"Wallstreet" Reader

"Wallstreet" Reader

Weak Get Weaker as Muni Bonds Fall

Posted: 19 Dec 2010 04:56 PM PST

Investors are increasingly differentiating between U.S. state and local governments with strong finances and those facing big fiscal woes. The growing interest-rate spreads bring echoes of the European debt crisis.

Online Ads Pull Ahead of Newspapers

Posted: 19 Dec 2010 06:21 PM PST

This year, for the first time, advertisers will have spent more on Internet ads than on print newspaper ads, according to new estimates from eMarketer.

Uniqlo Makes Global Push

Posted: 19 Dec 2010 05:58 PM PST

Japan's Fast Retailing plans to introduce its Uniqlo stores in the fast-growing Indian and Brazilian markets and to vastly expand its presence in China.

Asia Falls on Korea Worries

Posted: 19 Dec 2010 05:52 PM PST

Asian stock markets were mostly lower, as renewed geopolitical tensions on the Korean peninsula pushed the Kospi down 1.1%.

Tech Revival Lifts Silicon Valley

Posted: 19 Dec 2010 06:06 PM PST

As California's $1.9 trillion economy struggles, the technology-rich Silicon Valley in the northern part of the state is experiencing a revival.

Housing-Finance Head Unlikely to be Confirmed

Posted: 19 Dec 2010 06:20 PM PST

The White House's pick to head the agency that oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac appears unlikely to win Senate confirmation before Congress adjourns.

Iran Cuts Fuel Subsidy

Posted: 19 Dec 2010 06:19 PM PST

Iran cut food and fuel subsidies, triggering a rush by drivers to fill up their tanks ahead of a fourfold increase in gas prices. Witnesses reported a heavy security presence throughout big cities.

FDA to Probe J&J's Rolaids Contractor

Posted: 19 Dec 2010 05:42 PM PST

The incoming chairman of a committee probing J&J's product recalls has asked regulators to look into the use of a contract manufacturer to make Rolaids antacids that were recalled for quality problems.

U.S. Mounts Rare-Earth Challenge

Posted: 19 Dec 2010 05:49 PM PST

Responding to China's recent squeeze on the global supply of rare earths, a U.S. company plans to reopen its mine that produces the unusual metals, which are critical to making high-tech products.

Flu-Shot Demand Droops

Posted: 19 Dec 2010 05:08 PM PST

Drugstores, supermarkets and some doctors' offices are slashing prices on flu vaccine this year amid weaker-than-expected demand.

Chinese Firms Had Big Year in U.S. IPO Market

Posted: 19 Dec 2010 07:27 PM PST

A record 38 IPOs from China-based businesses listed this year in the U.S., raising $4 billion, and many of them had big jumps in their trading debuts. Bankers expect another busy year for offerings from China in 2011.

Targeted TV Ads Set for Takeoff

Posted: 19 Dec 2010 05:29 PM PST

After years of promises and false starts, TV commercials targeted at individual homes may finally be ready for prime time with a new service from DirecTV.

A Madoff Son Looks Forward

Posted: 19 Dec 2010 07:04 PM PST

In the wake of family scandal and his brother's suicide, pursuits and relationships serve as an anchor for Andrew Madoff.

Holiday Help: People vs. Robots

Posted: 19 Dec 2010 07:34 PM PST

This holiday season, online retailers are testing a critical hiring decision: machine versus man. Which approach is better is a matter of debate.

U.K.'s Osborne Woos U.S. Banks

Posted: 19 Dec 2010 07:36 PM PST

The British finance minister insists he doesn't aim to boost London by soft-pedaling on U.K. regulation of banks in the wake of new U.S. rules, but he did use a visit to New York to try to impress the attractions of London.

How to Get Financially Fit in the New Year

Posted: 19 Dec 2010 12:41 PM PST

It's time to think about getting in financial shape in 2011. Vague resolutions and good intentions won't do it. You have to have a plan. Here's a 12-month agenda.

Ladbrokes in Deal Talks

Posted: 19 Dec 2010 12:15 PM PST

Ladbrokes said it is in preliminary takeover talks with online gambling company 888 Holdings.

Parties at Odds on START Treaty Support

Posted: 19 Dec 2010 12:00 PM PST

Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin said he thinks there are enough votes in the Senate to ratify a new nuclear-arms treaty with Russia, despite Republican concerns it could hamper missile-defense efforts. The Senate is to meet Sunday on the treaty.

'Tron: Legacy' Tops Box Office

Posted: 19 Dec 2010 12:17 PM PST

The sci-fi sequel "Tron: Legacy" topped all films at the weekend box office.

Fights Remain After End of Ban on Gays in Military

Posted: 19 Dec 2010 11:01 AM PST

Proponents of ending the ban on gays serving openly in uniform are cheering a vote repealing the ban. But the policy remains in force, and implementation promises more political fights.