Stocks ended an erratic day with a modest loss Thursday as investors tried to reconcile another batch of conflicting economic signals.
NY Fed: Toxic assets from AIG gaining value
Toxic assets the government bought during the bailouts of American International Group Inc. and Bear Stearns are finally gaining value, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York said Thursday.
Mexico's violence largely spares foreign firms
As bodies pile up in Mexico's drug war, local businesses bear the brunt of violence, extortion and kidnapping while big foreign-run firms have been spared the worst.
Women more optimistic than men about economy
There is a widening divide between men and women when it comes to their outlook for the economy and their own financial situations in the next twelve months, a new survey says.
Many cities awaiting a housing recovery
After welcome signs of growth in housing earlier this year, home sales — and prices — are likely to wilt again in the summer heat, a victim of rising foreclosures and weak demand.
Jobless claims drop may offer some hope
New U.S. claims for unemployment benefits fell slightly more than expected last week, government data showed on Thursday.
Republicans block small business lending bill
Senate Republicans have blocked a bill to increase small business lending, dealing a setback to President Barack Obama's jobs agenda.
Newsweek: Small-biz owners see little improvement
The National Small Business Association has released its midyear economic report. Based on a survey of 400 small-business owners, the semi-annual report found that only 11 percent have hired workers in the past year, 25 percent have cut jobs, and 41 percent say they are unable to secure adequate financing.
Big Oil posts better profits on higher fuel prices
The major oil companies continue to climb back from the recession, with higher fuel prices driving up earnings.
Court keeps English muffin secrets from rival
A food-industry executive armed with the secret to the "nooks and crannies" in Thomas' English muffins can't work for a rival amid a trade-secret lawsuit.
Executive pay to rebound modestly this year
Executive compensation at large and mid-sized U.S. companies is expected to rebound modestly this year after two consecutive years of declines as business conditions improve, according to a survey.
Citigroup paying $75M to settle civil charges
Banking titan Citigroup Inc. is paying $75 million to settle civil charges that it misled investors about its potential losses from subprime mortgages as the housing bust hit in 2007.
UAW boss: GM will apply in August to file IPO
United Auto Workers President Bob King says that General Motors Co. will file paperwork in mid-August to start the process of selling stock to the public.
Foreclosure activity rising in most metro areas
Households across a majority of large U.S. cities received more foreclosure warnings in the first six months of this year than in the first half of 2009, new data shows.
Back-to-school buying lessons for children
Parents who hope to keep a lid on spending can soften the edge by planning the back-to-school budget with kids, shopping together and teaching them how to separate needs from wants.
Pru, MetLife subpoenaed in military probe
New York's attorney general said on Thursday he had subpoenaed MetLife Inc and Prudential Financial Inc as part of an investigation into whether life insurers defrauded grieving military families out of hundreds of millions of dollars.
ConsumerMan: Top consumer complaints
Rip-offs and scams happen all the time. Anyone can become a victim. But right now, many con artists and swindlers are using the poor economy to target people in financial trouble.
Filmmaker's new crusade: Saving old theaters
Michael Moore wants to bring downtown theaters back. The filmmaker has a plan to refurbish or prop up downtown movie houses in his home state of Michigan — and eventually nationwide.
Mortgage brokers to be fingerprinted, registered
Mortgage loan originators will have to be fingerprinted and sign up to a central registry to do business in future, according to new rules issued by the Federal Reserve and other regulators.
Exxon Mobil's earnings more than double
Exxon Mobil Corp. says its second quarter income nearly doubled as oil prices increased from last year.
Toyota recalling 412,000 vehicles in U.S.
Toyota is recalling 412,000 passenger cars, mostly the Avalon model, in the U.S. for steering problems in which three accidents have been reported, the automaker said Thursday.
100 million Facebook users' details published online
The personal details of 100 million Facebook users have been collected and published online in a downloadable file, meaning they will no longer be able to make the information private.
Economists see tepid recovery deep into 2011
The U.S. economic recovery will remain slow deep into next year, held back by shoppers not spending and employers not hiring, according to an AP survey of leading economists.
Panasonic buying units in bid to go greener
Panasonic is planning to take 100 percent ownership of its subsidiaries Sanyo Electric and Panasonic Electric Works to strengthen green businesses.
Timberlake's line William Rast to launch at Target
William Rast, the fashion line by Justin Timberlake and his childhood friend Trace Ayala, has a new partner: Target.