AP - The number of people filing claims for unemployment benefits jumped last week to the highest level in five years, reflecting in large part a new government outreach effort to locate people eligible for benefits.

AP - For a second straight meeting, the Federal Reserve has decided to remain on the sidelines and leave interest rates alone. In the opinion of many economists, that stance may prevail not only for the rest of this year but well into 2009.

Reuters - The U.S. service sector shrank slightly for the second consecutive month in July but by less than economists had expected, according to a report released on Tuesday that also showed inflation pressures moderating.

Reuters - The U.S. Federal Reserve on Tuesday began a one-day meeting at which it is expected to hold interest rates steady amid poor housing and credit conditions, while signaling inflation concerns even as oil prices ease.

AP - The U.S. service sector contracted in July — though less than expected — as new orders decreased and prices rose, stifling growth for truckers, retailers and insurers.

AFP - Federal Reserve governors met Tuesday to mull interest rates and the health of the US economy with most economists predicting the Fed will keep rates on hold at 2.0 percent for a second straight time.

AFP - The dollar held firm against the euro Tuesday, buoyed by a fall in oil prices and as investors awaited what was expected to be a Federal Reserve decision to leave US interest rates unchanged.

Reuters - The U.S. Federal Reserve held a key interest rate steady on Tuesday in an effort to nurse the economy back to health without further exacerbating inflation.

AFP - The Federal Reserve opted to keep its key interest rate unchanged Tuesday at 2.0 percent as the US economy throws off mixed signals.

AP - The Federal Reserve, confronted with the perils of a slumping economy and rising inflation, has decided for a second straight meeting to leave interest rates unchanged.

AFP - US auto sales braked hard in July, automakers said Friday, as consumers avoided big-ticket spending in the face of rising unemployment, falling home prices and tight credit.

AFP - The pre-tax profit of major Japanese companies fell 15 percent year on year in the April-June quarter, weighed down by the US economic slowdown and price hikes, a survey showed on Sunday.

AFP - Any new attempt to grasp the grail of a world trade pact will probably have to wait until next year, after elections in the United States and India, despite some calls for more talks now, economists say.