The Federal Reserve is fine-tuning a strategy to reel in some of the unprecedented amount of money that's been pumped into the economy during the financial crisis.
The European Parliament on Thursday strongly rejected a deal that would have allowed U.S. authorities access to European bank transfers, allegedly to track funds supporting terror groups.
The economic recovery gained traction in late fall as shoppers spent a bit more and factories bumped up production. That assessment Wednesday by the Federal Reserve marked its most upbeat view since the economy tumbled into recession two years ago.
Investors are making few moves in early trading Wednesday after a private group's report showed job cuts declined in November for the eighth straight month, but not as much as forecast.
The economy seems on track for slow but steady gains, after reports Tuesday showed growth in manufacturing activity, construction spending and contracts to buy homes.
U.S. bank J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. said Thursday it has bought full control of J.P. Morgan Cazenove in a 1 billion pound ($1.67 billion) deal with its joint venture partner, the venerable London financial house Cazenove Group Ltd.
Stock buying picked up momentum Tuesday as rising commodity prices and reports on manufacturing and housing pointed to a rebound in the economy.
After shoppers gave retailers a somewhat encouraging start to the holiday shopping season, stores now turn their attention to the online promotions known as Cyber Monday and bringing back customers the rest of the season.
Recent and upcoming unit sales at Boston Private Financial Holdings Inc. will give the bank holding company enough cash to repay government bailout funds without a capital raise, an analyst said Wednesday.
