UNITED STATES

Americans still expect inflation to remain stable, making it unlikely that recent spikes in commodity costs will lead to runaway increases in prices, a top Federal Reserve official said on Friday.

Brent crude jumped to a 32-month high above $125 on Friday as commodities climbed in unison on a weaker dollar after attacks on Libyan oil fields made long-term supply cuts more likely.

LAS VEGAS (Reuters Life!) - U.S. student Devin Valencia, the first member of her family to graduate from college, hopes others will do the same with her prizewinning idea for a Facebook application for finding financial aid.

Dueling views on the outlook for inflation and U.S. monetary policy by two top Federal Reserve officials on Friday underscored divisions at the central bank as it nears the end of a controversial stimulus program.

Investors chased materials and energy stocks on Friday in an otherwise lackluster start to Wall Street's last trading session before earnings season.

Investors chased materials and energy stocks on Friday in an otherwise lackluster start to Wall Street's last trading session before earnings season.

U.S. startup Fusion-io, backed by computing pioneers Steve Wozniak and Michael Dell, says it can outwit computer-storage incumbents like EMC which have too much invested in old technology.

Oil hit a 32-month high above $124 Friday after attacks on Libyan oil fields raised the prospect of long-term supply cuts, with commodities in general rising on optimism global economic recovery will fuel demand.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid told reporters on Friday that negotiators from the House and Senate attempting to avert a government shutdown had agreed to $38 billion in spending cuts for the current fiscal year, but it was unclear what would be done about Republican requests to defund Planned Parenthood and place new restrictions on the Environmental protection agency.

U.S. stocks rose slightly on Friday as investors speculated quarterly earnings would show continued growth, but volume was expected to be light.

LAS VEGAS (Reuters Life!) - U.S. student Devin Valencia, the first member of her family to graduate from college, hopes others will do the same with her prizewinning idea for a Facebook application for finding financial aid.

With another federal government shutdown looming around after 15 years in the United States, tourism centers and tourists are likely to be affected.

U.S. stock index futures pointed to a higher open on Friday as investors speculated quarterly earnings would show continued growth, but volume during the session was expected to be light.

U.S. securities regulators may ease constraints on share issues by private companies, making it easier for start-ups to raise money, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Israel believes Turkey is actively helping Iran to sidestep economic sanctions and has also turned a blind eye to Iranian weapons smuggling into Syria, according to leaked U.S. diplomatic cables published on Friday.

President Barack Obama said late Thursday that the federal government is starting to prepare for a shutdown and is seeking an early morning answer from Congressional negotiators on a possible budget deal.

Oil hit a 32-month high near $125 on Friday after attacks on Libyan oil fields raised the prospect of long-term supply cuts, with commodities in general rising on optimism global economic recovery will fuel demand.

Facing a midnight deadline, the White House and Congress worked furiously on Friday to break a budget deadlock and avoid a federal government shutdown, after President Barack Obama and congressional leaders failed to reach a deal in late-night talks.

U.S. stock index futures rose on Friday on higher commodity prices, although volume was expected to be light until investors get a look at the first earnings reports.

U.S. stock index futures rose on Friday, led by energy and material stocks, as optimism about increased economic demand pushed commodity prices higher.

U.S. stocks posted modest losses Thursday after another major earthquake rattled Japan's northeastern coast, but retailers climbed following surprisingly strong March sales.