New figures show that growing consumer confidence is translating into higher retail sales. The U.S. Commerce Department reports retail sales in March jumped 1.6%, beating the best estimates from economists. The increases were across the board, including home furnishings, building supplies, clothing, general merchandise and car sales, which were up nearly 7 percent. The bad news is that the economic recovery isn't expected to generate many new jobs. Source Link
This year's college graduates face one of the toughest job markets in decades. A Michigan State University survey says employers have cut their plans for new hires by up to 40% for the Class of 2010. Medium-sized employers are offering the fewest new jobs. Among the best prospects are those in nursing, e-commerce and information systems. The survey says employers are doing fewer job interviews, instead choosing new hires from the ranks of their own college interns. Source Link
April 15th is Tax Day and the deadline to file income tax returns, but one group says the day to celebrate came about a week ago. The Tax Foundation says Tax Freedom Day was April 9th, marking the 99 days since January 1st that the average American had to work to pay their tax obligation this year. The group says Americans will pay more taxes in 2010 than they'll spend on food, clothing and shelter combined. Source Link
This year's college graduates face one of the toughest job markets in decades. A Michigan State University survey says employers have cut their plans for new hires by up to 40% for the Class of 2010. Medium-sized employers are offering the fewest new jobs. Among the best prospects are those in nursing, e-commerce and information systems. The survey says employers are doing fewer job interviews, instead choosing new hires from the ranks of their own college interns. Source Link
April 15th is Tax Day and the deadline to file income tax returns, but one group says the day to celebrate came about a week ago. The Tax Foundation says Tax Freedom Day was April 9th, marking the 99 days since January 1st that the average American had to work to pay their tax obligation this year. The group says Americans will pay more taxes in 2010 than they'll spend on food, clothing and shelter combined. Source Link
