dropcard.com - business news

Bank of America's rescue of Countrywide offers no relief to a slumping market. Gold briefly touches $900 an ounce. Citigroup will get $10 billion in new capital. American Express is the second credit card company in two days to warn on profits. Tiffany gives a dull outlook.

Economic uncertainty, global demand and inflation fears push the metal higher. $1,000 an ounce may not be far off.

The icon of America's SUV passion falls victim to stubbornly high gas prices and an increasingly stringent regulatory climate.

Dear FSB: I created a business called NEK Body Essentials. It sells 100 percent natural, custom-scented body products for men, women and children. How can I generate more sales on the Internet? Once I generate enough cash flow, how do I go about finding a manufacturer to make my product for me? Is this a business I could franchise in the future? Also, where can I look to find a company to make inexpensive labels for my product line? Thank you for the advice.

This year's CES had no blockbusters - finding the gems required sifting. Check out FSB's gallery of the best for and by small companies.

Dear FSB: I have a small electronics service company serving clients of the major electronics companies like Sharp, Samsung and Pioneer. A customer buys a Sharp TV, has a problem and calls Sharp, and Sharp calls me to go service the unit.

Dear FSB: I'm a traveling and online vendor selling costume apparel and nightclub toys. I have a well-branded name (I believe) and am pouring money into building inventory. However, because I am pouring money into inventory, I can't afford to buy a vendor canopy booth setup, nor can I afford the hugely expensive event fees for vendors. How can I find events and charities that take a percentage of the sales at events? Is there a low cost way to put together a vendor booth?

Dear FSB: I would like a 401(k) for my small business but there are so many, and I don't know who to trust. I'd like an online 401(k) so my employees have access to their information. I would like to know what fees there are and what fees will be charged to my employees. I don't want them to have to pay a lot on their investments.

Dear FSB: What's the best way to pass my construction business on to my son?

Some men and women are meant to be just friends; others inexplicably click, fall in love, and become couples for life.

Leave it to a small business to reinvent consumer electronics. Tiny New York City-based Bug Labs is about to come to market with a do-it-yourself modular hardware gadget that lets customers custom create their own electronics.

The nation's delay-induced emergency will pump long-term profits into companies that move water, power and oil along the existing infrastructure.

Unemployment is expected to rise this year, and hiring could be slower in almost all occupations, economists say. Here are the industries that probably will suffer the most.

Your heart is in the right place, and some retailers are using it to find your wallet. Before you try to save the planet with bamboo-fiber sheets, find out what really helps.