Free Republic

The recession has been over for four years, but the birth rate in the U.S. continues to fall as many people struggle with a sluggish economy and financial uncertainty. According to a recent analysis by the Pew Institute, since 2007 when there were a record 4,316,233 births, the number of births has been steadily declining, with 4,007,000 births in 2012 - the lowest number since 1998. Analysts say that the birthrate is dictated by the economy.

Just 10 percent of Americans approve of the job Congress is doing, according to a Gallup poll released Tuesday, tying the lowest mark in the 38 years the poll has been conducted. That number was previously reached this past February, but bounced back a bit in subsequent months. Eighty-three percent of Americans disapprove of Congress, the poll shows. ... Of the 3,914 bills that have been introduced in Congress so far this year, just 61 have become law — less than 2 percent. Last year, after Republicans took control of the House, Congress passed just 90 bills. Only one other...

Japan's business confidence hits record low 47 mins ago TOKYO (AFP) – Business confidence among major Japanese manufacturers hit a record low in the three months to March, as the global economic crisis deepened, the central bank said Wednesday. Confidence tumbled to minus 58 in March from minus 24 the previous quarter, plunging below its previous record low of minus 57 registered in 1975, according to the Bank of Japan's Tankan survey of more than 10,000 firms. Manufacturers painted a grim outlook for businesses, forecasting confidence would stay at minus 51 in June. The index measures the percentage of firms...

Korea's birth rate plunged to an estimated all-time low last year, opposition Grand National Party lawmakers Ahn Myoung-ock and Yim Tae-hee announced Sunday. Based on new births reported through the electronic family registry system of the Ministry of Government Administration and Home Affairs, they said the number of newborns nationwide was 481,085, down 12,300 from 2003. The birth rate is estimated to have plunged to its lowest point ever at 1.15. The lowest total fertility rate recorded so far was the 1.17 recorded in 2002. However, official statistics could look different since the National Statistical Office publishes birth statistics as...