Business Digest: Lee County home sales pace up 88 percent in year Nov 20, 2009
The median selling price of the houses was $89,300, down 40 percent from $147,800 a year ago ... The median selling price fell 37 percent to $121,300, down from $193,900 ... Statewide, the median sales price fell to $106,100, down 34 percent from $160,100 a year ago. (The News-Press -- Business)
Economy showing signs of sustained growth Nov 20, 2009
4 percent, according to the median of 58 estimates in a Bloomberg News survey ... 5 percent rate in the previous quarter, according to the median estimate of economists surveyed earlier this month. (Boston Globe)
Brazil `Buy' Ratings Sink to Record Low as Mobius Sees Commodity-Led Gains Nov 20, 2009
The median estimate of 14 economists surveyed by Bloomberg is for the economy to expand 3. 8 percent next year. (Bloomberg -- Latin America)
Late Mortgages Hit All-Time High In Q3; New Fears For FHA Nov 20, 2009
"Bankers are telling us they have limited time and ... 11/12/2009 06:45 PM ET Buyers in much of the U.S. paid thousands of dollars below asking prices for homes in September. But negotiating power fell from August, real estate Web site Zillow.com says. Buyers paid 2.9% less, or a median of $6,161 below the listing price on homes in September. That's vs. a 3% discount, or ... 11/12/2009 06:37 PM ET The Federal Housing Administration says its financial cushion has dipped to a dangerously low level... (Investors Business Daily)
Malaysia's Economic Slump Probably Eased Last Quarter on Exports, Stimulus Nov 20, 2009
9 percent in the previous three months, according to the median estimate of 19 economists surveyed by Bloomberg News. The central bank will release the economic report at 6 p.m. today. (Bloomberg -- Asia)
Fed Makes Monitoring Capital Adequacy Foremost Concern Amid Talk of Bubble Nov 20, 2009
The central bank wont raise its benchmark until August 2010, according to the median estimate of 45 economists surveyed by Bloomberg. Former Fed Chairman telegraphed increases in his 2004-2005 tightening cycle with a phrase in the Fed statement that said policy accommodation can be removed at a pace that is likely to be measured. (Bloomberg -- US)
Adademics are on the rise at Shawsheen Tech Nov 20, 2009
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education s new statistic, dubbed the median student growth percentile (MSGP), measures the MCAS growth of students, schools, and districts during the most recent year of instruction ... Shawsheen s scores were significantly higher than the state medians: the English Language Arts MSGP was 72, and the Mathematics MSGP was 60. (Wilmington Advocate, MA)
China Banks Filling Syndicated Loan Void as Royal Bank, Citigroup Retreat Nov 20, 2009
The median projection of economists surveyed by Bloomberg News is for gross domestic product to increase more than 10 percent in the final three months of 2009. Chinese households savings as a percentage of income rose to 37. (Bloomberg)
No agreement, no $147m upgrade Nov 20, 2009
The median on Blue Hill Avenue where the Silver Line may have been placed ... But the proposal immediately met a strong backlash from residents, who were angry that the state did not heed their views on the project s design, which called for removal of a median on Blue Hill Avenue for the designated bus lane ... The median provides a safe respite for pedestrians crossing the wide and busy street and adds an aesthetic appeal, with its trees and planters, to an area otherwise bound by pavement and... (Boston Globe)
Medvedev urges change to economy Nov 20, 2009
The median figure (it is impossible yet to speak of a "consensus") seems to be for an increase of 2. 5% in gross domestic product for calendar year 2009, and 4% for 2010. (Asia Times Online)
Target might be considering Metreon location Nov 19, 2009
Target shoppers' median age is 40, with annual income of $65,000. Yet San Francisco is one of the least welcoming cities in the United States to chain stores of any kind. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Councilmen, Mayor Spar Over Handling of Apartment Plan Nov 19, 2009
The opposition centered on the firm's plan to "target income-qualifying residents with incomes at or below 60 percent of the area median income.". During Monday night's meeting, Councilman John Rhodes challenged Stratman's authority to give the endorsement without the council's approval. (Missourian Publishing, MO)
Singapore Economy May Expand 3%-5% in 2010 After Emerging From Recession Nov 19, 2009
6 percent in the third quarter from a year earlier, compared with the median estimate for a 0. 5 percent gain in a of nine economists. (Bloomberg -- Asia)
Brazil's `Bizarre' Taxes Threaten to Undermine Confidence, Federated Says Nov 19, 2009
