AP - Stocks retreated Friday for the third straight day on uncertainty about President Barack Obama's plans to restrict big banks and disappointment over companies' earnings reports.

AP - President Barack Obama's plan to change the way big banks make their money plunged the stock market back into the fear and uncertainty that marked the financial crisis.

AFP - US President Barack Obama's vow to crack down on Wall Street's "reckless" big banks sent shockwaves through Asian stock markets on Friday, with the region's financial centres suffering heavy losses.

Reuters - Asian stock markets skidded on Friday and commodity prices fell across the board after U.S. President Barack Obama proposed new restrictions on banks that spurred selling of risky assets.

AFP - Leading shares fell at the start of trading on Friday on fears about the effects of increased regulation on the banking sector.

AP - Asian stock markets tumbled Friday after President Barack Obama proposed a sweeping overhaul of Wall Street banks to avert future financial crises. European shares opened modestly lower.

Reuters - Stock index futures indicated that Wall Street may open higher on Friday, regaining a little of the ground lost in the previous session, when they fell heavily after President Barack Obama outlined plans for tougher banking regulations.

AFP - Global stocks mostly recovered from a sharp setback on Thursday but mounting worries over China's economy and huge national debts in Europe sent shivers through the oil market and the euro, traders said.

AP - European and U.S. stock markets fell sharply for the second day running Thursday amid ongoing fears about tighter monetary policy in China and uncertainty over President Barack Obama's plans to rein in risky bank activities.