For all of 2007, the median sales price of an existing single-family home fell 1.8%.
First-time jobless claims fell by 1,000 to 301,000, the lowest level since early September.
The new benefit will go with UBS’s target retirement funds and other investment options.
Piper Jaffray's earnings fell 27% with net income falling to $15.1 million while Jefferies reported a loss of $24.2 million.
Ex- hedge fund chief James Marquez was ordered to serve 51 months for conspiring to defraud investors.
Asian stocks bounced back while European securities slumped following the Federal Reserve's interest-rate cut.
John Koehler will lead a group of nine specialists, each one focusing on advanced planning techniques.
In an surprise move, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates from 4.25% to 3.50%.
The recommendations are designed to handle conflicts of interest between managers and investors.
Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson this morning expressed optimism that a temporary growth plan can be enacted quickly.
