Retailers Have Not-So-Merry Holidays

Jobless Claims Post Decline

U.S. claims for new jobless benefits unexpectedly tumbled 24,000, a second-straight fall, a government report showed, offering a rare sign of stabilization in the economy.

BOE Cuts Rates to 1.5%

The Bank of England cut its key rate by half a percentage point to 1.5%, taking it to the lowest level since the central bank was founded in 1694.

Commercial Property Loses Shelter

Delinquencies on mortgages for hotels, shopping malls and office buildings were sharply higher in the fourth quarter.

BOJ Moves to Boost Liquidity

Seeking to boost liquidity in Japan's financial system, the Bank of Japan launched a program that will make cheap money available for the next few months.

Data Make ECB Rate Cut More Likely

Euro-zone producer prices fell at their sharpest rate on record in November, adding to the case for the ECB to cut interest rates Jan. 15.

Exports Fall Leads Taiwan to Cut Rates

Taiwan's central bank unexpectedly cut its key interest rates by half a percentage point, amid plummeting exports and feeble domestic demand.

• Heard on the Street: Taiwan's Dollar Devaluation

Fed Outlook Darkens on Economy

The Fed signaled in minutes from its December meeting that the recession could be longer and deeper than officials thought just weeks ago.

• Laid Off: Launching a Business While Unemployed

Germany May Back Some Loans

Bank Indonesia Cuts Rate to 8.75%

Thailand Clears Stimulus Plan

Factory, Service Weakness Persist

U.K. Retailers Face Hurdle

China Urges Real-Estate Developers to Cut Prices

South Korea Unveils Jobs Program

Euro-Zone Inflation Falls Below Target

German Car Sales Decline by 6.6%

Manhattan's Real-Estate Market Cracks

Construction Spending Exceeds Expectations

Case Builds for ECB Rate Cut

Indonesia Inflation Slows