MiamiHerald.com: Breaking News - Business

Stocks fall in first hour as Greek deal is held up

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:51 EST

U.S. stocks fell sharply Friday after Greece's bailout deal was put on hold, a day after it seemed that the country had satisfied its creditors.

Trade deficit widens to $48.8 billion in December

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:46 EST

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.

$25B settlement reached over foreclosure abuses

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:13 EST

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.

Obama call for manufacturing revival a tough goal

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:41 EST

President Barack Obama is making a strong election-year push for an economic revival "built on American manufacturing." But he faces an uphill slog, with little consensus even within his own party on how to do it.

Greek deal uncertainty slams global markets

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:26 EST

Stock markets and the euro fell sharply Friday after Greece's crucial bailout was put on hold by its partners in the 17-nation eurozone and the leader of a small partner in the country's coalition government said he would vote against the demanded austerity measures.

Alcatel-Lucent returns to profit in 2011

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:06 EST

Telecommunications equipment maker Alcatel-Lucent said Friday that years of cost-cutting helped it make an annual profit in 2011, its first since its trans-Atlantic merger in 2006.

Summary Box: GM gets OK for new China plant

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:16 EST

THUMBS UP: General Motors Co. 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. The go-ahead is one of many required a large project.

NYSE Euronext profit down on blocked merger costs

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 04:02 EST

NYSE Euronext on Friday said costs related to its collapsed merger with German stock market Deutsche Boerse caused a slump in fourth quarter earnings.

Nissan recalling 39,000 Versa small cars

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:41 EST

Nissan is recalling 39,000 Versa small cars because the transmissions can be shifted out of park without the driver's foot on the brake.

Not the DIY type? Tips to find a tax preparer

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:31 EST

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.

GM gets environmental OK for new China plant

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:06 EST

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.

Idaho panel unanimously clears oil and gas bill

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:21 EST

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 River Danube costing shippers millions

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:06 EST

Shippers say they are losing millions in trade because a lengthy stretch of the River Danube in Europe is stuck in the longest freeze in its recent history.

Bolivia seizes 17 properties in drugs raids

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:01 EST

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.

Barclays slashes bonus pool after 2011 profit fall

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 04:11 EST

Barclays PLC revealed Friday that it is slashing its bonus pool after earnings at its investment banking division fell sharply and dented overall profitability.

Oil prices tumble on European debt concern

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:46 EST

Oil prices are falling with a critical bailout plan for Greece's economy in limbo, again raising the specter of bank failures in Europe.

W.Va. gets $34m in national mortgage lending deal

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:36 EST

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

Turbo-traders take Bank of America for a ride

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:46 EST

On a normal day, 4 billion shares of stock change hands on the New York Stock Exchange. One in 10 belongs to a single company. It's not McDonald's or IBM, both of which have been on a tear.

Afghan private security handover looking messy

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 02:01 EST

The push by Afghanistan's president to nationalize legions of private security guards before the end of March is encouraging corruption and jeopardizing multibillion-dollar aid projects, according to companies trying to make the switch.

SD bill on equal bonus for state workers fails

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:21 EST

South Dakota's 13,000 state workers are up for a pay raise after three years without one, but a plan outlining an across-the-board $2,300 for all public employees won't move forward this legislative session.