China, the world's top soy importer, has accused the United States of exporting substandard soybeans even as its own exports come under growing scrutiny abroad over safety concerns.
Stocks were heading for a higher open on Wednesday on optimism about renewed deal activity and speculation the Federal Reserve might cut its benchmark interest rate to calm turbulent markets.
U.S. stocks rose to session highs on Tuesday after a U.S. lawmaker said the Federal Reserve chairman pledged to use all available tools to calm financial markets, increasing speculation about a rate cut. U.S. crude oil futures fell below $70 a barrel, pushing up airline stocks like the parent of American Airlines, AMR Corp., up nearly 7 percent at $23.73. It was the first time oil has fallen below $70 since July 2.
Stocks were little changed on Monday as investors mulled the likelihood of more Federal Reserve action after Friday's surprise cut in the rate at which banks borrow from it.
U.S. index futures pointed to a firmer start on Wall Street on Monday, building on gains in the previous session after the Federal Reserve cut the discount rate it charges banks, and with little scheduled news on the agenda.
Retailer Toys R Us on Friday said it removed all Hamco Inc.'s vinyl baby bibs, which were made in China, from its shelves as a precaution after an independent tester found two samples of bibs containing excessive amounts of lead.
U.S. stocks rose on Friday after the Federal Reserve cut the discount rate at which it lends to banks in a surprise move to keep worsening credit conditions from hurting the economy.
The United States cannot renegotiate a historic nuclear energy deal with India which has drawn strong criticism from politicians in New Delhi, the main U.S. negotiator said in remarks published on Friday.
Stocks surged on Friday to end a turbulent week after the Federal Reserve cut the discount rate it charges banks in an emergency move to stabilize credit markets and keep the economy on track. World stock markets have fallen sharply, with investors fleeing riskier assets as problems in U.S. subprime mortgage lending spread rapidly in other credit markets .
The U.S. mortgage meltdown has crushed dozens of lenders and is causing severe liquidity problems at the largest, Countrywide Financial Corp.
Relations between the United States and Europe are likely to improve dramatically under new French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, a U.S. congressional leader said on Thursday.
Beijing objects to an attempt by the United States to use the World Trade Organization to impose new obligations on China to crack down on pirated goods, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.
The United States sealed a deal on Thursday to provide Israel with $30 billion in defense grants over the next decade, a 25 percent boost that Washington describes as strengthening a regional bulwark against Iran.
Stocks dropped sharply on Thursday as fears grew that deteriorating credit market conditions may deal a blow to economic expansion.
U.S. stocks fell on Wednesday, with the S&P 500 wiping out what was left of its 2007 gains, as credit jitters sparked a broad stock market sell-off. Shares of Countrywide Financial Corp. fell 16.2 percent to $20.51 on the rumors that the largest U.S. mortgage company has been unable to raise money from the commercial paper market. Countrywide officials were not immediately available for comment.
Most U.S. voters think the economy is in fair shape, at best, and will grow at a slow pace over the next six months, according to a Reuters/Zogby poll released on Wednesday.
U.S. stocks skidded on Tuesday on fresh signs that global credit markets were seizing up, while a lower profit forecast from Wal-Mart Stores Inc. renewed worries about consumer spending. Wal-Mart's pessimistic outlook and subsequent news that a U.S. investment firm wants to halt redemptions delivered a one-two punch to already shaky confidence.
Stock index futures were little changed on Tuesday before data on inflation that could shed light on the Federal Reserve's next move in dealing with a deteriorating credit environment.
Stocks edged higher on Monday after central banks pumped more cash into the global financial system and a report showed U.S. consumers spent more freely than expected last month.
Noisy protests against a historic but controversial nuclear energy deal between India and the United States disrupted the Indian parliament on Monday as lawmakers demanded the government cancel the agreement.
Stock index futures signaled a rebound on Wall Street on Monday after gains in overseas markets and data showing U.S. retail sales grew last month, reassuring investors about consumer spending.
U.S. stock index futures signaled a further decline on Wall Street on Friday as concerns about the impact of losses related to U.S. subprime mortgages stoked flight from global equity markets.
