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Reports on the proposal of New York-based long-distance telephone communications carrier, Nynex Corp. to freeze long-distance rates. Criticisms against Nynex's proposal; Advantages of the proposed rate-freeze on the company; Nynex competitors' claim that the proposal will stifle competition.

The article looks at long-term care insurance in the U.S., as of 2013. It discusses problems in the long-term care insurance market, saying that premiums for long-term care policies are rising rapidly. It notes the health care reform law passed under the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama does not provide for long-term at-home or nursing-home care. Insurance companies cited include Genworth Financial and Unum Group. INSET: A Look at the Benefits and Risks Of Long-Term-Care Insurance.

This article discusses the uncertain future of universal life insurance policies in the U.S. due to the persistence of low interest rates. Topics include the potential for increased premiums caused by the lack of yield on the policies to cover costs, the likelihood that Ben Bernanke, the chairman of the U.S. Federal Reserve, will keep interest rates low for several years, and various tips on determining whether or not it is more prudent to pay more for the policy or to withdraw funds.

The article reports that at the end of 2012 the U.S. weekly magazine "Newsweek" is going to cease its print edition and become an online publication only. Comments from editor Tina Brown are provided, while a fall in advertising revenue and the potential of a digital subscription model are addressed.

The article discusses the complaint among passengers over the high carry-on fees charged by airlines.

The article reports on the move of Chinese cities to increase water price in a bid to balance the need to conserve water with the effects on a public accustomed to low fees. It mentions that the Luoyang city government in central Henan province is set to hold a public meeting to discuss a proposed 40%-48% price increase. Also noted is the growing official consensus that the water shortage is partly attributed to low prices. It adds that by global standards, water prices in China are quite low.

The article reports on the decision of Chrysler Financial to raise some of its lending rates to vehicle buyers an average of more than a full percentage point. It states that the move will likely prompt the dealers to seek financing for some of their customers. According to the article, the loan rate increases will not affect those who take advantage of the company's Employee Pricing Plus Plus campaign since the program is financed by Chrysler itself.

This article reports on the increase in rates on fixed-rate mortgages as the U.S. economy improved, according to Freddie Mac chief economist Frank Nothaft. He notes that personal income dropped by half as some market forecasters expected. A weekly survey of conforming mortgage rates found that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged 5.25% for the week ending February 5, 2009. Particular focus is given to the rate of other kind of mortgages.

The article focuses on the impact of Hurricane Katrina on insurance in New Orleans, Louisiana. It says that insurance prices fell by 20% in the Midwest as insurers fled the disaster-prone coasts and rewarded property owners who built in less vulnerable places with lower rates. It also states that the Louisiana Insurance Rating Commission was disbanded, turning over its portfolio of suppressed rate increases to the state department of insurance.

The article reports that the average capitalization rates for apartment buildings in the U.S. declined to 6.11% in January 2008 from 6.18% in December 2007. It cites that average capitalization rates for central-business-district office properties increased to 5.41% in January 2008 from 5.38% in December 2007.

The article reports on an increase in rates and fees of several student loans in the U.S. Mark Kantrowitz, publisher of FinAid.Org, said that the average rates on private student loans have mounted by about 0.5% to 1%. Sallie Mae and First Marblehead Corp., providers of private student loans, have announced that they might change the pricing of their loans to reflect market conditions.

This section offers news briefs on the travel industry in the U.S. Horeshoe Bay Resort in Texas Hill County is presenting a special $149 nightly rate to travelers who have the same last name as any of the U.S. presidents or 2008 presidential candidates. JW Marriott Denver in Colorado is offering packages named after Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama that include deluxe-guest room accommodations. Meanwhile, Hilton Hotels Corp. is giving its loyalty members a chance to book trips with guest rewards.

The article reports that the heavy freight division of UPS Inc. will raise its general rate an average of 5.4% on noncontractual shipments in the U.S. and Canada. It states that minimum-charge less-than-truckload and truckload rates will be affected by the increase. Meanwhile, a 5.5% general rate rise will be implemented by the freight segment of FedEx Corp.

