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US stocks slide as investors anticipate Fed exit
US stocks slide as investors anticipate Fed exit
Stocks are lower on Wall Street as prospects for a budget deal and more signs of a U.S. recovery suggest that the Federal Reserve may wind down its support for the economy.Full Story
Stocks are lower on Wall Street as prospects for a budget deal and more signs of a U.S. recovery suggest that the Federal Reserve may wind down its support for the economy.Full Story
Agencies differ on allowing in-flight phone calls
Agencies differ on allowing in-flight phone calls
As one part of the federal government looks to remove restrictions on making phone calls from airplanes, another agency is apparently considering its own prohibition.Full Story
Just because it's safe to use cellphones on a plane, it doesn't mean that passengers should call just to say hello.Full Story
Ford plans 23 new cars, 11,000 new jobs in 2014
Ford plans 23 new cars, 11,000 new jobs in 2014
Ford Motor Co. says 2014 will be its busiest year ever, with 23 new vehicles being introduced around the world.Full Story
Ford Motor Co. says it will hire more than 11,000 people in the U.S. and Asia next year to support an aggressive rollout of new vehicles.Full Story
US hits firms over Iran; sanctions debate goes on
US hits firms over Iran; sanctions debate goes on
The Obama administration is targeting several companies and individuals for evading international sanctions against Iran and for providing support for Iran's nuclear program.Full Story
The United States targeted more than a dozen companies and people on Thursday for allegedly evading sanctions against Iran, an effort by the Obama administration to show it will enforce existing law even as it presses...Full Story
US stocks head for a third day of declines
US stocks head for a third day of declines
By JOSHUA FREED AP Business Writer Lower stock prices on Thursday set up investors for what would be their third day in a row of declines.Full Story
By JOSHUA FREED AP Business Writer Wall Street's third down day in a row pushed stocks to their lowest levels in a month as investors worried that the end may be nearing for the Federal Reserve's...Full Story
Congressional subcommittee weighs online gambling
Congressional subcommittee weighs online gambling
Organizations and advocates on all sides of the online gambling debate are cheering a Congressional hearing on the state of online gambling.Full Story
Organizations and advocates on all sides of the online gambling debate are cheering a Congressional hearing on the state of online gambling.Full Story
Consumers' big purchases lift hopes for US economy
Consumers' big purchases lift hopes for US economy
U.S. consumers ramped up spending in November on cars, appliances and furniture and made more purchases online, signaling growing confidence in the economy during the holiday shopping season.Full Story
Americans ramped up spending at retail businesses in November, providing a boost to the economy just in time for the holidays.Full Story
Mexican Congress approves historic energy bill
Mexican Congress approves historic energy bill
Mexico's lower house of Congress began a raucous, marathon debate expected to last through the night and well into Thursday on historic legislation that would open the state-run oil industry to private investment.Full Story
Mexico's Congress voted Thursday to open the country's moribund state-run oil industry to foreign and domestic investors, casting aside nationalist opposition to approve the most dramatic energy reform in seven...Full Story
Machinists await Boeing response on contract
Machinists await Boeing response on contract
Boeing is expected to respond Thursday to a Machinists union proposal that would keep much of the 777X work in the Puget Sound.Full Story
Boeing is expected to respond Thursday to a Machinists union proposal that would keep much of the 777X work in the Puget Sound.Full Story
EU promises more aid for Ukraine to sign EU deal
EU promises more aid for Ukraine to sign EU deal
European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton has said that Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych "intends to sign" the far-reaching trade and cooperation agreement with the EU that he rejected only last month.Full Story
Ukraine's deputy prime minister said Thursday his financially troubled country will soon sign a trade and cooperation deal with the EU after the bloc promised more aid to the former Soviet republic.Full Story
Holiday shopping spree not for everyone
Holiday shopping spree not for everyone
Many Americans appear to be watching the annual holiday spending ritual from the sidelines this year.Full Story
Many Americans are watching the annual holiday spending ritual from the sidelines this year.Full Story
Top US auto safety regulator to step down
Top US auto safety regulator to step down
America's top auto safety regulator is stepping down.Full Story
America's top auto safety regulator is stepping down.Full Story
Female libido drug remains in limbo
Female libido drug remains in limbo
The 15-year search for a pill that boosts sexual desire in women has hit another roadblock, raising questions about the future of efforts to develop a female equivalent to Viagra.Full Story
The multi-decade search for a pill that boosts sexual desire in women has hit another roadblock, raising questions about the future of efforts to develop a female equivalent to Viagra.Full Story
VW replaces head of struggling US division
VW replaces head of struggling US division
Automaker Volkswagen says it's replacing the head of its U.S. division, which has struggled to reach sales goals.Full Story
Automaker Volkswagen said Thursday it was replacing the head of its U.S. division, which has struggled to reach sales goals.Full Story
Merrill paying $131.8M to settle SEC charges
Merrill paying $131.8M to settle SEC charges
Merrill Lynch has agreed to pay $131.8 million to settle U.S. civil charges that it misled investors about risky mortgage bonds it sold ahead of the 2008 financial crisis.Full Story
Merrill Lynch has agreed to pay $131.8 million to settle U.S. civil charges that it misled investors about risky mortgage bonds it sold ahead of the 2008 financial crisis.Full Story
Federal data show health disparities among states
Federal data show health disparities among states
The slow rollout of a new federal health insurance marketplace may be deepening differences in health coverage among Americans.Full Story
Residents in some parts of the U.S. are signing up for health care coverage at a significantly greater rate than others through the new online insurance marketplaces now operating in every state.Full Story
House Republicans get behind budget agreement
House Republicans get behind budget agreement
House Republicans are rallying behind a modest budget pact that promises to bring a temporary halt to budget brinkmanship in Washington and ease automatic budget cuts that would otherwise slam the Pentagon and...Full Story
Speaker John Boehner sharply criticized outside conservative groups opposed to year-end budget legislation on Thursday and said the measure "takes great steps in the right direction."Full Story
Greece a month away from key bailout target
Greece a month away from key bailout target
Greece says it beat its budget targets in the first 11 months of the year and is on track to achieve a modest primary surplus - that is, excluding the cost of servicing its crushing debt burden - for the full year.Full Story
Greece is close to reaching a central target of its bailout agreements with international lenders, after beating expectations for its budget performance in the first 11 months of the year, the Finance Ministry said Thursday.Full Story
Grass-roots economic protests spread across Italy
Grass-roots economic protests spread across Italy
For the first time in the five years of Italy's economic crisis, grass-roots protests expressing frustration and anger at Italy's political class are spreading across the nation.Full Story
For the first time in the five years of Italy's economic crisis, grass-roots protests expressing frustration if not deep anger at the political class are spreading across Italy.Full Story
Health website woes force extension for sickest
Health website woes force extension for sickest
Technology problems with President Barack Obama's health care website are forcing the administration to extend a federal insurance plan for some of the sickest patients by a month.Full Story
Technology problems with President Barack Obama's health care website are forcing the administration to extend a federal insurance plan for some of the sickest patients by a month.Full Story
Lululemon shares fall after weak forecast
Lululemon shares fall after weak forecast
Shares of Lululemon are falling in premarket trading after the yoga clothing maker said it expects a key sales figure to be flat in the next quarter.Full Story
Lululemon's image problems are starting to take a toll on its business, the yoga clothing seller's executives acknowledged Thursday.Full Story
Labor group sees progress at major Apple supplier
Labor group sees progress at major Apple supplier
A labor group monitoring three Chinese factories that make iPhones and other Apple products says once-oppressive working conditions have steadily improved in the last 18 months, but more must be done to reduce the...Full Story
A labor group monitoring three Chinese factories that make iPhones and other Apple products says once-oppressive working conditions have steadily improved in the last 18 months, but more must be done to reduce the amount...Full Story
AP Newsbreak: Western governors show wildlife maps
AP Newsbreak: Western governors show wildlife maps
Governors in 16 states are unveiling a high-tech wildlife habitat mapping project they hope will encourage economic development across the West while protecting the region's environmental treasures from Puget...Full Story
Governors in 16 states are unveiling a high-tech wildlife habitat mapping project they hope will encourage economic development across the West while protecting the region's environmental treasures from Puget Sound to...Full Story
Operators ground model of chopper that crashed
Operators ground model of chopper that crashed
A British transport company has grounded all of its helicopters of the type that crashed into a pub in Scotland after detecting a technical problem on a recent flight.Full Story
A 10th person has died following the crash of a police helicopter into a Glasgow pub, police said Thursday, as a British transport company briefly grounded its helicopters of the type involved in the crash after detecting...Full Story
Phone hacker: Queen annoyed by nut-eating police
Phone hacker: Queen annoyed by nut-eating police
A private investigator convicted of eavesdropping on the voice mails of royal staff told a tabloid editor that Queen Elizabeth II was annoyed because police officers ate the nuts laid out for Buckingham Palace guests.Full Story
Queen Elizabeth II was so annoyed by police officers eating nuts laid out at Buckingham Palace that she marked a line on the bowl to monitor the level, jurors heard Thursday at Britain's tabloid phone hacking trial.Full Story
Hilton shares jump in market debut
Hilton shares jump in market debut
By The Associated Press Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. shares jumped in their market debut.Full Story
By SARAH SKIDMORE SELL AP Business Writer Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. shares jumped in initial trading Thursday as the company returns to the market in the largest hotel IPO ever.Full Story
Are more Dorito-flavored foods on the way?
