Business briefs

Markets

U.S. financial markets were closed Thursday in observance of Thanksgiving Day. Markets will reopen today.

Biz bite

Looking for layoff warning signals

For seven of the past nine years, American companies have announced more layoffs in the last three months of the year than during other periods, according to the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics.

If you're nervous such might befall you, the agency offers a few tips:

- Examine the organization. What are its recent financial results and prospects? Is your department stumbling or facing weak business?

- Look for subtle clues. Do people in other departments seem to know more about what's happening? Have you stopped being invited to certain meetings or consulted on some projects? Have you been advised to delay travel or not to join industry groups?

- Don't ignore the obvious. If you feel you might be "downsized" soon, brace for it. Warn your family; keep your holiday spending sane.

- Request all you're entitled to. Study the severance policy.

Web help

Obtain toy advice from internet sites

Buying the right gift for a child at holiday time can be a mind-boggling experience. However, a number of web sites contain useful information on a variety of toy-related topics. If you'd like a little toy-buying advice, consider a visit to one of the following sites:

- Dr. Toy (www.drtoy. com/main/index.html) provides toy safety, maintenance and holiday gift advice.

- Oppenheimer Toy Portfolio (www.Toy Portfolio.com) offers informative reviews of toys based on consumer tests.

- ToyTips.com (www. toytips.com) has toy news, product reviews and top-toy picks.

- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/grand/toy/toysafe. html) includes tips for buying safe toys for children through age 12.

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Contact Business Editor Damon Cline at: (706) 823-3486 or damon.cline@augustachronicle.com.