Reuters - It really is the economy, stupid! Economic models that have correctly predicted the winner of almost all post-war U.S. presidential elections say recession fears will secure a victory for Barack Obama in November.

Reuters - The U.S. unemployment rate hit its highest level in four years during July as employers cut jobs for a seventh straight month, though less severely than predicted, a Labor Department report showed on Friday.

Reuters - U.S. factory activity held up to stand unchanged in July from June, managing to defy forecasts of a contraction and showing inflation pressures moderating, according to a report released on Friday.

AP - The nation's unemployment rate climbed to a four-year high of 5.7 percent in July as employers cut 51,000 jobs, dashing the hopes of an influx of young people looking for summer work.

AP - Construction spending fell for the 11th time in the past 13 months in June as continued steep declines in housing activity offset strength in nonresidential building activity.

Reuters - U.S. auto sales tumbled in July, reflecting a deepening downturn in the industry, with tight credit and weak consumer confidence driving General Motors Corp , Ford Motor Co and Toyota Motor Corp (7203.T) to post double-digit declines.

Reuters - Stocks fell on Thursday, led by Exxon Mobil after its earnings fell short of Wall Street's expectations and as disappointing economic data revived fears of a U.S. recession.

AP - The Federal Reserve says banks and Wall Street firms stepped up their borrowing over the past week from its emergency lending program.

AP - The prospects for a quick economic recovery dimmed Thursday, with new data showing the economy grew at a slower-than-expected rate this spring despite some oomph from tax rebate checks — and actually shrank late last year.

Reuters - Former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan said on Thursday that a slowing global economy may push the United States into recession, though it is not yet in one.

Time.com - The Treasury Secretary made his reputation as a Wall St. dealmaker, but heading off a recession will be a tougher job

Reuters - Banks borrowed a record amount of funds from the Federal Reserve in the latest week as the year old credit crisis took a persistent toll, while the commercial paper market continued to contract, signaling tough conditions for short term borrowers.

AP - Wall Street sank Thursday, after weak readings on economic growth and the job market touched off renewed concerns about the financial health of businesses and consumers. The Dow Jones industrial average fell more than 200 points.