Daily Outlook - December 29

U.S. employers expect to hire more new workers in 2010 than they did in 2009, a sign the U.S. recession may be easing its grip, research showed on Tuesday. See full article.

Morgan Stanley to overhaul pay for top execs: report

Morgan Stanley plans to overhaul pay plans for its top executives, deferring more of their compensation over time and benchmarking pay against rival firms, the Wall Street Journal reported Monday, citing people familiar with the matter. See full article.

Outgoing AIG counsel to get millions in severance pay

American International Group Inc is preparing to pay its departing general counsel several million dollars in severance after she resigned over federal pay curbs, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday. See full article.

Facebook, Twitter top list of weird stories in 2009

From the German town that unwittingly advertised pornography on its website to the American who interrupted his wedding to update his Facebook and Twitter accounts, the world was full of weird stories in 2009. See full article.

GM plans to rush Pontiac, Saturn sales

General Motors Co is offering huge incentives to its dealers to speed up the sales of leftover inventory from its Saturn and Pontiac brands, that can push up the automaker's December sales, the Wall Street Journal said. See full article.

Microsoft pegs China search market as top priority

China is a vital market for Microsoft's Web search business, as it chases leaders Baidu Inc and Google in the world's biggest Internet market, the world's largest software maker said. See full article.