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India's economic growth slowest since 2009

Written By limadu on Sabtu, 31 Agustus 2013 | 08.36

india gdp

India's GDP growth hit is lowest level since the beginning of 2009.

LONDON (CNNMoney)

The nation's gross domestic product -- the broadest measure of economic growth -- came in at 4.4% annual rate for the April to June quarter.

That's India's lowest quarterly growth since the beginning of 2009, heightening concerns about a nation that is struggling with a falling currency, dysfunctional politics and a highly volatile stock market.

"This number is a little bit lower than consensus expectations, but expectations were quite low to begin with," said Anjalika Bardalai, a senior analyst at Eurasia Group in London.

Growth in the January to March quarter was also sluggish, at 4.8%. The most recent International Monetary Fund report forecasts that India's economy will expand by 5.6% in fiscal 2013, but many economists believe that number is overly optimistic.

Related: Emerging market woes: Contained or contagion?

The GDP data was released just hours after the country's prime minister, Manmohan Singh, said "the fundamentals of the Indian economy continue to be strong," while acknowledging that India faced "a difficult economic situation."

The Indian rupee has lost roughly 12% of its value during the past month, with much of it coming in a series of stomach-churning drops during the past few days. The sharp currency devaluation is extremely problematic since the country imports many more goods than it exports. That could leave consumers struggling to pay higher prices for everyday goods.

Equity markets have also taken a big hit in recent days. The benchmark Mumbai Sensex index has quickly turned into one of the worst performers in Asia.

The government has responded with a series of policy changes, but none have been particularly effective in stabilizing the recent volatility.

Economists have long argued that India needs to implement structural economic reforms to bring about meaningful progress. Last year, parliament lifted restrictions on foreign direct investment after much debate -- a key step.

But Eurasia's Bardalai said India is simply not making enough progress with its economic reforms, and that's hurting the country's future prospects.

Meanwhile, time for making bold new reforms is running out, with national elections due to take place by May 2014.

--CNNMoney's Charles Riley contributed to this report. To top of page

First Published: August 30, 2013: 11:25 AM ET


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China partners with U.S. oil firm in Egypt

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

The deal involves Sinopec (SHI) paying $3.1 billion for a 33% stake in Apache's Egyptian operations, which produce about 100,000 barrels of oil day.

Apache (APA, Fortune 500) said the sale had nothing to do with the current turbulence in Egypt.

"Apache's exploration and production operations, which are located in remote, unpopulated areas, remain unaffected by political events in the region," the company said in a statement announcing the deal.

Instead, Apache said it will use the money to focus on "assets with predictable growth rates and attractive rates of return" -- primarily oil fields in West Texas, the Texas Panhandle, and Oklahoma.

Related: Oil companies target America for investment

Apache is the latest in a string of oil companies that have been selling assets overseas, including $11 billion in sales from ConocoPhillips (COP, Fortune 500) and $4 billion from Hess (HES, Fortune 500) in 2012.

Much of the money is being invested in U.S. states including Texas, North Dakota and Pennsylvania, where hydraulic fracturing and advances in drilling have unlocked previously inaccessible oil and gas supplies and led to a boom in U.S. energy production.

Analysts say the firms are attracted to the relatively well developed infrastructure in the United States, well trained workers, strong laws and low tax rates. Royalties, income and other taxes in the United States typically take about 50% of an oil company's profit, compared to 90% or more in many other parts of the world.

China's expansion: For the Chinese, the deal is yet another in a series of partnerships Chinese oil firms have struck with Western companies as China seeks to secure additional supplies for its rapidly expanding economy and gain knowledge of cutting edge industry technology.

Other large Chinese deals this year include a $4.1 billion purchase of an offshore gas field in Mozambique from Italy's Eni (E), a $1.7 billion partnership with Texas-based Pioneer (PXD) on fields in that state, and a $1.5 billion deal for offshore assets with Brazil's Petrobras (PBR), according to Brian Lidsky, an analyst with energy data provider PLS in Houston.

Chinese firms often come in as a junior partner, putting up some cash in exchange for a minority stake in the oil fields. The fields themselves remain operated by the majority investor, although Chinese engineers are often on site.

Chinese investment in U.S oil fields remains a sensitive issue in the United States, with some fearing the involvement of firms controlled by a not-always-friendly government in such a strategic resource. In 2005, the U.S. government effectively blocked the sale of California's Unocal to China's CNOOC.

Yet others say greater Chinese investment in the oil industry is a good thing. Oil is, after all, a global commodity. If China is going to continue using so much oil, the more everyone will have to pay. So its firms might as well put up the money, and assume some of the risk, to get the stuff out of the ground. To top of page

First Published: August 30, 2013: 11:38 AM ET


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American, US Air win quick trial for antitrust case

us airways american merger

US Airways and American Airlines won their request for a quick trial in the antitrust case that seeks to block their proposed merger.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly on Friday set a Nov. 25 trial date, which was only two weeks after the airlines' requested trial date. The case will be a bench trial, not a jury trial, at the courthouse in Washington.

The Justice Department had asked for a March trial date for the antitrust case it filed in mid-August. But attorneys for US Air and American had said such a delay would threaten the deal itself because they could not wait that long to know if they could go ahead with the combination.

"Two independent companies can be asked to stay in limbo for only so long before they need to make independent plans," said the airline in a filing on Wednesday.

The airlines said they were pleased with Friday's decision and confident they will win the court's approval of the merger.

Justice Department spokesman Peter Carr said "We appreciate the court's careful consideration of the scheduling issues and will be ready to present our case on Nov. 25, 2013."

Shares of US Air (LCC, Fortune 500), which have lost ground since the antitrust case was brought, rose 2% in Friday trading.

Related: Questions about price hikes surround American-US Airways deal

Justice filed the antitrust suit earlier this month, charging the combination would hurt airline passengers by reducing choices and driving up costs. The airlines argue the $11 billion merger of their two networks announced in February would give customers more choices and reduce overall costs, and would spur competition.

Justice contends that American Airlines' financial turnaround since its November 2011 bankruptcy filing, including the posting of its largest monthly profit on record in July, is proof that the airlines could survive as independent carriers. To top of page

First Published: August 30, 2013: 2:28 PM ET


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Ace your next job interview

Written By limadu on Jumat, 30 Agustus 2013 | 08.36

job interview

Navigating today's tough hiring process requires an upgrade of your interviewing skills.

(Money Magazine)

Employers still have the upper hand in most fields, which means you can expect to be scrutinized extra carefully during the interview process.

In today's high-productivity, low-headcount workforce, companies know "there isn't as much room for failure when it comes to hiring," says Tom Gimbel, CEO of Chicago staffing firm LaSalle Network.

To ensure that you make the best impression:

Get camera-ready

In a recent OfficeTeam poll, 63% of HR managers said they often conducted video interviews, vs. 14% a year earlier. Increasingly, these are replacing phoners for screening candidates.

If you're asked to meet via Skype, do a dry run. "You don't want to say, 'I'm not sure how to turn on my video,'" says Anne Howard, a recruiter at Lynn Hazan & Associates in Chicago.

Check the connection, acoustics, and lighting; practice looking at the camera and leaving a beat after the interviewer speaks. Install software on a backup device, just in case. And dress as you would for an in-person meeting.

Be honest, kind of

Figure on at least three rounds of interviews for a senior-level position these days, says New York City career coach Caroline Ceniza-Levine.

Related: 5 toughest work conversations

In later meetings, you'll likely be grilled on weaknesses identified earlier or via calls to "backdoor references" (people you didn't list as character witnesses).

Don't lie, but do put a positive spin on the truth. For instance, explain why you were "pulled" to a new job rather than addressing why you were "pushed" from an old one.

Keep your age to yourself

Watch for dated business jargon or tech terms, as they suggest you're not adjusting well to changes in the workplace, says Joey Price, CEO of Columbia, Md., outsourcing firm Jumpstart:HR. Instead, mirror buzzwords the interviewer uses.

Related: How can I bulletproof my career?

In a recent Adecco poll, 33% of hiring managers said they were concerned mature workers would be resistant to younger management. So avoid saying you work with "a bunch of kids," warns Gimbel. "That suggests a disregard for what this generation brings to the table."

Prepare for show-and-tell

With employers placing a premium on productivity, come armed with examples of how you executed relevant projects. Bring backup materials -- preferably in a digital format such as on a tablet or a website, if that's common in your field, says Howard.

"When they ask about a time you had a difficult situation," she adds, "you might say, 'Let me show you how I solved it.'" Even better, show how you'd solve one of their problems. To top of page

First Published: August 29, 2013: 4:54 PM ET


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Married same-sex couples gain equal tax benefits

edie windsor supreme court

Edie Windsor took her tax dispute to the Supreme Court and won a landmark ruling in June.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

The decision has a host of implications, even for same-sex married couples who now live in states that don't recognize same-sex marriage.

It affects how they will be treated in terms of federal income taxes, federal estate and gift taxes, the tax breaks they get for employer-sponsored health insurance and other benefits.

