Fox News Channel programming focuses on recession

Even with the U.S markets closed Monday, the recession and the federal bailout were key issues spotlighted on the Fox News Channel. Fox Business Network's Jenna Lee was on hand to discuss some specific topics. 

Oil and gasoline prices: 

The global recession has put extreme downward pressure on the price of crude oil. But as oil prices continue to fall, the average price of gasoline in the U.S. is slowly creeping up. 

With oil trading at about $36 per barrel Monday, the average price of gas climbed to $1.97. Lee explained that while gasoline prices should theoretically move in tandem with the price of oil, the recession has forced gasoline refineries to scale back and reduce supply. Analysts expect the price of gasoline to rise to about $2.50 per gallon by summer. 

Companies performing well during recession: 

Even in the current recession, there are companies that are actually enjoying positive returns and predicting future growth. Lee cited Lego, coal exports from Alaska and Kentucky Fried Chicken as examples. Lego reported a large jump in sales in 2008 and predicts that sales may continue to rise in 2009. Coal exports from Alaska to places like Latin America and Asia are also on the rise. And, KFC anticipates it will open between 200 and 300 new stores that will create about 9,000 new jobs in the next five years.