Are more Dorito-flavored foods on the way?
Dorito dust may be the new salt for more restaurant chains.Full Story
Dorito dust may be the new salt for more restaurant chains.Full Story
US data add to Fed tapering fears in markets
US data add to Fed tapering fears in markets
World stock markets mostly fell Wednesday as investors factored in the prospect of the Federal Reserve reducing its lavish monetary stimulus this month.Full Story
Growing expectations that the U.S. Federal Reserve will cut its monetary stimulus as early as next week weighed on global stock markets Thursday.Full Story
US cars and trucks hit record gas mileage in 2012
US cars and trucks hit record gas mileage in 2012
The U.S. government says new cars and trucks sold last year averaged 23.6 miles per gallon of gasoline, a record.Full Story
New cars and trucks sold in the U.S. last year got an average of 23.6 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving, a record that came mainly through improvements to engines and transmissions, according to the...Full Story
Airlines expect profits to jump to record high
Airlines expect profits to jump to record high
The global airline industry is forecasting a jump in profits to $19.7 billion next year, helped by falling jet fuel prices, rising travel demand and cost-cutting.Full Story
The global airline industry expects its profits to jump to a record high next year, helped by falling jet fuel prices, rising travel demand and cost-cutting.Full Story
US stocks are mixed as investors see Fed exit
US stocks are mixed as investors see Fed exit
Stocks are mixed in midday trading as prospects for a budget deal and more signs of a U.S. recovery suggest that the Federal Reserve may wind down its support for the economy.Full Story
Stocks are mixed in midday trading as prospects for a budget deal and more signs of a U.S. recovery suggest that the Federal Reserve may wind down its support for the economy.Full Story
Vatican gets mixed report card on finance reforms
Vatican gets mixed report card on finance reforms
European evaluators have given the Vatican a mixed report card in its efforts to comply with international norms to fight money laundering and terror financing.Full Story
European inspectors gave the Vatican a mixed report card Thursday in its efforts to comply with international norms to fight money laundering and terror financing: They praised the speedy overhaul of its legal code, but...Full Story
Over 2M Xbox One units sold in first 18 days
Over 2M Xbox One units sold in first 18 days
Microsoft says more than 2 million of its Xbox One consoles have been sold since the system's launch 18 days ago.Full Story
Microsoft says more than 2 million of its Xbox One consoles have been sold since the system's launch 18 days ago.Full Story
Average US rate on 30-year loan eases to 4.42 pct.
Average US rate on 30-year loan eases to 4.42 pct.
Average U.S. rates for fixed mortgages eased slightly this week, remaining near historically low levels.Full Story
Average U.S. rates for fixed mortgages eased slightly this week, remaining near historically low levels.Full Story
FCC chairman: Calls on planes up to each airline
FCC chairman: Calls on planes up to each airline
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Thomas Wheeler says his plan to remove the restriction on phone calls during flights has been misunderstood.Full Story
As one part of the federal government looks to remove restrictions on making phone calls from airplanes, another agency is apparently considering its own prohibition.Full Story
Bulgaria, Westinghouse ink early nuclear deal
Bulgaria, Westinghouse ink early nuclear deal
Bulgaria and Westinghouse Electric Co. have signed a preliminary agreement on the potential construction of an AP1000 unit at the only nuclear plant in the Balkan country, which relies heavily on Russia for its...Full Story
Bulgaria and Westinghouse Electric Co. have signed a preliminary agreement on the potential construction of an AP1000 unit at the only nuclear plant in the Balkan country, which relies heavily on Russia for its energy...Full Story
US stockpiles jump in October by most in 9 months
US stockpiles jump in October by most in 9 months
U.S. companies boosted their stockpiles at the fastest rate in nine months as their sales grew. The gain in restocking indicates businesses anticipated a healthy holiday shopping season.Full Story
U.S. companies boosted their stockpiles at the fastest rate in nine months in October as their sales grew. The gain in restocking indicates businesses anticipated a healthy holiday shopping season.Full Story
Your guide to the 2013 Nobel Prizes
Your guide to the 2013 Nobel Prizes
The winners of the 2013 Nobel Prizes will collect their $1.2 million awards Tuesday at ceremonies in Stockholm and Oslo. Here's a look at the laureates and their achievements:Full Story
The winners of the 2013 Nobel Prizes will collect their $1.2 million awards Tuesday at ceremonies in Stockholm and Oslo. Here's a look at the laureates and their achievements:Full Story
Oil near $98 a barrel after higher US retail sales
Oil near $98 a barrel after higher US retail sales
By The Associated Press Oil prices continued to drop Thursday after the U.S. government reported a large buildup in supplies of gasoline and diesel.Full Story
By PABLO GORONDI Associated Press Oil prices climbed to near $98 a barrel on Thursday, as a rise in U.S. retail sales pointed to higher spending during the holiday season and could provide a boost to the...Full Story
US stocks open mixed as investors see Fed exit
US stocks open mixed as investors see Fed exit
Stocks are mixed in early trading as prospects for a budget deal and more signs of a U.S. recovery suggest that the Federal Reserve may wind down its support for the economy.Full Story
Stocks are mixed in early trading as prospects for a budget deal and more signs of a U.S. recovery suggest that the Federal Reserve may wind down its support for the economy.Full Story
Study: Hormone-blocker slashes breast cancer risk
Study: Hormone-blocker slashes breast cancer risk
Women at high risk of developing breast cancer because of family history or bad genes have a new option to help prevent the disease.Full Story
Women at high risk of developing breast cancer because of family history or bad genes have a new option to help prevent the disease.Full Story
Finland's Fortum in $3.5 billion electricity deal
Finland's Fortum in $3.5 billion electricity deal
Finnish utility Fortum Corp. is selling its electricity distribution sector in Finland to international and Finnish investors for 2.55 billion euros ($3.51 billion) and is preparing for the possible sale of similar...Full Story
Finnish utility Fortum Corp. is selling its electricity distribution sector in Finland to international and Finnish investors for 2.55 billion euros ($3.51 billion) and is preparing for the possible sale of similar...Full Story
Slovenia won't need bailout, review finds
Slovenia won't need bailout, review finds
Results of Slovenia's financial system stress tests show that the small eurozone state will not need an international bailout to rescue eight troubled banks.Full Story
A review of Slovenia's financial system showed Thursday that the small eurozone state will need to spend about 4.8 billion euros ($6.6 billion) to rescue its banks - a sum it can afford without the help of an...Full Story
Futures fall as many see end to US bond buying
Futures fall as many see end to US bond buying
Stock futures are falling as prospects for a budget deal and a stream of healthy economic news up the odds that the U.S. will begin weaning the economy off its aggressive monetary policies.Full Story
Stock futures slid Thursday as prospects for a budget deal and a stream of healthy economic news upped the odds that the U.S. will begin weaning the economy off of its aggressive monetary policies.Full Story
US unemployment aid applications surge to 368,000
US unemployment aid applications surge to 368,000
The number of people seeking U.S. unemployment benefits rose 68,000 last week to a seasonally adjusted 368,000, the largest increase in more than a year.Full Story
