The recession is probably over, which means states’ financial troubles have only begun. History suggests it could take six or more years for sales and income taxes — which make up roughly two-thirds of states’ revenue — to return to pre-recession levels.

Financial officials of the Group of Seven rich nations, which dominated global policymaking for decades, were set Saturday to discuss a diminished future for their group as it grappled with tensions over currency rates.

The world economy is growing again, but the recovery remains fragile, according to the finance ministers from the Group of Seven rich countries.

As the unemployment rate climbs, President Barack Obama is trying to make the case that his health care overhaul would create jobs by making small business startups more affordable.

Stores are turning back the clock, conjuring images of hearth and home as they stock their holiday merchandise. Retailers hope embracing holiday traditions from cozier times will tempt recession-weary consumers to open their wallets in a season expected to show flat sales at best.

President Hugo Chavez said Friday that Venezuela will base its 2010 budget on expectations of 0.5 percent economic growth and inflation no higher than 22 percent, despite depressed world prices for oil, the nation’s biggest export.

President Hugo Chavez said Friday that Venezuela will base its 2010 budget on expectations of 0.5 percent economic growth and inflation no higher than 22 percent, despite depressed world prices for oil, the nation’s biggest export.