Stocks slumped in the United States today as the Bush administration said the country’s economy would likely grow at a slower pace than forecast six months ago – an assessment that eclipsed positive corporate news and lower oil prices.

Stocks stumbled today as mixed economic news and further hints of higher interest rates from Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan kept buyers at bay.

Stocks were down on Wall Street today as consumer confidence dropped despite the latest report on the US gross domestic product, which grew at a faster pace than expected.

A YOUNG biker ticketed for allegedly riding his motorcycle at 205mph has set tongues wagging all over America — some out of disapproval, others because they doubt he went that fast.

INTEREST rates in the US may not be increased next week as expected after the dollar tumbled yesterday following the release of US non-farm payroll report for the month.

A spate of bargain-hunting boosted a sluggish US market in late trading today, pulling the Dow Jones industrial average back from below the 10,000 mark.

Wall Street began the new year today with the same enthusiasm but also prudence that marked its big comeback in 2003 – after sending stocks higher sharply, investors changed course and took some profits in blue chips, leaving prices mixed.

Lured once more by lower prices, buyers returned to Wall Street late today.

Buying in technology stocks lifted the market today as investors bet that the beleaguered sector’s prospects for recovery were improving.

A strong jump in November housing construction propelled stock prices to sharp gains on Wall Street today and fuelled investors’ hopes that the US economy is improving.

Gambling that the economy would not get much worse and business would improve next year, investors pushed the US stock market mostly higher today for a second straight day.