Job creation steady in December
The job market continued its steady gains in the final weeks of 2012, as employers apparently shrugged off the standoff in Washington over the fiscal cliff and kept adding to their payrolls.
Plans for health insurance exchanges approved for seven more states
![Plans for health insurance exchanges approved for seven more states](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104170600im_/http://www.washingtonpost.com/rw/sites/twpweb/img/blogs/spacer.gif)
White House has signed off on blueprints by 17 states and D.C. to run their own exchanges in 2014.
How ‘fiscal cliff’ deal will affect the economy and deficits, in six charts
![How ‘fiscal cliff’ deal will affect the economy and deficits, in six charts](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104170600im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/Images/image1-2.jpg)
A look at what will and won't result from the fiscal cliff deal.
Justice Dept. settles Transocean’s punishment for 2010 spill: $1.4 billion
![Justice Dept. settles Transocean’s punishment for 2010 spill: $1.4 billion](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104170600im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2013/01/04/National-Economy/Images/103216146.jpg)
Owner of drilling rig that exploded in the Gulf of Mexico agrees to pay a mix of civil and criminal fines.
Economy ended year on high note
![Economy ended year on high note](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104170600im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2013/01/03/National-Economy/Images/Retail_Sales-01630.jpg)
Data released Thursday show that, despite the “fiscal cliff,” businesses hired and consumers spent.
Singletary: New Year, big fiscal changes
![Singletary: New Year, big fiscal changes](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104170600im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2013/01/03/National-Politics/Images/516224790-6941.jpg)
Enough. That’s probably the word you’ve used to express your frustration with the fiscal cliff.
‘Fiscal cliff’ legislation becomes law
![‘Fiscal cliff’ legislation becomes law](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104170600im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/innovations/Images/158836476.jpg)
President directs bill to be signed by autopen after his return to family vacation in Hawaii.
Dodd-Frank financial reform act may be headed for changes in Congress
![Dodd-Frank financial reform act may be headed for changes in Congress](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104170600im_/http://www.washingtonpost.com/rw/sites/twpweb/img/blogs/spacer.gif)
Concerns about banks that are “too big to fail” have led to bipartisan alliances seeking to amend the law.
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104170600im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/WashingtonPost/Content/Staff-Bio/Images/_tn_1.0.54913092_v9viEo41EeGDF7xV6P3Uog_ezra-klein-145x100--90x60.jpg)
Latest Headlines
- New search engine tries to show Google isn't the best
- IMF director Lagarde visits Malawi to assess economic reforms in impoverished nation
- Wheat, corn and soybean futures fall on the CBOT; beef and pork prices rise
- Canadian economy created 40,000 jobs in December, unemployment rate at its lowest in 4 years
- US factory orders unchanged in December despite strong gain in demand for investment goods
- PNC Bank says taking steps to ward off possible cyber attacks
- US stock futures turn positive after jobs report suggests underlying economic strength
A slice of heaven for sneakerheads
![A slice of heaven for sneakerheads](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104170600im_/http://www.washingtonpost.com/rw/sites/twpweb/img/blogs/spacer.gif)
D.C. shop allows 11 customers to shop at a time. The number is set by the store, not the fire marshal.
December sees uptick in small business jobs
![December sees uptick in small business jobs](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104170600im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/31/Editorial-Opinion/Images/2012-12-27T135441Z_01_TOR901_RTRIDSP_3_USA-ECONOMY-JOBS.jpg)
Small business job creation last month showed a tiny improvement over Nov., according to the NFIB.
Business Blogs & Columns
![FILE - This Oct. 1, 2011 file photo, shows the Google logo at the Google headquarters in Brussels. Google is sifting through the photos and commentary on its blossoming social network so its Internet search results can include more personal information. (AP Photo/dapd, Virginia Mayo)](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104170600im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/innovations/Images/Google_Personal_Search_0e31b.jpg)
The perfect result
What do Google’s advances in search mean for the future definition of monopoly?
![WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 21: U.S. President Barack Obama delivers a statement on fiscal cliff at the James Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House December 21, 2012 in Washington, DC. Obama called on congressional leaders to work out a solution on the fiscal cliff over the Christmas break. He also said 'becaues we didn't get this done, I will see you next week.' (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104170600im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/innovations/Images/158624469.jpg)
Innovation and the deal
Experts weigh in on what the ‘fiscal cliff’ deal means for the nation’s innovation economy.
