An odd thing is happening in the U.S. economy: Consumers appear to be losing their taste for imported goods. It's a change that, if sustained, could have big implications for global trade, the dollar and the effects of the Federal Reserve's policies.Domestic economic activity and imports in the U.S. tend to have a predictable relationship: ...

The standoff between the U.S. and Russia over Ukraine has sparked renewed interest in a troubling question: Do the U.S. government's vast debts to foreign nations present a threat to its national security? The fear is that China, Russia or some other major holder of U.S. Treasuries could suddenly start selling, sending interest rates soaring ...