(Full coverage of LGBT financial issues)

The ruling applies to any same-sex couple legally married in any state, the District of Columbia, a U.S. territory or foreign country. It does not apply to registered domestic partnerships, civil unions or other formal relationships recognized under state laws.

Currently 13 states and D.C. have legalized same-sex marriage as have 15 other countries, including the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Canada, Sweden, South Africa and Brazil.

(Related: Experts answer same-sex marriage questions)

"Today's ruling provides certainty and clear, coherent tax filing guidance for all legally married same-sex couples nationwide," Treasury Secretary Jack Lew said in a statement. "It provides access to benefits, responsibilities and protections under federal tax law that all Americans deserve."

Practically speaking, in terms of filing their 2013 federal taxes, legally married same-sex couples must choose to file either as "married filing jointly" or "married filing separately."

They may also choose to file an amended return as a married couple and a refund claim for tax years 2010, 2011 and 2012.

(Map: Where same-sex marriage is legal)

In terms of health insurance, until now money used to buy same-sex spousal coverage in an employer-sponsored plan was subject to income tax. Now, as a result of Treasury's ruling, that money will be treated as tax free for federal income tax purposes. And the participating employee can file a refund claim for the income taxes paid on those spousal coverage premiums.

The federal estate tax will also offer more favorable treatment. Same-sex surviving spouses will now be entitled to inherit the estate of their late husband or wife tax-free.

But it may not be all good news and savings.

Some legally married same-sex couples, like their opposite-sex counterparts, will find themselves subject to the notorious marriage penalty. That refers to situations where a married couple ends up with a higher tax bill as a result of filing jointly than when they filed as single people making the same income.

(For more information, here's an IRS FAQ on the same sex marriage ruling.) To top of page

First Published: August 29, 2013: 2:47 PM ET


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New York Times site slow to return for some users after cyber attack

nyt hacked

The Syrian Electronic Army, a hacktivist group that supports Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, has claimed responsibility for the attack on the Times site.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

The Times' website went down for several hours Tuesday after an attack for which the Syrian Electronic Army, a hacktivist group, claimed responsibility.

Marc Frons, chief information officer at the Times, told employees Tuesday that the SEA "or someone trying very hard to be them" had launched the attack on Melbourne IT, the company's domain name registrar.

The culprits rerouted traffic directed at the Times to other addresses. The Times' computer system wasn't compromised internally.

Melbourne IT said it had fixed the problem by 5 p.m. ET Tuesday, but some users were still having problems accessing the Times site on Wednesday and Thursday. The Times said in an email to readers Thursday afternoon it expected all access to be restored for all users by the end of the day.

Related: Oil jumps as Syria conflict heats up

Melbourne IT chief technology officer Bruce Tonkin said in an email that users who attempted to access the site while it was down had the incorrect domain records stored temporarily on their computers or servers. It's the computer equivalent of having the wrong telephone number.

After the records are updated for those users, their computers or servers will be able to access nytimes.com again.

"A rough rule of thumb when trying to make an intentional change to a [domain name system] setting is that it will take 48 hours for the change to fully propagate to all users on the Internet," Tonkin said.

Readers who didn't try to access the site while it was down shouldn't have any problems, he added.

Times spokeswoman Eileen Murphy said Thursday that the company was adopting additional security measures "given the vulnerabilities that this incident exposed at the registrar level."

Melbourne IT said it was reviewing what other layers of security it could add. It recommended that clients utilize special security features to lock their domain names, which the Times apparently hadn't done.

Alex McGeorge, senior security researcher at Immunity Inc., said the attack underscored the importance of vetting business partners for security weaknesses.

"I think the lesson for companies is that if you've got something that's this significant and this sensitive, you need to demand that the people that provide services to you undergo security audits and make those results available to you," he said.

Earlier this month, the Syrian Electronic Army breached a news recommendation engine that provides links on news sites including CNN, The Washington Post and Time.

CNNMoney's Julianne Pepitone and CNN's Brian Vitagliano contributed reporting. To top of page

First Published: August 29, 2013: 4:59 PM ET


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Merrill agrees to $160M racial bias settlement

Written By limadu on Kamis, 29 Agustus 2013 | 08.36

merrill lynch

Merrill Lynch has agreed to pay $160 to settle an employment discrimination class action suit, according to the plaintiff's attorneys.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

The settlement, one of the largest ever in an employment discrimination case, would set up a pool of money to be divided among an estimated 1,200 current and former brokers at the firm, according to Suzanne Bish, one of the partners at Stowell & Friedman, the Chicago firm that brought the case in 2005.

Lawyer fees will be no more than $40 million of that settlement amount, Bish said. The federal district court has yet to consider or approve the proposed settlement.

The brokerage firm, a unit of Bank of America (BAC, Fortune 500), would not confirm the settlement.

"We are working towards a very positive resolution of a lawsuit filed in 2005 and enhancing opportunities for African-American financial advisers," said spokesman Bill Halldin in the firm's only comment.

The suit was a uphill battle for the plaintiffs, who had a district court, court of appeals and U.S. Supreme Court all refuse to certify a class of plaintiffs at several points along the way.

At the time the suit was brought, Merrill Lynch was an independent firm led by a black CEO, Stan O'Neal. In his deposition in the case, O'Neal denied there was any discrimination by Merrill Lynch and suggested that black brokers earned less than white brokers because white Americans have more wealth than African-Americans and were more comfortable trusting their investments with white brokers.

It wasn't until February 2012, more than six years into the case, that a court of appeals first certified the class action on behalf of African-American brokers at the firm. Merrill Lynch then appealed that decision but could not get a hearing before the Supreme Court. The case had been scheduled for a January 2014 trial date before the settlement.

Coca-Cola (KO, Fortune 500) agreed to pay $192.5 million in a settlement in 2000. And Texaco agreed to a settlement valued at $176 million in 1996. Bish said subsequent court decisions have made large employment discrimination settlements more difficult to win since those earlier cases. To top of page

First Published: August 28, 2013: 2:45 PM ET


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Nintendo unveils new '2DS' and cuts Wii U prices

nintendo 2ds

By unveiling the 2DS and cutting Wii prices, Nintendo is shaking things up ahead of a looming holiday battle with Sony and Microsoft

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

As the name implies, the Nintendo (NTDOF) 2DS strips out the novel, but not quite essential 3-D display technology that its older sibling possesses. Perhaps even more interestingly, it doesn't fold like all other DS consoles. Instead, it's a wedge-shaped slate.

The analog stick and buttons have been moved closer to the upper screen, but otherwise the functionality is identical to the Nintendo 3DS. Same guts, same screen size, same game compatibility.

Nintendo has a long history of selling slightly altered variants of its portable consoles. There was the Game Boy, the Game Boy Color, the Game Boy Advance and the DS. But the 2DS is the first to remove functionality.

The 2DS does come with a price cut, however. While the current 3DS costs $170, the new 2DS will only cost $130. It's arguable that a $100 price tag would have made the introduction of the 2DS a bit more impactful, but $40 is nothing to scoff at either way.

Related story: Microsoft reverses course on controversial Xbox One restrictions

The Wii U Deluxe set was also a recipient of a $50 markdown, going from $350 to $300. The Wii U Basic, which offered less storage space and did not include a premium Nintendo Network subscription, has not been available via retail channels since June and Nintendo has yet to comment on the matter.

The price cut should come as little surprise, given the imminent arrival of the $400 Sony (SNE) PlayStation 4 and $500 Microsoft (MSFT, Fortune 500) Xbox One. Those new consoles will be considerably more powerful, and in the wake of the Wii U's anemic sales this year, Nintendo had to justify its value against the competition.

The Wii U price cut will take effect on September 20, and the Nintendo 2DS will arrive on October 12. To top of page

First Published: August 28, 2013: 3:58 PM ET


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San Bernardino bankruptcy gets green light

san bernardino bankruptcy

San Bernardino's bankruptcy case can continue after a court ruling Wednesday.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

It's a ruling that could affect the nation's largest municipal bankruptcy case in Detroit and open the door to cuts to other public-sector pension plans.

California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) had challenged the eligibility of the city to file for bankruptcy. The pension fund argued that San Bernardino officials had not made a good faith effort to reach an agreement with creditors before filing for bankruptcy 14 months ago.

The question of "good faith negotiations," which is a requirement of bankruptcy law, is an argument that is also being made by city employee pension funds in Detroit.

In San Bernardino, Judge Meredith Jury said it was in no one's interest, including the creditors, to kick the case out of bankruptcy court.

Related: How Detroit's breakdown will hit you

If San Bernardino had been ruled ineligible for bankruptcy court, it would have opened the door for 10,000 creditors, including CalPERS, to sue for the money they're owed, and possibly led to a dissolution of the city government.

San Bernardino Major Pat Morris told the San Bernardino Sun that such a decision would represent a "doomsday scenario" for the city.

Bankruptcy attorney Michael Sweet said the ruling makes it less likely that similar challenges to Detroit's bankruptcy case will be upheld. But he said this is not yet a final decision on whether bankruptcy can be used to impose cuts in pension benefits that were promised by U.S. cities and local governments.