2 percent this year and 5 percent in 2010, according to the median estimate of 100 analysts in a central bank survey Nov. 13. A lot of countries would die to have the kind of strong economic position that Brazil has, so I dont know why they would want to tarnish it, said , whose firm is the third-biggest U.S. manager of money-market funds. (Bloomberg -- Latin America)
Toorak's $20m mansion Nov 19, 2009
" Prospective buyers had come from as far away as Dubai and Asia. Mr Gibson estimated that of the top end sales he secured, about a third were going to foreign buyers, particylarly those from Asia. The previous record price for a home in Melbourne is believed to be the nearly $18 million paid for a mansion in the nearby suburb of Malvern in 2007, paid by art dealer Rod Menzies. While the Toorak home has topped Melbourne's real estate market, Australian house prices have been heading higher... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Housing Starts Decline 10.6% Nov 19, 2009
October housing starts had been expected to rise to a 600,000 annual rate, according to a median forecast of 77 economists surveyed by Bloomberg news. is news editor for BusinessWeek. (BusinessWeek)
Treatment With Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Associated With Increased Risk of Cancer, Death Nov 19, 2009
During study treatment, median (midpoint) serum folate concentration increased more than 6-fold among participants given folic acid. The researchers found that after a median 39 months of treatment and an additional 38 months of post-trial observational follow-up, 288 participants (8. (Science Daily)
Rents rise across the country Nov 19, 2009
3 per cent with the median weekly advertised rents rising to $950 from $600 a year ago ... NSW's biggest rise in apartment rents occurred in Kingswood where they rose 30 per cent, with the median weekly rent increasing to $260 from $200 over the year ... In Victoria, the most expensive house rental neighbourhood was the Melbourne suburb of Toorak, where average median rent rose 43. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Canada's Currency Depreciates as Crude Oil Pares Advance, Stocks Retreat Nov 19, 2009
The gain matched the median forecast in a Bloomberg survey of 22 economists ... 5 percent in September, exceeding the median of economists forecasts for an annual core rate of 1. (Bloomberg -- Canada)
Four Seasons, Jumeirah Planning First Hotels in Brazil as Economy Recovers Nov 19, 2009
2 percent this year and 5 percent in 2010, according to the median estimate. The Olympic Games will add 1 percent to gross domestic product in coming years, Finance Minister said Oct. 4. (Bloomberg -- Latin America)
Leading Economic Index in U.S. Probably Rose for Seventh Month in October Nov 19, 2009
4 percent after climbing 1 percent in September, according to the median forecast of 58 economists surveyed by Bloomberg News ... Finally, data from the Labor Department at 8:30 a.m. may show 504,000 workers filed claims for jobless benefits last week, up from a 10-month low of 502,000 the prior week, according to the median forecast ... 5 percent rate in the prior quarter, according to the median estimate of economists surveyed earlier this month. (Bloomberg -- US)
Denmark Mortgage Bonds Lure Pimco as Annual Auctions of $115 Billion Begin Nov 18, 2009
60 percent this year, the median forecast in a Bloomberg survey of five economists shows. Different Situation. (Bloomberg -- Europe)
USD teams up to develop big solar energy sys... Nov 18, 2009
Median home price rises nearly 2 percent in region. The median home price in Southern California rose nearly 2 percent last month from September, as the inventory of homes for sale continued to shrink and lenders worked to avoid foreclosures, MDA DataQuick said ... Last month's median home price of $280,000 in the six-county region of Southern California was about 7 percent less than the October 2008 median price of $300,000. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Trigg, Cottesloe lead WA's rent rise Nov 18, 2009
3 per cent with the median weekly advertised rents rising to $950 from $600 a year ago. For units, Brisbane's West End saw the biggest jump in the country over the year, rising 39. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
The haves should help the have-nots Nov 18, 2009
I drive a 10 year old car, owe no credit cards,have a house loan and utilities with a median paying job,with that I just have enough for food. It's not just those "that have" that are paying, my taxes keep going up. (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
Latino purchasing power grows Nov 18, 2009
More than a third of Arizona's Hispanic-owned businesses have annual revenue exceeding $500,000, and the median household income among those business owners is $76,400. They not only cater to Hispanics but contribute to the state's culture. (AZCentral -- Business)
China Faces Dangers of Asset Bubbles as Economy Expands, PBOC Adviser Says Nov 18, 2009
