financing

The Price of Fame's Cannes Film Festival notebook overflowed with monetary morsels about movers and shakers in the movies. Here are a few choice leftovers from Restless stars Mia Wasikowska and Henry Hopper, and The Artist director Michel Hazanavicius.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac both narrowed their losses in the fourth quarter of 2010. But they aren't out of the woods yet: Both of the government-sponsored home-mortgage buyers have requested higher amounts of new federal aid than they did in the previous quarter.

The big solar panel installer has announced its second East Coast deal in a month: It's buying the residential solar business of Vermont-based groSolar, after picking up Maryland's Clean Currents. And SolarCity isn't the only West Coast solar player heading East for growth.

It's still hard to diagnose how the overall economy will fare in 2011. But the signs for at least one area all seem to be pointing up: car sales. Analysts predict the number of vehicles sold next year will rise 10% to 23% above that of 2010.

Hyundai Group landed a preliminary $4.8 billion deal to purchase South Korea's Hyundai Engineering and Construction Co., that nation's largest contractor, but concerns over whether Hyundai Group can pull the financing together is raising questions among top investors.

Seeking to boost sales of Lexus brand vehicles, Toyota plans to offer rebates of up to $3,000, as well as subsidized financing on certain models, company executives told a gathering of Lexus dealers from across the country this week.

Work is moving forward on a new light rail link from downtown Denver to its airport, backed by an unusual combination of federal loans and private investment. The project will create thousands of jobs, and add a much-needed public transit option for reaching the nation's fifth-busiest airport.

If you're having a problem with a business, Consumer Ally can help. Write us at HelpMe@WalletPop.com. Q . I have a car loan with Capital One Auto Finance and when I signed the contract it said that the monthly note will be $349 per month. The beginning loan balance is $16,684 with an interest rate...

IPOs increased last quarter to their best pace since the financial crisis began, and the pipeline is filled with highly anticipated new offerings. It's a sign that markets are more willing to finance long-term growth, and that investors are again willing to take risks for higher returns.

When it comes to new cars, bad news for the industry can be good news for consumers. Auto sales have slipped lately, and as a result, the major automakers are expected to ramp up the rebates and incentives this summer.