Wall Street drops on weak economic data
NEW YORK (Reuters) – Stocks fell in thin volume on Tuesday, shedding earlier gains after housing data showed a steep drop in home values and continued concerns about the U.S. economy weighed on retailers and energy companies.

Price of gas hits lowest point in nearly 5 years
CAMARILLO, Calif. – The average national price of gasoline fell 9 cents in the past two weeks, bringing it to its lowest point in nearly five years, according to a national survey released Sunday. The average price of regular gasoline Friday was $1.66 a gallon, oil industry analyst Trilby Lundberg said. The price of mid-grade was $1.80 a gallon and the price of premium was $1.92 a gallon. The last time gas prices dipped so low was in February 2004, Lundberg said

Borrowers rushing to refinance loans as rates drop
WASHINGTON – Homeowners around the country are scrambling to refinance their mortgages at the lowest rates since the early 1960s as the economy staggers through what’s likely to be the worst recession in decades.

Americans sell possessions, buy used to cut costs
Nine out of 10 resale stores reported an increase in customers in September and October, while 79 percent said they were seeing new sellers, according to a recent survey of 182 stores by the National Association of Resale and Thrift Shops. Three-quarters of the stores said business was up by an average of 35 percent… It’s not just unwanted items being sold, and not just outgrown clothes and toys. Jewelers and gold dealers across America say more and more people are trying to sell cherished heirlooms to make ends meet.

Needy going online to ask for holiday help
With joblessness in the state at a 25-year high and the needy standing in line for aid, some are making direct pleas for help online instead.

Their loss, our gain
From cars to hotels to petrol, the slumping US economy means good deals for the rest of us

Secret wage cuts (The Economist, U.K.)
THE balances of Americans’ 401(K) pension plans have taken another hit lately, as some employers have suspended matching their employees’ contributions. This actually provides a relatively palatable way for firms to cut wages.  

Hospital jobs offer bright spot in economy
Hospitals continue hiring and new medical offices are opening, providing a glimmer in a gloomy economy. But jitters over the economy are putting retirements on hold and forcing hospitals to rethink once-aggressive expansion plans.