Fed ready to act if stresses mount: Bernanke

MARKETWATCH FRONT PAGE

The Federal Reserve stands ready to act to protect the financial system and the economy in the event that financial stresses from the European crisis escalate, says Fed chief Ben Bernanke. See full story.

Initial weekly U.S. jobless claims fall to 377,000

The number of new filings for unemployment benefits declined last week but remain at a level consistent with mediocre hiring trends, See full story.

Stocks retain most gains as Bernanke talks

U.S. stocks scale back strong gains as Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke tells Congress the central bank is ready to move if the economic climate worsens. See full story.

Stocks retain most gains as Bernanke talks

U.S. stocks scale back strong gains as Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke tells Congress the central bank is ready to move if the economic climate worsens. See full story.

China cooling a danger to emerging markets

A sharp slowdown in China remains a danger to emerging markets this year, even as Asia�s export-focused industries are unlikely to see a collapse in global orders similar to 2008, according to analyst research on the impact of Greece�s potential exit from the euro currency union. See full story.

MARKETWATCH COMMENTARY

The markets leaped on the idea that another round of financial cannon fire from central banks is soon to save the day, but that�s as far fetched as the notion that the President is chasing the author across the country. See full story.

MARKETWATCH PERSONAL FINANCE

When it comes to IRAs, timing is everything. Robert Powell looks at five rules that could derail your retirement-savings plans. See full story.