Experts are warning that economic activity in the longest US recession in 25 years could plunge as much as 6% this quarter – the largest decline since 1982.

Wall Street pulled back again today in muted trading ahead of the holiday, as another round of reports showed further deterioration in the housing market and broader economy.

Wall Street capped a volatile week with a big advance today, rebounding from a steep sell-off as investors sought bargains and cheered a milder-than-expected drop in a regional manufacturing report.

CIT Group announced a five-year global relationship to provide financing solutions for Microsoft. CIT will be the exclusive financing partner for Microsoft Financing in France and Switzerland.