Related: Detroit's pensions - Bribes, a $5,000 poker chip and a big financial hole

In the past municipal bankruptcy cases in the U.S., there has never been an involuntary cut in pension benefits imposed on city employees and retirees, although unions and pension funds have on occasion agreed to reduced benefits. Involuntary cuts are currently planned in San Bernardino and Detroit. If those cuts are implemented, other towns, cities and local governments could turn to bankruptcy court as well in order to escape pension liabilities.

"If a judge says you can use bankruptcy to [cut what is owed] to CalPERS, then everyone will line up to do it," said Sweet.

CalPERS said it was disappointed by the decision and that it will continue to work through the bankruptcy process to recover all the money owed to it by San Bernardino. It said it will also consider options for appeal.

"CalPERS has the responsibility to ensure the viability of the public employee retirement system, and we take that responsibility seriously," said CalPERS attorney Michael Gearin at Wednesday's hearing. To top of page

First Published: August 28, 2013: 8:19 PM ET


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Take the big stress out of a big move

Written By limadu on Rabu, 28 Agustus 2013 | 08.36

best places relocation

Greg and Lauren Martin scout out Louisville, Colo.

NEW YORK (Money Magazine)

The couple's plan was to be near Boulder, where they had spent many happy vacations mountain biking and snowboarding. So Lauren, a personal trainer, and Greg, a communications engineer who telecommutes, sold their Maryland home, going from listing to a signed contract in only 10 days.

Moving to a rental house in Colorado, they started shopping for a home in Louisville, fewer than 10 miles from pricier Boulder and ranked No. 2 on MONEY's Best Places 2013. "We feel like we belong here," says Lauren. "It's like living a dream."

The Martins' decision to move and the speed with which they sold their home reflect the rise in mobility accompanying the country's economic recovery.

With unemployment falling from 10% in 2009 to 7.4% today, and with fewer homeowners carrying underwater mortgages -- 850,000 homes exited negative equity in the first quarter of 2013 -- people are more willing and able to pick up stakes.

The Census Bureau says nearly 5.1 million people moved to a new state last year -- up 17% from 2010 and the highest level since 2006. And as real estate has recovered, demand has outstripped existing supply: Only 5.2 months' worth of homes were on sale in June, down from 9.4 in 2010.

Related: Where homes are affordable

So if you're ready to make a long-haul relocation, you'll have to contend with not only the perennial hassles of moving -- navigating real estate transactions, packing up possessions, finding the perfect neighborhood -- but also today's economic conditions.

Here's how to handle your next move with the least stress.

BRACE FOR TODAY'S MARKET REALITIES

In most metropolitan areas, potential buyers far outnumber available homes, according to Redfin. That's great for the selling part of your relocation, but multiple bids and fast sales make finding your next place harder. Tight lending rules, moreover, are likely to limit your flexibility in selling and buying.

Your best moves:

First sell, then buy... Most lenders today won't extend a short-term bridge loan if you're trying to buy a new home prior to selling your current one, says Peter Boomer, executive vice president at PNC Mortgage.

Nor will it be easy to carry two mortgages at once, says Dan Green, a loan officer at Waterstone Mortgage in Cincinnati. Should all your debt payments -- the two mortgages, plus any car loans and consumer debt -- top 40% of your monthly gross income, you'll have trouble getting approved, he says.

Related: Was my home a good investment?

Plan to rent out your old home and buy in your new town? Green warns that you need at least 30% equity in the old home for your rental income to be counted on a conventional mortgage application. Even so, just 75% of that income will be factored in, he says.

... Or rent your new place. Renting gives you time to get a boots-on-the-ground feel for exactly where you want to be. It also gives you a wider choice of starter housing: As you search for the perfect home, you can settle for a good-enough home without regret, since the compromise will be only temporary.

The Louisville-bound Martins -- who had always planned to rent first and buy later -- couldn't find affordable rentals in the older Boulder neighborhoods they liked most. So as a fallback, they took a one-year lease in Broomfield, a newer area.

Allow for more time to look. Whether you plan to buy or rent, expect plenty of competition during your search. "A long weekend of house hunting worked in the past, but right now it can take at least a week," notes Nadya Nahirniak-Hansen, director of relocation services at Madison real estate agency Restaino & Associates.

USE NEW TOOLS TO REFINE YOUR SEARCH

A Knight Foundation survey of 43,000 Americans landed on three basic attributes that make a community lovable: plenty of entertainment, an inviting vibe, and ample green space. Maybe that's important to you; maybe not.

To help you focus on what neighborhoods you like best, Carol Fradkin, author of the book Moving Gracefully, suggests compiling a detailed, prioritized list of your family's must-haves. That might mean great schools, easy access to public transportation, or proximity to a place of worship.

"The more specific you are about what matters most to you," says Fradkin (who herself has moved 16 times since her college years), "the more likely you'll have a smooth and happy transition." Then, well before you move, you can start looking for your ideal neighborhood.

Your best moves:

Consult a matchmaker. Hoping to re-create the look and feel of your current town in your new home? Check out the Match tab at the top of the NeighborhoodScout.com website. Plug in a place you know and like, and the site will generate a list of areas in your destination that are the closest matches, based on 273 factors.

Get a walking tour from Google's Pegman. In the Street View feature on Google Maps, drag the yellow Pegman to an address you're checking out. Then click on the white arrows in the photo to walk the neighborhood. Plug in a destination -- say, the local school -- to get a sense of what the kids' walk would be like.

Learn about headaches before you commute. Visit the SigAlert.com website for real-time commuting information for major cities of 37 states and the District of Columbia. You can get a taste of your drive from maps showing congested routes, along with live feeds from traffic cams. Another way to learn about your prospective commute: Listen regularly to the online feed of a local radio station's rush-hour broadcast.

PICK MOVERS WISELY, PACK MINIMALLY

Given the average cost to box and ship possessions for an interstate move -- $5,630, estimates the American Moving & Storage Association -- it would be nice if everything went smoothly. Alas, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which regulates interstate moving companies, fielded 28% more complaints last year compared with 2010.

Some typical problems: Final charges that were far out of line with estimates, and delays in pickup or delivery. Sure, unsavory movers are a problem, but even the good guys are under pressure. Les Velte, president of the Consumers Relocation Services moving company in Weston, Vt., says many reputable van lines have not hired back all the workers let go during the financial crisis, making it harder to book a quality crew.

Your best moves:

Shop on reputation, not price. Get written estimates, yes, but curb your enthusiasm for the lowest bid, says Michael Garcia, author of Moving 101. And definitely steer clear of companies willing to give you an estimate over the phone.

"Check references," says Garcia. "Check their complaint record. That's how you avoid disasters." On the federal government's ProtectYourMove.gov website, you can search for movers' safety records and complaint history. Your local Better Business Bureau is another important reputation check.

Related: America's Best Places to Live

Avoid crunch time. If you're flexible, move during the October-March off-season to increase the odds you'll get a more attentive crew. "Movers are human," says Velte. "If they are go-go-go from April through July, by the time your move rolls around in August they can be exhausted." Movers are also more likely to hire less experienced temps during peak months.

Buy third-party moving insurance. Ask your home insurer whether your goods will be covered during the move; different policies from the same company may have different terms. A mover's free coverage is limited to 60¢ a pound per article, which is woefully inadequate.

Movers also sell full replacement value coverage, but Garcia recommends buying moving insurance elsewhere. "If there's a problem, I'd want a third party representing me," he says.

Shop online at movinginsurance.com or moveinsure.com: A policy with a $1,000 deductible can run about 1% of the total value of your possessions.

Get the urge to purge. The fewer possessions you move, the less you'll pay. Michael Stone, a Portland, Ore., move specialist who works with downsizing retirees, recommends mocking up room-by-room layouts based on the square footage of your new home to get a realistic feel of what's not going to fit.

And push yourself to steer clear of the savior of indecisive souls: the self-storage facility. Renting a small unit can run you over $150 a month.

MAXIMIZE YOUR RELOCATION PACKAGE

Twenty-seven percent of firms intend to increase the number of workers they relocate this year, up from 10% in 2009, according to Atlas Van Lines. Should your company be moving you, be aware that its financial support may be limited: Only about 60% of firms fully reimburse transferees and only 50% provide that help to new hires.

Your best moves:

Know what's standard. More than 75% of companies give workers two weeks or less to accept or decline a job transfer. Amid the whirlwind that such a tight deadline creates, get in writing what is and isn't paid for -- and start negotiating.

For example, shipping one automobile is commonly covered, but you could pay at least $500 apiece for any additional vehicles. Seventy-one percent of companies, reports Atlas, offer a temporary-housing allowance, typically covering a month at an extended-stay hotel.

Moving into a very tight market? You might want to ask for more time or money.

Check the expiration date on benefits. The package your company offers may include a home buying benefit such as down payment help or closing costs. If you intend to rent at first, however, make sure you can still claim the benefit when you are ready to buy. Unless you negotiate otherwise, these benefits tend to expire within a year of your move.

Avoid nasty tax surprises. Because the dollar value of your relocation benefit counts as income, you can be stuck with a big bill at tax time. So companies often add a gross-up to your benefit -- extra cash to cover the taxes you'll owe.

