U.S. falls in economic ranking

BEIJING » The U.S. has slipped down the ranks of competitive economies, falling behind Sweden and Singapore due to huge deficits and pessimism about government, a global economic group said.

Switzerland retained the top spot for the second year in the annual ranking by the Geneva-based World Economic Forum. It combines economic data and a survey of more than 13,500 business executives.

Sweden moved up to second place while Singapore stayed at No. 3. The United States was in second place last year after falling from No. 1 in 2008.

The WEF praised the United States for its innovative companies, excellent universities and flexible labor market. But it also cited huge deficits, rising government debt and declining public faith in politicians and corporate ethics.

TOTAL RECALL

» About 1.4 million FIXIT One Million Candlepower rechargeable spotlights, manufactured in China and imported by Innovage LLC of Foothill Ranch, Calif., because the adapter can overcharge the battery, causing it to leak acid. The company has received 13 reports of burns to skin, clothing, carpeting or upholstery. The spotlights were sold at Walgreens, Rite Aid, Bealls, Tuesday Morning, Ace Hardware, Boscov’s and Winn-Dixie stores nationwide from October 2003 through October 2009. Details: Call 888-408-1140 or visit www.cpsc.gov.

» About 192,000 Black & Decker random-orbit sanders, manufactured in China by Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc. of Towson, Md., because the plastic disc can fly off or break apart while in use. The company has received 73 reports of incidents and 15 reports of injuries, including one report of serious facial lacerations. The sanders were sold at home center, hardware and discount stores, as well as by authorized Black & Decker dealers, nationwide from January 2007 through July 2009. Details: Call 866-220-1767, or visit www.blackanddecker.com or www.cpsc.gov.