Reuters - The United Arab Emirates ranked among the top five nations globally for consumer confidence despite fears over rising inflation in the oil-fueled economy, a U.S. research agency said on Wednesday.

Reuters - The economy will likely avoid a formal recession, but its outlook through the end of next year is decidedly "subprime" with the deep housing downturn restraining growth to just above 1 percent, a UCLA Anderson Forecast report released on Wednesday said.

Reuters - Americans remain gloomy about the future but feel marginally better this month as they adjust to high gas prices and a faltering economy, according to a Reuters/Zogby poll released on Wednesday.

Reuters - Many Americans will forgo vacations and dine in more often to combat soaring fuel prices, while 1 in 10 are rethinking where they live or work, according to a Reuters/Zogby poll released on Wednesday.

AP - In his hunt for a new home, Demetrius Stroud crunched the numbers to find out that, with gas prices climbing, moving near an Amtrak station is the best thing for his wallet.

Reuters - Soaring energy costs pushed U.S. producer prices up sharply last month and housing starts fell to 17-year low, according to data on Tuesday that spotlighted the dilemma the Federal Reserve's faces in trying to tackle weak economic growth amid high inflation.

AP - Wholesale prices barreled ahead while housing and industrial activity faltered — a blend of high-costs and slow growth that ensures the Federal Reserve's most likely move on interest rates next week will be no move whatsoever.

Reuters - American consumers' confidence inched up in the latest week but was still deep into negative territory and near its record low as gasoline prices reached record highs, a report showed on Tuesday.

Reuters - White House hopeful Barack Obama said on Tuesday the weakness in the U.S. dollar reflects the soft economy and large trade deficits, and the best way to strengthen the currency is to restore the economy's health.

Reuters - The economy will likely avoid a formal recession, but its outlook through the end of next year is decidedly "subprime" with the deep housing downturn restraining growth to just above 1 percent, a UCLA Anderson Forecast report released on Wednesday said.

Reuters - The economy of California, the most populous U.S. state, will remain weak this year as the downturn in its housing market persists, but strong exports and agricultural activity will help offset that drag, according to a UCLA Anderson report released on Wednesday.