The median projection of economists surveyed by Bloomberg News is for GDP to jump more than 10 percent in the final three months of 2009. Property Speculation. (Bloomberg -- Asia)
Q: I believe I saw that there are 237 millionaire congressmen in office today. Is this true? Nov 18, 2009
Its data found senators had a median reportable worth of $1. 79 million for 2008. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
Board Votes Down Delay in Revaluation Nov 18, 2009
The median sale price of a home is about $180,000, the same that it was in 2006, and the average number of days a house is on the market has increased almost 25 percent, from 125 days in 2006 to 155 days now. In this type of market, revaluation might mean a lower value for some property, resulting in a lower tax collection. (The Pilot Newspaper)
Canadian Dollar Touches Lowest in a Week as Investors' Risk Appetite Ebbs Nov 18, 2009
1 percent in October from a year earlier, after four straight monthly declines, according to the median forecast in a Bloomberg News survey of 22 economists. The central banks inflation target is 2 percent. (Bloomberg -- Canada)
Australian, N.Z. Dollars Slide Second Day as U.S. Output Saps Risk Demand Nov 18, 2009
The median forecast of 75 economists in a Bloomberg survey was for a 0. 4 percent gain. (Bloomberg -- Australia & New Zealand)
Australian Wage Growth Slows on Reduced Hours, Easing Rate-Rise Pressure Nov 18, 2009
That matched the median estimate of 18 economists by Bloomberg News. Governor , the first central banker in the world to raise interest rates twice this year, said yesterday the pace of future interest-rate increases is an open question as he balances the risk of keeping borrowing costs too low against an economy that may cool as government stimulus abates. (Bloomberg -- Australia & New Zealand)
For Many, Mammography Every Other Year Has Benefits of Annual Screening, but Less Harm Nov 18, 2009
Compared with no screening, mammography screening every other year from ages 50 to 69 achieves a median reduction in breast cancer mortality of 16 ... If screening is started at age 40 versus 50 and performed every other year, there is a median mortality reduction of 19. (Science Daily)
Truck driver killed in Mercer County Nov 18, 2009
A 40-year-old man was killed in Mercer County yesterday after he drove his tractor-trailer drove off Route 80 and it flipped onto a median and trapped him inside. Piotr J. Babiarz, of Middle Village, N.Y., was pronounced dead at the scene by the Mercer County coroner. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Venezuela Economy Shrank More-Than-Expected 4.5% on Oil, Dollar Sale Limit Nov 18, 2009
6 percent forecast by economists, the median estimate of 12 analysts. Venezuelas private sector has atrophied this year as the government cut back on dollars available at the official exchange rate and consumption fell. (Bloomberg -- Latin America)
Brazil Growing at `Chinese Pace' After 9% Rise in Third Quarter, Lula Says Nov 18, 2009
2 percent for , according to the latest median estimate among 100 economists surveyed by the central bank. Managing Success. (Bloomberg -- Latin America)
MCCH presents community update at its annual City/County Meeting Nov 18, 2009
While the score was below the national median, Bailey said they are working their way toward it. In the past four years, the hospital has added 18 physicians and lost six. (Murray Ledger & Times, KY)
Buffett, Gates: U.S. Still Best Place to Invest Nov 18, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009. SIGN UP FOR FREE NEWS ALERTS. (Newsmax)
Senator Says Council Had Role in Apartment Project Nov 17, 2009
A letter from the developer noted that the proposed mixed-use housing project will "target income-qualifying residents with income at or below 60 percent of the area median income" along with market rate units. Over the last few months, the council rezoned the property to R-4 planned residential use and approved a development plan for an apartment complex on the site. (Missourian Publishing, MO)
Rising U.S. Auto Demand Spurs Sales for Mexico's Alfa, Kuo as GDP Recovers Nov 17, 2009
7 percent from a year ago, according to the median of 14 estimates compiled by Bloomberg. Thats an improvement from a 10. (Bloomberg -- US)
Increase in home sales this quarter, but down from 2008 Nov 17, 2009
Third quarter home sale data shows an increase in the number of homes sold, as well as median price, for the twin counties, but numbers are still down significantly from 2008 ... The median price of homes sold in Columbia County during 2009 s third quarter was $190,950, down 15 ... 1 percent from 2008 s third quarter median price of $225,000. (Hudson Register Star, NY)
Singapore's Exports in October Fall Least in 13 Months as Economy Recovers Nov 17, 2009
