Wed 31 Dec 2008 | 19:36 EST

Today on Reuters 

Trader Robert Vella (L) makes an entry in his portable computer on an almost empty trading floor after the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange in New York, December 31, 2008.  REUTERS/Ray Stubblebine

Wall St bets on bull year for 2009 7:07pm ET

After a year most investors would gladly forget, Wall Street is betting a new president and a fresh stimulus package will prod stocks higher in 2009.  Full Article 

Trader Robert Vella (L) makes an entry in his portable computer on an almost empty trading floor after the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange in New York, December 31, 2008.  REUTERS/Ray Stubblebine

Wall St bets on bull year for 2009 7:07pm ET

After a year most investors would gladly forget, Wall Street is betting a new president and a fresh stimulus package will prod stocks higher in 2009.  Full Article 

Patrick and Cynthia Goldrick pose with their children Erin (L) and Emily outside their home in Hampton Bays, New York, December 16, 2008.  REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton/Files

Crisis hits home 6:00 pm ET

How one family's perfect storm of bad luck eliminated the thin margin between their income and the mortgage payment and put them on the road to foreclosure.  Full Article | Audio Slideshow 

Protestors hold signs behind Richard Fuld, Chairman and Chief Executive of Lehman Brothers Holdings. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
Looking back at 2008

Our picks and yours of the top stories, pictures and videos of the year.   Full Coverage 

Migrant workers carry their bags as they leave Beijing Railway Station December 9, 2008.  REUTERS/Jason Lee
The rich-poor gap widens

China has done a remarkable job during the past 30 years of market reforms to lift hundreds of millions of people out of poverty -- but some have done better than others.  Full Article 

Diana Furchtgott-Roth
Heal your way to higher earnings

Forget a career on Wall Street. New research shows that earning a degree in healthcare paves the way to fatter salaries, and it's cost-effective too.  Commentary 

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Commodity Last Pct Chg Trade Date/Time
Oil 45.59 +11.93% 30 Dec 2008 19:00 EST
Gold 884.8 +1.71% 30 Dec 2008 19:00 EST
Year in Business

A look back at the memorable moments from 2008 in the world of finance.  Slideshow 

Signs marking the entrance to Wall Street are seen in New York October 6, 2008.
Crisis in Credit

Follow the financial crisis using our interactive video timeline. Track the global impact on our interactive map.  Full Coverage 

A combination of sale signs displayed in shop windows on the last weekend before Christmas on London's Oxford Street
Signs of the Times

The global recession manifests itself in big and small ways, most gloomy, some quirky and often reflecting the inventive human spirit.   Factbox 

Celebrating the New Year
3:53pm EST 
The world counts down to 2009 as New Year celebrations begin across the globe.
Israel rejects calls for ceasefire

Dec 31 - Israel rejects calls for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and stepped up preparations for a possible ground offensive.  Play Video

 
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