Corrections to articles about iTunes Store charges of Apple Inc. and the Federal Reserve rate cut in U.S., both published in the January 7, 2008 issue, are presented.

The article offers advice for small business owners regarding several things to consider before signing a contract with a payment processor. It suggests to know the average rate that needs to be paid and the term of contract. It recommends to ask details on the fixed monthly fees and the percentage fee per transaction. It advises to request for a sample statements to determine how and when the fees are applied to the transaction.

The article focuses on a controversy over the taxation of carried interest which is said to have demonstrated problems that arise from capital gains taxation in the U.S. It is believed that different tax rates on different types of income-producing activities often result to distorted economic decisions and increased complexity in the tax system. The article presented guidelines for dealing with this problem which include increased capital gains tax rate.

The article reports on special sales offered by Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Corp. (GM) in 2007. Ford is extending its model year clearance sale through August 31, while GM will enhance deals on full-size pickup trucks through July 31. GM will offer either up to $2,000 in cash or reduced financing rates on its trucks in the north-central and Northeast regions. Ford's new deal offers 0% financing for 36 months on all Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles.

The article examines if the surprise rate increase by New Zealand's central bank triggered a global bond-market sell-off. It is indicated that the timing of the rate increase makes the country an easy scapegoat. However, UBS rate strategist Bill O'Donnell says that New Zealand was a convenient excuse for a market that was suffering a dramatic reversal of its technical fortunes.

Reports on the increase in rates of home mortgage in the U.S. for the week ending March 9, 2006, according to Freddie Mac.

This article reports on the decision of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to conduct a review concerning a 73% rate increase at Pike County Light & Power Co., a unit of Consolidation Edison Inc. as of January 29, 2006.

The article presents a report from the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Association that fixed-rate home mortgages fell in the latest week while one-year adjustable rates drifted higher.

Announces that after years of steadily declining, life-insurance rates are starting to climb. Highlights of major insurers that have raised rates; Reason for the rate increase; How insurance companies are changing the definition of "preferred rate" to apply to less people in order to increase profits; List of web sites to shop for the best term rate insurance.

Discusses the warning given by the U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan concerning the use of the history of the central bank for guidance on the possible increase in rates of the Federal Reserves in the coming years.

Reports that insurance regulators are revising the mortality tables which estimate how long people will live and are used to set life insurance premiums. Way that people are living longer, and that some people are paying less for life insurance as a result; Observation that because of healthier life styles and medical advances, the average man's expected life span has increased to 74 from 70, and the average woman's to 79 from 77; Idea that the mortality tables are a key factor in determining how much people pay for insurance; Outlook for the changes to be most significant for term insurance, the basic coverage which is the best choice for many consumers.

Discusses the outlook for airlines to charge passengers for meals and snacks, in an effort to increase profits. Program to be installed at America West Airlines, which would charge travelers for food services; Competition among airlines in the U.S.; Way that the lack of food on flights has affected passengers; Way that airlines have competed by reducing business fares.

Discusses the costs of lower mortgage payments for taxpayers due to lost deductions in the U.S. Tax breaks for Americans from deductions on mortgages; Low interest rates which caused many in the U.S. to refinance their mortgages; Advice for homeowners who have cut their interest rates to put money aside in an interest-bearing account.

Reports on impediments to taking advantage of low mortgage rates in the United States to refinance one's home. Inability of customers to receive prompt service from mortgage lenders during a period in which mortgage applications have increased; Methods used by lenders to delay refinancing, including the imposition of waiting periods for loan closures; Volume of applicants.

Offers consumer advice on lowering one's telephone rates. Services available; Service offered by ABTolls.com, which ranks long-distance carriers by rates.

Reports that some U.S. home-owners are choosing riskier adjustable-rate mortgages over fixed-rate mortgages. Low interest rates which would be locked in by fixed-rate mortgages; View the some may be choosing adjustable-rate mortgages because they have a lower starting interest rate; Concern about interest-only loans which could result in borrowers paying more for a house than it is worth if market values fall.

Reports on the drop in mortgage rates in the U.S. as of June 11, 2002.