![Speaker of the House John Boehner, R-Ohio, speaks to reporters about the fiscal cliff negotiations at the Capitol in Washington, Friday, Dec. 21, 2012. Hopes for avoiding the 'fiscal cliff' that threatens the U.S. economy fell Friday after fighting among congressional Republicans cast doubt on whether any deal reached with President Barack Obama could win approval ahead of automatic tax increases and deep spending cuts kick in Jan. 1. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104170600im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/the-insiders/Images/Fiscal_Cliff_Boehner_0a5c6.jpg)
Boehner after ‘Plan B’
The real question about the Speaker’s leadership shouldn’t be why he couldn’t corral his followers.
![An illustration of Zynga Chief Executive Mark Pincus is seen at the 'All Things D' conference in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, in this May 30, 2012 handout photo. Pincus said at the conference the recent slide in the company's stock price has not hindered employee recruitment, and it was too early to tell whether the $183 million purchase of the game 'Draw Something' has been a success. REUTERS/Asa Mathat/All Things Digital/Handout (UNITED STATES - Tags: BUSINESS SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY) NO SALES. NO ARCHIVES. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS. THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. IT IS DISTRIBUTED, EXACTLY AS RECEIVED BY REUTERS, AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104170600im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/05/31/National-Enterprise/Images/2012-05-30T230556Z_01_LOA08_RTRIDSP_3_US-ZYNGA-CONFERENCE.jpg)
The five worst CEOs of 2012
Let’s not waste the chance to learn from the corporate world’s many management mistakes.
Post Business on Twitter
![washpostbiz](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104170600im_/http://a0.twimg.com/profile_images/2941093169/4af8df70f618a7e242ad53776dbd423c_normal.jpeg)
MT @Neil_Irwin Takeaway from jobs report: Economy growing steadily. No big #fiscalcliff freakout. http://t.co/4dVlAR33
![washpostbiz](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104170600im_/http://a0.twimg.com/profile_images/2941093169/4af8df70f618a7e242ad53776dbd423c_normal.jpeg)
The date for filibuster reform: Jan. 22. Probably. http://t.co/N7gKI8cJ
![washpostbiz](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104170600im_/http://a0.twimg.com/profile_images/2941093169/4af8df70f618a7e242ad53776dbd423c_normal.jpeg)
An amazing mea culpa from the IMF's chief economist on austerity http://t.co/4HNMl1Nz
![washpostbiz](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104170600im_/http://a0.twimg.com/profile_images/2941093169/4af8df70f618a7e242ad53776dbd423c_normal.jpeg)
Apple eyeing Waze traffic app? What that could mean for Apple Maps http://t.co/YkkdLbIm
Business Video
![Google settles on patents, antitrust items in U.S. Google settles on patents, antitrust items in U.S.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104170600im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_296w/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2013/01/03/Production/WashingtonPost/Images/Google-Antitrust_Prob_Antitrust%20Prob.JPEG-0c590.jpg)
Google settles on patents, antitrust items in U.S.
