Is Greece the Lehman of 2012?

With apologies to John Lennon: Imagine a eurozone without Greece. It's easy if you try.

Half of U.S. cell phones are now smartphones

Smartphones are now more common than "dumb" phones.

FBI opens JPMorgan investigation

The director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation said Wednesday that the agency has opened an investigation into JPMorgan Chase, the nation's largest bank.

European leaders scramble to contain Greek debt crisis

Leaders across Europe rushed to try to reassure nervous investors Wednesday that they were working to prevent Greece from an unprecedented exit from the eurozone and the damage that might cause for other troubled European economies.

J.C. Penney stock plunges on dismal earnings

Investors dumped J.C. Penney stock on Wednesday after a dismal earnings report, following the first full quarter with a former Apple executive at the helm.

Roger Penske: Racetrack capitalist

The death of Carroll Shelby last week got me thinking about what race car drivers do after they pull into the pit lane for the last time. Some, like Shelby, have made even bigger names for themselves off-track than on.

You're only worth $1.21 to Facebook

How much does Facebook value its users? In strictly monetary terms, about as much as a bag of chips.

Mortgage delinquencies drop to 4-year low

The percentage of borrowers who have dropped behind on their mortgage payments fell to a four-year low in the first three months of 2012, a bankers' group said Wednesday.

Stocks get a boost from U.S. economic data

U.S. stocks gained ground Wednesday, as investors welcomed strong U.S. economic data and minor headway in Europe, despite ongoing worries about political uncertainty in Greece.

Should you buy Facebook?

Facebook's IPO is causing a frenzy among investors eager to get a piece of the social networking website.

Facebook to sell 25% more shares

Facebook announced Wednesday that 25% more shares of the company will be sold in its planned initial public offering later this week.

George Lucas proposes affordable housing plan

The film emperor may be striking back. For 25 years, filmmaker George Lucas tried to persuade his Marin County, Calif., neighbors to let him build a digital production studio on his ranch there, but the area's residents thwarted the plan.

Stay-at-home mom fights new credit card rule

After nearly five years managing her family's finances, Holly McCall, a 34-year old stay-at-home mother of two from Vienna, Va., never thought she would have trouble getting a credit card.

Stocks to weigh Greece, U.S. economy

U.S. stocks were set for a higher open Wednesday, as investors weigh political uncertainty in Greece against mixed earnings reports and housing data.

Surprise! SUVs are more popular than ever

If you thought the "SUV craze" was over, you're wrong. Very wrong. Market share for SUVs in recent months is the largest it has ever been.

Businesses are recovering, but Washington didn't help

It's a question that could determine if President Obama gets to serve another term: Are you better off than you were four years ago?

Keystone isn't the only pipeline

At least a dozen new oil pipeline projects are slated to move forward in the United States over the next few years, bringing controversial sources of new crude to market despite the holdup of a portion of the Keystone pipeline expansion.

Bank of America offering up to $30,000 for short sales

Bank of America is offering some struggling homeowners payments of up to $30,000 if they sell their homes in a short sale and avoid ending up in foreclosure.

J.C. Penney stock sinks on falling sales

J.C. Penney gave investors two reasons to ditch the stock: the retailer said Tuesday that it is suspending its dividend and that sales are dropping dramatically.

GM to stop advertising on Facebook

General Motors said Tuesday that it will stop paid advertising on Facebook.

JPMorgan Investors Sue Over Trading Loss

The latest in the JPM trading mess: Shareholders are suing Jamie Dimon and other executives.

Elon Musk's Countdown: What's At Stake For Him And SpaceX?

If there was a chance to take a trip to Mars in your lifetime, would you go? Elon Musk, CEO and founder of Space Exploration Technologies (better known as SpaceX), has this dream. Listen to Musk for a few minutes and he talks of sending thousands, and eventually millions, of people to Mars. Founded in 2002, California-based SpaceX makes flight to space and building rockets a private endeavor. Watching the company develop and attempt its first missions seems similar to what it might have been like watching Howard Hughes get planes off the ground.

"Slave-like" Conditions For Young Brazilian Soccer Players

Last month, a judge in Brazil ordered Rio de Janeiro club Vasco da Gama to close certain youth training facilities. This was in response to the death of a??boy at an off-the-books training camp in Itaguai, an hour west of Rio.??The judge??called the conditions??"slave-like," and reports have cited extremely poor nutrition, cramped and dirty living ...

