April 30 (Bloomberg) -- The U.S. economy, teetering on the edge of a recession, expanded at a 0.6 percent annual pace in the first quarter, reflecting an increase in inventories as consumers retrenched and companies cut investment.

April 24 (Bloomberg) -- Foreign demand for U.S.-made durable goods helped American factories weather a collapse in new-home sales to the lowest level in almost 17 years last month, reports indicated today.

A growing number of analysts are expressing confidence that the worst may be over for the US economy, even if it struggles for some time due to weak housing, tight credit and high energy costs.

High gas prices, the rising cost of living, and worries the nation’s economy may worsen further are causing more people to stick close to home this long Labor Day weekend.

PITTSBURGH (AP) _ Small business is risky business these days. Costs are rising, profits are shrinking and the ability of the big guys to keep prices relatively lower is drawing away customers. Things are so bad that many small enterprises, which accoun