Your Money: Top 10 Business Stories of 2008

In a year heavy with financial news, Wall Street's woes were voted the top business story by U.S. newspaper and broadcast editors surveyed by the Associated Press. AP Personal Finance Editor Trevor Delaney takes a closer look.

Your Money: Dealing With Landlords

As a renter you should know your rights when dealing with your landlord. AP Personal Finance Editor Trevor Delaney explains.

AP Money Minute: Record Low Mortgage Rates

Number of those on unemployment grows; 30 year mortgage rates drop; Macy's double-debits some customers; Viacom in dispute with Time Warner Cable.

Dec. 22: Wall Street Falls on Toyota Outlook

Wall Street has started a holiday-shortened week with evidence that even stronger companies are struggling in the face of tighter spending by consumers.

Asian Markets Cautious After Fed Rate Cut

Stock markets in Asia were up in overnight trading, but not nearly as much as U-S stocks on Tuesday. Investors continue to be concerned about the U-S recession and a weakening dollar.

Money Minute: GE; Ford, OPEC

General Electric is affirming its 2008 outlook but is not providing any annual or quarterly guidance for next year. The AP's David Melendy reports.

Your Money: Commodity ETFs

Every so often, a new investment product taps into not just one trend but two. Such was the case with commodity-oriented exchange traded funds. AP Personal Finance Editor Trevor Delaney explains.

Asian Markets Tumble After Auto Bailout Collapse

Asian stocks tumbled in trading on Friday after word of the collapse of a bailout bill for Detroit's ailing automakers. Stocks in Japan fell more than five percent, while stocks in Hong Kong sank nearly seven percent.

$14B Auto Bailout Dies in Senate

A $14 billion bailout for Detroit's struggling Big Three has died in the Senate. The collapse came after bipartisan talks on the auto rescue broke down over GOP demands that the labor union agree to steep wage cuts.

Your Money: Worry Over Auto Warranties

With the Big Three automakers teetering on the brink of bankruptcy, you may have concerns over the state of your manufacturer's warranty. AP Personal Finance Editor Trevor Delaney offers insight into what happens next.

AP Top Stories 12.09.08

Illinois governor arrested on corruption charges; Fighter jet engines may have failed before crash in to San Diego neighborhood, NYPD officers charged with assault; Leno to move to prime time.

AP Top Stories 12.09.08

3 dead after a fighter jet crashes Calif.; New York police step up search for missing woman; Former NY congressman sentenced to 5 days in jail for DUI; Negotiations on auto industry bailout continue.

Money Minute: Home Loans, Big Three, McDonald's

More than half of all homeowners who had their homes loans modified in the early part of this year are already in default. The AP's Mark Hamrick reports.

Washington Talking $15 Billion for Automakers

Congressional Democrats and the White House reach agreement on about $15 billion in bailout loans for the beleaguered auto industry, less than what industry executives came asking for in Washington.

More Than Half Million Jobs Axed in November

Employers axed 533,000 jobs in November, the largest cutback in 34 years. The Labor Department's report pushes the unemployment rate to 6.7 percent - a 15 year high.

AP Top Stories 12.05.08

Democrats fight for automakers; O.J. Simpson to be sentenced; Blackwater guards could get 30 years; Thailand airport reopens.

Your Money: Defining a Recession

The National Bureau of Economic research recently announced the U.S. economy has been in recession for a year. AP Personal Finance Editor Trevor Delaney explains what took so long to get that resolution.

AP Top Stories 12.04.08

Big Three return to Washington; Rice in Pakistan; Calif. Train engineer not on drugs during Sept. crash; NYC lights Rockefeller Center tree.

Chrysler Exec: Failure Could Spark Depression

A top Chrysler executive warned Wednesday that a carmaker collapse could send the economy spiraling into a depression, while the United Auto Workers agreed to new concessions for their companies.

AP Top Stories 12.02.08

Arrest in the murders of Hudson's relatives; Burress posts $100-thousand bail; Clinton nominated for Obama's Secretary of State; Largest solar panel installation in California.