E*Trade Settles Auction Rate Securities Case But The Product Keeps On Giving Grief

ARS - the product that keeps on giving, until it hurts, and then it gives some more.

New 'The Last Of Us' Trailer Shows Our Heroes Not Quite Alone, Still Forsaken

?The darkness is falling, the sky has turned gray A hound in the distance is starting to bay I wonder, I wonder ? what she's thinking of Forsaken, forgotten ? without any love.? ~ lyrics from ?Alone and Forsaken? by Hank Williams Trailer after the leap? The latest trailer for Naughty Dog?s upcoming The Last ...

6 Online Safety Tips for Women

By Mitzi Perdue WeNews correspondent Wednesday, May 16, 2012 Cybercriminals may be ?spear phishing? your Facebook or Twitter account. A gorgeous PowerPoint attachment may harbor a malicious program. Women are more vulnerable to online security breaches, so here are a few words from the Web-wise. ? (WOMENSENEWS) ? ?Celebrating my birthday tonight at Alfredo?s!? If ...

Facebook: Facing the Facts

Is the upcoming Facebook offering a $100 billion sucker bet? As the mainstream media amps up the hype like a bunch of teenagers partying in a house their parents have left for the weekend, there are signs that millions may be suckered into a vortex of vertiginous investing. Facebook could very well be valued more ...

Herbalife Rallies As Market Waits To See If Einhorn Will Tip His Hand

Hedge funder could make the short case for nutritional products seller Wednesday.

Skechers Proves We Need Clinical Trials Of Running Shoes

Skechers will pay $40 million to settle allegations by the Federal Trade Commission that its adds deceived consumers about the health benefits of "Shape-Ups" shoes.

Facebook Ads, Google Ads, GM And Advertising That Doesn't Work

Facebook Ads are not working for GM (General Motors). So what. Those advertisements must be working for someone, somewhere or the internet juggernaut would not be on track for the much talked about Facebook IPO. Here's the reality: Internet advertising, or any advertising, is a numbers game just like playing in a casino. If you ...

Wednesday Sector Laggards: Water Utilities, Paper & Forest Products

In trading on Wednesday, water utilities shares were relative laggards, down on the day by about [...]

Wednesday 5/16 Insider Buying Report: BECN, BOX

As the saying goes, there are many possible reasons for an insider to sell a stock, but only one [...]

With Your Costco Membership You Can Now Get A Mortgage Loan Too

Costco is merely a bridge between customers and the lenders, and it will leverage its huge customer base and wide presence to market this program.

Chico's, Target Announce Earnings

Chico?s (CHS) announced that it earned $53.6 million, or 32 cents per share in its most recent fiscal quarter, versus $45.9 million, or 26 cents per share, in the same period last year, beating analyst estimates of 30 cents per share. Revenue increased by 21 percent to $650.8 million, beating estimates of $628.1 million. The ...

Just Because Facebook Ads Don't Work For GM Doesn't Mean They Don't Work

If Aaron Sorkin had written a sequel to "The Social Network" that followed the Facebook saga all the way up through its IPO, what happened Tuesday would have been panned by critics as a melodramatic, contrived plot twist.

Groupon Can Reach $14 With A Focus On New Offerings

The stock jumped nearly 40% since Groupon announced its earnings, which seems to have improved as it clamps down on expenses and focuses on growing its core deals business while exploiting growth opportunities in other channels.

Top Buys by Top Brass: SVP Veltmaat's $194.3K Bet on AGCO

A company?s own top management tend to have the best inside view into the business, so when company officers make major buys, investors are wise to take notice. Presumably the only reason an insider would take their hard-earned cash and use it to buy stock of their company in the open market, is that they ...

Chipotle's Got The Right Stuff Amid FDA Scrutinty On Animal Antibiotics

If this rule is a harbinger of things to come, restaurants like Chipotle Mexican Grill, which boasts of natural ingredients in its food are bound to benefit as an improved image in the eyes of the customers could be the ultimate pay off.

Top 10th Percentile Ranked Dividend Stock AIZ Enters Oversold Territory

The DividendRank formula at Dividend Channel ranks a coverage universe of thousands of dividend stocks, according to a proprietary formula designed to identify those stocks that combine two important characteristics ??? strong fundamentals and a valuation that looks inexpensive. Assurant Inc (NYSE: AIZ) presently has a stellar rank, in the top 10% of the coverage ...

