financial

It’s been a tough, long slog, but the U.S. economy is finally moving reliably in the right direction. Several factors, including falling unemployment rates, growth in household income, higher housing starts and vehicle sales, as well as a projected increase in the growth rate of gross domestic product, are all positive signs.

There are times when the environment changes in such a way that problems you may confront today can disappear outright or become opportunities tomorrow.

While the industry backpedaled somewhat in 2013, petroleum and convenience-store retailers maintained strong sales and profit figures despite numerous competitive and demand-rooted challenges that will only get worse in the years ahead. A breakdown of the year that was.