With bad news pouring in from retailers and exporters, American economists are scrambling to lower their forecasts for growth in the world's largest economy. 

Winter storms across the country appear to have dealt a final blow to retail sales as cash-strapped consumers stay home, and the US economy is now expected to post its worst performance in at least 27 years – and possibly since the Fifties. 

from Crikey …..

CEOs: the poor little rich guys

Adam Schwab writes: