US economy shrinks a surprise 0.1% in fourth quarter

The US economy unexpectedly shrank at an annualised rate of 0.1% in the fourth quarter of 2012, initial official estimates indicate.

US fiscal cliff deal to slow growth: Economists

WASHINGTON: The political deal to pull the US away from the " fiscal cliff" will still hit economic growth and efforts to generate jobs, economists said Wednesday, but the country will avoid a feared recession.

After volatile year, area investment advisers are optimistic for 2013

If you've put in a worried call to your financial adviser recently, or just felt a little motion-sick watching the markets rise and fall, you're not alone.

Americans blame Republicans more than Democrats for 'fiscal cliff'

WASHINGTON: Americans blame Republicans in Congress more than congressional Democrats or President Barack Obama for the current " fiscal cliff" crisis, as the deadline approaches for action to avert big tax increases and spending cuts, a Reuters/Ipsos poll showed on Thursday.

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.