Dec. 2: Wall Street Advances 270

Buyers have returned to Wall Street, sending stocks higher in a session that was marked by indecision over the fate of the auto industry.

Holiday Shopping Season Off to a Modest Start

The Thanksgiving shopping weekend doesn't appear to have been the disaster some had feared. Retailers took in an estimated $10.6 billion on Black Friday and turn their hopes to "Cyber Monday."

Your Money: Shopping for Deals Online

Several websites are available to help consumers seek out the best deals. AP Personal Finance Editor Trevor Delaney highlights some of the more popular Web sites.

Paulson: Other Rescue Programs Being Examined

Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said Monday that the administration is looking for more ways to tap a $700 billion financial rescue program and will consult with Congress and the incoming Obama administration.

Money Minute: Recession, Paulson, Oil

t's official. The United States is in recession. That's according to the National Bureau of Economic Research. The AP's Mark Hamrick reports.

AP Top Stories 11.29.08

Mumbai toll rising; Thailand airport cordoned off; Charges possible in Black Friday trampling of Wal-Mart worker; Endeavour eyes landing.

AP Top Stories 11.28.08

Latest on Indian terror attacks; Black Friday shopping begins; Space Shuttle Endeavour set to return to Earth; Oldest woman in world passes away.

Your Money: Renting Your Favorite Reads

Spending money on book purchases can easily add up. AP Personal Finance Editor Trevor Delaney offers advice on a new online service that lets you rent books instead of buying them.

Stocks Jump on Report of Geithner Nomination

Wall Street is ending a volatile week with an unexpected jolt of confidence following reports that President-elect Barack Obama plans to name New York Federal Reserve President Timothy Geithner as Treasury secretary.

AP Top Stories 11.22.08

Obama unveils jobs plan; NY Fed chief may be heading to Treasury; Big Three look for bailout; Drummer Barker sues over plane crash.

AP Top Stories 11.21.08

Auto industry bailout vote on hold; Obama aide says Clinton nomination to state on track; Gun charges against Drew Peterson dropped; The Humane Society says Petland tied to puppy mills.

Stocks Tumble for Second Day; Treasurys Surge

Stocks plunged for a second straight day Thursday, falling to a range not seen in more than five years.

Asian Markets Follow Wall Street's Lead, Tumble

Many Asian markets fell on Thursday, following the lead set on Wednesday by Wall Street. Japan's Nikkei fell more than six percent, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell more than five percent.

Auto CEOs Tell Congress Why They Need $25b

General Motors Corp. chief executive Rick Wagoner told the House Financial Services Committee that collapse of the U.S. auto industry could lead to a loss of 3 million jobs within the first year.

Your Money: Tips for Frugal Shopping

With the holiday shopping season fast approaching, many consumers are looking for ways to save costs. AP Personal Finance Editor Trevor Delaney offers suggestions to help you get the best deals.

Yang to Step-down As Yahoo CEO

Yahoo, Inc. Founder and CEO Jerry Yang has announced he will step down, once the company finds a suitable replacement. Yang developed Yahoo back in the 1990's. He is expected to remain on the internet company's board of directors.

AP Top Stories 11.18.08

Calif. Gov. Asks for federal assistance; Bernanke and Paulson set to testify in-front of House panel; President Bush will announce holiday travel plans; Jonestown anniversary.

AP Top Stories 11.17.08

Wildfires rage on in Southern Calif.; At least 1 killed in Indonesia quake; Japan's economy in a recession; Space Shuttle Endeavour docks with International Space Station.

AP Top Stories 11.16.08

Wildfires sweep Southern California; Obama to resign Senate seat; Important vote in Iraq; Shuttle to hook up with station.

Obama Talks Economic Mess in Video Address

President-elect Barack Obama urged Congress to get moving next week on an economic rescue plan that would extend jobless benefits among other actions. The radio address was also videotaped and posted online.