Google is agreeing to license certain patents to mobile phone rivals and stop some search practices but in a victory for the search giant, the Federal Trade Commission didn't find enough evidence the company favors its own services in search results.![Dow gains 308 points on 'fiscal cliff’ deal Dow gains 308 points on 'fiscal cliff’ deal](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104170600im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2013/01/03/Production/WashingtonPost/Images/158870655.jpg)
Dow gains 308 points on 'fiscal cliff’ deal
VIDEO | The "fiscal cliff" compromise, even with all its chaos, controversy and unresolved questions, was enough to send stocks up more than 300 points on Wednesday -- the first trading day of the new year.![Obama seeks Obama seeks](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104170600im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2013/01/02/Production/WashingtonPost/Images/516220216.jpg)
Obama seeks "less drama" in future talks with Congress
VIDEO | Shortly after the House vote, President Obama complained to reporters about how hard it was to reach a deal and insisted it won't happen again when the debt ceiling battle comes around.![Congress approves ‘fiscal cliff’ deal Congress approves ‘fiscal cliff’ deal](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104170600im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2013/01/02/Production/WashingtonPost/Images/1144000.jpg)
Congress approves ‘fiscal cliff’ deal
VIDEO | President Obama is praising the bill that staves off the “fiscal cliff” tax hikes and spending cuts. The House of Representatives followed the Senate's lead and passed the bill late Tuesday.![Obama: Deal makes tax code more fair Obama: Deal makes tax code more fair](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104170600im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2013/01/02/Production/WashingtonPost/Images/1144031.jpg)
Obama: Deal makes tax code more fair
VIDEO | President Obama says the “fiscal cliff” deal makes the tax code more fair, while helping the U.S. avoid falling back into recession.![Three ways going over the ‘ fiscal cliff’ will affect you Three ways going over the ‘ fiscal cliff’ will affect you](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104170600im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/27/Production/Daily/Local/Images/furloughs.jpg)
Three ways going over the ‘ fiscal cliff’ will affect you
VIDEO | The Post’s Felicia Sonmez explains how going over the “fiscal cliff” will affect you and your wallet.![Obama’s full speech on ‘fiscal cliff’ talks Obama’s full speech on ‘fiscal cliff’ talks](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104170600im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/31/National-Politics/Images/Obama_Fiscal_Cilff_0fa10.jpg)
Obama’s full speech on ‘fiscal cliff’ talks
President Obama said Monday that a “fiscal cliff” deal is “within sight,” but that it is “not done” yet. He urged Congress to act quickly to avoid sending the country over the “fiscal cliff” at midnight.![Obama: ‘Fiscal cliff’ deal ‘within sight’ Obama: ‘Fiscal cliff’ deal ‘within sight’](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104170600im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/31/National-Politics/Images/Obama_Fiscal_Cliff-032fb_resize.jpg)
Obama: ‘Fiscal cliff’ deal ‘within sight’
VIDEO | Presidnet Obama urged members of Congress to push through a deal before the country goes over the “fiscal cliff” on New Year’s Eve.![Sen. Harry Reid: 'We are running out of time' Sen. Harry Reid: 'We are running out of time'](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104170600im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/31/Production/WashingtonPost/Images/1143512.jpg)
Sen. Harry Reid: 'We are running out of time'
VIDEO | Efforts to save the nation from going over a year-end "fiscal cliff" are still in disarray as lawmakers continue negotiations to confront the tax-and-spend crisis.![NORAD tracking Santa's journey NORAD tracking Santa's journey](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104170600im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/Wires/Videos/2012-12-24/AP/Images/1224dv_norad_santa_400x300.jpg-06196.jpg)
NORAD tracking Santa's journey
Volunteers are pulling on their Santa hats, phone lines are in place and wall-size tracking screens are ready. NORAD Tracks Santa is primed for its 57th annual goodwill mission.![Boehner: Obama 'won't deal honestly' on ‘fiscal cliff’ Boehner: Obama 'won't deal honestly' on ‘fiscal cliff’](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104170600im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/21/Production/WashingtonPost/Images/158618206.jpg)
Boehner: Obama 'won't deal honestly' on ‘fiscal cliff’
VIDEO | Speaker of the House John Boehner says a tax bill did not advance to a vote in the House because it lacked votes. But he says Republicans still want to negotiate a deal avoiding a big tax hike in 2013 and wants President Obama to get serious.![NYSE being bought by upstart competitor NYSE being bought by upstart competitor](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104170600im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/21/Production/WashingtonPost/Images/NYSE_Euronext_IntercontinentalExchange_0e7e7.jpg)
NYSE being bought by upstart competitor
VIDEO | The New York Stock Exchange is being sold to rival IntercontentialExchange (ICE), an upstart exchange based in Atlanta, for $8.2 billion.![UBS's Libor fine expected to be topped by U.S. banks UBS's Libor fine expected to be topped by U.S. banks](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104170600im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/19/Production/WashingtonPost/Images/83074143.jpg)
UBS's Libor fine expected to be topped by U.S. banks
UBS's Libor Fine Expected Be Topped by U.S. Banks![Obama: GOP ignoring 'fair deal' on ‘fiscal cliff’ Obama: GOP ignoring 'fair deal' on ‘fiscal cliff’](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130104170600im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/19/Production/WashingtonPost/Images/03514374.jpg)
Obama: GOP ignoring 'fair deal' on ‘fiscal cliff’
VIDEO | President Barack Obama says he is prepared to do "tough things" for a "fiscal cliff" deal and says there is no reason for the talks to fail.Elsewhere in Business
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