Unfortunately, says David Oltman of the corporate relocation firm Ineo/Relocation in Wilton, Conn., employers often underestimate gross-ups. So, he says, get a written promise from your employer to make another payment if the original proves inadequate. Based on his data, the tax hit for employees of large corporations averages $20,000 -- a lot of money better put toward enjoying your new Best Place. To top of page

First Published: August 27, 2013: 4:07 PM ET


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New York Times down in possible 'malicious attack'

nyt site down

The New York Times' website went down for several hours on Tuesday, the second outage in two weeks.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

After the site had been unavailable for several hours, Times spokeswoman Eileen Murphy tweeted, "initial assessment - issue is most likely result of malicious external attack. working to fix." As of 5 p.m. ET, nytimes.com was still inaccessible on desktop computers for some users, but the company's mobile website and apps were up and running.

Security researcher Matt Johansen of WhiteHat Security tweeted that it appears as though the hacker group Syrian Electronic Army had compromised the servers that route traffic to the New York Times' website. The group's Twitter account didn't mention an attack on nytimes.com, but it did claim to have taken over Twitter's own domain on Tuesday afternoon.

The Times did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

Two weeks ago, Syrian Electronic Army claimed responsibility for hacking Outbrain, a news recommendation engine that appears on websites including The Washington Post , CNN and Time. The hacked news links were redirecting to a site controlled by the hacking group, which supports Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and has taken credit for several recent cyberattacks.

The New York Times' own website had suffered an outage the day before the Outbrain hack, that prompting speculation that hackers were responsible, but a spokeswoman for the paper said that outage was the result of complications associated with a scheduled maintenance update. To top of page

First Published: August 27, 2013: 5:26 PM ET


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Las Vegas Sands resolves laundering case with $47 million deal

venetian resort las vegas

Las Vegas Sands' Venetian resort and casino.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

The sum represents funds accepted by Sands (LVS, Fortune 500) on behalf of Zhenli Ye Gon, a native of China who is currently being held in the U.S. pending extradition to Mexico on drug trafficking charges, accused of importing chemicals from his native country to Mexico for methamphetamine production.

Ye Gon was a high-stakes gambler who lost more than $125 million between 2004 and 2007, including over $84 million at the Sands-owned Venetian in Las Vegas. The U.S. Attorney's Office in Los Angeles said Ye Gon and his associates wired money from a number of different banks and currency exchange houses in Mexico to Sands accounts in the U.S.

Federal law requires banks and other institutions that handle money transfers to flag suspicious transactions. Prosecutors say the volume of Ye Gon's transfers and the vague sources of the funds should have raised red flags.

At one point, the Justice Department says, when Sands personnel asked Ye Gon to transfer his money in large sums rather than in small increments, he responded that he "preferred to wire the money incrementally because he did not want the government to know about these transfers."

Related: Casinos, not cars, are keeping Detroit afloat

"All companies, especially casinos, are now on notice that America's anti-money laundering laws apply to all people and every corporation, even if that company risks losing its most profitable customer," U.S. Attorney André Birotte Jr. said in a statement.

Sands did not respond to a request for comment.

The government said the decision to enter into a non-prosecution agreement was motivated in part by Sands' extensive cooperation and "voluntary and complete disclosure of the conduct." The company has since improved its internal compliance program, the DOJ said.

Sands CEO Sheldon Adelson is a major contributor to Republican politicians. He bankrolled a number of campaigns in 2012, donating an estimated $30 million to support Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney and about $20 million to Winning Our Future, a super PAC with ties to former House speaker and presidential candidate Newt Gingrich.

CNN's Kevin Bohn contributed reporting. To top of page

First Published: August 27, 2013: 7:39 PM ET


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Bankrupt American Air posts record monthly profit

Written By limadu on Selasa, 27 Agustus 2013 | 08.36

american airlines profits

The Justice Department has argued that American and US Airways don't need to merge to be successful.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

The airline said in a securities filing Monday that it earned a record $349 million in July, or $292 million when reorganization costs were taken in account.

"[W]e are completing one of the most successful turnarounds in aviation history," Tom Horton, chairman and CEO of American parent AMR (AAMRQ, Fortune 500), said in a memo to employees.

The news comes after the Department of Justice filed a lawsuit earlier this month in an attempt to block the proposed merger between American and US Airways (LCC, Fortune 500), saying it would "substantially lessen competition" for commercial air travel. The DOJ argued that the two companies would remain viable without merging, saying American had used the bankruptcy process "to lower its costs and revitalize its fleet."

"A revitalized American is fully capable of emerging from bankruptcy proceedings on its own with a competitive cost structure, profitable existing business, and plans for growth," the Justice Department said.

Related: Questions about price hikes surround American-US Airways deal

American earned $135 million in July of last year after reorganization costs. The airline posted $1.94 billion in passenger revenue last month versus $1.81 billion a year prior, while labor costs fell to $523 million from $597 million in July 2012.

AMR filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November 2011, a move that followed a round of aviation bankruptcies in the preceding decade from carriers including US Airways, Delta, Northwest and United. At the time, Horton said the company was forced into Chapter 11 because of cost disadvantages it faced compared to rivals that had already gone though bankruptcies

The proposed merger of American and US Airways would create the world's largest airline. The two companies have said the deal "provides the best outcome for AMR's restructuring."

Earlier this month, a judge deferred approval of American's plan to emerge from bankruptcy, citing concerns about the impact of the Justice Department lawsuit. The two companies are seeking a November trial date to contest the suit.

"We're ready to make our case in court for the merger's significant benefits to all of our stakeholders and the communities we serve," Horton said in his memo Monday. To top of page

First Published: August 26, 2013: 4:33 PM ET


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Bill Ackman to sell entire J.C. Penney stake

ackman keeps jcpenny stake

Activist investor Bill Ackman is selling his entire 18% stake in J.C. Penney. Shares of the troubled retailer have plunged 50% since Ackman first disclosed his stake in early October 2010.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

Ackman, who owns 39 million shares or about 18% of J.C. Penney, disclosed his stake back in early October 2010. Shares have since lost about half their their value.

The sale was disclosed by J.C. Penney Monday in a regulatory filing with the SEC.

Ackman, founder of Pershing Square Capital Management, quit the Penney board earlier this month following disagreements about the company's leadership.

Ackman initially brought in Ron Johnson, a former head of Apple (AAPL, Fortune 500)'s retailing unit, to lead the Plano, Texas-based company. But Ackman ultimately agreed to get rid of Johnson earlier this year after his strategy drove away customers, resulting in repeated quarters of sinking sales.

Just last week, J.C. Penney reported its ninth consecutive drop in quarterly revenue and posted another huge profit loss.

Related: J.C. Penney posts big loss, but CEO upbeat

Ackman hasn't been happy with interim CEO and Penney veteran Mike Ullman either, and was pushing to replace him sooner rather than later. But the board continued to support Ullman, forcing Ackman to step aside.

After quitting the board, Ackman reached an agreement with the company that allows him to register to sell shares of J.C. Penney, so the market has been expecting the move.

Still, some experts worry what Ackman's sale will signal to the market.

On one hand, Ackman has "been privy to all sorts of information for a long time" and is willing to take a loss on his investment now out of "fear of losing more money," said Brian Sozzi, chief equities strategist at Belus Capital Advisors.

But at the same time, Ackman is a well-known activist investor, and without the ability to influence the direction of the company, it makes sense for him to sell his stake, said Will Frohnhoefer, analyst at BTIG.

And with the Ackman-J.C. Penney feud coming to an end, Penney executives will be able to focus on executing the company's makeover.

"J.C. Penney showed some progress in its recent earnings, but it still hasn't proved it can pull of a turnaround," said Frohnhoefer. "Investors will now be laser-focused on sales, the broader trends in retail and any new material information for J.C. Penney."

Shares of J.C. Penney (JCP, Fortune 500) dropped nearly 3% in after-hours trading Monday. The stock has plunged more than 60% since the start of 2012 and more than 30% in 2013. To top of page

First Published: August 26, 2013: 5:10 PM ET


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Lew to Congress: Raise debt ceiling before mid-October

jack lew ceiling letter

Treasury Secretary Jack Lew appealed to Congress again to "remove the threat of default" as soon as possible and raise the country's legal borrowing limit.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

At that point, Lew warned, unless Congress has raised the debt ceiling, the Treasury Department will only be able to pay the country's incoming bills with the cash it has on hand.

That's a dicey proposition. Treasury forecasts that by mid-October it will have a cash balance of only $50 billion, an amount insufficient to pay what the country owes for "an extended period of time ... and on certain days net expenditures could exceed such a cash balance," Lew wrote in a letter to Congress.

"It is not possible for us to estimate with any precision the date on which Treasury would exhaust its cash in this situation," he added, noting a host of factors that can influence the outcome, including the unpredictability of tax receipts.

Until now, Lew would say only that the debt ceiling had to be raised sometime after Labor Day.

The debt ceiling now stands at $16.699 trillion.

Related: Washington's budget brawl: 8 things you need to know

That level was reached in mid-May. At that time, Treasury began a host of "extraordinary measures" to continue paying all the country's bills in full and on time. For instance, Treasury first temporarily stopped issuing special securities to state and local governments.

