AP Top Business News At 12:41 p.m. EST

Stocks edge higher, pushing Dow toward 14,000

US consumer confidence plunges on higher taxes

Hostess set to announce bidder for Twinkies

Ford earns $1.6B in 4Q, warns of wider Europe loss

US home prices accelerate in November

Report: States force jobless to pay needless fees

Fed likely to stick to low-rate message this week

Pfizer Q4 net jumps on sale of nutrition business

FDA warns company over unapproved flu remedy

Microsoft retools Office for touch screen, Web use