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Contrary to fears that recent health care legislation will trigger a rapid decline in employer-sponsored health coverage in the U.S., management consulting firm Booz & Company published new research that shows employer-sponsored plans will decline more slowly and less steeply than commonly thought. In fact, by 2016, when most of the major reform provisions are expected to be implemented, employer-sponsored insurance will still comprise more than 50% of the insured market, with 152 million members enrolled in group plans, compared with 62% of the market and 160 million enrolled today. However, the report also indicates that insurers need to prepare for fundamental changes in their business models in the foreseeable future and anticipates a shift toward new, more narrowly targeted health plans with specialized capabilities.

Regional and state unemployment rates were generally little changed in December. Twenty states recorded unemployment rate increases, 15 states and the District of Columbia registered rate decreases, and 15 states had no rate change, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported.Thirty-one states and the District of Columbia posted unemployment rate decreases from a year earlier, 16 states reported increases, and 3 states had no change. The national jobless rate fell by 0.4 percentage point between November and December to 9.4 percent, 0.5 point lower than in December 2009.

According to the latest Wells Fargo/Gallup Small Business Index survey, conducted in November 2010, 57 percent of business owners surveyed say they plan to make changes in 2011, with 43 percent saying they plan to expand their business operations. Of those respondents who are looking to expand, 56 percent say they intend to add employees.

Average Wall Street bonuses dropped five percent year/year, according to early reporting of Wall Street professionals who are bonus-eligible and know the amount of their annual bonus. As regulators, governments and banks across the globe continue to scrutinize compensation, reported individual bonuses ranged from $0 to $5 million, demonstrating that pay-for-performance remains intact on Wall Street.

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index®, which had dipped in December, increased in January. The Index now stands at 60.6 (1985=100), up from 53.3 in December. The Present Situation Index improved to 31.0 from 24.9. The Expectations Index increased to 80.3 from 72.3 last month.

TrueCar.com, the authority on new car pricing, released its January 2011 sales and incentives forecast.

As of today, mortgage rates have remained steady. Current 30-year conforming fixed mortgage rates are at 4.625 percent, 15-year conforming fixed mortgage rates are at 3.875 percent, and conforming 5/1 adjustable mortgage rates are at 3.125 percent. Well-qualified borrowers are able to take advantage of these low conforming mortgage rates with only 0.7 to 1.0 percent origination fees.

There's no easy way to create an accurate description of the average man in the United States today. A vast diversity exists in almost every category of characteristics. There are commonalities, though, one of which is that men are more anxious than ever about money, debt and changing gender roles. According to a new white paper from Euro RSCG Worldwide PR, "Across the bulk of the U.S. population, the economic position of men has weakened while that of women has improved."

Global investors are taking more risks with their money and targeting the U.S. as one of the best places to put their funds as they grow increasingly confident in the economic outlook.

As President Obama prepares to give his annual State of the Union address tonight, many will likely be listening for specific direction on how he plans to boost jobs creation and economic growth – given 95 percent of Americans believe he could be doing more to get Americans back to work, according to a survey by Adecco Staffing US.