Research
U.S. New-Home Construction Surge Suggests Recovery for the Housing Market
New home construction in the U.S. jumped in September to its highest level in four years, reported Bloomberg Businessweek, based on Commerce Department data released Wednesday.
Retail Sales Higher than Expected in September Reflecting Consumer Confidence
U.S. retail sales rose 1.1 percent in Sept. according to data released on Monday from the Commerce Department, totaling $412.9 billion. The growth is better than expected and good news for the economy, since consumer spending accounts for about 70 percent of the country's total economic growth.
Public Pension Funds Accurately Reporting Shortfalls Despite $300 Billion Discrepancy
Although a new study by one of the world's largest actuarial firms, Milliman, found the 100 largest pension funds are underreporting their unfunded liabilities by about $300 billion, a spokeswoman for the firm said the amount was "insignificant." Large public funds remain skeptical of private equity.
Tons of Unexploded Bombs, Missiles and Mustard Gas Off Coasts of 16 States
An estimated 200 million pounds of explosives have been dumped in the world’s oceans, according to researchers from Texas A&M University.