AP Breaking News
The latest breaking business, global, and technology news from the Associated Press
Spain set to pass crucial labor market reforms
February 10, 2012, 5:32AM ET
Spain's new conservative government is meeting to pass labor market reforms deemed crucial to creating jobs to chip away at Europe's worst unemployment nightmare and restore confidence in a sick economy.
Virgin, British Airways $235M Nigeria fine quashed
February 10, 2012, 5:32AM ET
A panel has set aside a $235 million fine levied against Virgin Atlantic and British Airways by the Nigerian government over alleged ticket price fixing.
India, EU hope to reach free-trade pact this year
February 10, 2012, 5:20AM ET
India and the European Union have agreed to work on clean energy solutions and adapting to climate change but say their long anticipated trade pact won't happen until later this year.
Greece on strike as bailout deal in limbo
February 10, 2012, 5:09AM ET
Unions in Greece launched a two-day general strike against planned austerity measures Friday, a day after the country's crucial international bailout was put in limbo by its partners in the 17-nation eurozone.
Obama call for manufacturing revival a tough goal
February 10, 2012, 4:57AM ET
President Barack Obama is making a strong election-year push for an economic revival "built on American manufacturing." But he faces an uphill slog, with little consensus even within his own party on how to do it.
Barclays slashes bonus pool after 2011 profit fall
February 10, 2012, 4:51AM ET
Barclays PLC revealed Friday that it is slashing its bonus pool after earnings at its investment banking division fell sharply and dented overall profitability.
Obama call for manufacturing revival a tough goal
February 10, 2012, 4:50AM ET
President Barack Obama is making a strong election-year push for an economic revival "built on American manufacturing." But he faces an uphill slog, with little consensus even within his own party on how to do it.
Alcatel-Lucent returns to profit in 2011
February 10, 2012, 4:20AM ET
Telecommunications equipment maker Alcatel-Lucent said Friday that years of cost-cutting helped it make an annual profit in 2011, its first since its trans-Atlantic merger in 2006.
2nd deposition sought for convicted Ponzi schemer
February 10, 2012, 4:19AM ET
Convicted Florida Ponzi schemer Scott Rothstein could be ordered to give a second round of sworn testimony about the inner workings of his $1.2 billion fraud.
GM gets environmental OK for new China plant
February 10, 2012, 4:14AM ET
General Motors Co. has won approval from environmental authorities in central China for a new $1.1 billion assembly plant, though the company says it has not yet decided on the plan.
Barclays slashes bonus pool after 2011 profit fall
February 10, 2012, 4:06AM ET
Barclays PLC revealed Friday that it is slashing its bonus pool after earnings at its investment banking division fell sharply and dented overall profitability.
World stocks slip as Greek bailout hangs in limbo
February 10, 2012, 4:04AM ET
World stock markets dropped Friday after Europe's finance ministers demanded more spending cuts from Greece before clearing a euro130 billion ($170 billion) bailout to stave off the country's bankruptcy.
NYSE Euronext profit down on blocked merger costs
February 10, 2012, 3:52AM ET
NYSE Euronext on Friday said costs related to its collapsed merger with German stock market Deutsche Boerse caused a slump in fourth quarter earnings.
Afghan private security handover looking messy
February 10, 2012, 3:43AM ET
The push by Afghanistan's president to nationalize legions of private security guards before the end of March is encouraging corruption and jeopardizing multibillion-dollar aid projects, according to companies trying to make the switch.
Greece on strike as bailout deal in limbo
February 10, 2012, 3:41AM ET
Greek railway, ferry and public transport schedules are suspended while public services face severe disruptions as unions launch a two-day strike against further planned austerity measures.
Why Bank of America is the new Citigroup
February 10, 2012, 3:39AM ET
On a normal day, 4 billion shares of stock change hands on the New York Stock Exchange. One in 10 belongs to a single company. It's not McDonald's or IBM, both of which have been on a tear.
Oil falls to near $99 amid Greek bailout talks
February 10, 2012, 3:30AM ET
Oil prices fell to near $99 a barrel Friday in Asia as encouraging news about the U.S. economy was tempered by European demands for Greece to make further spending cuts before getting a new bailout.
GM gets environmental OK for new China plant
February 10, 2012, 3:24AM ET
Environmental authorities in central China say they have approved a proposal by General Motor's flagship venture for a new factory, though the company said it has not yet decided on the plan.
German Parliament likely to vote on Greece Feb. 27
February 10, 2012, 3:23AM ET
A senior lawmaker says the German Parliament will likely hold a special session on Feb. 27 to vote on the second bailout for Greece.
France's Total gets oil price profit boost
February 10, 2012, 3:21AM ET
French oil company Total SA forecast higher production this year while revealing Friday that higher oil prices helped it post a 12.8 percent rise in fourth quarter profits despite a drop in output.
