Consumer Spending Up, Sign of Decent Recovery

Consumers spent modestly last month, a sign that the economic recovery is proceeding at a decent, but not spectacular pace.

Mexican Telecom Tycoon Is 'World's Richest'

Mexican telecom tycoon Carlos Slim is the world's richest person, jumping past Americans Bill Gates and Warren Buffett to become the first person from a developing nation to top the list, according to Forbes magazine.

GM Adding 1,200 Autoworkers at Ohio Plant

General Motors Corp. said Tuesday it is bringing 1,200 autoworkers back to work this summer to start producing the Chevrolet Cruze compact car at a factory in northeast Ohio.

New Credit Card Laws Go Into Effect

Your next credit card statement is going to contain an ugly truth: how much that card really costs to use.

Bernanke Outlines Plan for Pulling in Stimulus

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke began Wednesday to outline the central bank's strategy for reeling in stimulus money once the economic recovery is more firmly rooted.

January Unemployment Rate Drops to 9.7 Percent

The unemployment rate dropped unexpectedly in January to 9.7 percent, while employers shed 20,000 jobs, according to a report that offered hope the economy will add jobs soon.

Bernanke Wins Confirmation to Second Term

The Senate has confirmed Ben Bernanke for a second term as chairman of the Federal Reserve. The 70-30 vote came amid criticism of his judgment ahead of the financial crisis and his support for massive Wall Street bailouts.

Ford Returns to Profitability After 4 Years

Ford, the only U.S. automaker to avoid bankruptcy court, clawed its way to a $2.7 billion profit in 2009 and expects to stay in the black in 2010. It was the automaker's first annual profit in four years.

Fed: No Change in Rates

The Federal Reserve notes some improvement in the economy, but isn't ready to start raising interest rates. The AP's Mark Hamrick reports.

Economy to Dominate Obama's State of the Union

Restoring the economy and creating jobs will be the main themes of President Barack Obama's first State of the Union address. AP correspondent Julie Pace looks at Obama's attempt to reconnect with the American people.

Consumer Confidence Index Climbs in Jan.

Americans' confidence in the economy improved modestly in January for the third straight month, as they begin to feel slightly better about business conditions and the job picture.

Dec. Home Sales Sink; Prices Plunged in 2009

Sales of previously occupied homes dropped nearly 17 percent in December, the biggest monthly decline in 40 years.

Ed Whitacre Named CEO at General Motors

General Motors Chairman and interim CEO Ed Whitacre is dropping the interim from his title as the automaker's CEO.

Wal-Mart Cuts About 11,200 Sam's Club Staffers

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. says it's cutting about 11,200 jobs at its Sam's Club warehouse division as it outsources some of its marketing to another company in an effort to boost sales.

Stocks Have Worst Week Since March of '09

Stocks tumbled for the third straight day on uncertainty about President Barack Obama's plans to restrict big banks.

Goldman Earns, Obama Give Stocks Wild Ride

Financial shares pulled the stock market lower Thursday as President Barack Obama proposed rules that would limit the types of trading banks can do with their money.

GM's Opel to Shut Plant, Slash Europe Jobs

General Motors has announced it will close the Opel plant in Antwerp, Belgium. Opel's president said Thursday the shutdown is part of a company plan to shed 8,300 jobs in Europe.

Citigroup Loses $7.8B in Fourth Quarter

Citigroup became the latest bank to take a cautious view of consumers' credit problems, reporting a $7.77 billion fourth-quarter loss due to failed loans and the costs of repaying $20 billion in government bailout money.

AP Top Stories 01.08.10

Friday, January 8, 2010: Suspected underwear bomber heading to court; Obama vows to keep up terror fight; Is Leno heading back to late night?; Alabama wins BCS title.

AP Top Stories 01.07.10

Thursday January 7: Public see declassified documents following failed terror attack; Winter continues its grip on the nation; NBA suspends Arenas; BCS Championship game played tonight.

AP Top Stories 01.06.10

Wednesday, Jan. 6: Two Democratic Senators announce they are retiring; Attempted terror attack investigation continues; Deep freeze in Florida; Randy Johnson retires.

Google Launches First Branded Phone, Nexus One

Google will sell its own mobile phone in an effort to protect its online advertising empire as people increasingly surf the Web on handsets instead of personal computers.

Pending Home Sales Fall 16 Percent in Nov.

The number of people preparing to buy a home in November fell sharply in the latest sign that the housing market, which had been rebounding strongly, may be headed for a "double-dip" downturn over the winter.

AP Top Stories 01.05.10

Tuesday, Jan. 5: Obama set to speak about flight security; New details about CIA deaths; Eastern half of U.S. Remains in deep freeze; Job dissatisfaction grows.

First Day of Trading Bodes Well for 2010

When it comes to the first month of trading, investors have a saying: "as goes January, so goes the year." The adage is known as the January Barometer.

AP Top Stories 01.04.10

Monday, December 4: More suspected terrorists moved to watch lists; Court officer, gunman killed in Las Vegas shootout; 3rd uninvited guest got into White House dinner; Tallest building unveiled.

AP Top Stories 01.04.10

Monday, Jan. 4: New airport security screening; Americans accused of plotting terror attack in Pakistan appear in court; Bitter cold temperatures grip the East Coast; World's tallest building will be unveiled.

AP Top Stories 01.03.10

Sunday, Jan. 3: U.S., Britain close embassies in Yemen; 'America's Most Wanted' blows murder suspect's cover; World's tallest building set to open Monday; Man turns hearse into pet limo.

AP Top Stories 01.02.10

Saturday, Jan. 2: Obama says al-Qaida aided terror attempt; North Korea march; Afghan cabinet rejected; Obama orders a treat named after himself.

AP Top Stories 01.01.10

Friday, Jan. 1: Car bombing in Pakistan claims 75 people; Brazil mudslide crushes homes, lodge; After the party, the cleanup in Times Square; Taking the polar plunge.