Keeping Track Of The Economy: 10 Stories You Need To Read Today

As travels shares are down after the terrorist attacks in Brussels and the unemployment rate for US veterans hits a seven-year low, here are the 10 economic stories you need to read today.

1. Travel-related shares are down more than the broader market after the terrorist attacks in Brussels, a departure from the financial market's recent resilience to terrorism. [WSJ]

2. But things may be looking up for US manufacturing, and, even though the Institute for Supply Management‘s report isn’t coming out until April 1, three recent regional reports show good signs. [Barron's]

3. Things aren't looking up for first-time homebuyers—a widening US home price gap makes trading up harder, according to a Trulia report, and as high-priced homes go up in price the most, mid-home owners are less likely to sell. [WSJ]

4. America's veterans are back to work—more so than the average person. The unemployment rate for American veterans fell to the lowest level in seven years in 2015, a reflection of an improving jobs market alongside programs to put servicemen and women to work. [WSJ]

5. Bill Ackman has a tough job ahead of him—his plan to fix Valeant is doomed. The company can never be what it was because the old model was toxic—now the question is, what can it be? [BI]

6. Advice from a billionaire: Satisfied because 95% of your business is perfect? You shouldn't be, says Tilman J. Fertitta, owner of Fertitta Entertainment—see his rules for success. [CNBC]

7. And here's another billionaire. How would markets react to a President Trump? Would he be a boon for investors, or cripple growth? [Barron's]

8. With all the talk about the 1%, have you ever wondered what percentage incomer earner you are? See how you rank in 344 zones across the country. [NYT]

9. It's women's history month and women's role in the workforce is progressing, but women are still held back in tech, according to a recent report. Why? [WSJ]

10. Keep your eyes peeled for new opportunities in Cuba. President Obama says Cuba has nothing to fear from the US, and urged Raúl Castro to allow some of the changes he's been resisting—like opening up Cuba's economy. [NYT]