Lawmakers meet on deficit reduction

Vice President Joe Biden voiced optimism today as he chaired negotiations on the U.S. deficit, after Republicans signaled willingness to seek a down payment on cuts but no “grand slam” to slash spending, Reuters reported.…

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Partnership prepares for D.C. trip

More than 170 Central Iowa business, civic and regional community leaders will travel to Washington, D.C., for the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s 32nd annual advocacy trip on May 11-13.

The trip will focus on a …

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CEOs confident heading into 2nd quarter

Confidence among U.S. CEOs improved at the start of the second quarter as more business leaders forecast pickups in demand, employment and spending on equipment, Bloomberg reported.

The Young Presidents’ Organization gauge of sentiment rose …

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American Equity reports record first-quarter sales

American Equity Investment Life Holding Co. reported first-quarter operating income of $30.6 million, an increase of 19 percent from the first quarter of 2010.

The West Des Moines-based company reported annuity sales of $1.3 billion, …

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Economic indicators show mixed results

U.S. retailers had a strong month in April, but claims for unemployment benefits dampen the economic outlook, Reuters reported.

The Thomson Reuters chain store sales index, which is based on analysts’ estimates, calls for an …

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