AFP - US economic momentum posted a 0.9 percent annual growth pace in the first quarter of the year, the government said Thursday in a report which calmed the nerves of some economists.

Reuters - U.S. crude oil futures fell on Thursday as traders shrugged off inventory data showing domestic crude supplies plummeted unexpectedly and as the dollar strengthened broadly providing pressure to oil futures.

Reuters - WASHINGTON (Reuters)- The economy grew a bit faster than first thought in the first quarter as demand for foreign goods fell and commercial building picked up, adding to evidence that the United States may stave off recession.

AP - Oil prices fell sharply Thursday after the Energy Department reported unexpected declines in crude oil and gasoline supplies last week, but said the drop in crude inventories was due to temporary delays in unloading oil tankers along the Gulf Coast. A stronger dollar and concerns about gas demand also weighed on prices.

AP - Stocks bounded higher Thursday after the government reported that the economy grew last quarter at a faster pace than previously estimated and as oil prices retreated. The Dow Jones industrials at times rose more than 100 points.

AP - The Federal Reserve announced Thursday that it will make a fresh batch of short-term cash loans available to squeezed banks as part of an ongoing effort to ease stressed credit markets.

Reuters - U.S. stocks rose on Wednesday as a report pointing to stronger business spending boosted shares of blue-chip computer firms and heavy equipment makers, overshadowing the latest signs of turmoil in the financial sector.

AP - Oil futures rose back above $131 Wednesday, recovering from early losses as threats against Nigerian oil facilities led investors to at least temporarily set aside concerns about falling U.S. gas demand.

Reuters - U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson will emphasize during a trip to the Middle East the need to allow private sector investment in the oil industry, a senior Treasury official said on Wednesday.

Reuters - New orders for long-lasting U.S. manufactured goods dipped last month but demand outside of transportation jumped and a gauge of business investment rose sharply, suggesting surprising strength in the factory sector.

AP - Ford Motor Co. plans to conduct involuntary layoffs of salaried employees by August as part of a restructuring in the face of slumping sales and record-high gas prices, a spokeswoman said Wednesday.

AFP - The dollar advanced a few notches against the euro Wednesday as a better-than-expected survey on US durable goods orders offset a report showing German inflation had crept higher, dealers said.