Friday, November 20, 2009

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KGO Radio Opening Bell with Lynn Jimenez Open XML document for this RSS feed

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Dell's Dragging Us Down, ManMore >>

Dell Computer is dragging the market down this morning after news that its profits slipped 54 percent with a 15 percent slide in revenue. They're optimistic, though, predicting a surge in business sales as the global financial outlook brightens. KGO's Lynn Jimenez talks about Dell's profit reports and more today on Opening Bell. (11/20)

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Hiring in Slow-MoMore >>

"What's as slow as molasses these days? Hiring," says KGO Business Reporter Lynn Jimenez. One million people will run out of jobless benefits in January. Today Lynn talks about why Congress' extension of unemployment aid may not help much. (11/19)

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The Cost of Living Jumped. Shocking.More >>

Our cost of living jumped more than expected last month. Surprised? Neither are we. But why? KGO's Lynn Jimenez gives us the reason and talks about a disappointing downturn in the housing market today on Opening Bell. (11/18)

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Deflating or Deflated?More >>

Wholesale prices rose for just the second time in four months, but year-to-year they're down. Are we sliding into deflation or can our recovering economy fight it off? Business reporter Lynn Jimenez talks about disappointing industrial production figures and foreclosure rates in the Bay Area today on Opening Bell. (11/17)

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Baby, You Can Drive My CarMore >>

General Motors is reportedly going to start repaying its $6.7bn bailout, starting with $1.2bn next month and quarterly payments thereafter. In related news, KGO's Lynn Jimenez tells us that car sales were the foundation for improvement in retail sales-- that's good news, but what happens to the numbers when you leave autos out of the equation? (11/16)

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Got (Foreign) Milk (Commercial)?More >>

The LA Times reports that California Milk Advisory Board plans to film commercials touting California milk from California cows ... in New Zealand. Why? It's cheaper. Business reporter Lynn Jimenez says it leaves a sour taste in her mouth. Today in Opening Bell she talks about our growing import/export gap and the morning's market fluctuations. (11/13)

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"Let's Make a Deal!" Silicon Valley Edition.More >>

AMD can quit pouting and pointing fingers and Intel can stop denying they froze AMD out of the market-- both companies have agreed to settle all antitrust issues. Finally. Lynn Jimenez talks about HP's Big Deal and more on Opening Bell. (11/12)

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Our Darwinian Labor MarketMore >>

We all know that when a corporation says they're "restructuring," it means they're "laying folks off." KGO's Lynn Jimenez tells us such is the case at Adobe, who will be handing pink slips to over 600 workers. The Labor Department says that job openings are near record lows-- for every one job opening, there are six people competing for it. Find out which sector remains the most stable here on Opening Bell. (11/11)

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A Party on Wall StreetMore >>

"It appears global financial officials have no intention of taking the punch bowl of cheap money away anytime soon," say KGO's Lynn Jimenez, citing this as the reason the Dow surged to its highest point in 13 months. Unfortunately, a bash on Wall Street usually means a hangover for Main Street-- Lynn crashes the party with news of some high-level layoffs in the tech sector. (11/10)

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A Hostile MondayMore >>

Kraft's $16.4bn hostile takeover bid for British-owned Cadbury has been rejected because Cadbury wants more money, and Comcast is one step closer to adding NBC networks to its cable empire. What's with the shakeup? Are these signs of economic recovery? KGO's Lynn Jimenez talks takeovers and failed banks this morning on Opening Bell. (11/9)

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Yeah, About That Silver Lining ...More >>

Yeah, About That Silver Lining ...

"What a difference a day makes," says KGO business reporter Lynn Jimenez. Yesterday we cheered news that layoffs were down, statistically, from previous weeks. There's no cheering today, however, on news that the unemployment rate has hit a 26-year high. Lynn talks with Conference Board economist Ken Goldstein on the Liveline for more in-depth information, here on Opening Bell. (11/6)

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Financial News SmorgasbordMore >>

This morning, KGO's Lynn Jimenez serves up a little bit of everything: unemployment figures dropped unexpectedly, Congress is one vote away from a bill that will extend jobless benefits, businesses are finding ways to accomplish more with fewer employees and there may be some tax cuts in store for the average home-buying joe. Listen to Opening Bell and fill up on the details. (11/5)

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The Job Market HangoverMore >>

