The gloom is widespread. Small-business optimism has been sinking since March, says the National Federation of Independent Business.

“Clean” industries ranging from public mass-transit to green energy companies provide 2 percent of the jobs in the United States, according to a new study. That number is more than other key industries, such as biosciences and oil and gas.

Treasure hunters have sought the rare yellow metal since the dawn of civilization. Today, investors herald a new golden age. On April 21, the metal’s market value surpassed $1,500 per troy ounce for the first time.

Pressed by outside conservative groups, House GOP leaders closed ranks to deny claims that Republicans have been — or could be — open to raising taxes as part of a deal to resolve the nation’s debt crisis.

Why is the job market so weak? Is the economy at risk of a new recession? Those questions loom large as President Obama and congressional leaders seek a deal to raise the limit on federal debt while also restraining future deficits.

If you are thinking of investing in commodities, consider the plight of Wile E. Coyote in the “Road Runner” cartoons. He has plenty of momentum until he runs off a cliff.

Those are among the findings of a new poll released by Time magazine and the Aspen Institute’s Aspen Ideas Festival.

The oil markets, energy analysts say, are beginning to reflect some broader economic shifts taking place in the world economy — factors ranging from the economic vitality in Japan to predictions about the U.S. economy.

Mark Zandi, a prominent economic forecaster, says the U.S. economy will gather steam in the second six months of 2011 — unless Congress fails to raise the government debt limit. In that case, “we go into recession,” he says.

Instead, Chairman Ben Bernanke suggests that Congress should focus on cutting the deficit over the medium to long term.

The big picture: Housing remains a central trouble spot in the U.S. economy, some five years after the peak of the housing boom.

Americans, be warned: The debate in Washington over the federal budget and the U.S. debt ceiling could affect the prosperity of the wider economy, especially in terms of jobs and income growth, for years to come.

As America’s jobs recovery begins to take hold, one sector is growing faster than ever: freelancing. Desperation, rather than inspiration, seems to be the major force behind the trend. And the surge isn’t over.

With cake eaten and tassels turned, members of the class of 2011 turn to their next assignment: finding a job. And this year, there is some optimism in hiring trends.

When investor Jim Rogers talks, people listen. On Friday he talked a lot, saying that despite his pessimism about the U.S. dollar, he’s become a buyer of greenbacks during what he expects will be a short-term rally.

For individuals, the largest risk is “spear phishing” by the criminals who stole the information. Once they have your data they can send a letter that almost sounds like it came from a financial institution.

President Obama heralds signs of a recovery U.S. automotive market. Republicans, however, criticize his administration for promoting what they say are policies that limit job creation.

The U.S. economy slowed sharply during May, according to a series of reports Wednesday that pushed stock prices down sharply and offered a reality check for investors.