Business - baltimoresun.com

Valentine's Day helps drive sales of luxury apparel, accessories

By Lorraine Mirabella , The Baltimore Sun — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:09:00 EST

Jewelers, other retailers benefit from rising sales

It's no longer taboo to spend money lavishly, if sales of high-end goods are any indicator. And that bodes well for retailers this Valentine's Day. A resurgence in spending by the luxury consumer is expected to benefit stores that sell accessories, jewelry and apparel. But even the average shopper may be inclined to splurge for a holiday typically associated with pricier gifts.

Officials preparing for new BRAC

By Matthew Hay Brown , The Baltimore Sun — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:12:00 EST

Taking nothing for granted as Pentagon seeks more base realignment in 2013

The state and local leaders who helped make Maryland a winner the last time Congress reorganized the nation's military bases say a new round of realignment would likely have little impact here — but they're taking nothing for granted.

Marrying your financial opposite: A fatal attraction?

By Eileen Ambrose , The Baltimore Sun — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

Couples who argue about money can take steps to maintain harmony

Eileen Ambrose: Couples who argue about money can take steps to maintain harmony

Poll: Fed could hike interest rates before late 2014

Lucia Mutikani — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:03:07 EST

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - There is a good chance the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates before the end of 2014, according to a Reuters poll which also showed a significant minority of economists still expect a further easing of monetary policy in coming months.

T. Rowe no longer largest holder of Constellation Energy

By Hanah Cho , The Baltimore Sun — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:05:00 EST

Mutual fund company no longer energy firm's largest shareholder

T. Rowe Price Associates is no longer Constellation Energy Group's largest shareholder after the Baltimore money manager sold almost 14 million shares, according to documents filed Tuesday.

Md. firm's challenge on travel plazas contract is denied

By Candus Thomson , The Baltimore Sun — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:01:00 EST

Second of two losing bidders sees protest rejected by the Maryland Transportation Authority

The Maryland Transportation Authority has denied a challenge from Bethesda-based HMSHost over the awarding of a 35-year contract to build and manage the state's two travel plazas on Interstate 95 north of Baltimore.

Apple iPad 3 is rumored for March 7 launch

By Nathan Olivarez-Giles — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 07:55:00 EST

And the launch date of the Apple iPad 3 will be? For the record, Apple hasn't said yet, but the latest rumor is that the iPad 3 (or whatever it will be called) will be unveiled March 7.

What would you do with an extra $40 in your paycheck?

Eileen Ambrose — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 10:30:00 EST

The White House wants you to tweet about how you would use an extra $40 in your paycheck as part of a second Twitter campaign to extend the payroll tax cut

BaltTech: Study says cellphone use fuels selfish behavior

Gus G. Sentementes — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:26:00 EST

A University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business study released today showed that cellphone use left users less socially- minded in the real world, as they became immersed in a virtual world that fueled their need for social connectivity.

Baltimore's Sickweather measures Super Bowl illnesses

Gus G. Sentementes — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:46:00 EST

Maybe it was the influx of football-loving tourists in Indianapolis? Or maybe Indy itself was running itself ragged preparing for the Super Bowl between the NY Giants and the New England Patriots?