Tumbling energy and materials stocks launched the markets to session lows, with the Dow sinking more than 200 points and the broad S&P 500 shedding 2.2%, as traders grappled with economic fears and a soaring greenback. Read More

NEW YORK – The U.S. inched a step closer on Wednesday to having its coveted AAA rating lowered.Moody's Investors Service said it placed the government’s AAA bond rating on “review for possible downgrade.” Moody's Puts U.S. Ratings on Review for Downgrade By Dunstan Prial Published July 13, 2011  FOXBusiness NEW YORK –  The U.S. inched a step closer on Wednesday to having its coveted AAA rating lowered.Moody's Investors Service said it placed the government’s AAA bond rating… Read More

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said on Wednesday the central bank is ready to ease monetary policy further if the economy weakens and inflation moves lower, suggesting policymakers are actively mulling further stimulus. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said on Wednesday the central bank is ready to ease monetary policy further if the economy weakens and inflation moves lower, suggesting policymakers are actively mulling further stimulus. "The possibility remains… Read More