U.S. stock futures fall on Europe jitters
1.S&P; 500 retreats from July highs early Wednesday, on concern that Europe's debt problems could curb the global economy, with Germany posting 2011 growth but fourth-quarter contraction.
Spanish builders defiantly busy: Spain continues to build homes despite its hundreds of thousands of empty properties. Why are banks funding these projects?
Germany's GDP clocks in
at 3% growth pace for 2011
Largest economy in euro zone scores the lion's share of expansion during year's first half, before contracting in the final quarter.
• Europe downdraft snares Germany (24/7 Wall St.)
• Merkel: Germany may add more to rescue fund
• EU treaty reportedly to finesse sticking points
• Euro hovers around $1.27 amid ECB speculation
The threat from Hungary
By itself, Hungary doesn't matter very much to markets, writes London-based columnist Matthew Lynn. But it could be a foretaste of things to come, and some investors could pay the price.
Google patents no threat to Apple
Some market gurus seem to have a fatal attraction to tech patents — but often overlook factors affecting patents' value, writes Nigam Arora. • One stock to own for Fed’s QE3 (Trading Deck)
• How to profit from the art boom (Trading Deck)
• Why St-Cyr is shorting the euro (Trading Deck)
• Hulbert: Don't bank on early-January effect
• Tony Dwyer: Profits to surprise on upside
CAMPAIGN 2012 | Full coverage
Romney cruises to victory in N.H.
Mitt Romney handily takes first-in-the-nation Republican primary, bagging his second victory of the 2012 campaign.
• New Hampshire delivers for Mitt Romney
• Paul second, Huntsman third in New Hampshire
• Huntsman contrasts himself with Paul (blog)
• Obama, Biden and the 'fire people' remark (blog)
CURRENCIES
Dollar gains ground
against the euro
Dollar index pushes back toward recent high, paring some of the previous session’s losses, as analysts see further weakness in store for the euro.
Latest News
-
/news/latest
BREAKING
Obama campaign contradicts Biden on Romney's 'fire people' quote
BREAKING
BREAKING
- Loading more headlines...
Commentary »
- Next: Matthew Lynn's London Eye
- Next: Rex Nutting
- Next: Andrea Coombes' Ways and Means
- Next: Mark Hulbert
- Next: Jon Friedman's Media Web
- Next: David Weidner's Writing on the Wall
- Next: Therese Poletti's Tech Tales
- Next: Paul B. Farrell
- Next: Irwin Kellner
- Next: John Shinal's Tech Investor
- Next: Robert Powell
- Next: Michael Ashbaugh's The Technical Indicator
Inside MarketWatch »
ASIA
Reforms as catalyst for China stocks
With Beijing's senior leaders on board, shareholder-friendly changes are expected in China. Till then, investors seeking to get in should sit tight, analysts say.
INVESTING
ARM Holdings’ prospects a draw
There's a 95% chance the chip inside your handset was designed using intellectual property from U.K.-based company taking the tech world by storm.
• Yuan exchange likely to boost London (The Tell)
cES show 2012 | Full coverage
Intel, Motorola ink smartphone deal
Intel CEO Paul Otellini (left) says the company has entered into a deal with Motorola Mobility to build smartphones.
• Qualcomm keys on TVs, health, PC (blog)
Personal Finance »
retirement
Slideshow: worst states for retirees
Connecticut now has the dubious honor of being the worst state to spend your golden years. Check out which other states made the list from TopRetirements.com.
• Annuities that sound good, but perform poorly
• Mulling alternatives to target funds (SmartMoney)
TAXWATCH
IRS offering yet another amnesty
If you’ve got money overseas, the IRS wants to
give you one more chance to come forward.
• MarketWatch's 12 tax tips for January
MORTGAGES
How to get a home loan
if you're self-employed
Bankers are requiring more from borrowers, and small-business owners aren't posting their best numbers, writes Amy Hoak.
Video »
What pollsters won't tell
All we hear in politics leading up to elections are polls. What do pollsters not want you to know? Quentin Fottrell discusses. (Photo: AP)
Is 2012 the year of the home builders?
Justin Lahart has proof that after several down years, this could be the year builders have been waiting for. (Photo: AP)
Sony LED TV aims to blow away rivals
Sony is betting on a new crystal LED television to help jump-start a struggling unit.
MarketWatch Radio »
A broken barometer
Don't listen to those who tout a January Effect or January Barometer in the market. Mark Hulbert warns It doesn't work.
Profit bar set low
'Tis the season for retail profit warnings after an intensely competitive holiday season.
Small businesses hiring
Confidence isn't exactly soaring among small-business owners, but hiring plans are on rise.
Personal Finance »
These investments look like the best place for portfolio gains this year.
Ron Amadon's look at the best high-end cars of 2011.
It takes "guts and smarts" to make it to the century mark feeling well.
Vienna leads an international parade of livable places.
Judges and lawyers hear all kinds of excuses, but these are ones that work.
Austin, Texas, tops the list, but where else looks good?
More stock news, commentary, advice »
All the latest stock-market news, top markets columns and world-market coverage.
Check out our opinion leaders and bloggers who put the news in perspective.
News from Washington and around the globe, including economic data and the Fed.
Tips for growing your nest egg through stocks, bonds, ETFs and mutual funds.
Matthew Lynn
London Eye