Wall Street headed for a lower open Wednesday, sobered by aluminum producer Alcoa Inc.‘s decision to slash jobs and production to navigate through the global downturn.

Asian stocks have extended their new year’s rally on hopes that U.S. stimulus measures will help speed the world’s economic recovery.

Wall Street headed for a moderately higher open Tuesday, regaining its momentum ahead of a fresh round of readings on the service sector, factory orders and pending home sales.

Wall Street proceeded warily into the first full week of 2009, trading mixed in premarket activity Monday ahead of readings on auto sales and construction spending.

Investor hopes for 2009 may have been buoyed by stimulus plans in the U.S. and elsewhere as Asian stock markets rose strongly Monday morning.

Oil prices rose above $47 a barrel Monday in Asia as a ground offensive by Israeli troops against Hamas militants in Gaza heightened tensions in the oil-rich Middle East.

World stock markets kicked off the new trading year brightly Friday as European and Asian indexes rose, though trading volumes remained light with many traders not back at their desks until next week.

The recipient of a $45 billion infusion from the federal government, Citigroup Inc. on Wednesday said it would place strict limits on management’s compensation, including no severance for its top five executives.

The last trading day of 2008 on Wall Street provided a merciful end to an abysmal year - the worst since the Great Depression, wiping out $6.9 trillion in stock market wealth.

Iraq’s oil minister says 10 undeveloped or underdeveloped gas and oil fields will be offered in its second licensing round beginning Wednesday.

Oil prices hovered near $40 a barrel Tuesday in Asia on investor concerns the conflict between Israel and Hamas could further heighten tensions in the oil-rich Middle East.

Wall Street appeared headed for a flat opening Wednesday ahead of data on jobs and consumer spending that are expected to show more weakness.

The government unveiled a bold plan Sunday to rescue troubled Citigroup, including taking a $20 billion stake in the firm as well as guaranteeing hundreds of billions of dollars in risky assets.

    NEW YORK (AP) - Wall Street looked to open lower Tuesday after
homebuilder Toll Brothers Inc. said it couldn’t project a profit
for 2009 and Starbucks Corp. reported earnings missed Wall Street
expectations.

    HONG KONG (AP) - Stock markets in Asia declined and European
markets opened lower today as the luster wore off China’s nearly
$600 billion bailout of its own economy.

The government is providing new financial
assistance to troubled insurance giant American International
Group, including pouring $40 billion into the company in return for
partial ownership.

China’s announcement of a major economic
stimulus may ripple all the way to Wall Street.

The results came in well above Wall Street’s expectations. Shares jumped $3.33, or 6.2 percent, to $57.20 in aftermarket electronic trading. The stock finished the regular session down $1.99, or 3.6 percent, to $53.87.

Bernard Sands, a credit reporting company that advises manufacturers whether to ship goods to retailers, has pulled it recommendation from Circuit City Stores Inc. after the company reported last week $239 million in losses for the second quarter.

The move is part of the company’s announcement last week, that it has launched a comprehensive review in order to operate as a standalone business while it continues to explore strategic alternatives.

But Wachovia Securities spokesman says analyst’s report is just speculation

J. Alfred Broaddus Jr. says the severity is equal to the savings and loans crisis of the late 1980s and early 1990s

Lehman Brothers says it will sell a majority stake in its prized investment management business and spin off its commercial real estate operations.

Ralph Torning, an international trade manager for the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, said companies are short-changing themselves if they don’t export their products and services to other countries

Shareholders as of Sept. 15 will receive a dividend Oct. 10 of 32 cents per share, up from 29 cents.

Henrico-based firm’s $1.52 closing price is lowest in 20 years

Broker, mutual funds may be put on block after loss, says CEO

Marshall N. Morton, the company’s president and chief executive officer, blamed the results on a weakening economy and a continued challenging business environment in the publishing division.

James River Coal Co. is acquiring nearly 20 million tons of central Appalachian coal reserves from Cheyenne Resources Inc.

Investor Mark J. Wattles expects an announcement from one of the three companies to be made within a month.