Cowboy Economics News

Unemployment rate for electrical engineers soars to new record, engineering jobless rate up

Wednesday, July 08, 2009 00:00 MST

The unemployment rate for US electrical and electronics engineers hit a new record in the second quarter, while the rate for all engineers increased for a second straight quarter, according to data released last week by the Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Owning too much company stock puts workers' retirement at risk

Thursday, June 25, 2009 00:00 MST

Congress should ban employer stock from company-sponsored retirement plans to spare workers the risk of putting too much of their nest eggs in one basket, a new study by a University of Illinois legal expert says.

Bankruptcy rates reflect policy, not people

Wednesday, June 24, 2009 00:00 MST

What do high bankruptcy rates in states like Tennessee and Utah tell us about the people that live in those places? Not much, according to a new 50-state bankruptcy study published in the Journal of Law and Economics.

Economic crisis heightens financial fallout for bereaved

Tuesday, June 23, 2009 00:00 MST

A drop in the value of some older people's savings and investments during the current economic crisis will worsen the financial difficulties already felt by many when their partner dies. New research funded by the Economic and Social Research Council into the financial implications of bereavement highlights the potentially devastating economic consequences of a partner's death.

Study separates russian flat tax myth and fact

Saturday, June 20, 2009 00:00 MST

A study of the 2001 Russian flat tax reform finds that the new tax system significantly reduced tax evasion, but did little to increase real income for taxpayers.

How consumers continue enjoying their favorite experiences

Friday, June 19, 2009 00:00 MST

We've all experienced listening to a song until we can't stand it. A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research may help people continue to enjoy the products and experiences they once loved.

Rural tourists' profile analyzed

Thursday, June 18, 2009 00:00 MST

Every weekend, holiday and long bank holiday, thousands of people take to the roads on journeys of hours or even days to rural destinations. But what motivates people to choose one place over another? Researchers from the University of Valencia have created a model to help manage tourism marketing in order to boost rural and cultural tourism in areas with a great wealth in heritage.

Extended service contracts: When and why do people buy them?

Thursday, June 18, 2009 00:00 MST

Consumer experts have long recommended against buying Extended Service Contracts with products, since they are rarely cost effective. A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research examines the reasons why so many people ignore the experts' advice.

The complicated consumer: Positive ads aren't always the most effective

Wednesday, June 17, 2009 00:00 MST

Ads that feature positive emotions, like happiness, are not always the best way to reach consumers, according to a new study in the Journal of Consumer Research.

The nature of economic manias and crashes

Tuesday, June 16, 2009 00:00 MST

Readers who have followed the trials and tribulations of the world economy and financial markets will find in Donald Rapp's new book, "Bubbles, Booms and Busts: The Rise and Fall of Financial Assets," a detailed explanation of the history of economic ups and downs in financial markets.

The dark side of gifts: Feeling indebted may drive people to the marketplace

Tuesday, June 16, 2009 00:00 MST

You need to move out of your apartment. Do you call in your friends and family to haul boxes and furniture or contact a moving company? A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research shows that sometimes the emotions connected with asking for favors can actually drive people to the market.

If you do good, you look good

Friday, June 12, 2009 00:00 MST

Tel Aviv University researcher finds image is a prime motivator for charitable giving

Wage gap linked to customer bias

Saturday, June 06, 2009 00:00 MST

Customer surveys often fail to reflect actual employee performance

Over 60 percent of all US bankruptcies attributable to medical problems

Friday, June 05, 2009 00:00 MST

Most victims are middle class, well-educated and have health insurance

Lack of capital not a 'death sentence' for start-ups

Thursday, June 04, 2009 00:00 MST

A new study from North Carolina State University is turning the conventional wisdom about technology start-up companies on its head, showing that ventures with moderate levels of undercapitalization can still be successful and that a great management team is not more important than a top-notch technology product when it comes to securing sufficient amounts of capital.