World Economy Summit Opens in Washington

World leaders launched extraordinary summit talks Friday on the economic crisis gripping the globe, searching for ways to limit the current carnage and prevent future calamities.

Wall Street Ends Turbulent Week Sharply Lower

Wall Street ended a turbulent week with another astonishing show of volatility Friday, with stocks plunging, recovering and then plunging again as investors absorbed another wave of downbeat economic news.

AP Top Stories 11.14.08

Wildfire rages in Southern Calif.; Explosion in Pueblo, Colo. Kills one; Group of 20 economic meeting starts today in Washington; Sen. Hillary Clinton being considered to be next Sec. Of State.

Jobless Claims Jump Unexpectedly to 7-year High

When it comes to people losing their jobs, it hasn't been this bad in seven years.

Your Money: How to Invest Wisely

Navigating the tricky world of personal finance introduces a host of challenges for first-time investors. AP Personal Finance Editor Trevor Delaney explains some of the points investors should consider before jumping in.

AP Top Stories 11.13.08

Democrats craft proposal auto industry bailout; 15 year old Fla. girl charged killing classmate; Same-sex couples marry in Conn.; Peru offers hairless dog to Obama family.

Paulson: Troubled Assets Will Not Be Purchased

Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson says that the $700 billion government rescue program will not be used to purchase troubled assets as originally planned.

Your Money: Social Security Under Obama

With the change in administrations and uncertain economic health, viewers are wondering how safe Social Security will be under President-elect Barack Obama's administration. AP Personal Finance Editor Trevor Delaney takes a closer look.

AP Top Stories 11.08.08

AP Top Stories 11.07.08

Asia Markets Tumble

Asian stock markets tumbled on Thursday, following Wall Street's drop as US presidential election euphoria gave way to fears of a deep and protracted recession in the world's largest economy.

AP Top Stories 11.06.08

AP Top Stories 11.05.08

AP Top Stories 11.04.08

AP Top Stories 11.03.08

AP Top Stories 11.02.08

Deal Ends 8-Week Boeing Strike

Machinists union members ratified a new contract with The Boeing Co. on Saturday, ending an eight-week strike that cut the airplane maker's profits and stalled jetliner deliveries.

AP Top Stories 11.01.08

Obama stumps in Fla. and McCain hits Ohio; Brother charged after woman's mummified remains found; Calif. man charged in anthrax hoax; Bones found near Fossett crash site.

AP Top Stories 10.31.08

Obama stumps in Fla. and McCain hits Ohio; Brother charged after woman's mummified remains found; Calif. man charged in anthrax hoax; Bones found near Fossett crash site.

AP Top Stories 10.30.08

Earthquake in Pakistan kills at least 150; Only six days left in presidential campaign; Sen. Ted Kennedy returns to Washington.

Asian Stocks Rally After Fed Drops Interest Rate

Relieved investors stormed back into global markets Thursday, sending stock indices in Hong Kong, South Korea and Japan surging by double digits, after the U.S. Federal Reserve slashed interest rates to help revive the world's largest economy.

AP Top Stories 10.29.08

Earthquake in Pakistan kills at least 150; Only six days left in presidential campaign; Sen. Ted Kennedy returns to Washington; World Series Game 5 set to resume.

AP Top Stories 10.28.08

Asian stocks rebound; Classes resume at University of Central Arkansas; Investigation continues into alleged assassination plot against Barack Obama; World Series Game five set to resume tonight.

Asian Markets Continue to Fall

Asian stock markets have resumed their downward slide, with Japan's Nikkei index falling to a 26-year-low.

Brown: Banks Need to Do Their Jobs

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown says strengthening banks is important, as is keeping funds flowing to businesses, homeowners and families.

AP Top Stories 10.27.08

Search intensifies for Jennifer Hudson's nephew; SUV crash kills four cheerleaders; Severe weather stranded hundreds of British racers; Halloween costume contest for pets.

AP Top Stories 10.26.08

Suspect in Hudson slayings in custody; Campaigns head West; Bush urges financial calm; World Series resumes in Philly tonight.

