NWCN - News - Consumer http://www.nwcn.com/news/consumer RSS Feed for NWCN - News - Consumer en-us Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:00:48 GMT Faulty dishwashers, fridges and dryers causing fires, says Consumer Reports http://www.nwcn.com/news/consumer/Home-appliance-fires-caused-by-products-themselves-says-report-138568354.html A Consumer Reports investigation reveals many appliance fires in the home are sparked by the products themselves. Obama debuts new refinancing plan http://www.nwcn.com/news/consumer/Obama-debuts-new-refinancing-plan-138504529.html President Barack Obama's proposal would give homeowners with privately held mortgages a shot at record low rates though a new government program, for an annual savings of about $3,000 for the average borrower. Rate on 30-year mortgage drops to record 3.89 pct. http://www.nwcn.com/news/consumer/Rate-on-30-year-mortgage-drops-to-record-389-pct-137178563.html The average on the 15-year fixed mortgage ticked down to 3.16 percent. That's down from a record 3.21 percent three weeks ago. TVs you can talk to help launch Consumer Electronics Show http://www.nwcn.com/news/consumer/2012-Consumer-Electronics-Show-136961698.html LG will sell a remote with its high-end flat-panel TVs that contains a microphone. You'll be able to speak into the microphone to enter text on the TV for Twitter updates and Web searches. 2011's foreclosure rate falls, but with a caveat http://www.nwcn.com/news/consumer/2011-foreclosure-rate-dpwn-137182903.html The decline does not necessarily indicate that the housing market is getting better, as many foreclosures have been delayed due to confusion over documentation and legal issues involved in the process. Microsoft to reduce role at Consumer Electronics Show http://www.nwcn.com/news/consumer/Microsoft-Consumer-Electronics-Show-136939758.html After a 20 year relationship with CES, this will be the last year Microsoft has a major presence or a booth at the show. Some Excedrin, Bufferin bottles recalled over stray pills http://www.nwcn.com/news/consumer/Drug-company-recalls-bottles-of-Excedrin-NoDoz-136941423.html Novartis is recalling some bottles of Excedrin, NoDoz, Bufferin and Gas-X Sunday over concerns that the bottles could contain stray pills from other medicines, or chipped or broken tablets. New virus can rob your bank account without you noticing http://www.nwcn.com/news/consumer/New-virus-steals-bank-accounts-hides-tracks-136810063.html The virus gets your information when you log into your account, allowing hackers the ability to steal from you. But when you try logging in again, it makes you think nothing is wrong. Obama bucks GOP, OKs consumer watchdog http://www.nwcn.com/news/consumer/Obama-bucks-GOP-OKs-consumer-watchdog-136658033.html Senior administration officials tell The Associated Press that President Barack Obama will use a recess appointment to name Richard Cordray as the nation's chief consumer watchdog despite strong Republican opposition. Consumer confidence index surges in December http://www.nwcn.com/news/consumer/Consumer-confidence-index-surges-in-December-136257688.html The New York-based Conference Board says Tuesday that its Consumer Confidence Index rose almost 10 points to 64.5, up from a revised 55.2 in November. Analysts had expected 59.