The U.S. trade deficit declined to the lowest level in almost two years as exports rose to a record high, a gain that is not expected to last given the global economic slowdown. U.S. exports climbed 3.1 percent to an all-time high of $187 billion.
Ford reports its 14th consecutive profitable quarter, solidly beating analyst estimates.
Birthdays are times for giving gifts, but what does one buy the country that has everything? Something BIG, of course. As we mark this 236th national birthday, DailyFinance decided to take a look back at America's biggest gifts to itself.
Starbucks fans hoping to satisfy a Frappuccino craving in Costa Rica used to be out of luck -- until Wednesday morning, when it opened its first store there. But that's just the tip of the iceberg in Latin American for coffee powerhouse.
There's a lot going on behind the beautiful bouquet you'll give to mom on Sunday: Those flowers are a weapon in America's war on drugs. On the flip side, some people say they're also a symbol of a misguided economic policy dating back to the first President Bush.
GM made $2.2 billion in North America in the third quarter, but it couldn't expand on that number with earnings abroad. Now the bailed out, revamped and much-improved automaker has to find a way to make Europe profitable -- because the Continent is essential to its global operations.
They're gearing up for a potentially damaging round of currency interventions to help keep their economies competitive, especially against China. Says Brazilian Finance Minister Guido Mantega: "This is a currency war that is turning into a trade war."