Attorney General Eric Holder, center, accompanied by Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan, right, Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller, and other federal and state officials announces a settlement regarding mortgage loan servicing and foreclosure abuse, Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012, at the Justice Department in Washington.

Cliff Owen/AP Photo

$25B settlement reached over foreclosure abuses

A landmark $25 billion settlement with the nation's top mortgage lenders was hailed by government officials Thursday as long-overdue relief for victims of foreclosure abuses. But consumer advocates countered that far too few people will benefit.

Bernanke: Weak housing has hurt consumer spending

Ben Bernanke says declines in home prices have forced many Americans to cut back sharply on spending and warns that the trend could continue to weigh on the economy for years. 1328904601
Greek premier says default would lead to 'chaos'

Greece's future in the eurozone came under renewed threat Friday as popular protests again turned violent and dissent grew among its lawmakers after European leaders demanded deeper spending cuts. 1328915294
Stocks fall sharply as Greek deal is held up

Stocks had their worst day of the year Friday after Greece hit a roadblock on its way to a critical bailout. 1328912292
Trade deficit widens to $48.8 billion in December

Monthly U.S. exports to Europe grew in December, a hopeful sign after a steep decline the previous month. But, some economists remain concerned that the region's debt crisis will still weigh on the U.S. economy this year.
Gov't on pace for $1T deficit despite January dip

The federal deficit was lower through the first four months of the budget year than the same period last year. Still, the deficit is expected to top $1 trillion for the fourth year in a row, putting more pressure on Congress and President Barack Obama in an election year. 1328912887
Not the DIY type? Tips to find a tax preparer

If your financial life is simple and you have basic computer skills, using do-it-yourself software is an "EZ" way to file your tax return.
Setback in Greek deal sends investors into bonds

The latest setback in Greece's efforts to avoid defaulting on its debt sent investors rushing back into U.S. Treasurys Friday. 1328911995
GM gets environmental OK for new China plant

General Motors Co. has won approval from environmental authorities in central China for a new $1.1 billion assembly plant, though the company says it has not yet decided on the plan.
MF Global trustee sees shortfall of $1.6 billion

The trustee overseeing MF Global's liquidation said Friday that the shortfall between the funds under his control and the amount customers of the failed brokerage are expected to claim is at least $1.6 billion. 1328917383
Idaho panel unanimously clears oil and gas bill

Idaho's House Resources and Conservation Committee voted unanimously to limit local governments' authority over oil and natural gas drilling, after energy-industry representatives raised concerns they could be regulated out of business by cities or counties.
Frozen Danube river is costing shippers millions

European shippers say they are losing millions because a lengthy stretch of the Danube - one of Europe's key waterways - is stuck in the longest freeze in recent memory.
How the major stock indexes fared on Friday

Stocks had their worst day of the year Friday after Greece hit a roadblock on its way to a critical bailout. The S&P 500 index had its first down week of the year. 1328914987
Bolivia seizes 17 properties in drugs raids

Bolivian authorities say they've seized 17 properties from a provincial clan ostensibly in the gravel business that it suspects of laundering drug money through real estate.
Earnings schedule for week of 2/13/2012

Major companies tentatively scheduled to report quarterly earnings next week: 1328907491
Barclays slashes bonus pool after 2011 profit fall

Barclays PLC revealed Friday that it is slashing its bonus pool after earnings at its investment banking division fell sharply and dented overall profitability.
First Solar shares plunge on project delay

First Solar is warning that a construction delay threatens to undo its sale of a large solar project planned for Los Angeles County to power producer Exelon Corp. 1328913796
Donald Trump blasts plans for Scottish wind farm

The feel-good era between New York property tycoon Donald Trump and Scotland's political leaders seems to have come to a dramatic end.
Oil prices tumble on European debt concern

Oil prices fell Friday with a critical bailout plan for Greece's economy in limbo, again raising the specter of bank failures and bankruptcies in Europe. 1328905779
W.Va. gets $34m in national mortgage lending deal

A settlement between mortgage lenders and states over foreclosure abuses includes nearly $34 million for West Virginia.