Reuters - German industrial conglomerate Siemens AG (SIEGn.DE) plans to slash almost 17,000 jobs worldwide to speed up cost savings and boost margins as it prepares for a global economic downturn.

Reuters - Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said on Tuesday the U.S. central bank might keep open a lifeline to financial firms, while the latest data showed distress in the housing and retail sectors continues.

Reuters - Stocks were little changed in a seesaw session on Tuesday as a pullback in oil prices calmed inflation concerns and rekindled optimism about corporate profits but sent energy shares lower.

Reuters - Anheuser-Busch Cos Inc sued its suitor, InBev NV , calling the brewer's takeover attempt an "illegal plan and scheme" to acquire Anheuser "at a bargain price."

Reuters - Oil tumbled more than $5 on Tuesday, pushing losses so far this week to about $10, as forecasters said an Atlantic hurricane would steer clear of offshore oil platforms and the greenback gained against other currencies.

AFP - The US Federal Reserve and the Securities and Exchange Commission said Monday that they had agreed to deepen ties to better monitor cash-strapped banks which are reeling from a credit crunch.

AFP - Eight of the world's most powerful leaders called Tuesday for efforts to cool sizzling oil prices, warning soaring fuel and food costs were a threat to world economic growth.

Reuters - Mazda Motor Corp (7261.T) is confident it will achieve its U.S. sales target of 290,000 vehicles in the business year to next March despite a sharp downturn in that market, a top executive said on Tuesday.

Reuters - Stocks fell on Monday on concerns that the top two mortgage providers would have to raise even more capital, severely devaluing existing shareholders' stakes, while big energy companies fell along with oil prices.

Reuters - JP Morgan Chase & Co Chief Executive Jamie Dimon said U.S. regulators should investigate whether people betting on Bear Stearns' stock falling deliberately brought down the investment bank.

Reuters - Microsoft Corp said on Monday it would be willing to reopen talks to buy all or part of Yahoo Inc , but only if a new Yahoo board is elected -- a big boost for financier Carl Icahn's board slate.

Reuters - Toyota Motor Corp (7203.T) plans to install solar panels on its next-generation Prius hybrid cars, becoming the first major automaker to use solar power for a vehicle, the Nikkei business daily reported on Monday.

AFP - White House foes Barack Obama and John McCain traded new shots over the limping US economy Monday, each hoping to connect with voters on the top campaign issue, less than four months from election day.