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U.S. homebuilder sentiment in August rose to its highest level in over a year, a private survey showed on Monday, adding to mounting evidence that the housing market and economic recession were leveling out.

The euro hit a two-week low against the dollar and neared a one-month trough against the yen on Monday as world stock markets fell and doubts about a U.S. recovery prompted investors to cut exposure to risk.

Health insurer Humana Inc posted a higher-than-expected quarterly profit as an improved performance in its Medicare plans for the elderly offset a decline in earnings from its business serving employers.

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan filed suit on Friday against Wells Fargo & Co , accusing the second-largest mortgage lender of steering blacks and Latinos into high-cost subprime loans.

Health insurer WellPoint Inc posted higher-than-expected quarterly profit on Wednesday, but its shares dropped 4.1 percent as revenue missed analysts' estimates and the company failed to increase its full-year earnings forecast.

U.S. home prices rose in May for the first time in three years, suggesting the housing market is stabilizing, but a weakening job market hit consumer confidence in July and could prevent near-term economic recovery.

Bank of America Corp said on Tuesday it plans to modestly reduce the size of its U.S. branch network over the next three to five years, but does not have plans to eliminate 10 percent of its branches.

Citigroup Inc said it has appointed three new directors and installed a new chief to oversee its retail banking unit, addressing criticism that it lacks enough leaders with commercial banking experience.

Wells Fargo & Co and other major U.S. banks said the troubled economy drove big increases in loan losses, reducing second-quarter earnings.

U.S. Banks confront losses, Morgan Stanley's Woes, Big Pharma Beats Expectations

Japan hinted on Wednesday it might do more to ease credit and Britain awaits more data before doing the same, while disappointing earnings from Morgan Stanley and Wells Fargo tempered optimism Wall Street can extend its recent rally.

Wells Fargo said on Wednesday the loan losses increased in the second quarter as borrowers battled to keep their payments up to date. The bank dropped as much as 7.6 percent in New York trading.

Stocks seesawed on Wednesday as disappointing quarterly results from top banks sparked caution over the health of financials, though sentiment rose after a robust earnings report from Apple Inc .

Wells Fargo & Co on Wednesday said quarterly profit increased 47 percent as strong mortgage banking results and the acquisition of Wachovia Corp offset rising credit losses.

U.S. oilfield services company BJ Services Co (BJS.N) reported a quarterly net loss on Tuesday as oil and gas producers ratcheted back activity in response to weaker oil and gas prices.

Several Wall Street analysts on Monday gave a mixed 2009 outlook for Citigroup Inc (C.N) and Bank of America Corp (BAC.N), after the U.S. banks on Friday reported a surge in second-quarter loan losses despite posting profits for the period.

Bank of America Corp and Citigroup Inc raised huge red flags on Friday with quarterly results that suggested the U.S. consumer remains sorely injured as the global recession drags on.

Many of CIT Group Inc's businesses, including trade and transportation finance, could be of interest to potential buyers as the commercial lender stares at the possibility of bankruptcy.

U.S. home builder sentiment in July jumped to its highest level since September as improved sales conditions boosted confidence in the market for new single-family homes, an industry group said on Thursday.

The biggest U.S. banks, including Wells Fargo & Co. and Bank of America Corp., JP Morgan Chase and Citibank announced plans to stop exchanging the registered warrants for cash after Friday.

California IOU recipients can turn to credit unions and check-cashing storefronts if a state budget deal does not appear by Friday and if three major banks refuse to accepting the notes beyond Friday as planned, analysts said on Tuesday.

Wells Fargo & Co will announce an expansion in its securities business, the Wall Street Journal reported on its website.

U.S. home-builder sentiment slipped in June, a private survey showed on Monday, as higher mortgage rates and an ongoing credit crunch dampened expectations for the sector.

U.S. homebuilder sentiment slipped in June, a private survey showed on Monday, as higher mortgage rates and an ongoing credit crunch damped expectations for the sector.

KKR Financial Holdings LLC, a debt fund managed by private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co, said a debtholder swapped $3 million of convertible notes for 1.18 million shares in the company.

Target Corp shareholders reelected its four incumbent directors, the retailer said on Thursday, dealing a defeat to activist investor William Ackman, who launched a heated proxy contest seeking five seats on its board.

American Express said Tuesday it would cut about 4,000 jobs, or 6 percent of its worldwide workforce, along with other reductions in spending, as the company said it was taking a “cautious outlook” as the economy moves toward a recovery.

American Express said Tuesday it would cut about 4,000 jobs, or 6 percent of its worldwide workforce, along with other reductions in spending, as the company said it was taking a “cautious outlook” as the economy moves toward a recovery.

American Express Co , the credit card and travel services company, on Monday said it plans to eliminate 4,000 jobs, or 6 percent of its workforce, as the weakened economy causes higher customer defaults.