The number of people seeking U.S. unemployment benefits rose 68,000 last week to a seasonally adjusted 368,000, the largest increase in more than a year.Full Story
Ryan: Budget deal moves US in 'right direction'
Ryan: Budget deal moves US in 'right direction'
The co-architect of a new budget deal in Congress concedes the political accommodation is modest, but says it moves a fiscally challenged government "in the right direction."Full Story
The co-architect of a new budget deal in Congress concedes the political accommodation is modest, but says it moves a fiscally challenged government "in the right direction."Full Story
Putin announces crackdown on offshore companies
Putin announces crackdown on offshore companies
Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a set of initiatives to crack down on Russian companies who register and pay taxes in foreign offshore jurisdictions.Full Story
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday announced a set of initiatives to crack down on Russian companies who register and pay taxes in offshore jurisdictions.Full Story
Online game addiction law divides SKorea
Online game addiction law divides SKorea
A law under consideration in South Korea's parliament has sparked vociferous debate by grouping popular online games such as "StarCraft" with gambling, drugs and alcohol as an anti-social addiction the...Full Story
A law under consideration in South Korea's parliament has sparked vociferous debate by grouping popular online games such as "StarCraft" with gambling, drugs and alcohol as an anti-social addiction the government...Full Story
German prosecutor: still weighing NSA probe
German prosecutor: still weighing NSA probe
Germany's chief federal prosecutor says he hasn't decided whether to open an investigation into alleged surveillance by the U.S. National Security Agency but is suggesting that he's skeptical.Full Story
Germany's chief federal prosecutor says he hasn't decided whether to open an investigation into alleged surveillance by the U.S. National Security Agency but is suggesting that he's skeptical.Full Story
Eurozone industrial output in unexpected slump
Eurozone industrial output in unexpected slump
Official figures show industrial output across the 17 countries that use the euro slumped by a monthly rate of 1.1 percent in October, the latest sign that the region's recovery from recession is failing to...Full Story
Industrial output across the 17 countries that use the euro slumped by a monthly rate of 1.1 percent in October, official figures showed Thursday in the latest sign that the region's recovery from recession is failing...Full Story
Iraq signs deal to buy South Korean fighter jets
Iraq signs deal to buy South Korean fighter jets
Iraqi government has signed a $ 1.1 billion deal with a South Korean company to buy 24 multi-role light fighters to boost its defense capabilities.Full Story
Iraqi government has signed a $ 1.1 billion deal with a South Korean company to buy 24 multi-role light fighters to boost its defense capabilities.Full Story
Exxon: Rising living standards propel energy needs
Exxon: Rising living standards propel energy needs
Exxon Mobil says the drive for higher living standards around the world will keep demand for electricity and transportation fuels growing even as economies get more efficient and governments put a price on pollution.Full Story
Exxon Mobil says the drive for higher living standards around the world will keep demand for electricity and transportation fuels growing even as economies get more efficient and governments put a price on pollution.Full Story
Japan plans $53B stimulus as recovery falters
Japan plans $53B stimulus as recovery falters
Japan's Cabinet approved billions of dollars of stimulus spending in a supplementary budget meant to perk up a faltering economic recovery and cushion the impact of a sales tax hike next April.Full Story
Japan's Cabinet approved billions of dollars of stimulus spending in a supplementary budget meant to perk up a faltering economic recovery and cushion the impact of a sales tax hike next April.Full Story
Co-op appoints new senior director amid scandal
Co-op appoints new senior director amid scandal
Co-operative Group, the British mutual, has appointed a former Treasury minister to oversee a review of governance at its banking unit, whose former chairman resigned amid allegations of drug use.Full Story
Co-operative Group, the British mutual, has appointed a former Treasury minister to oversee a review of governance at its banking unit, whose former chairman resigned amid allegations of drug use.Full Story
Spurned by president, EU embraces Ukraine protest
Spurned by president, EU embraces Ukraine protest
Two weeks ago, the European Union's foreign policy chief was at a summit in Lithuania, wooing Ukraine's president with offers of preferential dealings with the world's largest trade bloc. This week, she...Full Story
Two weeks ago, the European Union's foreign policy chief was at a summit in Lithuania, wooing Ukraine's president with offers of preferential dealings with the world's largest trade bloc. This week, she stood...Full Story
Shares of Chinese "bad bank" Cinda soar in debut
Shares of Chinese "bad bank" Cinda soar in debut
A Chinese bad-debt management company's shares soared in their Hong Kong debut Thursday, highlighting strong investor appetite for a business that will flourish if the world's No. 2 economy stumbles.Full Story
A Chinese bad-debt management company's shares soared in their Hong Kong debut Thursday, highlighting strong investor appetite for a business that will flourish if the world's No. 2 economy stumbles.Full Story
Celebrity tutors thrive in grade-fixated Hong Kong
Celebrity tutors thrive in grade-fixated Hong Kong
When the Hong Kong school year began in September, tutor Tony Chow arranged to have his face plastered on the sides of double decker buses to raise his profile.Full Story
When the Hong Kong school year began in September, tutor Tony Chow arranged to have his face plastered on the sides of double decker buses to raise his profile.Full Story
SKorea court: Apple didn't violate Samsung patents
SKorea court: Apple didn't violate Samsung patents
A Seoul court has denied Samsung's claim that Apple violated three of its patent related to short message services.Full Story
A Seoul court rejected Samsung's claim that iPhone and iPad models violated three of its patents, another setback for the South Korean electronics giant in a global battle with Apple over rights to technologies that...Full Story
AP NewsBreak: Feds joins battle on citrus disease
AP NewsBreak: Feds joins battle on citrus disease
The federal government is getting involved in the fight against citrus greening disease, in hopes of saving Florida's - and possibly the entire nation's - citrus crop.Full Story
The federal government is getting involved in the fight against citrus greening disease, in hopes of saving Florida's - and possibly the entire nation's - citrus crop.Full Story
AP Exclusive: Feds shut 52 unsafe bus companies
AP Exclusive: Feds shut 52 unsafe bus companies
Federal bus safety regulators have shut down 52 companies in what they describe as a major nationwide crackdown on unsafe outfits, including lines whose drivers had suspended licenses or worked routes of more than...Full Story
Federal bus safety regulators have shut down 52 companies in what they describe as a major nationwide crackdown on unsafe outfits, including lines whose drivers had suspended licenses or worked routes of more than 800...Full Story
Fewer US homes entered foreclosure path in Nov.
Fewer US homes entered foreclosure path in Nov.
While foreclosures remain a concern in select states, the number of U.S. homes entering the path to foreclosure or winding up repossessed by lenders has fallen to levels not seen in more than six years.Full Story
While foreclosures remain a concern in select states, the number of U.S. homes entering the path to foreclosure or winding up repossessed by lenders has fallen to levels not seen in more than six years.Full Story
Fewer US homes entered foreclosure path in Nov.
Fewer US homes entered foreclosure path in Nov.