The median forecast of 10 economists surveyed by Bloomberg News was for a 0 ... 5 percent increase in third-quarter GDP from a year earlier when it releases final estimates on Nov. 19, according to the median forecast of eight economists by Bloomberg News. (Bloomberg -- Asia)
Rebate programs stimulate economy Nov 17, 2009
"It is taking money we are making primarily from saleable oil and putting it back into energy relief. It really has a tremendous affect all over Alaska." The weatherization program is open to all Alaskans whose incomes are at 100 percent under the median income for their area. Charts specifying income limits for families of varied sizes are available at the Alaska Housing Finance Corp. Web site. (Juneau Empire)
Asia Stocks, Commodities Fall as Bernanke Says Economy Faces `Headwinds' Nov 17, 2009
7 percent the previous month, according to the median forecast of 75 economists surveyed by Bloomberg News before todays report ... 5 percent in October, reflecting higher food and fuel costs, according to the median estimate by economists. (Bloomberg -- Asia)
City Council 'triple-dog dared' to ditch cars, use Lodi buses Nov 17, 2009
We're not sure, though, how a very old Christmas tree came to rest one recent November day in the median of Interstate 5 in north Stockton. The wooden stand was still attached, and it appeared to still have some very brown needles attached. (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
A cautious turnaround: Builders running low on new home inventory Nov 17, 2009
A September Florida Realtors report showed the median home price in Palm Beach County was $242,200 ... " Sure it is, if you have a 100K household income. Of with about 5% of the population of Boynton does. Folks, the median household income in this area is about 55K; that sets the max affordable house at about 130-150K. 3X income is the max you should spend on a house, less in FL because of the high carrying costs. Overtaxed Builders are building speculative homes again only due to the first... (The Palm Beach Post)
Council Opposition Will Kill Plans for Apartment Complex Nov 17, 2009
A letter from the developer noted that the proposed mixed-use housing project will "target income-qualifying residents with income at or below 60 percent of the area median income" along with market rate units. The MHDC application requires letters of endorsement from the state representative and state senator from the district where a project is proposed and the mayor. (Missourian Publishing, MO)
Retail sales rebound in Oct., beating forecast Nov 17, 2009
5 percent decline in September, according to the median estimate of 66 economists in a Bloomberg News survey. Excluding automobiles, sales increased 0. (Boston Globe)
Census: Small U.S. Cities Lose Luster in Downturn Nov 17, 2009
Poverty is growing in the small cities, fueled partly by population growth, although average median income of $60,294 in those communities is still higher than other places ... had the lowest median income, at $17,508, followed by small cities in New York, Louisiana, Alabama and Ohio ... topped all other cities with the highest median income, at $188,823. (Newsmax)
Bovespa Advances to Four-Week High on Commodity Rally, Brazil Job Growth Nov 17, 2009
83 percent forecast a week earlier, according to the median estimate in a Nov. 13 central bank survey of about 100 economists published today. The Labor Ministry said today that Brazil created 230,956 government-registered jobs in October. (Bloomberg -- Latin America)
Ancient Trees Grow Faster as Temperatures Rise Nov 17, 2009
The team analyzed the average and median width of tree rings for 50-year blocks of time, starting with the latter half of the 20th century, the years 1951 to 2000, and going backward in time to 2650 B.C. The analysis spans more than 4,600 years. To see how the annual growth rings changed with temperature, the team used a new method of mapping climate data called PRISM that was unavailable to researchers 25 years ago. (Science Daily)
UPDATED: Developer Withdraws Application for Apartment Project Nov 17, 2009
Washington Mayor Dick Stratman said he spoke this week with Mark Gardner of Gardner Development LLC who told him he was withdrawing his application for Missouri housing tax credits to finance construction of the planned 48-unit apartment complex on property owned by Kurt Unnerstall of Clover Valley LLC. Opposition to the project centered on the firm's plan to "target income-qualifying residents with income at or below 60 percent of the area median income" along with renting market rate units.... (Missourian Publishing, MO)
Major Schizophrenia Study Finds Striking Similarities Across 37 Countries in 6 Regions Nov 17, 2009