But by mid-October, those extraordinary measures will be tapped out.

"Under any circumstances -- in light of its schedule, the inherent variability of cash flows and the dire consequences of miscalculation -- Congress must act before the middle of October," Lew said.

If Congress doesn't raise the ceiling in time, the United States risks defaulting on its obligations. Without being able to borrow new money from the markets, Treasury won't have enough revenue coming in to pay all the country's obligations.

Treasury would then be forced to make legally questionable decisions -- either picking who to pay and who to stiff until lawmakers approve a debt ceiling increase, or choosing to delay payments to everyone on any given day.

The debate over raising the debt ceiling is likely to be fraught and in any case will get tangled up in the broader fiscal fight this fall.

Lawmakers have yet to pass a budget for 2014 and can't agree on whether to preserve or replace the ill-conceived automatic spending cuts known as the sequester. Republicans and Democrats are sharply divided over spending levels and a small contingency of Republicans are vowing to try to defund Obamacare.

Contrary to the debt ceiling fight in 2011, no lawmaker is publicly advocating that the country risk default. But the real worry among Congressional observers is that perpetually stymied negotiations on Capitol Hill could force things to the brink nonetheless. To top of page

First Published: August 26, 2013: 5:20 PM ET


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GM to return to Super Bowl advertising in 2014

Written By limadu on Senin, 26 Agustus 2013 | 08.36

chevy suprbowl silverado

GM's most recent Super Bowl ad, from 2012, for the Chevrolet Silverado.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

The automaker said Friday it was planning to advertise in the upcoming game to promote a fleet of new Chevrolet models. Chevy is introducing a dozen new cars and trucks in the U.S. between mid-2013 and the end of 2014.

GM sat out the most recent Super Bowl, citing the steep advertising cost.

"The timing of Super Bowl XLVIII lines up perfectly with our aggressive car and truck launch plans," Tim Mahoney, Chevrolet's chief marketing officer, said in a statement. "The Super Bowl is a great stage for showcasing the Chevrolet brand and our newest cars and trucks."

Related: Time Warner's fix for CBS blackout

GM (GM, Fortune 500) also skipped the big game in 2009 and 2010 as it recovered from bankruptcy and the financial crisis.

Spots during the Super Bowl, set to be broadcast on Fox, are selling for $4 million per 30-second ad, up from $3.8 million during the 2013 broadcast on CBS (CBS, Fortune 500). Fox has already sold 85% of the available ad space.

The steep demand is no surprise. This year's Super Bowl drew 108.4 million viewers, while the 2012 game became the most-watched program in U.S. history with 111.3 million. To top of page

First Published: August 23, 2013: 3:41 PM ET


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Fed warned of global risks to tapering

Jackson Hole, Wyo. (CNNMoney)

But the question is: Should the Fed really care?

That's the focus of much debate at a gathering of central bankers and economists in Jackson Hole, Wyo., Saturday.

While the Fed was trying to save the U.S. economy over the last four years by pushing interest rates down to historic lows and going on a bond-buying spree, the value of the U.S. dollar fell, prompting investors to seek higher returns in riskier markets.

Emerging economies like India, Brazil, Indonesia and countries in Eastern Europe all benefited from large influxes in U.S. dollar-based loans over those years.

Real estate prices rose in China, Korea and Thailand. Stock prices increased in China, Mexico and Russia, and credit became far more available to borrowers in Brazil, China, Korea and Turkey.

But now, as the Fed prepares to slow and then eventually end its stimulative policies, the U.S. dollar is already rising versus foreign currencies like the Brazilian real and the Indian rupee. Investors are pulling their money out of these countries, triggering fears of a panic.

"From the Fed's perspective, communication about tapering is important not only to Americans but to foreign audiences as well," said Glenn Hubbard, dean of the Columbia University Graduate School of Business and a former adviser to President George W. Bush. "A lot of the reaction in emerging markets has been about what the Fed means."

Related: India's finance minister tries to stem panic

Here's how a crisis could play out: As emerging market currencies fall, the fear is that borrowers in these countries may not be able to pay back their dollar-denominated loans. Should they default en masse, their domestic banks could suffer or even fail.

Meanwhile, just because their own currencies are falling, doesn't mean prices will be going down too. In countries that import food and oil from abroad -- often priced in U.S. dollars -- basic necessities will become more expensive to the average person.

It's a recipe for geopolitical unrest, said Philippa Malmgren, president of Principals Asset Management and former economic adviser to President George W. Bush.

"Ironically, they get even more inflation now, and this is a profound issue," she said. "People in emerging markets spend 40% to 70% of their income on food and energy alone. Where an American can grumble about their grocery bill going up, it's marginal for most Americans, whereas for emerging markets, it's life and death."

Two papers presented in Jackson Hole urged central bankers to think of the international repercussions of their own domestic policies. Christine Lagarde, managing director of the International Monetary Fund, also delivered a speech calling for more international cooperation.

"No country is an island," she said. "In today's interconnected world, the spillovers from domestic policies ... may well feed back to where they began. Looking at the wider effect is in your self-interest. It is in all of our interests."

It's not uncommon for smaller, emerging economies to coordinate monetary policy efforts. Countries from the Balkans, the Black Sea region and Central Asia for instance, created a central bankers club that meets to discuss how to align their policies.

Members include Turkey, Russia, the Czech Republic, Romania, Albania and Kazakhstan, to name a few.

"We have been coordinating policy before the crisis and during the crisis, and I think it is also time now to coordinate the policies after QE3," said Ardian Fullani, governor of the Bank of Albania.

But for the United States, such coordination is not likely to be politically popular. Following the financial crisis, the Federal Reserve offered U.S. dollar swap lines to 14 countries. The cooperation between global central banks was "extremely successful overall" in easing tensions, but also drew ire from Congress and the broader public, noted Jean‐Pierre Landau, a former IMF and World Bank executive director, in a paper presented in Jackson Hole.

Related: How the Fed can taper without killing housing

The discussion remains controversial because it conflicts directly with U.S. law. Congress has charged the Federal Reserve to form its policies around maximizing American jobs and keeping American prices stable. It says nothing about say, food prices or wages in India.

"The Fed is focused, entirely by law, on domestic things and there's always been that clash," said Alan Blinder, Princeton economist and former vice chairman of the Federal Reserve Board. "Anything that pushes us toward cross-border cooperation potentially clashes with the Federal Reserve Act."

If there's one key message that comes out of this year's Jackson Hole symposium, it's a new call to bring monetary policy up to date with the global economy. Indeed, the title of the confab is "Global Dimensions of Unconventional Monetary Policy."

"Most central bankers believe that monetary policy is a purely domestic phenomenon and central bankers should only consider data from inside their own nations," Malmgren said. "The question is: isn't that a very quaint, old-fashioned notion in a highly globalized economy?" To top of page

First Published: August 24, 2013: 3:53 PM ET


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Get ready for 'Septaper'

Nasdaq weekly chart

Click chart for more markets data.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

Each number will be scrutinized even more so than usual this month, as investors look at every economic indicator as a predictor for whether the Federal Reserve will pull back on asset purchases next month -- a move many have dubbed "Septaper."

All eyes on the economy: Several key reports are due out during the week, including the second estimate of second-quarter gross domestic product. Investors will be watching this number closely, since it's considered the broadest measure of economic activity.

Late last month, the Bureau of Economic Analysis estimated that GDP rose at a 1.7% annual rate in April through June, slightly faster than the 1.1% rate in the first quarter. Economists surveyed by Briefing.com expect the second estimate to be even higher -- at 2.1%.

Related: Fed warned of global risks to tapering

Consumers, housing: A number of other economic indicators are also on tap throughout the week. Just how Americans are feeling about the state of the economy will be in focus this week, with consumer confidence, personal income and spending and Michigan sentiment due out.

The housing market will also be in play. The Case-Shiller 20-city index and pending home sales are set to be released Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.

Will he or won't he? Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke made clear at the press conference in June that the central bank could end its stimulus program as early as this fall, sending investors into a tizzy. Some economists think that the taper is coming next month.

The Federal Reserve has been buying about $85 billion a month in bonds and mortgage-backed securities in an effort to keep interest rates low and spur economic growth -- a program known as quantitative easing.

Markets ended mixed last week. The Nasdaq gained nearly 1.5% and the S&P 500 rose slightly, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell for the third straight week. To top of page

First Published: August 25, 2013: 11:20 AM ET


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Busting the 5 myths of college costs

Written By limadu on Minggu, 25 Agustus 2013 | 08.36

college costs

Much of the playbook for taking on the $40,000 average sticker price of a private school is out-of-date or just plain wrong.

(Money Magazine)

So you figure you've got this college thing under control. Not quite. Those expensive schools you ruled out? They might actually cost you less in the long run than some cheaper private or public institutions.

The federal loans for parents you're looking at so your kid doesn't graduate with debt? They may not be a better choice after all. As for thinking a technical major will be more helpful to Junior than a liberal arts degree ... sorry, it doesn't always turn out that way.