AP Top Stories 10.25.08

Suspect in Hudson slayings in custody; Campaigns head West; Bush urges financial calm; World Series resumes in Philly tonight.

AP Top Stories 10.24.08

Asian markets tank; Juror troubles in Sen. Ted Stevens' trial; Barack Obama visits ailing grandmother; Rays take game two of the World Series.

Dow Jones Futures Tank

U.S. stocks are sliding toward another precipitous drop, as fears of a punishing global recession are stirring panic among investors and sending world financial markets into a tailspin.

Your Money: Jobless Claims

Weekly jobless claims are considered a leading economic indicator, a term many Americans are unfamiliar with. AP Personal Finance Editor Trevor Delaney explains the term and the impact jobless claims have on the economy.

AP Top Stories 10.23.08

Asian markets tumble; Possible verdict in Sen. Stevens corruption case; New York City Council to vote on measure allowing Mayor Bloomberg to run for a third term; Phillies win game one of World Series.

AP Top Stories 10.22.08

Asian stocks fall in overnight trading; Jury deliberations start in Sen. Ted Stevens' corruption trial; Sir Richard Branson tries to set sailing record; World Series starts tonight in Tampa.

AP Top Stories 10.21.08

Sen. Obama cancels campaign stops to visit ailing grandmother; Closing arguments in Sen. Stevens' corruption trial; Second arrest in kidnapping of Nevada boy; World markets rebound.

AP Top Stories 10.20.08

Bush to listen to 'Main Street' on economy; Trial begins in soldier shooting conspiracy plot; Fashion critic Mr. Blackwell dies; Rays win American League championship, head to World Series.

AP Top Stories 10.19.08

Abducted boy found in Las Vegas; Bush says he'll host summit on global financial crisis; India bridge collapse kills 2; Red Sox win and force a Game 7.

AP Top Stories 10.18.08

Grandfather arrested in missing Nevada boy; Father-son land dispute may have led to law office blast; Muqtada al-Sadr urges rejection of US-Iraqi pact; Putin tests satellite navigation device on his dog.

AP Top Stories 10.17.08

AP-Yahoo poll: McCain's sinking public image; Amber Alert issued for a kidnapped 6-year-old boy; Costa Rica flooding; Red Sox rally to stay alive.

AP Top Stories 10.16.08

Helicopter crashes near Chicago, killing four people; Spanish judge questions three mechanics in plane crash investigation; Final debate between Barack Obama and John McCain; Asian markets tumble.

AP Top Stories 10.15.08

Final presidential debate tonight; Asia markets mostly lower; Canadians re-elect Harper; New York couple welcomes identical triplets.

AP Top Stories 10.14.08

New plan for Wall Street; Overseas markets soaring; Wildfire emergency in Southern California; Space tourist arrives at station.

AP Top Stories 10.13.08

British bank bailout; Overseas markets rise; Gas prices slip; Southern California wildfire.

AP Top Stories 10.12.08

Bush meets with finance ministers to work on economy; Hurricane Norbert comes ashore in Mexico; Accused marine fighting extradition; Tampa Bay evens series with Red Sox.

AP Top Stories 10.11.08

Bush meets with G7 finance ministers; Investigation finds Palin abused power; Report suggests GM and Chrysler may merge; Red Sox beat Tampa Bay.

Reports: Chrysler, GM discuss merger, acquisition

DETROIT - General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC have held preliminary talks about a merger or an acquisition of Chrysler by GM, according to published reports.

The Wall Street Journal, citing people it described as familiar with the discussions, reported that Cerberus Capital Management, the private equity firm that owns 80.1 percent of Chrysler and 51 percent of GMAC Financial Services, proposed trading Chrysler's automotive operations to GM. The Journal said Cerberus would receive GM's remaining 49 percent stake in GMAC.

The New York Times, also citing people familiar with the talks, reported that the automakers were discussing a merger. The Times did not mention GMAC, a traditional auto lender hit hard by the housing market downturn.

Reports: Chrysler, GM discuss merger, acquisition....