Signs of new housing bubble in several areas

Cities in California and Texas are already seeing the early signs of a housing bubble.

FORTUNE – Only a year after the U.S. housing market hit bottom, it may be bubbling up -- again. Odd as it may seem, some economists warn the steady rise in home prices, at least in some markets, are inflated and could eventually pop.

Prices nationwide rose nearly 6% last year -- more than most ever expected. MORE

Why only half of Americans gain from the stock market party

Fewer Americans have a stake in the stock market, and unemployment may be preventing more from investing in equities.

FORTUNE – As U.S. stocks soar to new highs, economists argue the rally makes people feel richer. And when they think they're wealthier, the theory is that they'll spend more on everything from homes to cars and clothing.

The problem with that idea is fewer and fewer Americans actually have any stake in MORE

Young U.S. workers are worse off than in parts of Europe

According to a new report, the jobless rate for 15- to 24-year olds in the richest countries is at a decades-long high and isn't expected to drop much in the next few years.

FORTUNE -- Being jobless is an awful thing for anyone no matter where they live. But it's especially unnerving for young people just starting their careers. A lot has been written about the topic lately, but two new MORE

The market 'bubble' you've never heard of

Some economists are worried that farmland prices are nearing bubble territory. How bad can it be if no one's heard of it?

FORTUNE – Following the collapse of U.S. home prices in 2007, analysts and economists have been eager to spot the next big bubble. There's been talk of a bond bubble. And as U.S. stocks hover near a five-year high, many have wondered if a bubble is in the works. MORE

How much will immigration reform really cost?

Don't believe the Heritage Foundation's $6.3 trillion assumption.

FORTUNE -- As U.S. lawmakers debate a Senate bill this week on far-reaching immigration legislation, it feels a little like 2007 all over again.

That was the last time Washington took up the biggest changes in America's immigration laws in more than 20 years. Negotiations quickly broke down, however, as lawmakers were deeply split on the Senate bill offering legal status to millions of MORE

Fix Europe by fixing small businesses

The European Central Bank's move to lower interest rates won't be enough to help the small and medium-sized businesses that drive the economy in many regions.

FORTUNE -- The European Central Bank eased investor worries last week when it cut its benchmark interest rates for the first time in almost a year. Stocks around the globe soared, but the central bank stopped short of doing one thing that could really turn MORE

Why the jobs report calls for more Fed action

It was a stronger-than-expected jobs report, but we're still a long way from the Federal Reserve's key target of 6.5% or lower.

FORTUNE – If the U.S. Federal Reserve's remarks earlier this week seemed at all vague, today's jobs report should give us a clearer picture of what the central bank might do next to boost the economy.

U.S. businesses added 165,000 jobs in April. Stocks soared and Wall Street cheered, as MORE

Proof that money does in fact buy happiness

A new study debunks the theory that money doesn't make you any happier once you've passed a certain income threshold.

FORTUNE – They say money can't buy happiness, but a new study suggests it actually can. In fact, the more money you have, the happier you are.

That might sound obvious to some people, but studies have historically shown there's more to happiness than money. In the 1970s, economist Richard Easterlin argued MORE

Is J.C. Penney a better bet than gold?

Nothing lasts forever, as investors in gold and J.C. Penney are being reminded.

FORTUNE – One of the wildest months the gold market has seen in years is coming to an end. The yellow metal has been recovering from its biggest drop in 30 years after prices plummeted 13% in mid-April. But while gold continues to rebound strongly, it's unlikely to return to its bull run anytime soon.

In fact, it may not MORE

Behind the myth of the 'spring slump'

Recent economic data suggests that another spring slowdown is upon us, as we've had the past three years. But it may not be real at all.

FORTUNE – When Wall Street learned Friday that the U.S. economy grew slower than expected during the start of the year, it renewed talk that we may be in for another "spring slump," if not a "spring swoon."

Whatever you call it, a slowdown in the MORE