New York fines firms up to $100,000 for fake reviews

(Sept. 25, 2013) -- "This investigation into large-scale, intentional deceit across the Internet tells us that we should approach online reviews with caution," Schneiderman said. "And companies that continue to engage in these practices should take note: 'Astroturfing' is the 21st century's version of false advertising, and prosecutors have many tools at their disposal to put an end to it."

Canadian retail sales rise in July

(Sept. 24, 2013) -- "Sales have been choppy in recent months, in part due to severe flooding in Alberta and a construction strike in Quebec that appeared to disrupt activity in June," said Janzen. "Despite the monthly volatility, however, the volume of sales in July reported today was still an annualized 0.7 percent above its second-quarter 2013 average.

Consumer confidence falls slightly

(Sept. 24, 2013) -- “Consumer confidence decreased in September as concerns about the short-term outlook for both jobs and earnings resurfaced, while expectations for future business conditions were little changed," said Franco. "Consumers’ assessment of current business and labor market conditions, however, was more positive. While overall economic conditions appear to have moderately improved, consumers are uncertain that the momentum can be sustained in the months ahead.”