Geithner says need to keep stimulus on - Reuters - 28 minutes ago
U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said high unemployment rates show that economic recovery is still perilous and governments need to maintain stimulus as long as necessary to ensure sustained growth.

U.S. regulators close Gateway Bank, Prosperan Bank - Reuters - Fri 7:45 pm ET
Bank regulators closed Gateway Bank of St. Louis, in St. Louis, Missouri, and Prosperan Bank, of Oakdale, Minnesota, on Friday, the 118th and 119th U.S. bank to fail this year.

Freddie Mac posts $5 billion loss - Reuters - Fri 7:00 pm ET
Freddie Mac , the second largest provider of U.S. residential mortgage funding, on Friday posted a loss of $5 billion in the third quarter and predicted it would need more government support amid a "prolonged deterioration" in housing.

Stocks eye retailers as jobless ranks swell - Reuters - Fri 6:59 pm ET
As unemployment in the United States edges above 10 percent, anxious investors will look to earnings reports from major retailers for signs of life in the beaten-up consumer.

Berkshire Hathaway's net income triples - Reuters - Fri 6:47 pm ET
Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc on Friday said quarterly earnings tripled, as rising stock markets boosted its investment holdings and a quiet hurricane season contributed to higher insurance profit.

Blackstone profit tops view; sees more deals ahead - Reuters - Fri 6:42 pm ET
Private equity firm Blackstone Group LP posted a forecast-beating quarterly profit on Friday and said it is gearing up for more deals and IPOs as the lending and equity markets recover.

U.S. closes Home Federal Savings in Detroit - Reuters - Fri 6:42 pm ET
Bank regulators closed Home Federal Savings Bank, of Detroit, on Friday, the 117th U.S. bank to fail this year as deteriorating loans continue to take their toll on financial institutions.