Germany

Sunday's elections in France and Greece were a firm vote against austerity, and regardless of the merits of either side of the debate, that means the future of the eurozone is again in doubt. Here's why the bond markets care so much -- and why you should, too.

U.S. stock futures are higher with the government reporting that weekly jobless claims edged downward last week, suggesting that employers may accelerate hiring this month.

The roiling political landscape of Europe pushed U.S. stock futures lower Monday as beleaguered voters in Greece and France rejected years of painful budget cuts. The Dow fell 46 points to 12,911. The S&P 500 slipped 5.7 points to 1,356.80. The Nasdaq fell 12 points to 2,613.50.

Some of the world's most prominent hedge fund managers are betting against the eurozone -- and not just the weak little countries -- we're talking Germany and France. Here's why that's bad news for all of us.

If you ask the postmaster general, saving the Post Office will require shutting down one out of three post offices, laying off tens of thousands of postal workers, and ending Saturday mail delivery. Trouble is, he's wrong.

About a month ago, the Germany government sold $5 billion worth of Eurobonds that paid an average interest rate of -- get this -- negative 0.0122%. That's right: These bonds are guaranteed to lose value. So why did they sell? In a word, it's all about risk.

With patent infringement accusations going every which way in recent months, we're certainly familiar with Apple/Samsung banter. Now Apple has thrown yet another punch at the Korean smartphone maker, targeting its Galaxy S II, Galaxy S Plus and eight other handsets.

Stock markets in Europe traded in fairly narrow ranges Monday as Germany's leader warned that Greece may not get its next batch of bailout cash. Chinese shares surged after authorities pledged to increase bank lending to entrepreneurs. Europe's stumbling efforts to get a handle on its debt crisis remains the focus of interest in the markets.

There's Herman Cain's 9-9-9 Plan. There's the Buffett Rule. But Pius Heinz's All for Me deal is our favorite. Heinz recently won the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, earning $8,715,636 -- tax-free.

While creditors continue to fight over the crumbs of Lehman Brothers, one tiny piece of the investment bank just demonstrated close to a 66,000% return on investment -- as a collectors item: A 50-cent share in the bank was sold at auction Saturday for 24,000 euros -- about $33,000.