10 Fitness Myths Exposed

Sharing security data really does make a difference

In early January of this year, President Obama announced support for several initiatives aimed at improving cybersecurity in the US. This is a positive step and supports the efforts underway in the US Congress to pass data-breach-notification and information-sharing legislation.

Intel buys former Infineon 'Internet of Things' chip unit Lantiq

FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Intel has agreed to buy German network chipmaker Lantiq for an undisclosed amount to expand its range of chips used in Internet-connected gadgets, the companies said on Monday.

Oil prices fall on weak Chinese data, U.S. refinery strikes

LONDON (Reuters) - Crude oil prices fell on Monday after U.S. unions called a refinery strike and activity in China's factory sector shrank for the second month in a row, quashing Friday's bullish mood.

U.S. companies face billions in Venezuela currency losses, Reuters analysis shows

(Reuters) - At least 40 major U.S. companies have substantial exposure to Venezuela’s deepening economic crisis, and could collectively be forced to take billions of dollars of write downs, a Reuters analysis shows.

A false friend

IN THIS week's print edition, we explore how mortgage subsidies have encouraged banks to lend more to homeowners and less to firms, with pernicious economic consequences. The Economist has long been a critic of such handouts. Back in 2000, we pointed out that implicit state guarantees for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, mortgage insurance giants, may do serious damage to the American economy if they take on too much risk. The federal nationalisation of the two firms in September 2008 as a result of the subprime mortgage crisis suggests we were right to be worried.

Fannie, Freddie and Uncle Sam

America’s government should get out of the mortgage business

Apr 15th 2000

FANNIE and Freddie sound like a sweet couple living down the street. But in America they are more liely to own the mortgage on your and your nieghbours’ house. For Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are two of America’s biggest financial institutions—and also two of its most indebted, with around $1 trillion of debt between them. Fannie Mae is the Federal National Mortgage Association, Freddie Mac the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation. They dominate America’s mortgage market, a...Continue reading

Coke, Budweiser win as Super Bowl ad battle gets serious

LOS ANGELES/NEW YORK (Reuters) - Budweiser capitalized on cuteness with the return of a puppy and Coca-Cola stood out with an anti-bullying message as many brands stirred emotions rather than going for laughs during the annual high-stakes battle of Super Bowl commercials.