Jobless claims down sharply

The number of Americans filing for first-time unemployment benefits fell sharply last week, according to a government report released Wednesday, as a year filled with layoffs and income cuts draws to a close.

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[Source: Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com]

Where do we go from here?

It's time to take a hard look at who's managing your money. Don't stop at short-term data; you want someone with both a long track record and solid recent performance.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Wall Street: Bring on '09

Stocks rallied Wednesday, as investors welcomed the end of an abysmal year on Wall Street and looked forward to a better year ahead.

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[Source: Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com]

Obama's paycheck bonus

For many cash-strapped workers, Barack Obama's plan to stimulate the economy could mean more take-home money in their paychecks.

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[Source: Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com]

2009: Nowhere to go but up

As 2008 comes to a close and stocks mark their worst year ever, 2009 will be the start of a very slow and very painful recovery.

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[Source: Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com]

This oil man favors a gas-tax hike

It's not often you hear a corporate executive advocate a tax on the product he sells, particularly not in the oil business, where opposition to gasoline taxes is fervent. But Paul Foster, the chairman and CEO of El Paso-based Western Refining, is (dare we use the word after the presidential campaign?) a maverick.

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[Source: Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com]

New Year's arrives early: Dow up 184

The government's decision to help GM's financial arm stay afloat gives stocks a big boost. Investors ignore crummy reports on consumer confidence and home prices. Apple lags on more worries about CEO Jobs' health.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Oil out with a bang with 14% spike

The price of oil jumped Wednesday, capping a volatile year with a swing of $7 from the session low to the close, as investors responded to news of a possible supply disruption in Europe.

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[Source: Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com]

How our money secrets can cost us

Silence may have once been golden, but with new financial wrinkles and complications, it carries a high price. Here's why openness is a much better idea.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Mortgage rates hit fresh 37-year low

Rates on mortgage loans are the lowest in the 37-year history of the Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey, according to a weekly report released Wednesday.

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[Source: Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com]

10 stocks for a January bounce

Many favored stocks have been beaten down lately as hedge funds sell off. They could rebound soon -- but even if they don't, these look good for the long term.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Chinese workers leaving cities in droves

Read full story for latest details.

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[Source: Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com]

Life after a six-figure salary

Happy new year and welcome to your new job. One that pays 30%, 50%, 70% less than your old one.

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[Source: Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com]

Credit 2008: Year of the freeze

If the story of 2008 was the government's unprecedented multi-trillion dollar bailouts of the financial sector, then the credit market was the story behind the story.

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[Source: Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com]

Winning battles, but bailout war goes on

In the face of criticism that its bailout efforts are not working, federal officials said Wednesday that they have prevented widespread failure of financial institutions, but they conceded that the credit crisis won't ease until the economy recovers.

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[Source: Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com]

Gas prices: Waayy up, waayy down

This is a year drivers will never forget -- gas prices surged and crashed at unprecedented levels.

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[Source: Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com]

Top 5 home-buying blunders for 2009

Housing prices are down, and mortgage rates are low. Still, experts advise that potential buyers exercise caution before venturing into this real-estate market.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

May the year-end rally run on in '09

There's more hope to be found in the market these days, so I want to own more stocks. I'm buying Qualcomm.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Citi execs forgo bonus

After a shockingly tumultuous year, Citigroup said Wednesday that its top executives will forgo their usual annual bonus.

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[Source: Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com]

Thousands of stores to disappear in '09

The ugly sales year that was 2008 will haunt U.S. retailers in 2009, with industry experts warning that disastrous holiday sales will spark a domino effect of store closures and bankruptcy filings.

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[Source: Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com]

Barbie vs. Bratz: Bratz winning - for now

Read full story for latest details.

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[Source: Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com]

S&P 500: The lucky 25

As one of the worst years in Wall Street's history winds down, a notable group of standouts shows investors remained confident in companies that provided consumers with the most bang for their buck.

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[Source: Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com]

Is your money manager a crook?

If the rich, famous and sophisticated can get bilked (and the Madoff scandal makes it clear they can), how can you know whom to trust? Here are 5 red flags that should get your attention.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

More disappointment for retailers

Despite a last-minute rush by shoppers looking to take advantage of deep discounts during the Christmas week, sales during the holiday retail season are looking even weaker than expected, according to a retail research firm's preliminary report issued Wednesday.