The number of U.S. homes entering the path to foreclosure or winding up repossessed by lenders has fallen to levels not see in more than six years.Full Story
The number of U.S. homes entering the path to foreclosure or winding up repossessed by lenders has fallen to levels not see in more than six years.Full Story
NASA audit finds Google execs saved on jet fuel
NASA audit finds Google execs saved on jet fuel
A government report has determined a fleet of aircraft owned by Google's founders and former CEO received improper discounts on jet fuel that saved the three billionaires up to $5.3 million.Full Story
An aircraft fleet owned by Google's founders and former CEO received improper discounts on jet fuel that saved the three billionaires up to $5.3 million dating back to depths of the Great Recession in 2009, according...Full Story
Hilton IPO brings in $2.35B, outdoes Twitter
Hilton IPO brings in $2.35B, outdoes Twitter
Hilton is back, and in a big way.Full Story
Hilton is back, and in a big way.Full Story
Local leaders planning for climate effects
Local leaders planning for climate effects
When it comes to climate change, local officials have a message for Washington: Lead or get out of the way.Full Story
When it comes to climate change, local officials have a message for Washington: Lead or get out of the way.Full Story
FDA takes steps to phase out antibiotics in meat
FDA takes steps to phase out antibiotics in meat
The Food and Drug Administration is taking new action to help phase out the use of antibiotics in meat.Full Story
Citing a potential threat to public health, the Food and Drug Administration is taking steps toward phasing out the use of some antibiotics in animals processed for meat.Full Story
Health care sign-ups pick up but may not close gap
Health care sign-ups pick up but may not close gap
President Barack Obama's top health official is asking for an investigation into the administration's botched rollout of HealthCare.gov.Full Story
With time running short, the nation's health care rolls still aren't filling up fast enough.Full Story
US stocks slump following disappointing earnings
US stocks slump following disappointing earnings
Stocks edged lower in morning trading Wednesday as investors weighed a budget deal out of Washington and the outlook for economic stimulus from the Federal Reserve.Full Story
Disappointing earnings from a handful of U.S. companies pushed the stock market to its biggest loss in five weeks.Full Story
Key support for budget deal; deficits would rise
Key support for budget deal; deficits would rise
Top Republicans and President Barack Obama are lining up behind a modest but hard-won bipartisan budget agreement that seeks to replace a portion of tough spending cuts facing the Pentagon and domestic agencies.Full Story
A newly minted budget deal to avert future government shutdowns gained important ground Wednesday among House Republicans who are more accustomed to brinkmanship than compromise, even though it would nudge federal deficits...Full Story
Higher security fee set to boost travel costs
Higher security fee set to boost travel costs
The CEO of Delta Air Lines says a bigger security fee being considered in Congress will be paid by travelers, not by the airlines themselves.Full Story
The cost of flying is headed higher now that Congress has agreed on a budget deal.Full Story
Witness on day of 2008 arrest: 'Madoff Implodes'
Witness on day of 2008 arrest: 'Madoff Implodes'
Bernard Madoff's former right-hand man summed up his boss' arrest exactly five years ago with two words: "Madoff Implodes."Full Story
Bernard Madoff's former right-hand man summed up his boss' arrest exactly five years ago with two words: "Madoff Implodes."Full Story
Ukraine's president is a political survivor
Ukraine's president is a political survivor
Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has a history of being humiliated, most memorably in the 2004 Orange Revolution that deprived him of the presidency.Full Story
Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has a history of being humiliated, most memorably in the 2004 Orange Revolution that deprived him of the presidency.Full Story
US runs $135.2 billion budget deficit in November
US runs $135.2 billion budget deficit in November
The U.S. government ran a much smaller deficit through the first two months of the budget year than last year, signaling further improvement in the nation's finances.Full Story
The U.S. government ran a much smaller deficit through the first two months of the budget year than the same period last year, signaling further improvement in the nation's finances.Full Story
Stocks slump following disappointing earnings
Stocks slump following disappointing earnings
Stocks are falling on Wall Street as traders react to disappointing earnings from U.S. companies.Full Story
Stocks are falling on Wall Street as traders react to disappointing earnings from U.S. companies.Full Story
RBS paying $100M to settle US, NY sanction claims
RBS paying $100M to settle US, NY sanction claims
Royal Bank of Scotland has agreed to pay $100 million to settle claims by U.S. and New York state regulators that it violated U.S. sanctions against Iran and other countries.Full Story
Royal Bank of Scotland has agreed to pay $100 million to settle claims by U.S. and New York state regulators that it violated U.S. sanctions against Iran and other countries.Full Story
New Obama adviser will not work on Keystone XL
New Obama adviser will not work on Keystone XL
The White House says a new senior adviser to President Barack Obama will recuse himself from deliberations on the Keystone XL oil pipeline.Full Story
A new senior adviser to President Barack Obama will not be involved in deliberations on the Keystone XL oil pipeline, the White House said Wednesday.Full Story
New estimate says budget deal raises deficit $41B
New estimate says budget deal raises deficit $41B
Congress' budget office estimates that the just-announced budget deal would increase the deficit over the next two years by $41.4 billion.Full Story
Congress' budget office estimates that the just-announced budget deal would increase the deficit over the next two years by $41.4 billion.Full Story
Bipartisan fix advancing for Medicare doctors' pay
Bipartisan fix advancing for Medicare doctors' pay
We've heard this before: Doctors caring for Medicare patients face a steep pay cut Jan. 1, unless Congress acts.Full Story
It's that time of year again: doctors caring for Medicare patients once more face a steep pay cut. But this time Congress is pursuing a permanent fix to the annual drama that has undermined the medical profession's...Full Story
Moncler IPO shows strong investor appetite
Moncler IPO shows strong investor appetite
The Italian luxury down jacket maker Moncler says investors sought more than 31 times the stock offered in its initial public offering.Full Story
The Italian luxury down jacket maker Moncler says investors sought more than 31 times the stock offered in its initial public offering.Full Story
Report: NSA spying on virtual worlds, online games
Report: NSA spying on virtual worlds, online games
Reports say British and American intelligence officers have been spying on gamers across the world, deploying undercover officers to virtual universes and sucking up traffic from popular online games such as World...Full Story
American and British intelligence operations have been spying on gamers across the world, media outlets reported, saying that the world's most powerful espionage agencies sent undercover agents into virtual universes...Full Story
Poll shows strong opposition to in-flight calls
Poll shows strong opposition to in-flight calls
Many Americans who fly would rather not listen to other passengers make phone calls during a flight, a new poll says.Full Story
As federal regulators consider removing a decades-old prohibition on making phone calls on planes, a majority of Americans who fly oppose such a change, a new Associated Press-GfK poll finds.Full Story
Viktor&Rolf open Paris pied-a-terre
Viktor&Rolf open Paris pied-a-terre
Viktor&Rolf can finally boast a pied-a-terre in Paris.Full Story
Viktor&Rolf can finally boast a pied-a-terre in Paris.Full Story
US stocks decline following disappointing earnings
US stocks decline following disappointing earnings
Stocks are lower in midday trading on Wall Street as traders react to some disappointing earnings from U.S. companies.Full Story
Stocks are lower in midday trading on Wall Street as traders react to some disappointing earnings from U.S. companies.Full Story
Mexican Senate approves oil reform
Mexican Senate approves oil reform
Mexico's Senate on Wednesday approved the most dramatic oil reform in decades, moving the country closer to opening its beleaguered, state-run sector to private companies and investment.Full Story
Mexico's Senate on Wednesday approved the most dramatic oil reform in decades, moving the country closer to opening its beleaguered, state-run sector to private companies and investment.Full Story
Russia adopts symbol of its currency, the ruble
Russia adopts symbol of its currency, the ruble
Russia's Central Bank has adopted an official symbol for the national currency, the ruble, which has been approved in a public vote.Full Story
Russia's Central Bank has adopted an official symbol for the national currency, the ruble, which has been approved in a public vote.Full Story
Czech brewer gets Budweiser trademark in Portugal
Czech brewer gets Budweiser trademark in Portugal
The Czech brewery Budejovicky Budvar NP says a Portuguese trade court has upheld a decision prohibiting its rival, Anheuser-Busch InBev, from using the Budweiser name in the country.Full Story
The Czech brewery Budvar said Wednesday that a Portuguese trade court has upheld a decision prohibiting its rival, Anheuser-Busch InBev, from selling beer under the Budweiser name in the country.Full Story
Restructuring improves Polish airline's finances
Restructuring improves Polish airline's finances
Poland's debt-ridden LOT airline says it has improved its finances through cost cuts and a reorganization of its business.Full Story
Poland's debt-ridden LOT airline said Wednesday it has improved its finances through cost cuts and a reorganization of its business.Full Story
Autohome ADRs surge in trading debut
Autohome ADRs surge in trading debut
By The Associated Press Shares of Chinese automotive information provider Autohome are surging in their trading debut.Full Story
By The Associated Press Shares of Chinese automotive information provider Autohome are surging in their trading debut.Full Story
Bosnia investigates loss of EU funding
Bosnia investigates loss of EU funding
The Bosnian prosecutor's office says it is investigating who is at fault after the European Union halved the country's funding because its squabbling leaders have not changed the constitution to allow more...Full Story
The Bosnian prosecutor's office said Wednesday it is investigating who is at fault after the European Union halved the country's funding because its squabbling leaders haven't changed the constitution to allow...Full Story
UK police: 4 arrested over cybertheft from banks
UK police: 4 arrested over cybertheft from banks