Ferreting Out Undervalued Small Caps

The Aston/Herndon Large Cap Value Fund (AHRNX) focuses on Russell 1000 stocks trading at a discount relative to their fundamentals. Manager Randy Cain talks about his methodology, and why he believes the fund makes sense for investors seeking dynamic large-cap exposure.

Greek banks see steady deposits outflow

Athens-based bankers warn that bank withdrawals may accelerate amid concerns over the failure of political leaders to form a coalition government

Hollande urges action to stimulate growth

New French president was soaked during a street walkabout, then was forced to turn back to Paris to change aircraft after lightning hit his plane

IMF praises Italy’s economic progress

Annual assessment of economy finds many positives but warns that more reforms are needed to stimulate growth

Romney continues march towards nomination

Former Massachusetts governor and private equity executive wins Nebraska and Oregon as he focuses on the ‘prairie fire of debt ... sweeping the nation’

Taylor claims ‘conspiracy’ in war crimes trial

Former Liberian president Charles Taylor tells The Hague’s Special Court for Sierra Leone that the US foreign policy wanted him removed as leader

Mladic genocide trial opens in The Hague

Prosecutors begin proceedings by promising to link the former Bosnian Serb commander to atrocities committed by his forces in the 1992-95 war

EU to push for binding investor pay votes

Barnier’s initiative would hand bank shareholders voting power to curb ‘morally indefensible’ pay and limit the gap between the lowest and highest paid

Iraqi bourse reflects recovery struggle

The Baghdad Stock Exchange is battling to grow amid investor nerves, a stagnant listings market and an economy badly damaged by conflict

Chinese activist tells Congress of beatings

Chen Guangcheng says members of his family have been attacked by local government ‘thugs’ and criminal charges against his nephew are ‘trumped up’

US and Russia urged to slash nuclear arms

A former senior general has called for an 80% cut to help encourage smaller atomic powers to engage in multilateral arms control negotiations

Facebook to sell 25% more shares

Facebook says it will sell 25% more shares than first planned in its forthcoming flotation in response to strong demand.

Bank warns of euro crisis 'storm'

The Bank of England warns that the eurozone is "tearing itself apart" with the "storm" threatening the UK recovery, as it cuts its forecast for growth this year.

Euro at four-month low on Greece

The euro hits a fresh four-month low against the dollar as political uncertainty in Greece fuels speculation it could leave the single currency.

Greeks withdraw cash on euro fear

Greeks withdrew 700m euros ($894m; £560m) from banks in the week ending on Monday, according to the Greek president.

Results delay hits Bankia shares

Shares in Bankia, the part-nationalised Spanish bank, fall more than 10% after it delays the release of its first quarter results.

HTC shares dip on shipment delay

Shares of Taiwan's HTC fall after US customs officials hold up shipments of its new smartphones over a patent dispute.

Japan banks forecast tough year

Japan's biggest banks expect a tough year ahead, with two of the top three forecasting falls in profits as domestic demand for loans dampens.

Sina swings to loss on expenses

Sina Corp, China's largest internet portal and media website, posts a loss in the first three months of the year.

UK unemployment falls by 45,000

UK unemployment fell by 45,000 to 2.63 million in the three months to March, according to the Office for National Statistics.

EU agrees strict new bank rules

The European Union agrees strict new rules for banks, intended to make them safer and eliminate the need for future bailouts.

JPMorgan's Dimon wins pay backing

The head of JPMorgan Chase, the biggest US bank, is backed by shareholders days after it revealed a $2bn (£1.2bn) trading blunder.

Greece pays bond swap hold-outs

Greece agrees to pay off some of the investors who rejected its bond swap earlier this year.

Eurozone economy avoids recession

The eurozone avoids returning to recession after recording zero economic growth in the first three months of the year, figures show.

'Royal' diamond sells for $9.7m

A 35-carat diamond passed among Europe's royalty for four centuries, the Beau Sancy, sells for twice its reserve at auction in Switzerland.

VIDEO: China's 'instant' building

Company in China specialises in building modular high buildings in short time frames.

US April retail sales in slowdown

US retail sales barely grew in April, rising 0.1% compared with a gain of 0.7% the month before, while consumer prices stayed unchanged.

Colombia-US trade pact in force

A free trade agreement between the US and Colombia takes effect five years after being signed, with Colombian flowers the first goods to be sent.

Best Buy loses second top boss

The founder of US electronics retailer Best Buy is leaving after it was found he knew the chief executive was having an affair but did not disclose it.

Osborne: Greek euro talk damaging

Open speculation about whether Greece can remain a member of the eurozone is "damaging" for the whole of Europe, Chancellor George Osborne says.