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[Source: Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com]

Banks cut lending by 55% in 2008

Read full story for latest details.

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[Source: Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com]

Wall St.'s worst year since 1931 ends - finally

The Dow's loss is its third-worst ever, as trillions of dollars of wealth disappear and panic nearly wrecks the global financial system. While there are cautious hopes for a rebound in 2009, investors face big headwinds.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Dow up 108 as a miserable 2008 finally ends

The blue-chip index suffers its worst annual loss since 1931 and third-worst loss ever. Jobless claims rise, but not as much as expected. Mortgage rates continue to decline. Dell is shaking up its leadership. Online holiday sales drop 3%.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Gain some leverage with ETFs

Want to get ahead of possible market improvements in the first quarter of 2009? Leveraged ETFs are a handy, if somewhat risky, way to jump on today's low stock and bond prices.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

How to buy your own health coverage

Buying private medical insurance is no picnic, but group benefits aren't an option for everyone. Here's what you need to know to shop for an individual health policy.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

10 key trends for investors in '09

Knowing which sectors are hot -- and which are not -- should inform your stock-buying decisions and help you beat the market in the coming year.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Stocks drift lower; big chemical deal at risk

Energy stocks rise but elsewhere the market takes a hit as Middle East tensions boost oil to $40. Dow Chemical and Rohm & Haas plunge as financing for their merger is up in the air. GMAC's debt conversion is delayed. Gold is the decade's best investment.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Make today's pain tomorrow's gain

As we roll into a new year, learn the lessons of 2008, but forget the losses -- because this year's big losers may very well be the winners of 2009.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

New threats to credit scores

A revised FICO formula will kick in soon, and the balances you carry will matter more than ever. Luckily, little missteps will count less. Plus: How you can protect yourself.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Struggling Sears: The GM of retail

The chain that once proclaimed itself 'where America shops' is increasingly a place many shoppers don't go. Despite its recovery efforts, investors should steer clear, too.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Can stocks build on an end-of-week rally?

Major indexes rise for the second day in a row. Energy shares lead the rally after an OPEC member cuts production. GM and Ford shares rise as GMAC wins Fed approval to become a bank-holding company. Retailers see the worst holiday season in years.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Stocks try to end week with a gain

Energy stocks lead the market higher after an OPEC member cuts production. GM and Ford shares rise after GMAC gets Fed approval to become a bank-holding company. Retailers see the worst holiday season in years.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Freaky things insurance might cover

Does your homeowners policy cover falling space debris? Animal stampedes? Lava flows? You might be surprised to learn what your insurance would pay for -- or wouldn't.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

An ugly, unrecognizable recession

Most of us haven't seen an economic decline like this one before, and as the slowdown gets slower, few will be unaffected. Are you ready for the 'frugal future'?

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Cheap stocks: 20 cash-rich companies

In this terrible market, few things are as good as money in the bank. These small companies with substantial bank accounts are good bets to survive and thrive.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Stocks fall on drip-drop of bad news

Stocks fell Monday in a thinly traded session amid concerns about fourth-quarter corporate earnings, falling oil prices and ongoing woes in the auto industry.

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[Source: Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com]

Oil falls again

Oil prices fell Monday as investors continued last week's practice of falling prices leading up to the Christmas holiday, and the dollar earned back early losses against the euro.

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[Source: Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com]

Memo to Washington: Here's how to help retirees

When it comes to retirement, I've got a whole laundry list of issues I wish President-elect Barack Obama and his counterparts in Congress would tackle as soon as they are sworn in this month. But the U.S. deficit has hit record levels, so I'm trying to be realistic about what we can afford. With that in mind, I'm paring down my retirement wish list to three things that can make a big impact - without blowing a hole in the nation's finances.

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[Source: Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com]

Japan tries to avoid another lost decade

The 1990s are commonly known as Japan's "lost decade." Now, this decade isn't looking too good either.

