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The article discusses a trend in the U.S. in which shopping malls were being converted into other uses by landlords as a result of a combination of increased electronic commerce (e-commerce), overbuilding of malls, and retailer bankruptcies such as RadioShack Corp., American Apparel Inc., and Wet Seal Inc. The article cites statistics from the real-estate data firm CoStar Group Inc. to state that by the end of 2015 there will be over a square foot less of retail space per person in the U.S. than in 2009.

The article states that the real-estate investment trust (REIT) index the MSCI US REIT index was on track for its worst year since 2008 as of September 4, 2015. According to the article, concerns among investors about the sluggish Chinese economy and the possibility that the U.S. central bank the Federal Reserve would raise interest rates contributed to the decline of REITs. The article presents comments from financial services firm CBRE Clarion Securities chief executive Ritson Ferguson.

The article discusses what U.S. retailer Macy's Inc. would do with its New York City property at Herald Square should it spin off its real-estate assets into a separate company. It states that any decisions Macy's makes in that regard would likely influence other retailers such as Nordstrom Inc. and Neiman Marcus Group Inc. The article presents comments from the firm Real Capital Analytics senior vice president Jim Costello.

The article provides insights on the disadvantages of buying popular stocks in the U.S. as of November 2014, including Tesla Motors, social media company Twitter and Internet radio provider Pandora Media.

The article discusses a policy change announced on June 18, 2014 by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) with respect to taxpayers with offshore accounts. The IRS will reduce or eliminate penalties for those whose failure to pay taxes on overseas accounts is deemed unintentional, and increase penalties for deliberate tax evaders. IRS Commissioner John Koskinen said unduly harsh penalties were counterproductive.

The article discusses the growing number of U.S. citizens who are renouncing their citizenship in response to efforts by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to collect taxes and penalties from those living abroad. Many renunciations are from those who have inadvertently violated U.S. tax laws, and fear future taxes and penalties for their children. Details are presented about the circumstances of Patricia Moon, who gave up her citizenship in 2012.

The article discusses a rise in the number of U.S. citizens with assets abroad who have renounced their U.S. citizenship, often for tax-related reasons, and presents advice to those contemplating the same. Topics addressed include how the U.S. tax code differs from that of other countries, the costs of expatriation, and an amnesty program from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service for those who may have underpaid taxes in error.

The article discusses the impact of Hurricane Sandy on the lumber market. On November 1, 2012 futures prices for lumber rose 5% to $319 per 1000 board feet amid expectations that reconstruction in areas affected by Sandy would boost demand for lumber. Bill Karr of lumber distributor Cook County Lumber thinks prices could rise above $400.

The article looks at trading in commodity futures carried out by banks as of 2012. It says many U.S. banks are reducing their activity in this area or considering selling off their commodities-trading divisions. It cites as a factor the fact that banks have less capital to trade with than in the past, due to higher borrowing rates and stronger reserve requirements they face. Planned regulations banning proprietary trading by banks, or trading with their own capital, are discussed.

The article reports that, despite a rise in U.S. domestic oil production in 2012, gasoline prices have continued to rise. It is said that refineries and their investors have financially benefited from higher production. International demand is keeping prices high, while the refinery firms HollyFrontier Corp., CVR Energy Inc., and Tesoro Corp. have made substantial profits.

The article reports on how a drought in the summer of 2012 affected corn and soybean crops in the U.S., discussing the possibility that similar weather patterns in the future could deplete the global wheat supply. Topics include why countries like Australia, India, and Russia will export less wheat in the summer of 2012, why hedge funds are investing in wheat sales in the U.S., and how U.S. production of wheat increased between 2011 and 2013, while it decreased in other countries.

The article discusses the potential impact on retail prices in the U.S. of droughts afflicting the Midwest region of the country that have killed crops and caused futures prices for corn, wheat, and soybeans to rise substantially. It is noted that price increases will depend in part on to what extent food producers believe they can pass higher costs on to consumers.

The article cites statistical data from the Dow Jones-UBS Commodity Index, the New York Mercantile Exchange, and economic research firm Platts to state that the prices of raw goods were in decline as of July 2, 2012. According to the article, decreasing commodity prices were beneficial to consumers. The article states that U.S. consumer prices fell by 0.3 percent in May 2012.

The article examines a discrepancy between U.S. prices of commodity futures for hogs in 2012 and the retail price of pork in which the price of the futures has declined by 26 percent in 2011-2012 while the price of pork has continued to increase. The discrepancy is attributed to factors including the unwillingness of grocery trade firms to offer discounts on pork, decreased demand due to the high retail prices and an increase in supply of so-called lean-hog due to mild winter weather.

The article reports that U.S. gasoline prices declined to $3.790 a gallon as of May 7, 2012, the fifth consecutive weekly decline and a 3.8 percent decline from the year's high price of $3.941 as of April 2, 2012. Revised forecasting of gasoline prices for the summer of 2012 due to the decline is discussed. Economic and political implications of lower gasoline prices are examined.

