South Korea

European and U.S. markets sank Tuesday as investors worried whether Greece, after an inconclusive election, would be able to form a new government to save it from financial disaster.

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.

Two weeks ago, North Korean dictator Kim Jong-Il died and his son, Kim Jong-Un, took power. South Korea's stocks and currency fell sharply on the news -- which creates opportunities for long-term investors.

Perhaps the most surprising recent news in the auto industry last week was this little gem. In large part owing to President Obama's negotiation of a free trade agreement with South Korea earlier this year, Toyota will be expanding exports of U.S.-built vehicles to Korea for sale.

That's what retailers anxious to lure holiday shoppers are hoping to find out with their latest innovation: Walmart, Kmart, Sears and eBay are all testing versions of the "real" online store.

The White House is threatening to hold up final passage of three coveted free trade agreements with South Korea, Panama and Colombia unless lawmakers expand retraining assistance for American workers who lose their jobs because of foreign competition.

Despite tepid industry sales last year, South Korean carmaker Hyundai set a sales record, thanks to savvy designs and sophisticated engineering. It's come a long way from an early econo-box image. Now, if it could just do as well at home.

The American beef market has rebounded since the dark days of 2003, when a report of "mad cow disease" virtually shut down U.S. beef and pork exports. Now, thanks to strong demand from Asia, industry officials say 2010 was the best year ever for U.S. beef exports.

Google's troubles over its inadvertent collection of personal data while mapping its "Street View" overseas seems never-ending. The latest country to accuse the company of privacy violations is South Korea.

Economic news from China, South Korea, Europe and the rest of the world can have unpredictable consequences for U.S. stocks. But in this short video, fund manager James Altucher says our economy can handle the ups and downs and explains why stocks will do well in 2011.