AP - Rates on 30-year mortgages, which had been falling for five weeks, jumped sharply this week, reflecting the turbulence in global credit markets.

AP - As the debate over a $700 billion bank bailout rages on in Washington, one of the nation's largest banks — Washington Mutual Inc. — has collapsed under the weight of its enormous bad bets on the mortgage market.

Reuters - U.S. regulators are trying to quickly broker a deal for Washington Mutual Inc , a large U.S. savings and loan crippled by mortgage losses, the New York Times reported on Thursday.

AP - Oil prices ended a choppy session slightly lower Wednesday, falling below $106 a barrel as weak U.S. fuel demand and a stronger dollar outweighed concerns over a reduction in global crude output.

Reuters - Washington Mutual Inc , the large U.S. savings and loan company crippled by mortgage losses, has approached private equity firms about a potential takeover after listed firms showed reluctance, the Wall Street Journal.

AFP - US lawmakers were digging their heels in Wednesday against the government's 700-billion-dollar financial rescue package, setting the scene for a fierce showdown on Capitol Hill watched anxiously by markets around the globe.