The number of homeowners on the brink of foreclosure fell in November, the fourth straight monthly decline, as mortgage companies evaluated whether borrowers were eligible for help. Nearly 307,000 households received a foreclosure-related notice in November, down 8 percent from a month earlier but still up 18 percent from a year earlier. Full Story »
The U.S. trade deficit narrowed to $32.9 billion in October as exports surged to the highest level in nearly a year. Growing exports, boosted by a weaker dollar, are expected to boost demand for American manufactured goods in coming months and provide important strength to the overall economic recovery. Full Story »
The tally of newly laid-off workers seeking jobless benefits rose by 17,000, after falling for five straight weeks. A Labor Department analyst says claims were partly inflated by a surge following the Thanksgiving holiday week, when many state unemployment offices were closed. Full Story »
At least three major publishers say they will withhold the release of digital versions of new books until months after the hardcover comes out. Simon & Schuster is one of the publishers that announced the delays. Publishers and authors have worried that e-books would hurt sales forhardcovers. Full Story »
The number of people losing their homes through foreclosure fell in November. It's the fourth straight month that the foreclosure rate has fallen, according to a report from RealtyTrac. This year has had the most foreclosure filings in U.S. history: 3.9 million. Full Story »
Airlines have set a pretty low bar of service for most passengers — except for those lucky enough to be invited into the airlines' most exclusive frequent-flier programs. Full Story »
Merchants, just like consumers, are raising their voices about fees they have to pay to credit card companies. Merchants are especially concerned about rewards cards because they have to foot the bill for many of the perks consumers receive. Full Story »
Legislation that just passed the House would extend the credit for another year, but many companies want the credit to be made permanent. They say research and development drives innovation, which creates new products that are then sold, boosting the economy. Advocates also say most of the money saved goes to pay employees. Full Story »
Bank of America funded the repayment through a combination of cash on hand and the sale of $19.29 billion of securities that would convert into common stock. The stock increase is subject to shareholder approval. Repayment frees the bank from government restrictions that have hampered its search for a new CEO, including pay limitations. Full Story »
Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner is extending the controversial $700 billion Troubled Asset Relief Program through October of next year. In a letter to congressional leaders, Geithner said TARP is still needed to provide capital to small businesses and banks and to provide foreclosure relief to struggling homeowners. Full Story »