The article reports that major energy industries firms including Exxon Mobil Corp., Encana Corp. and ConcoPhillips announced they had reduced their production of natural gas in the first quarter of 2012. The impact of declining production on U.S. natural gas prices is considered. It is noted prices are at their lowest level in more than 10 years in 2012 due to glut of supplies.

The article considers prices of gasoline commodity futures. A decline in prices for gasoline futures of 6.3 percent since March 26, 2012 is discussed in terms of a corresponding decline in U.S. retail gasoline prices and the possibility retail prices could decline further. The impact of falling gasoline prices on U.S. economic conditions is discussed.

The article reports that Iran has significantly increased its purchases of imports of wheat from countries which include the U.S., Australia and possibly India. The wheat imports are discussed as an indication Iran is attempting to prevent expected increases in bread prices as a result of economic sanctions imposed by the U.S. and other countries over its nuclear program. It is noted that the U.S. sanctions do not apply to exports of food to Iran.

The article considers the role of farmers in U.S. corn prices. A trend is considered in which the high prices obtained by farmers for corn in 2011 has led an increasing number of them to stockpile more of their harvest rather than sell it in order to maintain the high prices. The increase in stockpiled supply is contrasted with a U.S. Department of Agriculture forecast that world corn supplies will decline in the 2011-2012 crop year.

The article examines crop estimates of corn and corn supplies issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Complaints by farmers and commodity futures traders that these estimates are unreliable are discussed, particularly the complaint that the estimates result in undue volatility in the price of corn futures.

The article focuses on a spike in the orange-juice futures market after the U.S. government reported some Brazilian imports contained trace amounts of the fungicide carbendazim. It states that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported low levels of carbendazim were found in juice from Brazil's 2011 orange crop. The FDA is running further tests on imported juice and will reject shipments that test positive. The article comments on the volatility of the orange juice futures market.

The article discusses the growing inaccuracy of corn forecasts by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Figures indicate that USDA assessments of both corn crops and corn held in storage have been increasingly wayward, prompting wide fluctuations in the futures market. USDA official Gerald Bange attributes the inaccuracy to unprecedented weather conditions.

The article focuses on a report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration released November 29, 2011 that reports U.S. exports of oil-based fuels may result in the U.S. being a net exporter of petroleum products in 2011. It states that increased demand from emerging economies and reduced domestic consumption are behind the increased exports. It mentions the U.S. is still the world's largest net importer of crude oil and talks about U.S. exports of coal, liquified natural gas, and fuels.

The article discusses strong global demand for meat produced in the U.S. Exports of pork and beef could reach record levels in 2011. Since 2009 U.S. retail prices for beef steak and sliced bacon have gained 14% and 34%, respectively. Prices for live cattle and hog futures have both risen during 2011. Commentary is also presented on consequences of a drought in the U.S. South for future beef prices.

The article discusses reaction to a report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that said U.S. corn supplies were significantly higher than it has estimated weeks earlier. Prices for corn futures fell 6.3% on the news. Farmer Greg Svenningsen said it was discouraging but not uncommon for the USDA to revise its figures.

The article discuses data from the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission that show banks, college endowments, corporations, and others were trading in the oil market amid a sharp rise in oil prices during 2008. Investment banks Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and Morgan Stanley were prominent traders, while Yale University, hedge fund D. E. Shaw & Co., and a pension fund for Danish workers were market participants as well.

The article reports that the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has filed a civil complaint against two commodity futures traders formerly employed by the company Arcadia Petroleum Ltd. The two men are accused of having engaged in a conspiracy to manipulate petroleum prices in 2008 to increase the value of petroleum futures they had previously purchased.

The article discusses the impact of unexpectedly high stockpiles of gasoline reported by the U.S. Energy Department. Prices for gasoline futures declined 7.6%. Shares of petroleum refiners Valero Energy and Tesoro fell 5% and 4.7%, respectively. Conversely, several airline stocks rose including those for AMR and US Airways Group.

The article discusses oil prices in the U.S. On February 23, 2011 oil briefly reached $100 per barrel before closing at $98.10. A major contributing factor was political unrest in oil-producing Libya that has prompted reductions by oil companies in crude-oil production there. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has said it would compensate for any lost Libyan production.

The article discusses factors likely to contribute to higher food prices. In the spring of 2011 U.S. farmers will probably plant crops in the same proportions as 2010, suggesting no one crop will have an overabundance that drives prices down. Global stockpiles of crops have been diminished by bad weather. The intentions of farmer Mike Sturdivant Jr. of Glendora, Mississippi are discussed.

The article reports that rising commodity prices have prompted some users to stockpile items made of rubber, cotton, and other materials. Spice maker McCormick & Co. and automobile-parts firm Monro Muffler Brake Inc. are among companies that have bought extra inventory in anticipation of higher future prices. Some economists fear such inflationary expectations can become self-fulfilling.

