Billions lost in state pension-fund fallout
Indiana’s public pensions lost $5 billion in the 12 months ending Sept. 30.
Economy
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Automotive Finance Corp. writes off $162 million, reflecting slow auto sales
Slowing auto sales have forced Carmel-based Automotive Finance Corp., which lends money to car dealers to buy used vehicles
at auction, to take a big write-off on the declining value of its loan portfolio.
Companies face pension-plan shortfalls
Private employers that still offer traditional pension plans are getting a big shock as they assess how much more it will
cost to shoulder retirement obligations.
Fishers tables $100M development
An Ohio developer and the town of Fishers have agreed to cancel a 2007 development agreement that called for a $100-million
mixed-use project featuring 250,000 square feet of retail space and 150,000 square feet of office.
Government shouldn’t bail out free market system problems
Since 1913, there has been a growing reluctance from our political leaders to allow financial setbacks in our nation to occur
in banking, and that’s been a huge mistake.
Central Indiana colleges on alert to slow spending
Most colleges and universities in central
Indiana are being especially frugal because the value of their university endowments has plunged along with the market,donations
may decrease, and enrollment may decline, due to lack of student loan availability.
Saving our way deeper into a hole
A recent article in The Economist predicts a deep recession next year if we Americans abandon our spendthrift
ways and swing back to a savings lifestyle. What other nation, the magazine wonders, would buy enough things
to keep…
A tiny Indiana bank and the bailout
Newton County Loan & Savings bank couldnâ??t be more out of the way â?? or more relevant in this day of
government bailouts.
The thrift is in Goodland, a burg between Lafayette and Chicago, and has all of $7.3 million in…
Bail out Detroit?
Two schools of thought are emerging over the proposed bailout of General Motors, Ford and Chrysler.
One is that the auto industry is too big to fail. Itâ??s not just because of the manufacturing operations
and all the suppliers…
Emmis struggling to stay in good stead with lenders
Emmis Communications Corp. struggles to contain expenses and minimize debts due to radio advertising shortfalls.
Budget cuts threaten local economic data analysis
Budget cuts could eliminate programs that gather and analyze local and state economic data. This would hurt businesses and
economic development officials, since they would not have the data that helps them see how their market differs from the state
and the nation.
Here are tips for small biz survival during recession
For small businesses to survive, they must be prepared to withstand economic difficulties for some time…
Fed’s TARP changes adding to anxieties
Experts with the Troubled Asset Relief Program, the government’s financial bailout program, are struggling to figure out how
best to relieve America’s financial mess.
Hospitality industry needs state support
At this difficult time in the country’s economic life, state leaders should invest in tourism promotion and development.
Economists research, analyze trends
Most economists spend some time teaching, but the vast majority of our time is spent doing research.
Indiana CEOs are cautious during financial mayhem
CEOs with Simon Property, Duke Realty Corp. and Interactive Intelligence Inc. report that their companies are taking an uncharacteristically
cautious approach to acquisitions and investments, given the faltering economy.
Be careful: Stock market turmoil will likely persist
Here is something I know you don’t want to hear: This bear market isn’t over.
Architects and business leaders must work together to prudently maintain, build quality buildings
Especially during a recession, architects need to build strategies to reach new and existing clients and provide them cost-effective design and construction
options.
DBSI, an Idaho company with Indiana properties, faces class-action suit
DBSI, an Idaho real estate firm with 250 properties worth $2 billion faces a class-action suit. Some of its properties and
investors are in Indianapolis.
After record election revenues, TV ad income may hit 10-year low
With the economic swoon and no political ad campaigns in 2009, TV ad revenue could hit a 10-year low next year.