US private-sector employers shrugged off a looming budget crisis and stepped up hiring in December, offering further evidence of underlying strength in the economy as 2012 ended.

US stocks ended the day with small losses after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Japan.

US stocks enjoyed a late rally today to finish higher despite a new record price for oil and gloomy third-quarter outlooks from several companies.

US stocks raced ahead in a late surge of bargain hunting today, as oil prices stepped back from their highs.