# Business

Global Economy Growing at Fastest Pace in a Year

The world economy is gaining strength as global private sector activity hit a one-year high in February, building on the gains of previous months. Momentum is growing in both service and manufacturing industries, with strong improvement in the United States leading the way, according to a new report by JPMorgan.

# Business

GM Posts Highest Profit Ever; Workers to Share Wealth

General Motors earned its largest profit ever in 2011, two years after it nearly collapsed. Strong sales in the United States and China helped the automaker turn a profit of $7.6 billion, beating its old record of $6.7 billion set during the pickup and SUV boom of 1997. GM said 47,500 blue-collar workers in the United States will get $7,000 profit-sharing checks in March.

# Business

January Jobs Surge, Unemployment Drops to 8.3%

The unemployment rate fell for the fifth straight month after a surge of January hiring, a promising shift in the nation's outlook for job growth. The Labor Department says employers added 243,000 jobs in January, the most in nine months

# Business

2011 Marked Largest Increase in US Retail Sales in More Than a Decade

American consumers spent enough in December to lift sales to a record level for 2011. It marked the largest annual increase in consumer spending in more than a decade.

# Business

Rise in US Exports Brightens Outlook for Economy

Lower trade deficits boosted optimism in the U.S. economic growth this week. American businesses sold a record number of goods and services in Europe, China and other foreign markets in February, while imports declined.

# Business

Mitsubishi Electric Cars Can Double as Portable Power Supplies

Mitsubishi electric car owners in Japan will soon be able to use the family car as an emergency generator, using their EV's batteries to power a home.

# Business

Surprising Recovery for Japan Automakers, One Year After Disaster

Nissan is back, one year after an earthquake and tsunami in northeastern Japan ground auto production to a halt, left giant cracks at a key factory and killed five employees and 17 family members. It's a story of surprising recovery that's playing out at other Japanese automakers, but particularly at Nissan.

# Business

Road Trip Filmed Across America Shows Solar is Working

Following the sun across the nation, a crew of young filmmakers got a first-hand look at how solar is working for Americans, reducing utility costs for diverse users like a boat marina, fire station, zoo and the Crayola Crayon factory.