Announced job cuts are up 36 percent for the year, but at least they're slowing-- experts consider it a hangover from last fall's market meltdown. Get the rest of the morning's financial news, like developments in Comcast's bid for NBC, here on Opening Bell with Lynn Jimenez. (11/4)

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Warren Buffett's 44 Billion Dollar BetMore >>

Warren Buffett's company, Berkshire Hathaway, is making a $44bn bet on the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad, calling it an "all-in wager on the economic future of the United States." In other financial news, Lynn Jimenez gives us news from the worlds of coffee and health here on Opening Bell (11/3)

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A Full Economic DocketMore >>

Business reporter Lynn Jimenez is out today, so this morning's Opening Bell podcast features KGO morning hosts Jennifer Jones and Jon Bristow. Lots of earnings reports are due out this week, and there's been notable activity in the energy sector. Get the details here! (11/2)

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If You're Not Earning, You're Not SpendingMore >>

Since wages and salaries dropped last month, so did spending; stagnant wages and mounting unemployment pushed spending down a half of a percent for the first time in five months. How did the economy grow while our recovery stayed weak? KGO's Lynn Jimenez explains the market's reaction to this news today on Opening Bell. (10/30)

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It's Alive!More >>

The economy grew by 3.5 percent in Q3, the strongest gain in two years. It's true that government programs like Cash for Clunkers and the first-time homebuyers' tax credit have helped fuel the recovery, but businesses have chipped in big time, spending money on equipment for the first time in two years. Are the clouds actually parting or is this just a silver lining? Find out on Opening Bell. (10/29)

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New Jobs Coming to the Bay Area!More >>

Good news! In Richmond, where the jobless rate is close to 18 percent, American Honda says they'll open a third west coast port facility which will create more than 200 new jobs. Better news? The deal is for 15 years and the jobs are expcted to be union, with benefits. Covering that and corruption in the tech sector, our business reporter Lynn Jimenez talks about hope and scandal in the Bay Area. (10/28)

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Emerging from the Fog of RecessionMore >>

This week we're expecting positive reports about our economic recovery, but until there's relief for Main Street it'll still feel like a recession. KGO's Lynn Jimenez talks about home affordability and the possible expansion of the first-time buyers tax credit as well as deals on holiday travel today on Opening Bell. (10/27)

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Lynn's Coffee Mug is Half-Full Today!More >>

For the first time since the recession began, the percentage of firms that plan to hire is higher than the percentage that plan to lay off additional employees; never has hitting bottom proved such a relief. KGO's Lynn Jimenez talks about the good news from the job market and interesting developments in the vehicle industry here on Opening Bell. (10/26)

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Federal Reserve Steps in on CEO PayMore >>

To discourage recklessness, the Federal Reserve proposes that they monitor executive pay at thousands of banks-- even ones that didn't take bailouts. Are they overstepping their authority? Also, Fed Chairman Bernanke is again making overtures to Congress about passing laws to overhaul the nation's federal regulatory agencies. KGO's Lynn Jimenez will tell you all about it here on Opening Bell. (10/23)

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An Unpleasant SurpriseMore >>

"Employers just aren't hiring," says KGO's Lynn Jimenez, on news that after falling for the past five weeks jobless claims are up by 11,000. The House wants to put some of the bailout cash we have left towards creating jobs but Republicans aren't keen on the idea, calling the six months the Obama Administration had to fix the economy a failure. (10/22)

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Sun Microsystems is Bleeding CashMore >>

Sun Microsystems is eliminating 10 percent of its workforce, that is, 3000 jobs in addition to the 7600 who were given pinkslips in the last three rounds of the firm's layoffs. Why? Because Oracle's $7.4b deal to take them over has been delayed by antitrust regulators in Europe. Is the Sun setting as they lose ground IBM and Hewlett Packard? Hear what KGO's Lynn Jimenez has to say about it here on Opening Bell. (10/21)

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That's Right, They Have No ShameMore >>

That's Right, They Have No Shame

Bank of America has come up with another way to make you pay-- an annual fee for paying off your credit card. On time. Every month. CitiGroup has something similar, tacking on a fee if you don't charge at least $2400 on your card in a given year. How can you fight back? KGO's Lynn Jimenez dishes out the details here on Opening Bell. (10/20)

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Excess on Wall StreetMore >>