Euro industrial output falls back

Industrial production in the eurozone fell by 0.3% in March, figures show, fuelling concerns that the bloc has returned to recession.

Fresh blow to Greek cabinet talks

A fresh blow is dealt to Greek coalition talks with the moderate Democratic Left party confirming it will not join pro-bailout parties.

Africa 'must boost food output'

The United Nations Development Programme says Africa needs to boost agricultural productivity if it is to sustain its economic boom.

Africa foreign investment surges

Africa received its largest ever share of global foreign direct investment (FDI) last year, according to an Ernst and Young survey.

Trade fair in Zimbabwe boycotted

India and Russia boycott a major international trade fair in Zimbabwe in protest against the country's policy of taking control of foreign companies.

India to cut Iran oil imports 11%

India says it will cut imports of Iranian oil by 11% in the current financial year as it continues to face pressure from the US.

Bharti Airtel faces investigation

Telecoms giant Bharti Airtel is being investigated for money laundering and violations of foreign exchange rules by Indian authorities, a minister says.

JAL profits boosted by cost cuts

Japan Airlines, which went bankrupt two years ago, posts an annual net profit of 186.6bn yen ($2.3bn; £1.5bn) thanks to cost cuts.

IPL suspends 'corrupt' players

India's cricket authorities suspend five IPL players who are being investigated for corruption after a sting by undercover TV reporters.

Reading takeover still 'ongoing'

Russian tycoon Anton Zingarevich's takeover of Reading is still not completed, two months after the original target date.

Aviva to host 2013 Heineken final

Next season's Heineken Cup final will be staged at the Aviva Stadium while Dublin will also host the Amlin Challenge Cup decider.

Welcome to the social revolution

The social web and mobile technologies have accelerated the rate at which relationships develop, information is shared and influence takes hold, says Salesforce.com's Marc Benioff

HTML5 takes the internet by storm

Companies are embracing HTML5 to let them create visually-interesting and interactive websites and apps, says Ian Hardy

How to hack your workplace

Hacking work means breaking the rules to net you greater efficiency from the working systems you're stuck with, to those systems for everyone, says Josh Klein.

Viewpoint: Why New York City is best for small businesses

As part of our continuing series looking at starting up and running businesses around the world, Rob Walsh, commissioner of the New York City Department of Small Business Services, explains the situation in his city, and the work of his department.

US scientists who mean business

Ever more academics and scientists in the US are honing their entrepreneurial skills.

Help wanted! Silicon Valley's hiring crunch

A technological start-up firm makes it big by keeping its recruits happy.

Flight delay payments move closer

Airlines are likely to be told they must pay compensation to passengers whose flights are delayed by three hours or more.

Mortgage lending 'jumps in March'

There was a big rise in mortgage lending in March, as the stamp duty holiday for first-time buyers came to an end, lenders say.

Work days lost to sickness down

The number of working days lost to sickness fell again in 2011, the Office for National Statistics has said.

VIDEO: Facebook 'unlikely to crack China'

China's largest internet portal Sina Corp has posted a loss for the first three months of 2012.

VIDEO: Perfume market's whiff of success

Consumers in the Middle East spend five times as much on perfume as their European counterparts, but international companies are starting to compete with local oud-makers.

VIDEO: India attempts to prop up rupee

The Indian central bank has been intervening in currency markets to buy the rupee, after it sank to a five month low against the US dollar.

AUDIO: 'Sheer chaos' if Greece leaves euro

What are the economic implications of the decision to leave or stay in the eurozone that Greece has to make? Andrew Balls, of PIMCO, a global investment firm, and Carsten Brzeski from ING bank in Brussels, debate the question.

VIDEO: India tries to prop up currency

The Indian central bank has been intervening in currency markets to buy the rupee, after it sank to a five month low against the US dollar.

VIDEO: Euro contagion fears for Europe?

The BBC's Aaron Heslehurst on fears of euro exit contagion across Europe - and India's central bank steps in to prop up the rupee.

AUDIO: 'We are not planning for a Greek exit'

Guy Verhofstadt, former prime minister of Belgium, and Richard Corbett, adviser to the president of the European Council, debate Greece and the future of the Eurozone.

VIDEO: Malaysian focus on palm oil jobs

Stockpiles of Malaysia's most important export, palm oil, have fallen to their lowest level in a year because of subdued demand.

Dual identities of a princeling

The dual identities of Bo Xilai's brother

What's wrong with Air India?

