Device Designed to Resemble Bomb

Namibian police said a suspicious suitcase discovered Wednesday at a Namibia airport was a fake device designed to resemble a bomb, though it remained unclear who placed it there.

Bernanke Fires Back, Takes Aim at China

Bernanke fired back amid criticism of the Fed's easy-money policies, arguing that China and others are causing problems by preventing currencies from strengthening.

Wells Fargo to Pay Citi $100 Million

Wells Fargo agreed to pay $100 million to Citigroup to settle all claims related to its $15-billion deal to acquire Wachovia in the midst of the financial crisis.

Cowen Says Talks 'Going Well'

Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen insisted that his government remains responsible for Ireland's forthcoming budget plan to save ?15 billion over four years, and said talks on a possible aid package were "going well."

Stocks Slip on China Concerns

U.S. stocks fell slightly as investors worried about the impact of more tightening from China, but continued talks on a possible aid package for Ireland provided some encouragement.

China Tightens Bank-Credit Rule

China increased the ratio of funds banks must keep with its central bank again, stepping up its fight against inflation.

Mongolia Reviews Mining Licenses

Mongolia is reviewing a list of more than 1,700 mining licenses to be terminated under regulations aimed at protecting the environment. So far, it suspended 254 gold-mining licenses.

Palladium Keeps Climbing; Gold Soft

Palladium has rallied almost 12% over the past two days, spurred by fears that Russia, the world's largest producer, has exhausted state stockpiles of the precious metal.

Housing Inventory Declines

After rising for nine straight months, the number of homes listed for sale fell for the first time in October across many U.S. markets.

IMF Head Urges Policy Coordination

The global economy's recovery is under threat from uneven performances around the world, the head of the IMF said.

SEC Proposes New Swaps Rules

The Securities and Exchange Commission issued proposed rules for swaps data collection and reporting, a step toward regulating the $615 trillion swap market.