The article discusses a decline in the price of gold. During the first 20 days of 2011 gold has fallen 5%, including a 1.7% drop on January 20. Investors have become concerned that China might hike interest rates to combat inflation there, and are also considering the possibility that the U.S. Federal Reserve will suppress inflation by halting injections of liquidity into the U.S. financial system

The article reports that futures prices for several crops including corn, soybeans, and wheat rose as the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued updated estimates calling for lower global harvests and greater global demand. Flooding in Australia and drought conditions in South America factored into the USDA's revised forecast.

The article discusses rising commodity prices. In nominal terms both gold and copper have neared or reached record highs, while cotton prices have hit levels not seen in 140 years. Contributing factors include rising demand from emerging markets such as China, and the U.S. Federal Reserve's intention to stimulate the U.S. economy.

The article reports that the U.S. Department of Agriculture lowered its 2010 estimates for U.S. corn, wheat, and soybean harvests. Prices for corn futures rose abruptly on the news, while firms that use large amounts of grain including chicken processor Tyson Foods Inc. saw their share prices fall. Extremes of rain and heat have diminished crops.

The article reports that some U.S. retailers have begun passing on higher costs to their customers. Coffeehouse Starbucks Corp. and apparel maker Phillips-Van Heusen Corp. are among firms that have either imposed price increases or plan to do so. Inflation has been subdued in the U.S., and some economists including Robert Shiller of Yale University have argued that somewhat higher inflation can benefit both consumers and companies.

The article examines a rise in cattle prices and a corresponding rise in the price of beef. Increased demand from foreign countries for U.S. beef has resulted in an 11 percent increase in cattle futures prices since July, 2010. This increase and corresponding increases in wheat and corn future prices are considered as an indicator of a possible overall increase in food prices.

The article focuses on wheat prices and wheat farming. The impact of a drought in Russia and subsequent ban on exports of wheat by that country on prices is discussed. A decision faced by U.S. wheat farmers on whether to plant more wheat to capitalize on what may be only a temporary increase in prices for the crop is examined.

The article discusses a tomato glut in the U.S. Due to cold winter weather, tomato growers in Florida had to delay developing their crops. Consequently, the Florida and California harvests are coming to market simultaneously. In Florida the price farmers receive for a 25-pound box has fallen from $30 to $5.

The article discusses conflict between farmers and railroads in the U.S. over the cost of shipping goods by rail. Farmers hoping to benefit from growing demand in Asia support legislation in the U.S. Senate that would give the Surface Transportation Board more influence over shipping rates. Railroads claim rate hikes are justified by rising fuel costs and the necessity of restoring the industry to good financial health.

The article discusses a shortage of scrap metal. Consumers' tendency to keep appliances longer amid an economic downturn has contributed to reduced availability and a 70% rise in scrap prices over a one-year period. In the U.S. the price of scrap metal rose 17.3% and 3.4 % in January and February of 2010, respectively.

The article discusses rising lumber prices in the U.S. In the aftermath of a real-estate slump in the U.S., many lumber mills cut output and lumber wholesalers reduced their inventories. Construction firms seeking to purchase lumber for the Spring, 2010 building season are finding tight supplies and higher prices.

The article reports that American International Group (AIG) chief executive Robert Benmosche has told his board of directors that he may resign. Benmosche is reportedly upset over pay restrictions at AIG, imposed by U.S. Treasury Department official Kenneth Feinberg, that Benmosche believes hinder AIG's ability to retain talented employees.

The article focuses on Peter Eastwood, an executive with the insurance company American International Group (AIG). Eastwood, who directs Lexington Insurance Co., one of AIG's more profitable divisions, is used as an example of how AIG is attempting to deal with the ramifications of the U.S. bailout of the firm in 2008.

The article reports that Robert Benmosche, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the insurance company American International Group Inc. (AIG) said he is in ho hurry to divest the company of several of its European business operations through initial public offerings. The sales of those enterprises had been planned to raise capital to repay the huge sums AIG has received from the U.S. government.

The article reports that Maurice R. Greenberg, former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of insurance company American International Group (AIG), agreed to pay a $15 million fine as part of a settlement of a civil securities violation action brought by the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC). The action related to accounting irregularities at AIG under Greenberg.

The article reports that banks and attorneys could end up collecting fees totaling almost $1 billion in connection with the breakup of American International Group (AIG). Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs Group Inc., and Bank of America Corp. are among firms that have been hired by AIG and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York to assist in various aspects of the company's dissolution.

The article focuses on a request by American International Group, Inc. (AIG) to the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama on payment of previously agreed-to retention bonuses for employees. It states that AIG asked U.S. Compensation Czar Kenneth Feinberg to weigh in on bonuses to try and reduce public outrage over the bonuses. It mentions that AIG promised the bonuses months before the government intervened to prevent AIG from business failure as a result of the 2008 financial crisis.

The article discusses whether various insurance companies will participate in the U.S. Treasury Dept.'s Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). Ameriprise Financial Inc. has stated that it will forgo involvement, and some believe Prudential Financial Inc. will do the same. Allstate Corp. and Principal Financial Group were noncommittal in their comments.