Problems run deep in India's national airline

My Business: Taking to the skies in Ukraine

Running an aerial tour business above Kiev

Clot-Fighting Drug Plavix Set to Lose Patent Protection

DealBook: Facebook Increases Number of Shares for I.P.O.

Wall Street Edges Ahead

Rebound in Housing Starts

DealBook: As One JPMorgan Trader Sold Risky Contracts, Another One Bought Them

Skechers to Pay Fine Over Shoes Claims

States Diverting Mortgage Settlement Money to Other Uses

Shift by U.S. Muddles Solar Imports Case

Pepsi and Competitors Scramble as Soda Sales Drop

DealBook: Credit Suisse's Sim to Depart as Global Head of M.&A.

DealBook: Third Point Increases Its Yahoo Stake

Lower Economic Growth Seen for Britain

DealBook: K.K.R. Said to Be in Talks to Buy Stake in Prisma Capital

Economic Scene: Leaving the Euro May Be Better Than the Alternative

Today's Economist: Casey B. Mulligan: When a Spending Cut Can Be Like a Tax Increase

The Trade: Big Questions Left Unanswered in JPMorgan Loss

Small-Business Guide: Small-Business Owners Face a Transition After the Sale

Thinking Entrepreneur: The High Cost of Bad Hiring

Advertising: Broadcasters Pitch Programming for Hispanics - Advertising

Economix Blog: Finding More Success Than Your Parents

Degrees of Debt: Colleges Begin to Confront Higher Costs and Students’ Debt

BUSINESS: House Advantage: The Sure Thing

Skechers, in wake of FTC settlement, defends toning shoe claims - Los Angeles Times

Stocks get a boost from US economic data - CNN

Cheers as murder appeal man bailed - The Press Association

Draghi: Greece Should Stay In Euro Zone - Wall Street Journal

Oil down, ECB move on Greece drags after US data - CNBC.com

King: the eurozone is tearing itself apart - Telegraph.co.uk

Congress considers threats from airport employees

FBI's Mueller Confirms JPMorgan Preliminary Probe - Fox Business

Treasury 10-Year Note Pares Loss on Report of ECB Greek Steps - San Francisco Chronicle

JPMorgan: Let the shareholder lawsuits begin; two are filed - USA TODAY

42 years later, Vietnam War hero to receive Medal of Honor

Greeks Continue to Pull Bank Savings - Wall Street Journal

Deere 2Q Net Rises 17% On Continued Farm Strength - Wall Street Journal

Marie Colvin: A life 'defined by humanity' - BBC News

Retail demand may inflate Facebook IPO price - Financial Times

Defense rests without testimony from Edwards or his mistress

Fears over Greece's political and financial crisis

Noonan: Rejecting EU treaty dangerous for Ireland

Stocks inch higher but worries about Europe linger

Shareholders sue JPMorgan over $2B trading loss

ECB stops operations with some Greek banks: sources

IMF: Italy has made remarkable progress

UK judge: Kazakh banker can appeal while hiding

Police temporarily clear Frankfurt Occupy camp

In Florida, Romney trashes Obama on economy

Liverpool axe Dalglish - club statement in full and Kenny's response - Belfast Telegraph

Housing, industrial data point to steady growth

FBI's Mueller confirms JPMorgan preliminary probe

Court official to be appointed Greek interim PM

Greece vote is about its future in Europe, euro: Germany - Economic Times

Southwest Airlines doubles buyback and dividend

California kayaker claims great white shark rolled him over

Anger, drama at Ratko Mladic's genocide trial

Anger, drama at Ratko Mladic's genocide trial - The Associated Press

Skechers to pay $40 million over deceptive ads

Boy guilty of murdering Steven Grisales in conkers row - BBC News

Apple readies iPhone with bigger screen: sources

AIG to sell AIA shares after lock-up ends in September

U.S. stocks trim gains, euro falls on ECB talk

McCain adviser who vetted Palin weighs in on VP process

Facebook investors to cash out more shares

Skechers agrees to $40M settlement over shoe ads

Mladic taunts survivors at start of genocide trial

Crews try to stop AZ blaze from crossing fire line

Skechers will pay $40M for false shoe ads

Euro crisis leaves door open for more BoE easing

Saudis, soaring costs may keep oil above $100

Analysis: Key to Universal-EMI decision: Has music business lost control?

Conservative MPs are voting for 1922 committee executive - BBC News

Facebook boosts IPO size by 25 percent, could top $16 billion