Even among savvy parents, myths and misinformation abound. Yet with the average four-year tab ranging from $71,500 at in-state public colleges to $240,000 at elite private schools, the last thing you need is to pay more than necessary, borrow more than you can handle, or pass up a college that can provide a great education at an affordable price.

What follow are the straight facts you need to make smart college choices.

MYTH NO. 1

The myth: Saving for college will hurt your chances of getting financial aid.

The reality: Any money you're able to save probably won't appreciably affect your chances for aid. Here's why: Under the federal financial aid formula, what matters most is your income, which is assessed up to 47%.

Related: Families scramble to pay for college

By contrast, a maximum of just 5.64% of savings in your name will be counted -- after excluding retirement accounts, any small business you own, and your home equity. A savings allowance based on your age and marital status ($30,700 for a married parent age 45 for 2014-15) will also be deducted.

As a result, parental savings typically have little impact in the government calculation of expected family contribution, says financial aid expert Mark Kantrowitz of Edvisor.com. Those savings will come in handy, though, to help pay that high expected contribution from your income.

True, nearly 400 private schools additionally use their own aid formula, which may factor in home and business equity. A high earner with substantial assets might qualify for less or no need-based aid at those schools as a result. Chances are, though, any aid you'd get would be in the form of loans, not grants, so you're still better off saving. Research from T. Rowe Price shows that each dollar you sock away could save you twice that amount in future borrowing costs.

What to do

Make friends with a 529. Only about one in four parents who save for college uses a 529 plan, says student lender Sallie Mae. Big mistake. You get more bang for your buck in a 529, since the money grows tax-free and withdrawals are tax-free, too, as long as the cash is used for school.

Look first to your state's plan; more than half offer a tax break to residents. Other low-fee options include New York's 529, Ohio College Advantage, and Wisconsin Edvest.

Shelter your shelter. "All schools will assess real estate that isn't your primary residence," says financial aid a expert Kal Chany at Campus Consultants in New York City. If you own a second home or investment property, taking out a home-equity line of credit and using the money to pay down consumer debt (to avoid having loan proceeds count as assets) will temporarily reduce your equity -- just make sure you can repay the loan.

Play the name game. Have assets in a taxable account in your kid's name? Uh-oh. They'll be assessed at a 20% rate. Fix: Use the account over time to buy stuff for your child that you'd get anyway, such as a new laptop or SAT tutoring. Then put an equivalent amount into a 529 in your name, where it will be counted at the lower parent rate, says Joe Hurley, head of Savingforcollege.com.

MYTH NO. 2

The myth: You can't afford a private college.

The reality: Don't confuse the eye-popping sticker prices at private schools -- $39,500 a year on average vs. $18,000 for the typical public college -- with the price you'd actually pay. Discounting by private colleges, especially for good students, has become the norm.

These discounts are typically awarded as merit aid and are given regardless of financial need. As the college-age population drops, schools are increasingly competing for students, sparking an awards arms race. In fact, today more students receive merit grants (44%) than get need-based aid (42%). Last year the average discount hit 45%, a record high, says the National Association of College and University Business Officers.

To be sure, Ivy League universities and some other top private schools still offer mainly need-based aid, but their definition of need often extends to higher-income families. And merit aid is available at many other high-quality colleges. For instance, Rice University offers academic grants averaging $15,000 to 22% of students; at Denison, about 46% of students get merit awards, which average $16,300.

What to do

Look for largesse. As your child begins to evaluate colleges, you'll want to assess how generous each is with handouts. To find the percentage of students who get merit money, go to collegedata.com. For details about a specific college's grants, check MeritAid.com.

Run a price check. Get a sense of what a certain private college will cost your family in particular, factoring in aid, by using the school's net price calculator. (Colleges are now required to offer this tool on their websites.)

Some schools load in merit awards based on your student's academic profile, while others give only a rough estimate. Either way, the results will be a good starting point for a discussion with the school's aid officer. Also compare the results with net prices at any state colleges your child is interested in; merit awards are on the rise at public schools too.

Improve your odds. Most private colleges are secretive about the formulas used to award merit aid. In general, your child has a better shot if her grades and SAT scores rank higher than the averages for a particular school, says Lynn O'Shaughnessy, head of Thecollegesolution.com.

Other factors that may provide an edge: intended major (a less popular one can help), community service, and musical talent. Some colleges even rate your child's interest in attending -- has yours taken a campus tour?

MYTH NO. 3

The myth: A liberal arts degree won't pay the bills.

The reality: Sure, grads with business or STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) degrees tend to earn above-average salaries. But many liberal arts majors do as well or better.

Case in point: The top-earning 25% of history majors earned a median annual lifetime income of $85,000 vs. $82,000 for computer-programming majors, per a recent analysis by the Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce.

And in some careers, lower salaries are offset by better job security. The typical education major earns $42,000, but only 4% are out of work. Biomedical engineers pull in $68,000, but 11% are unemployed.

Related: Does college still pay off?

Major isn't the only determinant of pay, either, notes Anthony Carnevale, the Georgetown Center's director: "Whether your child attends grad school, changes careers, gets promoted, or loses a job has a big impact on lifetime earnings."

Besides, many people end up in fields unrelated to their major -- an analysis of alumni by Williams College math professor Satyan Devadoss found that some arts majors went into banking, engineering, and tech, while some chem majors ended up in government and education. Also, a Chronicle of Higher Education survey of employers found that previous work experience was more important than one's major in hiring recent grads.

What to do

Focus on practical help. When comparing colleges, see what each offers to assist your child in developing work skills, says Andy Chan, VP of career development at Wake Forest University. Find out if the career office reaches out to freshmen, offers courses in résumé building, and helps students land paid internships. Some 60% of 2012 grads who held a paid internship got a job offer, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

More: Student loans won't cripple your child financially.


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GM to return to Super Bowl advertising in 2014

chevy suprbowl silverado

GM's most recent Super Bowl ad, from 2012, for the Chevrolet Silverado.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

The automaker said Friday it was planning to advertise in the upcoming game to promote a fleet of new Chevrolet models. Chevy is introducing a dozen new cars and trucks in the U.S. between mid-2013 and the end of 2014.

GM sat out the most recent Super Bowl, citing the steep advertising cost.

"The timing of Super Bowl XLVIII lines up perfectly with our aggressive car and truck launch plans," Tim Mahoney, Chevrolet's chief marketing officer, said in a statement. "The Super Bowl is a great stage for showcasing the Chevrolet brand and our newest cars and trucks."

Related: Time Warner's fix for CBS blackout

GM (GM, Fortune 500) also skipped the big game in 2009 and 2010 as it recovered from bankruptcy and the financial crisis.

Spots during the Super Bowl, set to be broadcast on Fox, are selling for $4 million per 30-second ad, up from $3.8 million during the 2013 broadcast on CBS (CBS, Fortune 500). Fox has already sold 85% of the available ad space.

The steep demand is no surprise. This year's Super Bowl drew 108.4 million viewers, while the 2012 game became the most-watched program in U.S. history with 111.3 million. To top of page

First Published: August 23, 2013: 3:41 PM ET


08.36 | 0 komentar | Read More

Fed warned of global risks to tapering

Jackson Hole, Wyo. (CNNMoney)

But the question is: Should the Fed really care?

That's the focus of much debate at a gathering of central bankers and economists in Jackson Hole, Wyo., Saturday.

While the Fed was trying to save the U.S. economy over the last four years by pushing interest rates down to historic lows and going on a bond-buying spree, the value of the U.S. dollar fell, prompting investors to seek higher returns in riskier markets.

Emerging economies like India, Brazil, Indonesia and countries in Eastern Europe all benefited from large influxes in U.S. dollar-based loans over those years.

Real estate prices rose in China, Korea and Thailand. Stock prices increased in China, Mexico and Russia, and credit became far more available to borrowers in Brazil, China, Korea and Turkey.

But now, as the Fed prepares to slow and then eventually end its stimulative policies, the U.S. dollar is already rising versus foreign currencies like the Brazilian real and the Indian rupee. Investors are pulling their money out of these countries, triggering fears of a panic.

"From the Fed's perspective, communication about tapering is important not only to Americans but to foreign audiences as well," said Glenn Hubbard, dean of the Columbia University Graduate School of Business and a former adviser to President George W. Bush. "A lot of the reaction in emerging markets has been about what the Fed means."

Related: India's finance minister tries to stem panic

Here's how a crisis could play out: As emerging market currencies fall, the fear is that borrowers in these countries may not be able to pay back their dollar-denominated loans. Should they default en masse, their domestic banks could suffer or even fail.

Meanwhile, just because their own currencies are falling, doesn't mean prices will be going down too. In countries that import food and oil from abroad -- often priced in U.S. dollars -- basic necessities will become more expensive to the average person.

It's a recipe for geopolitical unrest, said Philippa Malmgren, president of Principals Asset Management and former economic adviser to President George W. Bush.

"Ironically, they get even more inflation now, and this is a profound issue," she said. "People in emerging markets spend 40% to 70% of their income on food and energy alone. Where an American can grumble about their grocery bill going up, it's marginal for most Americans, whereas for emerging markets, it's life and death."

