IBT Staff Reporter

Consumer confidence rose to a four-month high in January, helped by optimism that President Barack Obama's new administration might bring relief from a year-long recession, a survey showed on Friday.

Listening to your consumer isn’t going to cut it anymore. These days, firms need to engage, interact and connect with their customers on a deeper, more meaningful level if they’re going to survive the economic downturn.

Shanghai property developer Shui On Land partners with Ross to establish Shui On Academy.

Columbia Business School and Columbia Law School announced on January 7 a new joint proposal to stem foreclosures through loan modifications.

New Chicago Booth/Kellogg School Financial Trust Index Measures National Confidence in Financial System

How will advertisers perform during economic hardship? Results available immediately following the game

Trust is a vital element in financial decision-making, whether one is turning a check over to a banker or asking a broker for investment advice.

A new book highlights the effects on consumerism on children and raises questions and objections to research firms which recruit kids to test products, and to sell them in return for incentives.

It's been nearly five months since a power sharing deal was signed between the Zimbabwe ruling party and the opposition in September, but until now none of it has been carried through. On Friday the opposition agreed to join a unity government with Robert Mugabe's ruling ZANUPF party -- this is looking positive again -- the big question however is; will the deal be carried out this time?

Today, Samsung Electronics Co. announced its development of the first 4Gbit DDR3 DRAM chip using a 50-nanometer (nm) lithography process.

Today, Samsung Electronics Co. announced its development of the first 4Gbit DDR3 DRAM chip using a 50-nanometer (nm) lithography process.

Google Earth, the extremely popular free satellite mapping software was used as a mapping device by Swiss authorities who announced today that they had found a large marijuana plantation while using it.

Ex-cop Drew Peterson's Fiancée, Christina Raines has moved out and gave back the engagement ring and cell phone he bought her, calling Peterson a liar after watching the show, ABCNews.com reported.

They say love doesn't cost a thing, but this Valentine will be a true test of that as the economic crisis continues to tighten consumer's wallets.

The Boston Red Sox and Captain Jason Varitek agreed Friday on a contract.

Beating hometown favourite Maria Riesch, American lindsey Vonn won a women's World Cup slalom to extend her overall lead in the standings over the German.

Leonardo Dicaprio's girlfriend model Bar Refaeli, 23, appears in Mark and Spencer's valentine lingerie ads campaign this year.

This is year EA plans to publish three flavored options for Need for Speed games. Need for Speed SHIFT, Need for Speed NITRO and Need for Speed World Online, respectively are scheduled for release during 2009, with the latest debuting in winter.

The United Nations says an out-of-control cholera epidemic has sickened more than 60,000 Zimbabweans since August.

Megan Fox will not be the next Lara Croft in the third installment of the movie, despite the similarities with original Craft actress, Angelina Jolie.

Economic activity fell the most since 1982 at the end of last year but it was not as bad as expected as unsold goods from private businesses grew, raising concerns that higher inventories now may result in a steeper slowdown in the coming months.

Jennifer Hudson will make her first come performance since the tragic death of her family members at the Super Bowl, but not without the support of fellow artists.

Have you ever wanted to control your Apple TV or iTunes on your computer from the comfort of your iPhone or iPod touch? Apple's free Remote application lets you do it.

Singer John Mayer was spotted with a mysterious blonde lady during a dinner date in Santa Monica on Wednesday, according to reports.

Jessica Simpson's ex-husband, Nick Lachey, spoke out over the bad publicity she's been getting over her new curves.

On Friday Iraq began sealing its borders, halting air traffic and ordering overnight curfews in some of its largest cities on the eve of its nationwide provincial elections.

Taylor Swift will launch her first nationwide tour called Fearless, which will take her to 52 cities in 38 states beginning Feb. 10 in San Antonio and stretching through the spring, summer and fall in the United States and Canada.

According to the Alaska Volcano Observatory website Friday, Unrest at Redoubt Volcano continues, though no eruption has occurred yet, staff are monitoring on a 24-hour watch.

Evan Rachel Wood, who plays Mickey' s daughter Stephanie in the movie Wrestler, says she feels disrespected by kissing rumors she supposedly had with her co-star Mickey Rourke.