ELECTIONS

Disappointing jobs growth in the U.S., together with shrinking manufacturing and services activity in the euro zone, had equities and commodities in retreat and bond yields down. News this weekend isn't likely to calm jitters, with elections in both Greece and France, which may get its first new socialist president since 1981.

Voter turnout was very low, at about 32 percent ? partially due to rainy weather -- the worst such figure since 2000

In some U.S. presidential election years, one issue dominates, and that's likely to be the case in 2012. The issue: jobs, and so far the Obama administration's policies have not created enough. President Barack Obama needs to find ways to create more jobs, if he hopes to be re-elected.

On the final day of campaigning in France's presidential election, French President Nicolas Sarkozy's socialist challenger Francois Hollande leads the incumbent by 6 percentage points before Sunday?s decisive poll.

The European Central Bank made a show of that organization's immense political and economic force Thursday, rattling world markets with news it had not even considered lowering benchmark euro lending rates and, more provocatively, having its top banker lecture European politicians on the eve of what are expected to be decisive election in two European countries.

Amid mutual political and economic pressures, the U.S. and China are pushing each other to change economic and trade policies seen by each side as being disadvantageous to trade and economic growth.

The French economy and immigration, as expected, dominated the clash.

The Republicans have a new message: the president of Hope and Change is now the president of Hype and Blame.

The euro (EUR) continues to weaken against the U.S. dollar (USD) due to growing concerns over the political and economic situations in the region, with the latest dismal data and elections in France and Greece likely to put further downward pressure on the single currency.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell says the Montana Supreme Court's decision to uphold a state law banning corporate involvement in elections flies in the face of the U.S. Supreme Court's Citizens United ruling.

A disappointing ADP Employer Services jobs report issued Wednesday, which showed a still-sluggish U.S. job market, drove U.S. and European markets down and signaled that a key report on employment at the end of the week could be grim.

Mali's military junta is hunting for opponents through the capital Bamako, in the third day of fighting with soldiers loyal to ousted president Amadou Toumani Toure.

Aung San Suu Kyi, an important long-time pro-democracy leader in Myanmar, was sworn into parliament on Wednesday -- a historic development and positive sign for democracy in the military-led country.

Le Pen?s refusal to support Sarkozy may lead many of her supporters to similarly boycott the election, which would likely hand a victory over to Hollande.

India's manufacturing activity improved in April compared to previous month, according to the HSBC flash Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) released Wednesday.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez departed for Cuba Monday, announcing that he would undergo further cancer treatment.

Charles Taylor's conviction at the Hague was important for Sierra Leone, but it represents only a single step in the country's long journey toward lasting peace.

Former opposition leader Tzipi Livni announced her resignation Tuesday from the Israeli parliament weeks after losing the leadership of the centrist Kadima Party.

During their historic first meeting, United Nations chief Ban Ki-moon praised Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi as a real leader (who) demonstrates flexibility for the greater cause of the people of a country.

The ultra-nationalist Chrysi Avgi (?Golden Dawn?) party ? which Greek and European media sometimes label as a Neo-Nazi organization -- is expected to gain 5 percent of the total vote, well above the 3 percent minimum required for entering parliament.

Mexico is close to ratifying a new law that will compensate the victims of organized crime, including the family members of kidnapped or missing persons.