AP - Housing construction, which hit a six-month high in January, likely slipped in February, reflecting in part the major snowstorms that hit many parts of the country. The housing industry in good times is a major generator of jobs and economic growth.

Oliver Stone is suddenly America’s hottest market timer, as well as the voice of the inner “American Soul,” warning investors of a collapse. Remember the Crash of 1987? One-day 23% drop. Happened just before his 1987 “Wall Street” film hit the theaters.

Say goodbye to free-agent nation. The recession is driving more American workers to become workplace “nesters," sheltering from the storm that is now the job market by staying with the same employer for as long as possible, according to a study released Tuesday by consulting firm Towers Watson.

Generations of working mothers have learned how to stay professionally relevant and avoid income shocks despite the résumé gaps that can come along with a new baby. With millions of jobs lost since the recession began, and fierce competition for open spots, mothers may be in a great position to offer some needed advice.

The avenues for investors to make bets on the direction of the Federal Reserve's interest rates are increasing as more retail investors and day traders get involved in futures, analysts say.

Switzerland has deftly managed to sidestep much of Europe’s crisis-laden period, but its central bank and some companies are facing battle on another front as investors drive up its currency.

All kinds of stories are written describing the many aspects of health-care reform, but few are written about how Americans react and respond to the idea. To close that gap a bit, we examine below the public’s response to some significant elements of the health-care debate.

While the new rules might clarify the steps of the process, it’s hard to believe short sales will happen much faster, at least in the current lending environment.

The Motley Fool - It's been a long row to hoe since the economy entered the Great Recession. Even though the recovery seems to be under way, there's still a way to go until the economy returns to normal. Take a peek at the latest economic activity: On the plus side, February's retail sales rose by a better-than-expected 0.3%, despite the major snowstorms that blanketed parts of the nation and kept people off the roads. Aeropostale (NYSE: ARO - News), J.Crew (NYSE: JCG - News), and Nordstrom (NYSE: JWN - News) all posted good-looking quarters recently. ...

AP - Gov. Pat Quinn refused to say Monday whether he has a plan to avoid deep cuts in education if lawmakers resist his call to raise the state income tax.

Short sales are a valuable tool for struggling homeowners, but they’ve been notoriously difficult to complete, with buyers and sellers often playing a long waiting game before hearing back from lenders.

Short sales are a valuable tool for struggling homeowners, but they’ve been notoriously difficult to complete, with buyers and sellers often playing a long waiting game before hearing back from lenders.

U.S. News & World Report - Few Americans are saving enough to finance a retirement that could last 30 years or more. Workers who haven't accumulated enough to maintain their current standard of living have two choices: delay retirement or learn to live on less money. Those willing to put in a little effort to downsize big and small expenses may be able to get by just fine with a smaller retirement stash. Here are some frugal strategies retirees can employ to stretch their nest eggs:

The Motley Fool - The Nasdaq 100, a tech-heavy index, finished last week up 1.89% to close at 1,924.43. Techs are rallying at a notable time: Wednesday marked the 10-year anniversary of the bursting of the dot-com bubble.

National-team managers carry the dreams of millions to South Africa for the World Cup, kicking off in June. The coach's job is a whirlwind: exhilirating and unpredictable. For most, alas, it's also a can't-win affair.

National-team managers carry the dreams of millions to South Africa for the World Cup, kicking off in June. The coach's job is a whirlwind: exhilirating and unpredictable. For most, alas, it's also a can't-win affair.

All kinds of stories are written describing the many aspects of health-care reform, but few are written about how Americans react and respond to the idea. To close that gap a bit, we examine below the public’s response to some significant elements of the health-care debate.

AP - Paul Goulet hopes Connecticut will help him get from under nearly $8,000 he's borrowed for college after losing his job in a paper manufacturing plant.

Investors starved for yield continue to stuff cash into exchange-traded funds that target municipal bonds, even as the prospect of higher interest rates and credit downgrades loom over the sector.

Investors starved for yield continue to stuff cash into exchange-traded funds that target municipal bonds, even as the prospect of higher interest rates and credit downgrades loom over the sector.