Consumer confidence plunges on "fiscal cliff" fears

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Americans' outlook on the economy and their finances took a turn for the worse in early December, likely due to anxiety about the potential for higher taxes resulting from contentious discussions in Washington over fiscal issues, a survey released on Friday showed.

Economy Seen Neither Too Good or Bad to Decide Election

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke is predicting an election-year economy that’s neither here nor there: growth that disappoints yet keeps the U.S. from slipping back into the recession billionaire Bill Gross has indicated may happen.

First-time unemployment claims climb

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- After plunging the week before, first-time claims for unemployment benefits ticked up last week.

Manufacturing activity, employment on the rise

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Manufacturing grew at a faster pace in December, according to a closely-watched reading on the health of the sector.

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.