Argentina warns BHP against oil drilling

BHP, the world's largest mining company, holds 14 exploration and production licenses with Falkland Oil and Gas and has said it wants to begin drilling within the next four months.

Crude oil prices climb Friday

Although the price of April delivery light, sweet crude oil rose $1.43, prices still held within a new holding pattern between $78 and $80 that began in mid-February.

Markets close with slim gains

In the second of three estimates on the country's GDP, the Bureau of Economic Analysis said consumer spending rose 1.7 percent in the fourth quarter of 2009 -- a positive figure, but not as strong as the 2.8 rise in the previous quarter.

European support for Greece remains vague

European leaders agreed to help Greece last week, but there have been few details released beyond a renewed push for Greece, already facing street demonstrations due to spending cuts, to enact more severe austerity measures.

Former Kmart CEO hit with $10M penalty

Charles Conaway, who earned $1 million a month during a 20-month stint as Kmart's CEO, was ordered to pay repay the company a previously forgiven $5 million loan, plus interest on the loan and $2.5 million as a civil penalty, The Detroit News reported Friday.

Ontario invests $81M in Ford engine plant

At a news conference, Finance Minister Dwight Duncan and Economic Development Minister Sandra Pupatello said the investment would create and retain up to 757 new jobs over five years, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. reported.

AIG posts $11 billion loss for 2009

The fourth quarter loss was widely anticipated, as the company had warned investors for months it would take a one-time charge due to restructuring huge loans extended to the firm by the government during the financial crisis, The New York Times reported Friday.

Toyota accused of withholding records

After reviewing records obtained under subpoena, Towns, chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, said the Japanese automaker deliberately withheld records that it was legally required to produce in response to discovery orders in litigation.

Markets close with slim gains

In the second of three estimates on the country's GDP, the Bureau of Economic Analysis said consumer spending rose 1.7 percent in the fourth quarter of 2009 -- a positive figure, but not as strong as the 2.8 rise in the previous quarter.

Poll shows U.S. consumers are pessimistic

Angus Reid Public Opinion said a recent online poll of 1,008 U.S. consumers found 83 percent of the respondents indicated the national economy is in bad shape.

Ontario invests $81M in Ford engine plant

At a news conference, Finance Minister Dwight Duncan and Economic Development Minister Sandra Pupatello said the investment would create and retain up to 757 new jobs over five years, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. reported.

Falling dollar pushes up grain futures

Corn was up 5 3/4 to up 6 1/4, soybeans were up 9 1/2 to up 11 1/4, wheat was up 13 3/4 to up 16 3/4 and oats were up 1 to up 1 1/4.