Two papers presented in Jackson Hole urged central bankers to think of the international repercussions of their own domestic policies. Christine Lagarde, managing director of the International Monetary Fund, also delivered a speech calling for more international cooperation.

"No country is an island," she said. "In today's interconnected world, the spillovers from domestic policies ... may well feed back to where they began. Looking at the wider effect is in your self-interest. It is in all of our interests."

It's not uncommon for smaller, emerging economies to coordinate monetary policy efforts. Countries from the Balkans, the Black Sea region and Central Asia for instance, created a central bankers club that meets to discuss how to align their policies.

Members include Turkey, Russia, the Czech Republic, Romania, Albania and Kazakhstan, to name a few.

"We have been coordinating policy before the crisis and during the crisis, and I think it is also time now to coordinate the policies after QE3," said Ardian Fullani, governor of the Bank of Albania.

But for the United States, such coordination is not likely to be politically popular. Following the financial crisis, the Federal Reserve offered U.S. dollar swap lines to 14 countries. The cooperation between global central banks was "extremely successful overall" in easing tensions, but also drew ire from Congress and the broader public, noted Jean‐Pierre Landau, a former IMF and World Bank executive director, in a paper presented in Jackson Hole.

Related: How the Fed can taper without killing housing

The discussion remains controversial because it conflicts directly with U.S. law. Congress has charged the Federal Reserve to form its policies around maximizing American jobs and keeping American prices stable. It says nothing about say, food prices or wages in India.

"The Fed is focused, entirely by law, on domestic things and there's always been that clash," said Alan Blinder, Princeton economist and former vice chairman of the Federal Reserve Board. "Anything that pushes us toward cross-border cooperation potentially clashes with the Federal Reserve Act."

If there's one key message that comes out of this year's Jackson Hole symposium, it's a new call to bring monetary policy up to date with the global economy. Indeed, the title of the confab is "Global Dimensions of Unconventional Monetary Policy."

"Most central bankers believe that monetary policy is a purely domestic phenomenon and central bankers should only consider data from inside their own nations," Malmgren said. "The question is: isn't that a very quaint, old-fashioned notion in a highly globalized economy?" To top of page

First Published: August 24, 2013: 3:53 PM ET


08.36 | 0 komentar | Read More

Steve Ballmer's leaving. Now what?

Written By limadu on Sabtu, 24 Agustus 2013 | 08.37

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

The outgoing Microsoft CEO repeatedly failed to anticipate where the consumer technology market was headed or figure out how Microsoft (MSFT, Fortune 500) could innovate in important areas.

That's not to say that Ballmer's tenure at Microsoft was pockmarked by bad ideas and abject failure (though the virus-filled Internet Explorer 6 and bug-ridden Windows Vista happened under his watch). The truth is that a lot of good ideas and products launched during the Ballmer era.

The problem is that many of those products and innovations came about as a desperate response to what competitors had launched. And some were missing one or two critical elements, which ended up holding them back from success.

That still rings true for Microsoft today. Consider the company's lineup of major products:

Windows 8: a reaction to its many missed opportunities in the tablet market. With PC sales sharply declining, its future success is still a big question mark.

Microsoft Surface: flawed execution and marketing confused consumers. Sales have been lackluster.

Windows Phone 8: smartphone users had already moved on to Apple's (AAPL, Fortune 500) iPhone and Google's Android by the time it arrived.

Microsoft Office: still successful, but Google (GOOG, Fortune 500) Docs is catching up and Microsoft knows it. Hence the release of Office 365 and its Web-based app earlier this year.

Xbox: one of the few bright spots of Microsoft's consumer facing divisions. But Microsoft's mistake-filled promotional blitz for the latest Xbox One has been a disaster.

Interactive: A tale of two Microsoft's CEOs

The next Microsoft CEO has a lot of work cut out for him or her.

If Microsoft sticks with its current plan of becoming an Apple-esque devices and services company, its new leader should probably be someone with a laser focus on product innovation (both hardware and software). If Ballmer's biggest shortcoming was ignoring the rise of mobile devices, the next CEO needs to be able to have the foresight to predict what's next, and have the skill to execute on that vision.

Another operations manager in the mold of Ballmer is not going to deliver on that.

Serving the PC market is still Microsoft's biggest cash cow, so Microsoft's next CEO shouldn't abandon that market by any means. But placing its hopes for a comeback on its past glories or even current hot tech trends will only set the company up for disappointment. It needs to look past that.

Luckily for Microsoft, the company is still in a position to succeed.

Related story: Ballmer gets no retirement pay but he's still crazy rich

One of the next big battles in tech will be control of the Internet TV space. Microsoft was smart enough to position the Xbox as an all-purpose home-entertainment device, and offer tons streaming TV, movies and music -- not just games. It also opened up a studio to develop its own TV content. If the Xbox One sells as well as its predecessor, it may end up having the type of clout Apple desires in the TV space.

Microsoft also has two wild cards in the form of Bing and Skype. Microsoft came very late to the search party and tried to fashion Bing as a search engine easy enough for dumb people, which was a mistake. But there's a second revolution happening in search. Google, Apple and Wolfram are all developing semantic search engines that attempt to figure out what he user actually wants, but none have solved the problem yet. Microsoft needs to strike while the iron is hot.

The same goes for Skype. Right now, messaging is fractured between Google Hangouts, Facebook (FB) Messenger, Whatsapp, iMessage, Line, Kik and more. Microsoft is one of the few companies to have a quality product - Skype - available on nearly every platform. Finding a way to make Skype the nexus for all of our communications is a surefire way to restore Microsoft to relevance.

Alternatively, the next Microsoft CEO could continue to chase low-hanging fruit and watch the company fade into nothingness, much like BlackBerry (BBRY) has.

MIcrosoft has a lot riding on its decision.s To top of page

First Published: August 23, 2013: 3:02 PM ET


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Busting the 5 myths of college costs

college costs

Much of the playbook for taking on the $40,000 average sticker price of a private school is out-of-date or just plain wrong.

(Money Magazine)

So you figure you've got this college thing under control. Not quite. Those expensive schools you ruled out? They might actually cost you less in the long run than some cheaper private or public institutions.

The federal loans for parents you're looking at so your kid doesn't graduate with debt? They may not be a better choice after all. As for thinking a technical major will be more helpful to Junior than a liberal arts degree ... sorry, it doesn't always turn out that way.

Even among savvy parents, myths and misinformation abound. Yet with the average four-year tab ranging from $71,500 at in-state public colleges to $240,000 at elite private schools, the last thing you need is to pay more than necessary, borrow more than you can handle, or pass up a college that can provide a great education at an affordable price.

What follow are the straight facts you need to make smart college choices.

MYTH NO. 1

The myth: Saving for college will hurt your chances of getting financial aid.

The reality: Any money you're able to save probably won't appreciably affect your chances for aid. Here's why: Under the federal financial aid formula, what matters most is your income, which is assessed up to 47%.

Related: Families scramble to pay for college

By contrast, a maximum of just 5.64% of savings in your name will be counted -- after excluding retirement accounts, any small business you own, and your home equity. A savings allowance based on your age and marital status ($30,700 for a married parent age 45 for 2014-15) will also be deducted.

As a result, parental savings typically have little impact in the government calculation of expected family contribution, says financial aid expert Mark Kantrowitz of Edvisor.com. Those savings will come in handy, though, to help pay that high expected contribution from your income.

True, nearly 400 private schools additionally use their own aid formula, which may factor in home and business equity. A high earner with substantial assets might qualify for less or no need-based aid at those schools as a result. Chances are, though, any aid you'd get would be in the form of loans, not grants, so you're still better off saving. Research from T. Rowe Price shows that each dollar you sock away could save you twice that amount in future borrowing costs.

What to do

Make friends with a 529. Only about one in four parents who save for college uses a 529 plan, says student lender Sallie Mae. Big mistake. You get more bang for your buck in a 529, since the money grows tax-free and withdrawals are tax-free, too, as long as the cash is used for school.

Look first to your state's plan; more than half offer a tax break to residents. Other low-fee options include New York's 529, Ohio College Advantage, and Wisconsin Edvest.

Shelter your shelter. "All schools will assess real estate that isn't your primary residence," says financial aid a expert Kal Chany at Campus Consultants in New York City. If you own a second home or investment property, taking out a home-equity line of credit and using the money to pay down consumer debt (to avoid having loan proceeds count as assets) will temporarily reduce your equity -- just make sure you can repay the loan.

Play the name game. Have assets in a taxable account in your kid's name? Uh-oh. They'll be assessed at a 20% rate. Fix: Use the account over time to buy stuff for your child that you'd get anyway, such as a new laptop or SAT tutoring. Then put an equivalent amount into a 529 in your name, where it will be counted at the lower parent rate, says Joe Hurley, head of Savingforcollege.com.

MYTH NO. 2

The myth: You can't afford a private college.

The reality: Don't confuse the eye-popping sticker prices at private schools -- $39,500 a year on average vs. $18,000 for the typical public college -- with the price you'd actually pay. Discounting by private colleges, especially for good students, has become the norm.

