Economy: Survey: Job security drops to decade low

Ever feel insecure at work, wondering how long until the ax falls on your job? You’re not alone.

Job security has dropped to its lowest point in a decade, with only 54 percent of employees expressing security in their positions. In 1992, barely half of U.S. workers (51 percent) felt secure.

Two years ago – before the tech bubble’s burst and the extinction of healthy 401(k) balances – 68 percent of workers said they were feeling secure.

The survey was conducted with 230,000 people from January through October, by Sirota Consulting, a management consultancy based in Purchase, N.Y.

Auto industry: Shoppers need incentives

When it comes to moving autos, incentives work. With a third of Americans looking to buy or lease a car by the end of next year, Yahoo! asked people what would affect their behavior when choosing a car.

Incentives came out the winner, with nearly 80 percent saying rebates, zero-percent financing deals and the like would prompt them to buy.

The state of the economy was a factor for 66 percent, and 34 percent said war with Iraq would influence their decision on a car.

Also, a third of the 2,766 people surveyed said they go online to compare and study cars. Half said a trip to the dealership constituted their new-vehicle research.

Motley Fool: Name that company

I’m the nation’s largest turkey processor. I trace my history back to 1891, when a son of German immigrants founded me in Minnesota. I debuted the world’s first canned ham in 1926 and a year later had salesmen selling from “sausage trucks.” In 1937, I introduced a now-famous luncheon meat made of spiced ham. My brands include Dinty Moore, Herb-Ox, Chi-Chi’s, House of Tsang, Pataks and Little Sizzlers. In 1986, I bought Jennie-O, the premier maker of turkey products. I rake in more than $4 billion annually and have increased my dividends for 31 consecutive years. Who am I?