Four people have been arrested by detectives investigating the suspected theft of 1 million pounds ($1.6 million) from two U.K. banks, police in London said Wednesday.Full Story
Four people have been arrested by detectives investigating the suspected theft of 1 million pounds ($1.6 million) from two U.K. banks, police in London said Wednesday.Full Story
French bill to expand spying powers is criticized
French bill to expand spying powers is criticized
The French government, among the most vocal critics of U.S. spying practices, is now coming under fire for trying to expand its own digital surveillance capabilities.Full Story
The French government, which was among the most vocal critics of U.S. spying practices, is now coming under fire for trying to expand its own digital surveillance capabilities.Full Story
Stocks open little changed
Stocks open little changed
The stock market is little changed in early trading as investors weigh a budget deal out of Washington and a batch of corporate news.Full Story
The stock market is little changed in early trading as investors weigh a budget deal out of Washington and a batch of corporate news.Full Story
Europe: Diet sweetener aspartame is safe in cola
Europe: Diet sweetener aspartame is safe in cola
The European Food Safety Authority has found that the artificial sweetener aspartame is safe for people to consume at the levels currently used in diet soft drinks.Full Story
The European Food Safety Authority has found that the artificial sweetener aspartame is safe for people to consume at the levels currently used in diet soft drinks.Full Story
Futures mixed ahead of next Fed meeting
Futures mixed ahead of next Fed meeting
U.S. stock futures are heading lower as investors continue to take profits.Full Story
U.S. stock futures were mixed Wednesday as investors continue to take profits toward the end of the year.Full Story
Slovenia says no need for EU bailout
Slovenia says no need for EU bailout
Slovenia says it has enough funds to shore up its indebted banks without having to resort to an international bailout.Full Story
Slovenia said Wednesday it has enough funds to shore up its indebted banks, indicating the small European Union country will not be seeking an international bailout.Full Story
Oil price hovers $98 ahead of supply data
Oil price hovers $98 ahead of supply data
By The Associated Press The price of oil was steady above $98 a barrel Wednesday ahead of a report on U.S. crude stockpiles.Full Story
By PABLO GORONDI Associated Press The price of oil slipped slightly but remained above $98 a barrel Wednesday ahead of a report which is expected to show another large drop in U.S. crude stockpiles.Full Story
Crane collapses on German supermarket, 1 dead
Crane collapses on German supermarket, 1 dead
Police say a crane has collapsed into a supermarket in western Germany and several people have been reported injured.Full Story
A building crane collapsed Wednesday onto a supermarket in western Germany, killing one person and injuring at least five others, police said.Full Story
Gulf nations to create joint military command
Gulf nations to create joint military command
Six Gulf Arab nations wrapped up a summit meeting in Kuwait by agreeing to establish a joint military command, paving the way for tighter security coordination as their regional rival Iran pursues outreach efforts.Full Story
Saudi Arabia and its Gulf Arab neighbors wrapped up a summit meeting in Kuwait on Wednesday by agreeing to establish a joint military command, paving the way for tighter security coordination even as their regional rival...Full Story
Cyprus takes steps to bring down joblessness
Cyprus takes steps to bring down joblessness
Cyprus has earmarked 340 million euros ($467.5 million) to help combat joblessness, which is expected to peak next year at over 19 percent in the bailed-out country.Full Story
Cyprus has earmarked 340 million euros ($467.5 million) to help combat joblessness, which is expected to peak next year at over 19 percent in the bailed-out country.Full Story
Pay gains for young women; inequality still seen
Pay gains for young women; inequality still seen
About 75 percent of young women believe the U.S. needs to do more to bring about equality in the workplace, a new study finds, despite a narrowing pay gap and steady employment gains for women at higher levels of...Full Story
About 75 percent of young women believe the U.S. needs to do more to bring about equality in the workplace, a new study finds, despite a narrowing pay gap and steady employment gains for women at higher levels of business...Full Story
Berlusconi rival seeking $41M in moral damages
Berlusconi rival seeking $41M in moral damages
An Italian industrialist's company says it is suing Silvio Berlusconi's holding company for 30 million euros ($41 million) on top of the nearly 500 million euros it was previously awarded.Full Story
An Italian industrialist's company says it is suing Silvio Berlusconi's holding company for 30 million euros ($41 million) on top of the nearly 500 million euros it was previously awarded.Full Story
Tech firms vie to protect personal data, profits
Tech firms vie to protect personal data, profits
Even as Silicon Valley speaks out against the U.S. government's surveillance methods, technology companies are turning a handsome profit by mining personal data and peering into people's online habits.Full Story
Even as Silicon Valley speaks out against the U.S. government's surveillance methods, technology companies are turning a handsome profit by mining personal data and peering into people's online habits.Full Story
Germany expects only modest 4th-quarter growth
Germany expects only modest 4th-quarter growth
Germany's Economy Ministry says the country will see "moderate growth at most" in the fourth quarter after industrial production declined in October.Full Story
Germany's Economy Ministry says the country will see "moderate growth at most" in the fourth quarter after industrial production declined in October.Full Story
Spain's Zara profits barely grow despite expansion
Spain's Zara profits barely grow despite expansion
Spanish fashion retailer Inditex, which owns Zara stores, says its profits barely rose in the first nine months of the year despite a solid sales increase and a further expansion worldwide.Full Story
Spanish fashion retailer Inditex, which owns Zara stores, says its profits barely rose in the first nine months of the year despite a solid sales increase and a further expansion worldwide.Full Story
GM to stop making cars in Australia by 2017
GM to stop making cars in Australia by 2017
General Motors Co. said Wednesday it will stop making cars and engines in Australia by the end of 2017 because of high production costs and competition.Full Story
General Motors Co. said Wednesday it will stop making cars and engines in Australia by the end of 2017, with nearly 2,900 jobs to be lost, because of high production costs and competition.Full Story
Delay in Pacific trade pact hurts US shift to Asia
Delay in Pacific trade pact hurts US shift to Asia
The failure to finalize a landmark trans-Pacific trade pact this year as planned has dealt a blow to President Barack Obama's policy shift to Asia.Full Story
The failure to finalize a landmark trans-Pacific trade pact this year as planned has dealt a blow to President Barack Obama's policy shift to Asia.Full Story
Health care debate has trust, politics themes, too
Health care debate has trust, politics themes, too
For months, the talk was all about computer code. About response times. About glitches and bugs.Full Story
For months, the talk was all about computer code. About response times. About glitches and bugs.Full Story
Pay gains for young women; inequality still seen
Pay gains for young women; inequality still seen
Young American women are increasingly likely to receive pay nearly equal to their male counterparts, with earnings at 93 percent of men, a new study finds. Still, those women remain as pessimistic as their mothers...Full Story
Young American women are increasingly likely to receive pay nearly equal to their male counterparts, with earnings at 93 percent of men, a new study finds. Still, those women remain as pessimistic as their mothers and...Full Story
Asia stocks down on prospect of Fed stimulus cut
Asia stocks down on prospect of Fed stimulus cut
World stock markets were muted Tuesday as profit taking offset mildly positive economic indicators from China.Full Story
Asian stocks were mostly down Wednesday as investors factored in the prospect of the Federal Reserve reducing its lavish monetary stimulus this month.Full Story
Group wants Fisher Price iPad seat recall
Group wants Fisher Price iPad seat recall
Ahh, the first year of a baby's life - the milestones, wonder and joy. They learn to sit up, crawl and some walk. But how about playtime in their bouncy seat with an iPad and some cool apps?Full Story
Ahh, the first year of a baby's life - learning to sit up, crawl, even walk. But how about playtime in a baby seat with an iPad and some cool apps?Full Story
Police clash with protesters in Ukrainian capital
Police clash with protesters in Ukrainian capital
Riot police and anti-government protesters confronted one another throughout the night on the snow-slicked streets of Ukraine's capital and a top opposition party said heavily armed security forces broke into...Full Story
Security forces clashed with protesters as they began tearing down opposition barricades and tents set up in the center of the Ukrainian capital early Wednesday, in an escalation of the weeks-long standoff threatening the...Full Story
Madoff wept as he revealed fraud, NY witness says
Madoff wept as he revealed fraud, NY witness says
The former right-hand man of disgraced financier Bernard Madoff told a jury Tuesday that a crying Madoff revealed to him his financial empire was a gigantic fraud just before the rest of the world learned the truth...Full Story
The former right-hand man of disgraced financier Bernard Madoff told a jury Tuesday that a crying Madoff revealed to him his financial empire was a gigantic fraud just before the rest of the world learned the truth nearly...Full Story
Europeans rough out new rules on bank rescues
Europeans rough out new rules on bank rescues
Finance ministers of the European Union are discussing what they still need to do to create centralized controls over banks.Full Story
European Union finance officials spent all day Tuesday roughing out key aspects of a new agency that would clean up broken banks and keep the costs of doing that from hitting taxpayers - but fell short of a firm and final...Full Story
Bipartisan negotiators reach modest budget pact
Bipartisan negotiators reach modest budget pact
Bipartisan budget negotiators are working toward a modest budget agreement to replace tens of billions of dollars in spending cuts this year and next with longer-term savings and revenue from increased fees.Full Story
Shedding gridlock, key members of Congress reached a modest budget agreement Tuesday to restore about $63 billion in automatic spending cuts from programs ranging from parks to the Pentagon and eliminate the threat of...Full Story
GM executive to be 1st woman to head major car co.
