In all the excitement this week I skimped on some fundamental/economic stories to focus more on the market and transactions. So we have some catching up to do.I said long ago as the economy weakens the last things to go would be teenagers and their Abercrombie (ANF) $100 jeans, and video games/gadgets. Well it appears all we have left now are the video games/gadgets. You know Americans are "pooring" when they won't even splurge on their kids. (Note to Bloomberg reporters - $50 jeans? In what Abercrombie store did you not visit to file your report?) (Note to Wall Street pundits - what will it take for you to admit we are in recession?)The financial pressures of adults are finally catching up with American teenagers. Since summer jobs dried up, gasoline prices topped ...

Article Source Unfortunately, this seems to be unfolding according to script. The dramatic abandonment of gas guzzlers by American consumers continues, with last month's sales of domestically manufactured light trucks (which includes the once almighty SUV category) down 28% from June 2007. The dramatic abandonment of gas guzzlers by American consumers continues, with last month's sales of domestically manufactured light trucks (which includes the once almighty SUV category) down 28% from June 2007. Data source: Wardsauto.com Sales of imported SUVs, which had been holding up better, plunged even more dramatically. Data source: Wardsauto.com For the lighter car category, sales of domestics fell 13%, Data source: Wardsauto.com while imported cars, which tend to get better mileage, eked out a 4% gain: Data source: Wardsauto.com...

As the US dollar continues to bounce along at its lowest levels in some time, European manufacturers are eyeing opportunities in the United States. The problem is they are unfamiliar with the odd requirements that American consumers and regulation-happy legislators want. The company that can provide aid and comfort to these groups will be the one to benefit all the way to the bank.

Cross Atlantic Commodities Inc., a manufacturer, marketer and distributor of specialty food products, aides European manufacturers with the subtleties and requirements of entering the American market. The company also manufacturers a waterless car wash and wax product, along with a fruit bar product of its own design under the registered Fruit2 Go product name.

The company has recently embarked upon a new expansion of its European marketing campaign. Under the expanded program, the company has signed an agreement which effectively gives it access to over 4,000 supermarkets and

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No surprise here - I mentioned in the fall the path for "no more house ATM for you" American consumers would be credit cards first, drain 401ks (whatever they actually invested, which is very little) second, beg borrow steal (pawn) next, and away we go to bankruptcy circa 2009 last. Real wages stagnant for a decade (using government inflation figures, far worse with 'real inflation') eventually will catch up to you. Keep in mind folks, we are not even "in a recession"; what happens if we "enter" one.Thankfully issues like this will be resolved in less than a month as the 2nd half recovery commences, and my scenario will not play out. Once July 1, 2008 arrives and the 2nd half recovery begins we won't have to deal with front page stories like this one in the Wall ...