Investment Adviser Predicts Economic Stability For 2012

HUNTSVILLE, AL—Gary Saliba says the U.S. has seen tough times around once a decade since the 60's, but he's convinced companies will actually come out stronger in 2012 because of the trouble.

Local financial leaders say legislation hurts jobs, economy

A year and a half ago, U.S. legislators passed the most sweeping law to hit the financial industry since the Great Depression in response to the more recent Great Recession, with the intent to prevent it from happening again.

Japan to Allow Weapons Exports for International Projects

Dec. 27 (Bloomberg) -- Japan said it would ease some restrictions on weapons exports and allow them for international projects, resurrecting a proposal made last year to benefit the country’s defense industry.

U.S. stores hope for "Mega Monday" of brisk sales

(Reuters) - Shoppers found a mixed bag of bargains and so-so deals on Monday, as a day off for many Americans and warm, dry weather lured some out for what was likely to be the third busiest shopping day of the holiday season.

King Says Crisis Threatens Europe’s Economy as Stability Outlook Worsens

Mervyn King, vice chairman of the European Systemic Risk Board, said Europe’s sovereign debt crisis is threatening to hurt the real economy and the outlook for financial stability has worsened.

EU airline carbon move could spark trade war: China

(Reuters) - Beijing criticized a decision by Europe's highest court to allow airlines to be charged for carbon emissions on flights to and from the European Union, with state media warning on Thursday it could spark a trade spat and the foreign ministry urging talks.

Bernanke Money Policy Seen Achieving Goal as Savers Become Consumers Again

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke finally may be catching a break: His easy-money policies are showing signs of speeding up the economic rebound three years after he cut interest rates to zero.

World economy at a 'very dangerous juncture': IMF chief

IMF chief Christine Lagarde warned Tuesday that the world economy is at a "very dangerous juncture," speaking of the potential impact on poorer nations during her first visit to Africa as head of the fund.

Draghi's Risky ECB Bet: Reject QE, Hope Merkozy Makes Bailout Fund Work

European Central Bank President Mario Draghi warned of the high price of leaving the Eurozone, telling the Financial Times member states would face the same structural problems outside the common currency, along with rampant inflation, from a weaker position.

Eurozone decline eases, recession still looms

New business surveys show the pace of decline in the euro zone’s private sector unexpectedly easing in December.

Gold Prices Struggle to Stay Near $1, 700

Gold prices fell Wednesday on negative economic news from China and Europe plus concerns that the world's No. 1 economy is barely advancing.

Financial 'Mapping' Could Help Avoid Crashes

LONDON -- The financial system could be made more stable if regulators were able to harness scientific advances in mapping complex networks, Bank of England policy maker Andrew Haldane said Tuesday.

Millionaire surtax: The go-to tax

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Democrats say imposing a millionaire surtax to help pay for the cost of extending the payroll tax cut is only fair. Republicans say it would be a job-killer.

Federal Reserve ends meeting without major moves

WASHINGTON – The Federal Reserve says the U.S. economy has grown moderately as hiring and consumer spending have improved. As a result, it's holding off on any new steps to boost the economy.

Kids asking less of mall Santas in today's economy

More and more, Santas say the children on their laps are asking for less for themselves — and Santa is promising less as well.

Economy boosted by narrowing trade deficit

The U.S. economy, which has been picking up steam recently, got another boost from the latest trade numbers.

Euro crisis big risk to Canadian banks: BoC

OTTAWA (Reuters) - Risks to Canada's financial stability rose sharply in the second half of the year largely because of the European sovereign debt crisis, even though domestic banks remain stronger than in most other countries, the Bank of Canada said on Thursday.

EFSF To Sell Short-Term Paper As Part Of Bailout Funding

The European Financial Stability Facility announced an expanded funding profile Wednesday, with plans to start selling short-term paper with three-, six- and 12-month maturities.

AP sources: S&P could put eurozone on credit watch

BRUSSELS (AP) — Efforts to stabilize Europe's financial crisis were thrown into disarray late Monday as the 17 countries that use the euro braced for a possible downgrade of their credit ratings.

Austrian chancellor backs EU treaty change: report

VIENNA (Reuters) - Austrian Chancellor Werner Faymann backs changes to the European Union treaty that would create a political and economic powerhouse even at the cost of relinquishing some national sovereignty, he told a Sunday newspaper.

Why The Drop In U.S. Unemployment Is Only 'Half-Right'

November’s nonfarm payrolls report is out Friday, and the big news of a dip in the unemployment rate to 8.6% is splashing across the headlines.

Obama renews push for consumer bureau chief

WASHINGTON (CNNMoney) -- The Obama Administration is renewing its push for the Senate to confirm a director to run the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Euro Nations Renew Talk of IMF Role

Europe’s effort to expand its bailout fund is falling short, forcing euro-area finance ministers to consider greater roles for the International Monetary Fund and the European Central Bank to insulate Spain and Italy from the debt crisis.