Let's talk turkey about privatizing Social Security

Thanksgiving is upon us, making this a perfect time to go searching for turkeys - the financial variety, of course. But this year, rather than looking backward at inept deals or government programs, let's try to find future turkeys.

Ruling allowing wiretaps in some financial fraud cases could lead to more surveillance in insider trading probes

A federal judge ruled Wednesday that prosecutors could use surveillance of telephone conversations in some financial fraud cases. The decision validates a tool that investigators had sought to use in probing allegations of insider trading and could open the door for greater monitoring of computer...

Retailers try to lure holiday shoppers on social networks, smartphones

This holiday season, more retailers will try to reach wallets by way of consumers' mobile phones and computers. Apps to compare prices, social media deals and location-based discounts are among the most tech-savvy efforts. But while mobile technology and social networks have become more popular, the

Economic reports: Fewest unemployment claims since July 2008; home prices fall

A hint of improvement in the unemployment picture helped lift U.S. stocks Wednesday as the nation headed into the economically important holiday shopping season.

Black Friday 2010 hours and deals

-- Stores across the country are trying to lure holiday shoppers earlier, some on Thanksgiving morning. And they're planning plenty of deals over the next several days, especially Friday, one of the busiest shopping days of the year known as "Black Friday."

HDTVs, video players and Web media: What's worth your money

If you've waited until now to buy a new HDTV, I can guarantee one thing: You'll spend less for a given screen size than somebody who made that purchase last year. (Ahem.)

Irish government, seeking bailout, unveils $20 billion in spending cuts, taxes

The four-year plan for cuts and new taxes would slash unemployment benefits and cut welfare payments for the already hard-hit Irish public.

Fed lowers economic expectations for 2011

Unemployment is set to remain higher for longer than previously thought, according to new projections from the Federal Reserve that would mean more than 10 million Americans remain jobless through the 2012 elections - even as a separate report shows corporate profits reaching their highest levels...

To solve the deficit, the numbers add up - but not the votes

The sudden proliferation of deficit-reduction plans is a reminder that the deficit is, at its heart, a math problem. To get the budget into "primary balance" in 2015 - that's wonk-speak for a balanced budget before interest payments, and it's the target everyone is trying to hit - we need $225 bi...

Obama touts Chrysler rebound during Indiana visit

KOKOMO, IND. - A week after General Motors made a showy return to Wall Street, President Obama highlighted the revival of the other bailed-out auto company during a trip to an Indiana transmission factory.

Health care's dilemma: Competition or collaboration?

These days, most health reformers can agree about two things.