The Home Depot Inc (HD), the world’s largest home improvement specialty retailer, has recently announced a deal with Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc (MSO), a diversified media and merchandising company, to create a new product line of home improvement products. The strategic move is aimed at getting a leg up on rival companies like Lowe Companies Inc (LOW), a leading chain of retail home improvement and appliance stores. The new product line will primarily feature outdoor living, home organization, and home decor items. The outdoor living products are scheduled to hit the shelves in Jan. 2010 in the U.S. and in Feb. 2010 in Canada. Home organization products are expected to be launched in Feb. 2010 across the globe. Martha Stewart intends to promote the products through diverse marketing channels including its magazine, TV show, and web portal like Twitter – a free social ...

Even as investors get more and more bullish about the outlook for the U.S. economy, the economy’s underlying foundation continues to erode.

In a report to be released this week, the Obama administration will boost its 10-year projection for the federal budget deficit to about $9 trillion – an increase of roughly $2 trillion, or 29%, from its prior projection, Fox News reported over the weekend, citing a source from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

The new cumulative deficit projection – for 2010-2019 – replaces the administration’s previous estimate of $7.108 trillion. Changes in budget projections – whether they result in a surplus or a deficit – are often refined as economic conditions change. This new projection was necessary because the recession has gone on for so long, causing federal tax receipts to plunge – and because the economic rebound will be prolonged and weak, resulting

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