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[Source: Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com]

Even the bears are turning bullish

A growing chorus of experts says the market looks cheap, and it includes some former bears who foresaw the crash we're suffering through.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

First-ever drop for online holiday sales

In the latest sign of consumers in distress, online holiday sales registered a first-ever decline in seven years, according to sales tracker ComScore.

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[Source: Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com]

GM shares plummet on downgrade

Shares of General Motors Corp. fell sharply Monday after an analyst at Credit Suisse downgraded the stock and cut its target price to just $1.

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[Source: Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com]

Toyota forecasts loss as sales slide

Japanese auto giant Toyota said Monday that it would suffer an operating loss due to plummeting auto sales and a strong local currency.

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[Source: Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com]

How bad (really) is 8% unemployment?

Nervous about your job? Join the club. Recent polls show that 30% of Americans are worried about being laid off. Yet most of them won't be.

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[Source: Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com]

How to borrow from a stranger

'Peer-to-peer' loans are growing more common and more sophisticated as credit from traditional banks remains elusive in the slumping economy.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Why the economy might bounce back in 2009

Energy prices and mortgage rates are dropping, and the Fed is making sure money is available. Plus, America's competitive strengths remain intact.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Dow falls 59 as investors seek safety

But a big loss is chopped substantially at the close. Toyota expects to report a loss and oil falls again. GM and Ford shares tumble on suggestions that auto restructuring will wipe out shareholders. Two-year Treasurys yield less than 1%.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

A buy-and-hold strategy for gamblers

Convinced the market is cheap and want something you can buy and hold while the market roars back? Consider three triple-leverage ETFs -- and pray you're right.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

10 holiday horrors: Are you covered?

How well do you understand your insurance policy? Here's when you're covered for some common mishaps and disasters.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Banking on another bad year in '09

Bankers are counting down the days until they officially close the book on a terrible 2008. Too bad the outlook for 2009 is just as dismal.

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[Source: Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com]

SBA's disadvantaged-biz program plagued with inefficiencies - report

For a look at just one of the many problems besetting the Small Business Administration, check out the Government Accountability Office's recent report on its yearlong audit of the SBA's 8(a) program, a business development program intended to aid socially and economically disadvantaged small firms.

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[Source: Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com]

Even the bears are turning bullish

A growing chorus of experts says the market looks cheap, and it includes some former bulls who foresaw the crash we're suffering through.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Help name names in Siemens scandal

The German engineering giant is accused of a global bribery binge and is under investigation in 16 countries. But who got the money? We ask you to help find out.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Verizon 1 of 10 stocks for right now

The telecom giant tops an MSN Money list of recommended stocks. Here are StockScouter's top picks.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Stores pull out the stops in final sales stretch

The Saturday before Christmas is typically the busiest shopping day of the year for retailers.

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[Source: Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com]

Share your stock losses with the IRS

It's been a tough year, but tax laws let you slough off some of your pain to the government. That makes now a good time to retool your portfolio -- but act by Dec. 31.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Exxon Mobil to profit from the pain

By hoarding its cash as oil prices soared, the company has positioned itself to take advantage of the coming shakeout in the energy sector.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Most dangerous holidays for driving

On many holidays, scores of motorists get behind the wheel when they shouldn't. But the deadliest holiday probably isn't the first that springs to mind.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

The Fed's desperation move

The central bank has cut interest rates to almost zero, but even that won't energize the economy if businesses can't find customers. Some companies will be fine, though, particularly a certain drug maker.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

A recession the Fed can't easily fix

This slowdown wasn't caused the usual way, so the usual remedy -- flooding the economy with cash -- isn't a quick solution. But that won't stop Washington from trying.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

5 keys to protecting your portfolio

You really can make money in this market, but it's easier to lose it. This primer will help you 'Archie Bunker-proof' your portfolio so you don't end up broke and singing 'Those Were the Days.'

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Should you buy from a dying automaker?

Today's car deals are certainly tempting, but there are some real risks involved. Here's what you need to know to decide what's a smart purchase for you.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Sovereign, EA to cut 2,000 jobs

Sovereign Bancorp and video-game designer Electronic Arts announced on Friday that they are cutting a total of 2,000 jobs, laying blame on the recession.

