Economy, 2011 | featured news

The Consumer Confidence Index rose in January to its highest level in eight months with Americans growing a little more confident about the job market and business conditions.

U.S. airlines collected $2.56 billion in baggage fees during the first nine months of the year. With industry experts expecting slower economic growth and rising oil prices in 2011, those ancillary fees aren't going anywhere.

The U.S. economy grew more than previously calculated in the third quarter, led by stronger consumer spending and fueled by labor income gains that may stoke demand into 2011.

U.S. small-business owners believe a U.S. economic recovery is unlikely to accelerate before the second half of 2011 amid worries about issues such as healthcare costs, according to a quarterly survey.

The job market and the economy will improve only slightly next year, according to an Associated Press survey of leading economists whose outlook for 2011 has dimmed over the past three months.

Administration estimates record-setting amount will drop to $1.3 trillion in 2011; Obama's proposed $3.8 trillion budget focuses on economy.