Research Topic

NEW YORK - The University of Michigan's preliminary September consumer sentiment index fell to 86.2, remaining at its lowest level since November 2001, from a final reading of 87.6 in August, market sources said on Friday.

ATLANTA - As consumer concern grows about how food-producing animals are treated, retailers are looking for ways to show they're interested, too. A new certification logo from Atlanta-based United Egg Producers may help.

CHICAGO - Overall consumption of CPG products appears to have returned to normal a year after the tragic events on Sept. 11, 2001, but consumer shopping and purchase behavior continue to be influenced by concerns about the economy and national security, according to the latest report from Information Resources Inc.

WASHINGTON - Scientists from the U.S. Agriculture Department are developing a new type of soybean that could prevent allergic reactions in some children and adults, Reuters reports.

NEW YORK - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. last week sued its life insurers, American International Group Inc. and Hartford Financial Services, to get back $150 million it says it lost through a life insurance policy for employees, Reuters reports.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Sam Farr (D-CA) and Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (R-MO) on Thursday announced findings of a General Accounting Office (GAO) report they requested that reveals major inconsistencies between federal nutrition education/intervention efforts and national government goals and guidelines on the consumption of fruits and vegetables.

WASHINGTON - The Labor Department said on Friday that the U.S. unemployment rate dropped to a five-month low in August as employers stepped up their recruitment efforts. Job gains in services, government, and construction were largely offset by losses in manufacturing and retail trade.

WASHINGTON - The chairman of the U.S. House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday told the Federal Trade Commission to keep a close eye on the possible sale of Hershey Foods Corp., The Associated Press reports. The news follows an AP report that said a judge has blocked plans to sell Hershey Foods Corp.