Adding insult to injury, the same firms who needed bailouts are fighting financial regulations designed to prevent another economic meltdown. Surprised? KGO's Lynn Jimenez isn't, either. Today on Opening Bell she talks about corporate excess, golden parachutes and a crackdown on insider trading. (10/19)

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Profits Matter.More >>

After yesterday's highs the Dow, NASDAQ and S&P 500 are down-- and all because of profit reports. We got good news from Google, which had a banner quarter, but very bad news from Bank of America, AMD and GE. KGO's Lynn Jimenez shares how Wall Street impacts Main Street in Opening Bell. (10/16)

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Everybody's Watching Wall StreetMore >>

The Dow opened above 10,000 for the first time in 10 years and the S&P 500 is closing in on 1100-- are these accurate barometers of potential prosperity or is this just a flash in the pan? KGO's Lynn Jimenez talks about market trends and inflation here on Opening Bell. (10/15)

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We Shopped Last Month!More >>

Excluding cars, sales rose a half of a percent, as consumers make furniture, food and clothing purchases. KGO's Lynn Jimenez balances this good news against the bad news of an increase in foreclosures, record-setting bonuses going around at failed financial giant AIG and San Francisco's unemployment numbers. (10/14)

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Is Stimulus Spend Helping Job Market?More >>

The debate is heating up over whether stimulus spending is actually helping the job market. Lynn Jimenez says California teachers seem to be benefitting, but small business may not be doing as well. Also, a couple of big media deals in the works, a big snafu for MS and T-Mobile, and opening stocks. (10/13)

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One More Nobel for the Bay AreaMore >>

One More Nobel for the Bay Area

The Nobel Prize for Economic Science went to Dr. Oliver Williamson of UC Berkeley, for his theory that corporations dominate markets because they provide a cheaper way to resolve conflict. Can he start working on our economy now? KGO's Lynn Jimenez talks about the Nobel, a brighter outlook for local bookstores, corporate philanthropy and this morning's market numbers. (10/12)

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Oil, Jobs and Real Estate, Oh My!More >>

Live from the NYSE San Francisco, KGO's Lynn Jimenez talks about appropriation and profit developments for oil producers Occidental Petroleum and Chevron, and several good-news stories from the Bay Area including real estate, possible job-creation and company expansion. Where, when why and how many? Listen to Opening Bell for the details. (10/9)

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Is a Tax Credit a Bribe or an Incentive?More >>

The government is considering giving tax credits to employers who create new jobs-- the last time we saw this move was in the 1970s. Did it work? In other financial news, Bank of America is in the market for a new CEO, mortgage applications are back up and AT&T is taking a stab at network neutrality. Get all the details from KGO's Lynn Jimenez on Opening Bell. (10/7)

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Holiday Sales: Do You Hear What We Hear?More >>

Holiday Sales: Do You Hear What We Hear?

Will the chimes of cash registers ring anew? The International Council of Shopping Centers predicts Christmas sales will rise 1 percent. The National Retail Federation says they'll fall 1 percent. Consulting firm Deloitte says sales will be flat. Of one thing we can be sure, says KGO's Lynn Jimenez-- it's gotta be better than last year. Today on Opening Bell, she talks about holidays, energy and jobs. (10/6)

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It's Monday, and Everything's For SaleMore >>

It's Monday, and Everything's For Sale

Stanford University is putting some of its hard-to-sell assets on the auction block, Brocade Communications of San Jose is also considering a sale and the effort to mix Comcast and NBC has a 50/50 chance, according to the Wall Street Journal. KGO's Lynn Jimenez explains it all on Opening Bell. (10/5)

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Recovering at a Snail's PaceMore >>

Recovering at a Snail's Pace

The recession may be fading, but the labor market hasn't improved as much as we'd hoped. Until people have confidence that jobs are returning, can you really expect them to hit the mall and buy, buy, buy? More on that and trouble at the FDIC on Opening Bell with KGO's Lynn Jimenez. (9/30)

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More Californians Below the Poverty LineMore >>

More Californians Below the Poverty Line

Census figures show the recession's resulting drop in income wiped out a decade worth of wage gains; 160,000 more Californians slipped below the poverty line than in the previous three years. What counties were hit the hardest? Find out from Lynn Jimenez here in Opening Bell. (9/29)

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Keeping Journalism Alive in the Bay AreaMore >>