Reports on the effect of low mortgage rates to landlords in the U.S.

Reports on the cost of homeowners insurance. How home-insurance policy holders can be subject to rate increases and cancellation after making claims on the policy; Change in rules by the insurance industry to make up for poor underwriting which resulted in a profit loss for insurers.

Compares the room service of different hotels in the United States. Details on length of time between order and delivery; Costs comparison; Ratings of room service at hotels such as the Bel-Air in Los Angeles, California, the Breakers of Palm Beach, Florida, and the Four Seasons in Seattle, Washington.

Discusses increasing insurance costs for businesses in the United States. Details on costs for various businesses such as Bennett Steel Inc. of Oklahoma; Reasons for dramatic increases in premiums, including a period of price wars and terrorism; Impact on small businesses; Predictions about the economic impact of the higher costs.

Reports the rise of Treasury bond sales in the U.S. Impact of greater optimism on the economy; Increase in the national average 30-year fixed-mortgage rate; Impact of the issuance of nongovernment bonds.

Reports on credit-card interest rates in the United States. How annual percentage rates (APR) have fallen due to interest-rate cuts from the U.S. Federal Reserve; Problems with cardholders who cannot pay their debts; Projections. INSET: Who Has the Lowest Rates?.

Reports on the increase in insurance premium rates for directors-and-officers liability coverage in the United States.

Discusses fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages. Advantages of so-called hybrid mortgages, which offer fixed interest rates for a period of time, and then adjustable rates.

Reports on General Motors' (GM) move to offer interest-free financing for all its vehicles. Surge in consumer spending on automobiles; GM's hopes that it can last through the economic slump and emerge with a larger market share; Risk involved for GM should the United States economy enter an extended slump.

Offers financial advice in light of low interest rates in the United States. Recommendation to pay off credit card debt while interest rates are low, instead of buying a certificate of deposit; Alternatives to low-growth money market funds such as bonds; Funds offering high yields, including the Van Kempen Prime Rate Income Fund.

Reports on the federal-funds rate in the United States as of September 18, 2001.

Reports on mortgage refinancing by United States home buyers. Penalties faced by low-income consumers; Prepayment penalties for subprime borrowers; Criticism of lenders by consumer advocates and politicians; Litigation of Household International Inc. over early payment penalties.

Examines the practice of banks who loan at interest rates which exceed legal limits in the United States. Federal law which permits federally chartered banks to bypass state usury and other laws, which would hamper their ability to do business; Controversy surrounding the practice, including concerns of consumer advocates; 'Payday' loans, which have become one of the fastest-growing financial products aimed at consumers in the U.S.

Reports that the United States Postal Service will raise postage rates starting July 1, 2001.

Discusses the rising costs of telephone and cable-television service in the United States, as of May 2001. Failure of the Telecommunications Reform Act of 1996 to improve consumer options; Lack of competition in the industry; Announcements of price increases from companies such as AT&T Corp.; Increased cost of Internet access and digital subscription services; Examples of long-distance charges; Impact of the so-called universal access fee; Factors which have led to rising costs; Consumer response.

Reports on a decline on mortgage rates in the United States.

Reports on the proposal of California's Public Utilities Commission to impose a temporary surcharge on retail power bills. Reason for the move; Effect of the draft decision on electric utilities in the state; Significance of rate-reduction bonds on electric utilities.

Discusses the plans of AT&T Broadband company, the cable unit of AT&T Corp. to increase its cable-television rates in February 2001. Reasons for the price increases; Effect of the increase on the `Standard Cable' subscribers of AT&T; Other plans regarding price increases.

Reports on the United States dollar's exchange rate against the euro currency of the European Union countries and Japanese yen. Factors which contributed to the decline of dollar's exchange rate; Appreciation of the euro compared to yen and dollar; Signs of economic decline in the United States and Japan.

Reports the plan of the California utility regulators to issue a draft order on the increase of power rates. Information on the utility companies Pacific Gas & Electric Co. and Southern California Edison company power rates increase; Actions taken by the United States Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to address the power crisis in California.