The Economy | Few economic ills linked to SARS
Has SARS been licked? Reports out of Asia seem to offer some hope. The number of new reported cases has tapered off in some of the areas most affected by the disease. Last week, the World Health Organization lifted some of its warnings to those thinking of traveling to Taiwan, Singapore, and most parts of mainland China.
( By Andrew Cassel, Inquirer Columnist, 06/20/2003 03:01 AM EDT)

On Personal Finance | Rush to lock in lower rate? Nah!
Happily, I threw in the towel a month ago and vowed to stop saying such things as "mortgage rates cannot go lower." They can - and they have.
( By Jeff Brown, Inquirer Columnist, 06/19/2003 03:01 AM EDT)

U.S. corporate pension funds at risk again
First, the stock market slump hit corporate America's pension funds. Next, it could be falling interest rates. Companies were forced to shift big money from earnings into their pension plans last year after falling share prices knocked value from their assets, leaving the plans underfunded.
( By Rachel Beck, Associated Press, 06/19/2003 03:01 AM EDT)

Headache for money funds
Forget about the bear market on Wall Street, investment author William J. Bernstein says. Marvel instead at ridiculously low returns on money-market mutual funds.
( By Todd Mason, Inquirer Staff Writer, 06/17/2003 03:01 AM EDT)

On Personal Finance | Shareholders owed a multiparty system
Those self-serving corporate chieftains are at it again - defending their overpaid jobs under the guise of protecting us lowly shareholders from ourselves.
( By Jeff Brown, Inquirer Columnist, 06/17/2003 03:01 AM EDT)

Bush touts record on tax cuts, security
Consumer spending will lift the economy, he said in N.J. after visiting a small firm.
President Bush yesterday defended his handling of the nation's economy and the war against terror, which he expects to be key issues in the 2004 election, as he prepared to open a two-week swing to raise millions for his reelection campaign.
( By Deb Riechmann, Associated Press, 06/17/2003 03:01 AM EDT)

Kathy Kristof | Bundles of refund checks from Uncle Sam
For the second time in three years, millions of Americans will be getting a little something extra from Uncle Sam: midyear tax refunds.
( By Kathy Kristof, Inquirer Columnist, 06/17/2003 03:01 AM EDT)

On Personal Finance | Benefits of vacation homes are iffy
Once to Margarita Island to windsurf, another time to Puerto Rico, and then to Aruba. A couple of times to the Finger Lakes to boat, fish and tour wine country. Two trips to the Outer Banks... . My family and I had a bunch of great vacations over the last few years.
( By Jeff Brown, Inquirer Columnist, 06/15/2003 03:01 AM EDT)