USA - Consumer Spending Rises 0.8%, More Than Expected

Uploaded by FinancialNewsOnline on Mar 30, 2012

The Commerce Department reported today consumer spending rose 0.8%, the largest gain in seven months. This is more than expected with the average consensus estimate around an increase of 0.6%

This brings hope that the biggest part of the economy is strengthening. However, another part of the report showed incomes advanced only 0.2%, less than the forecasted 0.4% increase by analysts.

But, factoring in all of the data, investors are still optimistic. Ten minutes after the opening bell, all major indices were up slightly, all over a quarter of a percent higher.

China - Analysts Say Foxconn (where Apple products are made) Workers Have Little Voice

Published on Mar 30, 2012 by AssociatedPress

Workers who assemble iPhones and iPads often put in more than 60 hours per week _and sometimes work for a week straight_ in violation of Chinese law, according to an audit of the Chinese factories where Apple products are made. (March 29)

USA - Raw Video: NYC Bridge Accident, Water Search

Published on Mar 30, 2012 by AssociatedPress

Emergency units are searching the waters beneath the Throgs Neck Bridge in the Bronx following a construction accident. The fire department says a person called the EMS dispatcher about a person in the water. (March 30)

Spain - Winemaker Looking to Exports

Published on Mar 30, 2012 by AssociatedPress

A prominent Spanish winemaker wrestling with the pressures of operating in a country in economic trouble is looking to get a boost from abroad. (March 30)

What's In The News: March 30, 2012 Boeing (NYSE:BA) JetBlue Airways (NYSE:JBLU) AIG (NYSE:AIG)

Uploaded by FinancialNewsOnline on Mar 30, 2012

This is what's in the news for Friday March 30, 2012. The Wall Street Journal reports natural gas futures fell 5.8% to a new 10 year low after the U.S. government reported a larger-than-expected rise in natural gas inventories, as demand remained weak as production increases. The Wall Street Journal also reports to avoid a production shut down, Boeing (NYSE:BA) thinks new orders for its C-17 military cargo plane may come from the Middle East or Asia. Reuters reports although Deutsche Lufthansa (PINK:DLAKY) won't end its investment in JetBlue Airways (NYSE:JBLU), the possibility remains that it could do so in the future depending on the German airline's capital needs. Finally, Bloomberg reports new rules in China have companies, including AIG (NYSE:AIG) and Allianz SE (PINK:AZSEY), ready to take a larger share of the $50B that the country'’s drivers spend annually on car insurance.

France - police swoop on suspected Islamists in several cities

Uploaded by telegraphtv on Mar 30, 2012

French elite police arrest some 20 people in morning raids on suspected Islamist circles in several cities in France.

USA - Waiting to Return Home After Colorado Wildfire

Published on Mar 30, 2012 by AssociatedPress

Residents of about 180 homes who fled a wildfire southwest of Denver earlier this week were waiting Friday to hear when they could return, while other families were welcoming the chance to go back to their neighborhood. (March 30)

Myanmar - Aung San Suu Kyi vows to fight on despite election irregularities in election

Uploaded by telegraphtv on Mar 30, 2012

Pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi says her party will continue to campaign for the forthcoming election, despite what she called "irregular" and "illegal" activities in the military-crafted political system.