GM executive to be 1st woman to head major car co.
A person briefed on the matter says General Motors' board has named product development chief Mary Barry as the company's next CEO.Full Story
Mary Barra has spent the past three years as General Motors' product chief, making cars that drive better, last longer and look good in showrooms.Full Story
Violence kills 7 as Argentina celebrates democracy
Violence kills 7 as Argentina celebrates democracy
Mobs of looters are swarming into the streets of more cities across Argentina as police officers abandon their posts in spreading copycat strikes called to pressure provincial governors into raising their pay.Full Story
Many Argentines armed and barricaded themselves in their homes and stores in fear of looting mobs Tuesday as the nation's celebration of 30 years of uninterrupted democracy was marred by police strikes for higher pay.Full Story
DiGiorno, supplier drop dairy farm over abuse
DiGiorno, supplier drop dairy farm over abuse
Top-selling frozen pizza brand DiGiorno and its cheese supplier are cutting ties with a Wisconsin dairy farm after an animal rights group released video showing workers beating, kicking, stabbing and whipping sick...Full Story
Top-selling frozen pizza brand DiGiorno and its cheese supplier cut ties with a Wisconsin dairy farm Tuesday after an animal rights group released undercover video showing workers beating, kicking, stabbing and whipping...Full Story
Judge rejects mistrial motion for ex-BP engineer
Judge rejects mistrial motion for ex-BP engineer
A federal judge has refused to declare a mistrial in the case of former BP drilling engineer charged with obstruction of justice following the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.Full Story
A federal judge has refused to declare a mistrial in the case of former BP drilling engineer charged with obstruction of justice following the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.Full Story
Romania: lawmakers again reject Canadian project
Romania: lawmakers again reject Canadian project
Romania's lower house of Parliament has rejected an amendment to a mining law that would have allowed a Canadian company to go ahead with plans to build Europe's largest open cast gold mine.Full Story
Romania's lower house of Parliament has rejected an amendment to a mining law that would have allowed a Canadian company to go ahead with plans to build Europe's largest open cast gold mine.Full Story
Judge tosses some charges in BP supervisors' case
Judge tosses some charges in BP supervisors' case
A federal judge agreed Tuesday to dismiss some of the manslaughter charges against two BP supervisors in the deaths of 11 workers when the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig exploded in the Gulf of Mexico.Full Story
A federal judge agreed Tuesday to dismiss some of the manslaughter charges against two BP supervisors in the deaths of 11 workers when the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig exploded in the Gulf of Mexico.Full Story
Reid says Senate will not extend farm law
Reid says Senate will not extend farm law
Majority Leader Harry Reid says the Senate will not extend current farm law if Congress can't agree on a new farm bill before adjourning next week.Full Story
Government dairy subsidies that affect the cost of a gallon of milk are set to expire at the end of the year as farm-state lawmakers said Tuesday that they do not expect to have a new farm bill - or an extension of current...Full Story
H&R Block trims 2Q loss, but revenue slips
H&R Block trims 2Q loss, but revenue slips
H&R Block Inc. posted a smaller loss in its fiscal second quarter than a year ago, when the tax preparer booked a bigger loss from operations that have since been discontinued.Full Story
H&R Block Inc. posted a smaller loss in its fiscal second quarter than a year ago, when the tax preparer booked a bigger loss from operations that have since been discontinued.Full Story
RBS group finance director to step down
RBS group finance director to step down
The Royal Bank of Scotland says its group finance director will resign after spending less than three months in the role.Full Story
The Royal Bank of Scotland says its group finance director will resign after spending less than three months in the role.Full Story
Judge rejects mistrial motion for ex-BP engineer
Judge rejects mistrial motion for ex-BP engineer
A federal judge has refused to declare a mistrial in the case of a former BP drilling engineer charged with obstruction of justice following the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.Full Story
A federal judge has refused to declare a mistrial in the case of a former BP drilling engineer charged with obstruction of justice following the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.Full Story
Stocks lower after hitting record; banks in focus
Stocks lower after hitting record; banks in focus
Stocks took a breather Tuesday after U.S. markets notched another record high.Full Story
Stocks fell modestly Tuesday as investors took a breather from a market that notched yet another record high the day before.Full Story
France snubs Google culture launch amid row
France snubs Google culture launch amid row
France's culture minister has snubbed the launch of Google's latest project, the Paris-based Cultural Institute Lab over a row about privacy.Full Story
Google is having trouble getting it right in France.Full Story
Internet giants weigh in on defamation lawsuit
Internet giants weigh in on defamation lawsuit
From Twitter and Facebook to Amazon and Google, the biggest names of the Internet are blasting a federal judge's decision in a defamation lawsuit by a former Cincinnati Bengals cheerleader convicted of having...Full Story
From Twitter and Facebook to Amazon and Google, the biggest names of the Internet are blasting a federal judge's decision allowing an Arizona-based gossip website to be sued for defamation by a former Cincinnati...Full Story
Stocks slip a day after latest record for S&P 500
Stocks slip a day after latest record for S&P 500
Stock prices are lower on Wall Street as the market takes a pause after hitting its latest record high.Full Story
Stock prices are lower on Wall Street as the market takes a pause after hitting its latest record high.Full Story
Western Saharans protest EU-Morocco fishing accord
Western Saharans protest EU-Morocco fishing accord
Police clashed with stone-throwing demonstators in a city of Western Sahara on Tuesday during a protest against a new fishing accord that gives EU boats access to rich coastal waters.Full Story
Police clashed with stone-throwing demonstrators in a city of Western Sahara on Tuesday during a protest against a new fishing accord that gives EU boats access to rich coastal waters.Full Story
US ban on high-risk bank trades approved
US ban on high-risk bank trades approved
U.S. banks will be barred in most cases from trading for their own profit under a federal rule set to be approved Tuesday.Full Story
U.S. regulators have taken a major step toward reining in high-risk trading on Wall Street, banning the largest banks from trading for their own profit in most cases.Full Story
IRS nominee on track for approval despite acrimony
IRS nominee on track for approval despite acrimony
President Barack Obama's choice to head the Internal Revenue Service goes before a Senate committee Tuesday to face tough questions about the agency's targeting of tea party groups and its ability to...Full Story
President Barack Obama's choice to head the Internal Revenue Service told senators Tuesday he will work to restore public trust in the agency in the wake of the tea party scandal even as the IRS takes on new...Full Story
Court: Exec guilty over faulty French implants
Court: Exec guilty over faulty French implants
A court has ruled that a Frenchman who sold tens of thousands of faulty silicone breast implants around the world is guilty of fraud.Full Story
A disgraced French businessman was convicted of fraud and sentenced to four years in prison on Tuesday for filling tens of thousands of breast implants with industrial grade silicone. But he left the courthouse freely...Full Story
Court looks at EPA rule on cross-state pollution
Court looks at EPA rule on cross-state pollution
The Supreme Court is indicating it could revive a federal regulation intended to reduce power plant pollution that contributes to unhealthy air in neighboring states.Full Story
The Supreme Court indicated Tuesday it could breathe new life into a federal rule requiring states to reduce power plant pollution from the South and Midwest that fouls the air in the eastern U.S.Full Story
Lululemon founder stepping down as chairman
Lululemon founder stepping down as chairman
The founder of Lululemon is stepping down as chairman after raising some ire with comments his about potential buyers of the retailer's yoga gear.Full Story
Lululemon Athletica Inc. is hoping new faces at the top will help it bounce back from a series of embarrassing issues that have hurt its image.Full Story
German firm testing drones to deliver goods
