Retail and Business

The National Bureau of Statistics reports that the Chinese economy grew at an annual pace of 8.9 percent in the fourth quarter, marking a slowdown from a 9.1 percent growth rate in the prior quarter, …

The National Retail Federation said U.S. retail industry sales growth will shrink to 3.4 percent this year, hampered by the lingering housing slump, Bloomberg reported. Sales will total $2.53 trillion in 2012 after inflation helped …

For the seventh consecutive year, home warranty companies topped the worst-graded categories list compiled by Angie’s List, a provider of consumer reviews on contractors and service companies.

Other repeat offenders are Internet service providers, property …

Department of Commerce figures released this morning show that the U.S. international trade deficit in goods and services increased in November to $47.8 billion from $43.3 billion in October.

The goods deficit with China fell …

Downtown’s Kaleidoscope at the Hub is hosting KaleidoSHOPPE Market every other Wednesday from January through April. KaleidoSHOPPE Market is a craft and goods bazaar featuring artwork, handmade clothing and jewelry, collectibles and homemade/specialty food products …

Few U.S. employers predict significant staff cutbacks in the year ahead, according to a survey by Right Management, the talent and career management experts within ManpowerGroup.

Only 3 percent of respondents anticipate significant cutbacks or …

Applications for the the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards for the Central Midwest region — which includes Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska — are due March 9 with the ceremony scheduled for …