U.S. economic growth at 4 percent - 2004-01-31
The nation's economy expanded at a decent — but not great — 4.0 percent annual rate in the year's final quarter, a slower-than-expected pace that suggests high unemployment is likely to remain a sore subject as the presidential election year plays out.

In 2003's third quarter, GDP grew at a breathtaking 8.2 percent annual rate as the economy got a temporary boost from heavy government expenditures and from a burst of spending from consumers who were flush, thanks to tax-rebate checks from Uncle Sam and cash from mortgage refinancings.
Read the full story at Honolulu Advertiser

Mortgage lenders target self-employed - 2004-01-31
Despite being a nation of people who want to work for themselves, New Zealand has never come to terms with lending money to owners of fledgling businesses, says Miranda Caird.

As the founder of one of the country's largest mortgage broking companies, Mortgage Choice, Caird says New Zealand is stuck in a time trap.
Read the full story at stuff.co.nz