German firm testing drones to deliver goods
Germany's express delivery and mail company Deutsche Post DHL is testing a drone that could be used to deliver urgently needed goods to hard-to-reach places.Full Story
Germany's express delivery and mail company Deutsche Post DHL is testing a drone that could be used to deliver urgently needed goods to hard-to-reach places.Full Story
Dems clear way for Senate OK of Obama housing pick
Dems clear way for Senate OK of Obama housing pick
Democrats have used the Senate's newly eased filibuster procedures to clear the way for confirmation of the man President Barack Obama wants to become a top housing regulator.Full Story
Democrats have used the Senate's newly eased filibuster procedures to clear the way for confirmation of the man President Barack Obama wants to become a top housing regulator.Full Story
US job openings reach 5-year high, a hopeful sign
US job openings reach 5-year high, a hopeful sign
U.S. employers advertised the most job openings in more than five years in October, and the number of people quitting also reached a five-year high. The figures are an encouraging sign for the unemployed.Full Story
U.S. employers advertised the most job openings in more than five years in October, and the number of people quitting also reached a five-year high.Full Story
US wholesale stockpiles grow 1.4 pct. in October
US wholesale stockpiles grow 1.4 pct. in October
U.S. wholesale businesses boosted their stockpiles sharply in October as sales rose, encouraging signs for economic growth in the final three months of the year.Full Story
U.S. wholesale businesses boosted their stockpiles in October by the most in two years as their sales rose sharply, encouraging signs for economic growth in the final three months of the year.Full Story
Dutch bus drivers to test fatigue warning tech
Dutch bus drivers to test fatigue warning tech
A Dutch luxury bus company is testing technology that monitors whether a driver is becoming drowsy.Full Story
A Dutch luxury bus company is testing technology that monitors whether a driver is becoming drowsy.Full Story
US-led Pacific trade zone talks end without deal
US-led Pacific trade zone talks end without deal
The United States and 11 other nations negotiating a free trade zone stretching from Chile to Japan failed to reach a final agreement at talks in Singapore, but indicated they were closing in on a landmark deal.Full Story
The United States and 11 other nations negotiating a free trade zone stretching from Chile to Japan failed to reach a final agreement at talks in Singapore, but indicated they were closing in on a landmark deal.Full Story
Libya militia to open oil terminals in December
Libya militia to open oil terminals in December
The Libyan militia that shut down most of the country's oil terminals for months causing the loss of millions of dollars says terminals will reopen on Dec. 15.Full Story
The Libyan militia that shut down most of the country's oil terminals for months causing the loss of millions of dollars said Tuesday that terminals will reopen on Dec. 15.Full Story
US stocks ease back after another high on S&P 500
US stocks ease back after another high on S&P 500
The U.S. stock market is taking a breather after another day of record highs.Full Story
The U.S. stock market is taking a breather after another day of record highs.Full Story
EU fines pharmaceutical giants $22 million
EU fines pharmaceutical giants $22 million
The European Commission has fined pharmaceuticals giants Johnson & Johnson and Novartis a combined $22 million for colluding to delay the entrance of a cheap generic form of a pain killer to the Dutch market.Full Story
The European Commission has fined pharmaceuticals giants Johnson & Johnson and Novartis a combined $22 million for colluding to delay the entrance of a cheap generic form of a pain killer to the Dutch market.Full Story
Oil rises above $98 on hopes for greater demand
Oil rises above $98 on hopes for greater demand
The price of oil rose Tuesday amid optimism over an improving U.S. economy and encouraging data from China.Full Story
By PABLO GORONDI Associated Press The price of oil jumped above $98 a barrel Tuesday amid expectations that crude stockpiles fell for the second week in a row and optimism over economic data from the U.S....Full Story
Wal-Mart promotes Cheesewright to int'l chief
Wal-Mart promotes Cheesewright to int'l chief
Wal-Mart Stores is promoting David Cheesewright to president and CEO of its international business.Full Story
Wal-Mart Stores is promoting David Cheesewright to president and CEO of its international business.Full Story
Futures ease back after another high on S&P 500
Futures ease back after another high on S&P 500
Stock futures are taking a breather after another day of record highs on U.S. markets.Full Story
Stock futures are taking a breather after another day of record highs on U.S. markets.Full Story
Fifth & Pacific selling Lucky Brand for $225M
Fifth & Pacific selling Lucky Brand for $225M
Fifth & Pacific is selling its Lucky Brand Jeans for $225 million so that it can better focus on its Kate Spade brand.Full Story
Fifth & Pacific is selling its Lucky Brand Jeans for $225 million so that it can better focus on its Kate Spade brand.Full Story
European Parliament approves fisheries reforms
European Parliament approves fisheries reforms
The European Parliament has approved a fishing reform intended to ensure that overfished seas can repopulate.Full Story
The European Parliament has approved a fishing reform intended to ensure that overfished seas can repopulate.Full Story
AP Enterprise: Serbia in domestic violence crisis
AP Enterprise: Serbia in domestic violence crisis
There was the time he smashed her head against the concrete floor and collected the gushing blood in a bucket, Mica said, apparently just for fun. And the beating that left a wall so splattered the family spent a...Full Story
There was the time he smashed her head against the concrete floor and collected the gushing blood in a bucket, Mica said, apparently just for fun. And the beating that left a wall so splattered the family spent a whole day...Full Story
Pa. students' robotic arm can make you stronger
Pa. students' robotic arm can make you stronger
Need a hand lifting something? An invention called the Titan Arm can help you carry an extra 40 pounds.Full Story
Need a hand lifting something? A robotic device invented by University of Pennsylvania engineering students can help its wearer carry an additional 40 pounds.Full Story
EU warns Nokia not to become 'patent troll'
EU warns Nokia not to become 'patent troll'
Europe's top regulator has warned Nokia not to try to become a "patent troll" after the Finnish company sold most of its cellphone-making business to Microsoft Corp. this year but retained its patent portfolio.Full Story
Europe's top regulator has warned Nokia not to try to become a "patent troll" after the Finnish company sold most of its cellphone-making business to Microsoft Corp. this year but retained its patent portfolio.Full Story
Economic experiment shows limits of NKorean change
Economic experiment shows limits of NKorean change
Many of the ways in which this dusty, windswept area differs from most of North Korea are easiest to see at night.Full Story
Many of the ways in which this dusty, windswept area differs from most of North Korea are easiest to see at night.Full Story
BMW on course for full-year sales record
BMW on course for full-year sales record
Car maker BMW AG says its sales were up 2.7 percent in November compared with a year earlier, putting the company on course for a record year thanks to strong demand in China and the U.S.Full Story
Car maker BMW AG says its sales were up 2.7 percent in November compared with a year earlier, putting the company on course for a record year thanks to strong demand in China and the U.S.Full Story
Pakistan to push forward on gas project with Iran
Pakistan to push forward on gas project with Iran
Pakistan says it's pushing ahead with a planned pipeline to import natural gas from neighboring Iran, a project that is opposed by the U.S.Full Story
Pakistan will push forward with a controversial pipeline to import natural gas from neighboring Iran, Pakistan said Tuesday, a project opposed by the United States.Full Story
Asian stock markets muted as China data awaited
Asian stock markets muted as China data awaited
Asian stock markets were mostly higher Monday as signs of U.S. economic recovery offset concerns that the Federal Reserve may reduce its monetary stimulus this month.Full Story
Asian stock markets were muted Tuesday amid some profit taking and ahead of Chinese data on industrial production and retail sales.Full Story
Purge sends chilling message to NKorea's elite
Purge sends chilling message to NKorea's elite
North Korea announced Monday it had sacked leader Kim Jong Un's uncle, long considered the country's No. 2 power, saying corruption, drug use, gambling, womanizing and generally leading a "dissolute and...Full Story
