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As the U.S. recession deepens and monthly job losses reach historic highs, a recent survey of more than 400 white-collar small businesses is shining a light on how small employers are evolving their human capital management practices in a down economy, and how employer practices are directly influenced by whether the small business owner is considered an "economic optimist" or an "economic pessimist."

"Energy Efficiency" was the buzzword of 2008, and rightfully so. With high energy prices and the "green" movement in full swing, it made both economic and social sense to invest in energy saving technologies. Entering 2009, however, the world finds itself in a different economic situation. Energy prices have declined, and the financial crisis leaves companies with little or no capital to spend on investments. In light of these new economic conditions, it is questionable whether the trend toward energy efficiency will continue. However, Frost & Sullivan believes that the demand for energy efficiency in buildings will remain a powerful driver in the short and medium term future.

A gradual increase in minimum tax rates on cigarettes, to at least €1.50 per pack by 2014, and other tobacco products, was backed by the European Parliament in Strasbourg, but it advocated smaller increases than those proposed by the Commission.

PriceGrabber.com(R), a part of Experian, examines the shifts in consumer spending during this economic downturn in its latest Consumer Behavior Report. Survey data reveals that online consumers have shifted from cutting back to price-conscious spending and also are using the Internet to find the best deals.

Consumer confidence in the overall economy increased in March to its highest level in more than a year, according to figures released by the Consumer Electronics Association and CNET. Although consumers reported improved expectations for the broader economy, the CEA-CNET Indexes also show that technology spending continues to fall.

Many full time working adults whose company provides them with employee benefits say they would be at least somewhat likely to purchase computers (45%) and home appliances (37%) through payroll deduction at work if the option were available.

Overall, just 3 percent of the public does not believe climate change exists. 52 percent of Americans believe climate change is caused by human activities. Twenty-nine percent believe climate change is occurring naturally, and 15 percent say climate change needs to be scientifically proven.

Parliament's views on how to get the best out of EU regional policy spending are set out in five own-initiative reports adopted by the European Parliament in Strasbourg on 24 March.

Parliament adopted a legislative report on a proposal to support the growth of microcredit institutions in the EU.

With Congress and the Obama administration discussing how to reform the nation's health care system, a new report looks at what has happened since the last significant reform effort ended in 1994 without any comprehensive congressional action.