Demand rises as many wait out housing market

South Sound apartment vacancies remain tight and rents continue to rise, according to a fall survey of the Puget Sound apartment market.

Farmers hit by shortage of large animal vets

DERBY, Vt. - This summer, Steve Sanford had to tell 106 dairy farmers in rural northern Vermont he could no longer treat their cows.

Business briefing -- Oct. 5

Business calendar -- Oct. 5

Kiwanis Club of Olympia meets at noon Mondays at The Viewpoint Room below Tugboat Annies, 2100 West Bay Drive N.W., Olympia. 360-250-0288.

Job losses accelerate; 9.5 million unemployed

Jobs are vanishing at the fastest pace in more than five years with pink slips likely to keep stacking higher in the months ahead, an urgent signal the country might be careening toward a deep and painful recession just as people in the United States prepare to elect a new president.

Business briefs

• Latin fusion restaurant in mall closes
• Sector of economyshows signs of growth
• Analyst: Dividend cutsadd up to $22.5 billion
• Eleven Toyota models feature free financing

Loan crunch hits home

A stalled national economy and a banking sector gripped by uncertainty has resulted in tighter lending standards for South Sound auto dealerships, home builders and retailers.

South Sound banks capitalize on WaMu fiasco

Washington Mutual's recent financial struggles and eventual sale to JPMorgan Chase resulted in a wave of new customers for some Thurston County banks and credit unions.

Business briefs

• Minimum wage in state will be $8.55 next year
• State coffee company heading to Middle East
• Sales crumble in August for major car makers
• Buffet’s company pumps $3 billion into GE

Business briefs

• Public comment period extended for Bellatorre
• Apparel store for teens opens at outlet mall
• Price of a barrel of oilsettles above $100
• Pfizer to focus on more profitable diseases