While the rest of North Korea's top brass leaped to their feet before Kim Jong Un, clapping wildly in a requisite show of respect at high-level meetings, his uncle, Jang Song Thaek, often seemed nonchalant, at times...Full Story
Prospects dim for fast renewal of jobless benefits
Prospects dim for fast renewal of jobless benefits
Prospects are dimming for a quick extension of soon-to-expire unemployment benefits as Republican officials say they will not agree to include a renewal in any year-end budget deal.Full Story
Prospects dimmed Monday for a quick extension of expiring unemployment benefits as Republican officials said they would not agree to include a renewal in any year-end budget deal.Full Story
Big tech companies lash out at government snooping
Big tech companies lash out at government snooping
Eight major tech giants have called for tighter controls on government surveillance, joining forces to argue there should be reforms in the way the United States snoops on people.Full Story
Silicon Valley is escalating pressure on President Barack Obama to curb the U.S. government surveillance programs that vacuum personal information off the Internet and threaten the technology industry's financial...Full Story
Dempsey presses Congress to act on defense bill
Dempsey presses Congress to act on defense bill
The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is warning Congress that failure to act on a defense policy bill before year's end would create more uncertainty for the military and undercut the nation's commanders.Full Story
The nation's top military leader pleaded with Congress on Monday to complete the defense bill before year's end as Democrats and Republicans on the Armed Services committees reached agreement on compromise...Full Story
New American Airlines emerges as deal closes
New American Airlines emerges as deal closes
By DAVID KOENIG AP Airlines Writer American Airlines emerges from bankruptcy protection and US Airways culminates its long pursuit of a merger partner when the two complete their deal Monday and...Full Story
American Airlines emerged from bankruptcy protection and US Airways culminated its long pursuit of a merger partner as the two completed their deal Monday to create the world's biggest airline.Full Story
Government sells remaining stake in GM
Government sells remaining stake in GM
The U.S. government no longer owns part of General Motors.Full Story
The U.S. government ended up losing $10.5 billion on the General Motors bailout, but it says the alternative would have been far worse.Full Story
S&P 500 index notches another record close
S&P 500 index notches another record close
The stock market edged higher Monday morning after a big acquisition in the food industry.Full Story
The stock market notched another record close Monday after a big acquisition in the food industry. Hope for a longer-term budget deal in Washington also helped.Full Story
McDonald's: Key US sales figure slipped in Nov.
McDonald's: Key US sales figure slipped in Nov.
McDonald's says a key sales figure rose 0.5 percent in November, even as the world's biggest hamburger chain faced tough competition and basically flat traffic in the U.S.Full Story
McDonald's said Monday that a key sales figure slipped 0.8 percent in the U.S. last month, as the world's biggest hamburger chain faced tough competition and flat traffic.Full Story
US household wealth reaches high of $77 trillion
US household wealth reaches high of $77 trillion
Americans' wealth reached an all-time this summer, buoyed by record-setting stock prices and a healthy recovery in home values.Full Story
A surging stock market and a steady recovery in home prices drove Americans' wealth to a record last summer.Full Story
Sysco to buy US Foods for about $3.5B
Sysco to buy US Foods for about $3.5B
Sysco is buying the food distributor US Foods for about $3.5 billion in cash and stock.Full Story
One of the largest food supply companies is buying one of its key rivals, creating an even larger, global distribution company.Full Story
Stocks edge higher; Sysco soars on deal news
Stocks edge higher; Sysco soars on deal news
The stock market is back at a record high after a big acquisition in the food industry and as traders hope that a budget deal could be reached in Washington.Full Story
The stock market is back at a record high after a big acquisition in the food industry and as traders hope that a budget deal could be reached in Washington.Full Story
Storm snarls travel; power outages persist
Storm snarls travel; power outages persist
A storm that crept across the country bringing snow, ice and miserable road conditions is heading toward New England as more wintry weather was expected to persist in making it hard on air travelers.Full Story
Snow and bitter cold snarled traffic and prompted another 1,650 U.S. flight cancellations on Monday, and tens of thousands of people were still without power after January-like weather barged in a month early.Full Story
Europeans trying to complete deal on bad banks
Europeans trying to complete deal on bad banks
European Union finance ministers are taking another crack at an issue that's bedeviled them: how to handle failing banks at a regional level.Full Story
European finance ministers are taking another crack at an issue that's bedeviled them: how to handle failing banks at an EU level.Full Story
Uruguay to approve pot dealing, despite risks
Uruguay to approve pot dealing, despite risks
Uruguay seems determined to create a legal marijuana market despite warnings from educators, psychiatrists and pharmacists of dangerous side effects.Full Story
Uruguay is pushing ahead to create a legal marijuana market despite warnings from educators, psychiatrists and pharmacists of dangerous side effects.Full Story
A glance at the 'new rich,' a rising US group
A glance at the 'new rich,' a rising US group
By The Associated Press A look at America's "new rich," a rising demographic group, according to survey data provided to The Associated Press:Full Story
By The Associated Press A look at America's "new rich," a rising demographic group, according to survey data provided to The Associated Press:Full Story
Airbus parent EADS to cut 5,800 jobs in overhaul
Airbus parent EADS to cut 5,800 jobs in overhaul
European air and defense company EADS is cutting 5,800 jobs over the next two years as part of a major overhaul and cost-cutting plan.Full Story
European air and defense company EADS, the parent company of Airbus, said Monday it is cutting 5,800 jobs over the next two years as part of a major overhaul to reduce costs and refocus on civil aviation.Full Story
Justices hear dispute between airline, pilot
Justices hear dispute between airline, pilot
The Supreme Court is questioning whether a Wisconsin airline can be held liable for reporting one of its pilots as mentally unstable and potentially armed. Federal authorities pulled the pilot off a flight on which...Full Story
The Supreme Court questioned Monday whether a Wisconsin airline can be held liable for reporting one of its pilots as mentally unstable and potentially armed. Federal authorities pulled the pilot off a flight on which he...Full Story
Spanish 'ghost airport' goes on the block
Spanish 'ghost airport' goes on the block
A barely used Spanish airport that cost some 1.1 billion euros ($1.5 billion) to build and became a symbol of the country's wasteful spending ahead of an economic downturn has gone on sale for a minimum price...Full Story
A barely used Spanish airport that cost some 1.1 billion euros ($1.5 billion) to build and became a symbol of the country's wasteful spending ahead of an economic downturn has gone on sale for a minimum price of 100...Full Story
Ukraine's east still backs closer ties with Russia
Ukraine's east still backs closer ties with Russia
In the Ukrainian president's eastern hometown, the buildings are grimy with black soot from the surrounding coal mines. The air is thick with pollutants. The men here die young, sometimes from industrial...Full Story
In the Ukrainian president's eastern hometown, the buildings are grimy with black soot from the surrounding coal mines. The air is thick with pollutants. The men here die young, sometimes from industrial accidents.Full Story
Experts urge feds to measure, pursue our happiness
Experts urge feds to measure, pursue our happiness
A panel of experts thinks Uncle Sam should be more in touch with our feelings.Full Story
Happy or sad? Content or bored? And how many times did you smile yesterday? A panel of experts thinks Uncle Sam should be more in touch with our feelings.Full Story
Stocks edge higher midday after food industry deal
Stocks edge higher midday after food industry deal
The stock market is edging back into record territory, lifted by a big acquisition in the food industry and reports that lawmakers are moving closer a U.S. budget deal.Full Story
The stock market is edging back into record territory, lifted by a big acquisition in the food industry and reports that lawmakers are moving closer a U.S. budget deal.Full Story

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