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[Source: Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com]

Big inauguration equals big price tag

When President-elect Barack Obama takes the oath of office next month, the nation's capital will be the site of a massive celebration. But local officials are worried they might get stuck with the check.

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[Source: Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com]

Stocks: Brace for a volatile week

Investors return Monday for the last few trading days of what has been a tumultuous year and face a slew of economic reports in a holiday-shortened trading week.

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[Source: Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com]

How'd Madoff do it? Why? 6 questions

Despite all that's been written about the Bernard Madoff scandal, what's remarkable is how much we don't know about the fraud allegedly committed by the respected philanthropist and former chairman of the Nasdaq.

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[Source: Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com]

Obama ups jobs goal to 3 million

President-elect Barack Obama has decided to increase his goal for creating new jobs after receiving economic forecasts that suggest the economy is in worse shape than had been predicted, two Democratic officials told CNN.

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[Source: Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com]

Gas prices continue to slip

Gasoline prices dropped for their second day in a row after four straight days of increases, according to a daily survey of gas station credit card swipes.

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[Source: Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com]

Retiring: New ways to save

Question: People have been telling my husband and me that we should increase the percentage of pay we put in our 401(k) account so that we can make a lot of money when the market rebounds. What do you think -- should we up our contributions or keep them the same? --Dawn Bennett, Dwight, Illinois

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[Source: Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com]

GM denies merger talks with Chrysler

Ailing automakers General Motors and Chrysler have restarted merger discussions, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal. However, a GM spokesman denied the report on Thursday morning.

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[Source: Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com]

How to spend $350 billion in 77 days

President Bush has grudgingly allowed General Motors and Chrysler to drive away with the last few billion bucks in Treasury's TARP till, which boasted $350 billion a mere 77 days ago.

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[Source: Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com]

November jobless rates up in 37 states

Unemployment rates rose in 37 states and the District of Columbia in November as the recession hammered nearly every job sector, according to a government report released Friday.

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[Source: Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com]

Obama taps new SBA head

Entrepreneur and venture capitalist Karen Mills has been chosen by President-elect Obama to head the Small Business Administration.

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[Source: Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com]

Will the auto bailout work?

General Motors and Chrysler LLC are finally getting the money they need to avoid an imminent collapse. But will the bailout actually get them back on the road to profits?

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[Source: Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com]

GM's toothless restructuring test

In lending more than $13 billion to General Motors and Chrysler, the government is making some tough-sounding demands. But at least one of them sounds tougher than it actually is.

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[Source: Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com]

Gas prices tick higher

Gasoline prices increased for the fourth day in a row Friday, according to a daily survey of gas station credit card swipes.

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[Source: Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com]

Steve Jobs, tech's last celebrity CEO

Where have all the high-flying tech CEOs gone?

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[Source: Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com]

Rocky week on Wall Street

Stocks capped a rocky week on a mixed note Friday, as investors weighed the pros and cons of the Bush Administration's plan to bail out the auto industry.

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[Source: Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com]

Meltdown 101: Economic crisis comes to the classroom

The financial turmoil that has punished the stock market is impressing teens with the value of conservative, common-sense investing and preparing them to be the financial leaders of tomorrow. There could be hope for us after all.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Oil settles below $34

Oil prices fell sharply Friday, on the last day of the January contract, as the global economic slowdown continues to clamp down on demand.

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[Source: Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com]

Fitting bonuses for executives this year

Kudos to Credit Suisse. Drowning in red ink, the Swiss bank announced it would pay bonuses to senior investment bankers not with cash but with mortgage-backed securities, high-yield bonds, and other forms of the untradeable junk now clogging the world's banking system.

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[Source: Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com]

What's on the line for the UAW

President Bush's bailout plan contains some "targets" the government wants the automakers and the United Auto Workers union to achieve before agreeing to a bailout loan.

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[Source: Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com]

Clock ticking at GMAC

President Bush has thrown a lifeline to GM and Chrysler, but problems at their financing arms could throw a wrench into recovery plans.

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[Source: Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com]

How a shutdown really saves Chrysler money

A temporary plant shutdown gives an automaker the chance to stop making cars and sell off the ones that are still sitting around. But in Chrysler's case, the benefit comes from the money it saves on day-to-day costs.

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[Source: Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com]