to crimp their buying power. The networks are keeping tight-lipped on strategy, but CTV and Global acknowledge a different mood unfolding as broadcasters from around the world gather in Los Angeles to screen the new U.S. pilots. (Globe and Mail)
China's yuan to usurp $ as world's reserve currency... May 16, 2009
to stimulate the economy just mak 00004000 es the existing money have less value and less buying power, but does nothing in the long run. The USA importing, transportation, distributing and retail sales companies such as WalMart, Home Depot, NTB and etc. (The Drudge Report)
Electric Joe goes global, but buyers are just next door May 16, 2009
But Origin and AGL are so far clear of the pack in terms of buying power, it's not funny. For a start, they both have the home-town advantage, with huge operations across the country. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Lowprices could bring hangover May 16, 2009
But if it keeps up, and prices continue to fall, that boost in buying power comes with some nasty side effects, say economists. The government reported Friday that consumer prices fell over the past 12 months at the fastest rate since Dwight D. Eisenhower was president. (MSNBC -- Business)
Tenants hold upper hand on office leases May 16, 2009
David Carder, senior vice president at CB Richard Ellis, said that the overall cost of tenant improvements has dropped 15 percent to 20 percent, so the same allowance offered in the past few years is providing more buying power. Leasing activity has picked up in the past four to six weeks in pockets of east, northeast and southeast Mesa, said Marc Pierce, a principal in Lee iates Arizona. (AZCentral -- Business)
To All Ackal Whiners May 16, 2009
another round wrote on May 5, 2009 2:15 PM:" Ackal will ask for more money next year because he and his staff lack the skill and knowledge to manage a budget. The proof is right in front of all of you....he signed a contract with a private company to rid himself of the work release center he has convicted felons on the pay roll with buying power and no inventory policy and procedure to ensure things are not walking away. He spends money uselessly on phones, SUV's, and high salaries for his... (New Iberia, LA)
* Ma meets Nobel laureate Krugman to discuss economy May 15, 2009
If markets in the US and Europe cannot recover their buying power, Ma said, he would like to know how Asian countries reliant on US and European markets should rein in the negative impact. Krugmans response to Ma was not known as the meeting was closed to the press after Ma delivered his speech. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
Food Inc. Film Review May 15, 2009
These conglomerates also possess enough buying power to influence U.S. legislative policy to the disservice of the American consumer. divides a multitude of issues into chapters, such as how our packaged meats are processed to how corn crops are manipulated to how factory-raised animals and plant workers are mistreated. (Suite101.com)
Interop Las Vegas Survey Reflects an Increase in Technology Spending Among Attendees May 15, 2009
"Attendees at this year's Interop Las Vegas are anxious to learn about the incredible innovation in today's business technology market and have the buying power to invest in these solutions," said Lenny Heymann, GM of Interop. "The survey is a testament to Interop's commitment of connecting quality buyers with the leading providers of technology solutions, during an important time in the industry.". (PR Newswire)
Washington prisons want to deport illegal inmates May 14, 2009
Kranky in Kelso wrote on May 13, 2009 12:03 PM:" We need these people. In a free market, you need either new products or new buyers, or the market will stall. In America we don't really make anything anymore. I think the computer boom was the last real manufacturing push. We honestly sell almost nothing back to the world, but we buy almost everything offered us. We just store, sell, and repair. You can't always spend your money in certain markets, but who will take your place, so that prices and... (Longview Daily News, WA)
Continental hires business manager May 13, 2009
He added that a business manager will improve Continental s buying power, and will help the school network with other districts for cooperative purchases. He says the board has set aside 55,000 out of next year s projected budget for Wrice s salary package. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
Accused officer passes lie test May 13, 2009
In other action, City Attorney John Athey reporting on items that had been raised at the previous meeting said the council is within its rights to increase the minimum purchase amount for requiring formalized bids from the current $2,000 to $5,000, to reflect the effect of inflation on buying power. Athey also said the city can add a voluntary contribution check-off box to its water bills to benefit the parks department. (Keyser Mineral Daily News Tribune, WV)
Wall St pulls back after heady gains May 12, 2009
"However, the facts also indicate that some increased caution short term is in order and we advise investors to hold some buying power back to use during pullbacks.". Paul Nolte at Hinsdale Investments argued that "the equity markets seem to be well ahead of the economic data" with investors anticipating a recovery from recession. (India Times)
A Fifth of PC Software in United States is Pirated, Posing Challenges to High Tech Sector and Cyber Security May 12, 2009
"Reduced buying power is only one of many factors affecting software piracy," Gantz says. "The economic crisis will have an impact -- part of it negative, part of it positive -- but it may not become fully apparent until the 2009 figures come in.". (PR Newswire)
- oice: Saving self from banana republic (5) May 11, 2009
socrates wrote on May 10, 2009 6:35 PM:" rickvalenz and Carrico make their points.After the glorious and under-reported "Bankers Revolution" (my term) in 1913, our Republic began to hit the skids economically and has never recovered.Our representatives allowed Banks to issue "legal tender" _notes_ in return for gold coin deposits. So banks stole all gold deposited, to be seen by depositors no more. In 1932 our government outlawed the possession of gold bullion. So we, citizens, had to dutifully... (El Centro Imperial Valley Press, CA)
US jobless rate hits 26-year high May 9, 2009
"Hourly earnings growth did not add much to consumer buying power," said Patrick O'Hare at Briefing. com. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Time Warner Cable, Lifetime To Lift Lid On Women's Trends At Ad Sales Forum May 9, 2009
The discussion, based on the results of Lifetime Networks' proprietary "FemiNation Study," will offer insights into the viewing, shopping and relaxation habits, as well as buying power of women between the ages of 18 and 49. Practical suggestions on how to reach this powerful demographic will also be included as part of the presentation. (Multichannel News)
Consortium will offer savings on electricity May 9, 2009
But even with mass buying power, it doesnt mean customers will see a drop in their bills compared to this year. This program is going to level the playing field and pretty much keep you where you are now, explained Michelle Crowley, president of the Greater Carlisle Area Chamber. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Yikes! Series I Savings Bonds paying 0.0% May 8, 2009
So while your earning power has disappeared, youre not losing buying power. In fact, youre still getting something of a break. (MSNBC -- Business)
MEA needs to act on power now May 6, 2009
Ron wrote on May 4, 2009 9:17 AM:" Dear Mr. Yoder,One reason you may not have made it to the MEA Board is because we do not want a rubber stamper for MEA's managment. It is simple math, it will not be cost effective for the consumer to build a plant and buy fuel to run it as a long term solution for our energy needs. People want a board that will work with the other utilities, not go it alone. We will be fine buying power from Chugach in the interm. You have answered your own question, let... (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)