These discounts are typically awarded as merit aid and are given regardless of financial need. As the college-age population drops, schools are increasingly competing for students, sparking an awards arms race. In fact, today more students receive merit grants (44%) than get need-based aid (42%). Last year the average discount hit 45%, a record high, says the National Association of College and University Business Officers.

To be sure, Ivy League universities and some other top private schools still offer mainly need-based aid, but their definition of need often extends to higher-income families. And merit aid is available at many other high-quality colleges. For instance, Rice University offers academic grants averaging $15,000 to 22% of students; at Denison, about 46% of students get merit awards, which average $16,300.

What to do

Look for largesse. As your child begins to evaluate colleges, you'll want to assess how generous each is with handouts. To find the percentage of students who get merit money, go to collegedata.com. For details about a specific college's grants, check MeritAid.com.

Run a price check. Get a sense of what a certain private college will cost your family in particular, factoring in aid, by using the school's net price calculator. (Colleges are now required to offer this tool on their websites.)

Some schools load in merit awards based on your student's academic profile, while others give only a rough estimate. Either way, the results will be a good starting point for a discussion with the school's aid officer. Also compare the results with net prices at any state colleges your child is interested in; merit awards are on the rise at public schools too.

Improve your odds. Most private colleges are secretive about the formulas used to award merit aid. In general, your child has a better shot if her grades and SAT scores rank higher than the averages for a particular school, says Lynn O'Shaughnessy, head of Thecollegesolution.com.

Other factors that may provide an edge: intended major (a less popular one can help), community service, and musical talent. Some colleges even rate your child's interest in attending -- has yours taken a campus tour?

MYTH NO. 3

The myth: A liberal arts degree won't pay the bills.

The reality: Sure, grads with business or STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) degrees tend to earn above-average salaries. But many liberal arts majors do as well or better.

Case in point: The top-earning 25% of history majors earned a median annual lifetime income of $85,000 vs. $82,000 for computer-programming majors, per a recent analysis by the Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce.

And in some careers, lower salaries are offset by better job security. The typical education major earns $42,000, but only 4% are out of work. Biomedical engineers pull in $68,000, but 11% are unemployed.

Related: Does college still pay off?

Major isn't the only determinant of pay, either, notes Anthony Carnevale, the Georgetown Center's director: "Whether your child attends grad school, changes careers, gets promoted, or loses a job has a big impact on lifetime earnings."

Besides, many people end up in fields unrelated to their major -- an analysis of alumni by Williams College math professor Satyan Devadoss found that some arts majors went into banking, engineering, and tech, while some chem majors ended up in government and education. Also, a Chronicle of Higher Education survey of employers found that previous work experience was more important than one's major in hiring recent grads.

What to do

Focus on practical help. When comparing colleges, see what each offers to assist your child in developing work skills, says Andy Chan, VP of career development at Wake Forest University. Find out if the career office reaches out to freshmen, offers courses in résumé building, and helps students land paid internships. Some 60% of 2012 grads who held a paid internship got a job offer, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

More: Student loans won't cripple your child financially.


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GM to return to Super Bowl advertising in 2014

chevy suprbowl silverado

GM's most recent Super Bowl ad, from 2012, for the Chevrolet Silverado.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

The automaker said Friday it was planning to advertise in the upcoming game to promote a fleet of new Chevrolet models. Chevy is introducing a dozen new cars and trucks in the U.S. between mid-2013 and the end of 2014.

GM sat out the most recent Super Bowl, citing the steep advertising cost.

"The timing of Super Bowl XLVIII lines up perfectly with our aggressive car and truck launch plans," Tim Mahoney, Chevrolet's chief marketing officer, said in a statement. "The Super Bowl is a great stage for showcasing the Chevrolet brand and our newest cars and trucks."

Related: Time Warner's fix for CBS blackout

GM (GM, Fortune 500) also skipped the big game in 2009 and 2010 as it recovered from bankruptcy and the financial crisis.

Spots during the Super Bowl, set to be broadcast on Fox, are selling for $4 million per 30-second ad, up from $3.8 million during the 2013 broadcast on CBS (CBS, Fortune 500). Fox has already sold 85% of the available ad space.

The steep demand is no surprise. This year's Super Bowl drew 108.4 million viewers, while the 2012 game became the most-watched program in U.S. history with 111.3 million. To top of page

First Published: August 23, 2013: 3:41 PM ET


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Trading glitches a sad new market reality

Written By limadu on Jumat, 23 Agustus 2013 | 08.36

nasdaq halts trading

Nasdaq halts trading in more than 2700 stocks because of a technical glitch.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

Some of the market's most popular stocks, including Apple (AAPL, Fortune 500), Google (GOOG, Fortune 500), Microsoft (MSFT, Fortune 500), Intel (INTC, Fortune 500) and Facebook (FB), were at a virtual standstill until trading resumed for all Nasdaq stocks at 3:25 p.m.

It's yet another black eye for a stock market that has become increasingly automated. It's also another blow to Nasdaq (NDAQ), which has been under intense scrutiny since trading issues at its exchange marred the initial public offering of Facebook.

Nasdaq attributed the problems to technical issues at a central clearinghouse known as the "UTP SIP," which is the security information process where 13 public exchanges send bid and offer prices on Nasdaq-listed stocks.

Nasdaq hasn't revealed what caused the issues there.

Related: Mini-crashes happen a dozen times a day

"In 26 years in the industry, I've never seen the SIP have a catastrophic failure like this," said Chris Nagy, president of the market consulting firm KOR trading and the former head of trading at TD Ameritrade.

Dennis Dick, a trader and market structure consultant at Premarketinfo.com, said the problems quickly became clear to him and his traders midday Thursday when they stopped seeing quotes in certain Nasdaq-listed stocks. Shortly thereafter, the Nasdaq and other exchanges informed clients that trading had been halted.

Nasdaq spent nearly an hour reopening trading.

The issues at Nasdaq follow another massive trading glitch at Goldman Sachs this week. An internal computer system problem caused Goldman Sachs (GS, Fortune 500) to flood the options markets with erroneous orders.

"The market has become so complex and so intertwined," said Dick. "One little hiccup and everything goes down."

Indeed, the list of recent trading glitches that have wrought havoc on the broader market goes on and on and on....

Related: High speed trading puts investors on losing end

The notorious "flash crash" in May 2010 caused the Dow Jones industrial average to plunge nearly 1,000 points and briefly erased roughly $1 trillion in market value.

Shortly before the troubled Facebook IPO, the IPO of the BATS exchange also ran into major problems.

Knight Capital, a market middleman that buys and sells stocks, also experienced a high profile trading glitch last August. The firm lost $440 million after a software snafu affected trading activity in nearly 150 NYSE-listed stocks.

Trading glitches have recently gone global as well. Problems at the Chinese trading firm Everbright Securities caused a sudden 6% spike in the Shanghai Composite Index last week.

CNNMoney's Hibah Yousuf and Aaron Smith contributed to this report. To top of page

First Published: August 22, 2013: 2:57 PM ET


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Icahn turns up the heat on Apple stock buyback

icahn tweet

Carl Icahn tweeted again on Thursday about pushing Apple to increase its stock buyback, and he claims CEO Tim Cook is on board with the idea.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

The activist investor said the pair plans to have dinner in September, and that Cook "believes in buyback and is doing one. What will be discussed is magnitude."

Icahn's tweet helped Apple shares pare their earlier losses and close the trading day slightly higher. Apple's stock was halted when when Icahn sent the tweet due to a rare prolonged outage of Nasdaq exchange.

His post added about $4 billion to Apple's market cap in the mere half-hour left in the trading day after the exchange reopened.

That post came a week after Icahn announced, also via Twitter, that he has taken a "large" stake in Apple (AAPL, Fortune 500) and that he's pushing the company to use even more of its cash to reward shareholders.

In May, Apple announced it will return $100 billion to shareholders over the next three years through a combination of stock buybacks and a quarterly dividend of $3.05 per share. Apple's decision came shortly after David Einhorn of Greenlight Capital publicly slammed the company for "hoarding" billions in cash.

Clearly, Icahn doesn't think that existing buyback is enough action from Apple, which had an impressive $147 billion in cash at the end of last quarter. Apple has confirmed only that the company is in talks with Icahn.

Related story: Carl Icahn is having an amazing year

Icahn's words have weight -- his tweet last week added nearly $12.5 billion to Apple's market cap in just 100 minutes after he disclosed his stake -- and he's used to getting his way.

Icahn has made a name for himself by buying up shares and influence at dozens of companies. He masterminded a hostile takeover of the airline TWA in 1985, tried and failed to win a board seat at Motorola, pushed BEA Systems to sell to Oracle (ORCL, Fortune 500), attempted to take over Lionsgate (LGF), and advocated for CNNMoney parent Time Warner (TWX, Fortune 500)to break into four companies.

Meanwhile, Icahn has also been embroiled in a lawsuit against Dell (DELL, Fortune 500) to keep the company public, while founder Michael Dell is trying to take the struggling PC maker private. To top of page

First Published: August 22, 2013: 3:39 PM ET


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