San Francisco investment banker Warren Hellman is sponsoring a nonprofit news organization with $5m of his foundation's funds; Hellman was "appalled" by the lack of coverage for local news as regional newspapers and media outlets fracture under the weight of increasing cost and decreasing circulation. Get the rest of the good news story from Lynn Jimenez on the Opening Bell podcast. (9/25)

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Cost of Living Steady in JulyMore >>

Consumer prices were flat last month after a slight bump in June because prices for energy and food fell-- and because consumers just aren't spending. Find out the latest in the market, the world of credit card arbitration and financial felon Bernie Madoff's love life here on Opening Bell. (8/14)

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The Social Impact of the RecessionMore >>

A newly-released survey of American communities reveals striking confirmation of the social impact of the recession on our lives: young people are marrying later and taking longer to become independent, mobility is at a 60-year low, home ownership is at it's lowest in six years, and more people are living with relatives. Lynn Jimenez talks details and demographics in Opening Bell. (9/22)

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Merger Monday ReduxMore >>

Computer manufacturer Dell is reportedly merging with Perot Systems (yes, founded by THAT Perot) which sells enterprise-class hardware, software and IT services in healthcare, finance and government circles. Also, graphics powerhouse Adobe announced it plans to acquire Omiture, a firm that specializes in web traffic statistics and trends. Where are they going with this? KGO Business Reporter Lynn Jimenez explains it all. (9/21)

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Recession Déjà VuMore >>

Recession Déjà Vu

Doesn't it seem we get good news from the markets one day, only to get worse news the next? This may be where that ends: the boss of the Federal Reserve, Ben Bernanke, says that the recession is over. KGO business reporter Lynn Jimenez talks about Bernanke's statements, rising wages and skyrocketing gas prices in today's Opening Bell. (9/16)

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Wall Street Remembers 9/11More >>

It's easy to remember the severe blow the global financial markets took after the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center, but the New York Stock Exchange observed a moment of silence in memory of the 638 people employed by finance firm Cantor Fitzgerald killed as the first aircraft struck the first tower. (9/11)

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It's Rough Out ThereMore >>

Sharp ups and downs in the labor and housing markets. Some reports say that the number of people collecting jobless benefits is falling, but upcoming high-profile layoffs could make those statistics moot. (9/10)

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Bankruptcy Filings Up AgainMore >>

1.5 million people are slated to declare bankruptcy this year. Not surprising, says Lynn Jimenez, because of layoffs and rising healthcare costs. Find out why mortgage applications are up and which Bay Area companies are taking advantage of the booming solar energy market here on Opening Bell. (9/9)

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An American Economic Heart AttackMore >>

How much longer until an actual recovery? All signs point to improvement, but Ken Goldstein of The Conference Board tells KGO's Lynn Jimenez says that like a recovering patient we need to ease back into the swing of things-- it can't happen right away. (9/4)

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A Glimmer of Hope in Bay Job MarketMore >>

A Glimmer of Hope in Bay Job Market

Santa Clara's BAE Systems, a defense firm, is laying off 360 workers and Hayward's TTM Technology plant is closing, laying off 83 workers and moving production to China. Is there any good news for the Bay Area's labor market? Yes! Find out which new federally-funded program will reimburse employers for the wages of new hires here on the Opening Bell podcast. (8/3)

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Fewer Layoffs Than Predicted!More >>

Job cuts are slowing but still happening; this year 1.1 million people have been laid off. Statistics show productivity is up, but how can that happen with fewer people employed overall? KGO Business Reporter Lynn Jimenez tells us that when pink slips fly, those left behind have to do more with less. (8/2)

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Jobs? Yes. Market? Up. Relief? Nope.More >>

Jobs? Yes. Market? Up. Relief? Nope.

The total number of people collecting unemployment benefits fell to the lowest since April. Corporate profits increased 5.7 percent, the biggest gain in four years. Does this mean relief for consumers? No. Sorry. KGO's Lynn Jimenez talks about the IRS, deflation and a round-up of figures for the "Cash for Clunkers" program here in the Opening Bell Podcast. (8/27)

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Clunkers' Race to the Finish LineMore >>

Experts loved to criticize the Cash for Clunkers program but when all is said and done, it did what it was supposed to do, says KGO business reporter Lynn Jimenez. Just don't expect any great deals later in the year. Find out more about this, what demographic spends the highest percentage of their income on healthcare and bad news from the tourism sector here on Opening Bell. (8/24)

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