Drink up: U.S. demand for bottled water, which grew at a double digit pace from 2000-08, is expected to slow down to less than 1% over the next five years, according to a report. Canadean, which tracks the global beverage industry, says two factors are driving the slowdown: the recession and environmental concerns about leftover plastic bottles. Similar slowdowns in bottled water demand are being forecast for European nations, such as France and the United Kingdom. The global demand for bottled water is expected to increase, however, because of the Asian markets.
No lemons here: Used car sales increased 3.1% in February when compared to a year earlier, as more shoppers turned away from buying new vehicles, USA Today reports. Wholesale used car prices were up 1.1% from January, although they remain lower than a year ago. One economist says the increased activity shows how people are trying to be more responsible and prudent in making major purchases. Read the story here.