"Baseline data on the 17,384 patients -- who were all starting or changing their antipsychotic medication -- showed that they had an average age of 38 and 57% were male. Median duration of their illness was seven years and one in ten were receiving antipsychotic medication for the first time. "On average, 19% were in paid employment, 69% were living in dependent housing and 62% had reported sexual problems in the previous month. "Although there were some regional and country variations, on the... (Science Daily)
Canada's Factory Sales Gain Less Than Expected in September on Automobiles Nov 17, 2009
7 percent, the median of 19 estimates. The report is the second straight to show easing pressure on exporters from a high dollar and the steepest global recession in decades, following a Nov. 13 report of a smaller- than-expected. (Bloomberg -- Canada)
Canada's Currency Strengthens as Equities, Crude Oil, Gold Post Increases Nov 17, 2009
4 percent gain compared with a median forecast of a 0. 9 percent rise in a Bloomberg News survey of 66 economists. (Bloomberg -- Canada)
Production in U.S. Probably Rose for Fourth Month as Factories Spur Growth Nov 17, 2009
7 percent in September, according to the median forecast of 75 economists surveyed by Bloomberg News ... 8 percent, the highest level since January, according to the survey median ... 5 percent in October, reflecting higher food and fuel costs, according to the median forecast of economists surveyed by Bloomberg. (Bloomberg)
Most Stocks Fall; Mitsubishi UFJ, Hitachi Lead Drop on Share Sale Reports Nov 16, 2009
That compares with the median estimate of 2 ... 8 billion yen in the three months ended Sept. 30, missing the median of 53. (Bloomberg -- Japan)
Swaps Signal Worst Yen Since '05 as Mounting Debt Overwhelms Market Demand Nov 16, 2009
The Bank of Japan will stand alone in keeping at near-record lows next year to revive the Group of 10s fastest-shrinking economy, making its assets less attractive to investors, median Bloomberg survey predictions show ... 5 percent for the nine other largest economies, according to median forecasts ... Median quarterly forecasts predict that trend continuing through mid-2011. (Bloomberg -- Japan)
Oil Rises From One-Month Low on Speculation Demand to Increase on Recovery Nov 16, 2009
A report today in the U.S., the worlds largest energy user, will probably show manufacturing expanded for a fourth month in October, based on the median estimate in a Bloomberg survey of economists. Even with the dollar near 15-month lows there is still more room to the downside and crude has more room to the upside, said , a director for Asia at options traders Hudson Capital Energy in Singapore. (Bloomberg -- Australia & New Zealand)
Japan Extra Stimulus Likely, GDP Fails to Convince Nov 16, 2009
Japan's gross domestic product (GDP) growth was much faster than the median estimate for 0. 7 percent growth and was the largest gain since the first quarter of 2007. (ABC News -- Business)
Colleges need a lemon law Nov 16, 2009
The College Board reports tuition is up 9 percent this year in inflation-adjusted terms, despite declining prices throughout the economy and stagnant median family income ... Its sticker price is approximately $17,000 a year, and graduates earn a median income of $52,000 within five years of separation, according to Payscale ... In contrast, Niagara's sticker price is $35,000 a year, and graduates earn a median starting income of less than $38,000 within five years of separation. (Albany Times Union)
Retail Sales in U.S. Probably Climbed on Auto Gain After `Clunkers' Plan Nov 16, 2009
6 that was the highest level in five years, according to the survey median ... MOM% MOM% Index MOM% =============================================================== Date of Release 11/16 11/16 11/16 11/16 Observation Period Oct. Oct. Nov. Sept. --------------------------------------------------------------- Median 0. (Bloomberg -- US)
3 banks prepared to pay record $29.7B in bonuses Nov 16, 2009
The money, split among 119,000 employees, equals $250,400 each, almost five times the $50,303 median household income in the U.S. last year, data compiled by Bloomberg show. "Wall Street is beginning to resemble Clark Gable as Rhett Butler in the film 'Gone With the Wind': 'Quite frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn,' " Paul Hodgson, a senior research associate on compensation at the Portland, Maine-based Corporate Library, said in an e-mail. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Increasing Fees Push Bank Customers Away Nov 16, 2009
One national survey shows the median overdraft fee is up four percent from last year - the first time it has increased during a recession. Over 44 percent of banks made more money on their overdraft fees than their net income in 2008. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Asia Stocks, Currencies, Gold Rise on APEC Stimulus Pledge; Dollar Weakens Nov 16, 2009
8 percent in the third quarter, compared with the median forecast of 2. 9 percent in a Bloomberg survey of economists. (Bloomberg -- Asia)
