Budget deficit shrinks in August from year earlier

(Reuters) - America's budget deficit shrank in August compared to a year earlier, with government accounts helped by tax hikes and an improving economy.

Canada rate hike views pushed back as economy struggles: Reuters poll

TORONTO (Reuters) - Half of Canada's primary dealers have recently pushed back forecasts for the timing of the central bank's next interest rate hike, a Reuters poll showed on Friday after weak jobs and housing starts data suggested the economy will struggle in 2013.

Economy to be Front and Center in Obama's Speech

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- President Barack Obama plans to stress the importance of improving confidence in the U.S. economy in his State of the Union address later Tuesday, according to excerpt of the speech released to media outlets.