By Compiled from Times wires
Published August 24, 2003
Microcaps are the tiniest of publicly traded companies, but recent returns have been enormous. Microcap stocks rose nearly 39 percent from the market's bottom in October through May 31. Some market strategists say small companies will keep growing at this furious pace and lead the way out of the recession, Smart Money magazine reports.
Corporate executives are more optimistic about prospects for the economy over the next year, according to a poll by PricewaterhouseCoopers. For the first time in a year, more than half of the 150 executives polled during the second quarter expressed optimism. Still, fewer than half plan major new investments.
What has happened to Enron's top women executives since the company imploded? They have done quite well, Fast Company reports. Sherron Watkins, who called attention to wrongdoing at the company, co-authored a book about Enron and went on the lecture circuit. Rebecca Mark, a 19-year Enron veteran, operates a Black Angus cattle ranch. Why follow up only on women? Fast Company says it interviewed men as well, but "the most intriguing, introspective and thoughtful ex-Enron folks we talked to were women."
College students are furthering not only their educations but their credit card debt, according to a survey by student loan provider Nellie Mae. The survey indicates students will double their debt and triple the number of cards they have by the time they graduate. In 2001, 83 percent of college students had an average credit card balance of more than $2,300.
The Persian Gulf's biggest tourist destination soon will have another lure for travelers: a super-luxury underwater hotel. Dubai is spending $500-million to build the 220-suite hotel called Hydropolis. It is expected to be completed in 2006.
