CHINA

S&P stock futures extended losses to more than 1 percent after a key gauge of Chinese manufacturing activity slumped to its weakest level in nearly three years.

Asian shares dropped more than 2 percent and U.S. index futures and oil also fell on Wednesday after a private survey showed China's factory sector shrank the most in 32 months and U.S. growth data was revised downwards, stoking fears about the faltering global economy.

Chinese factories battled with their weakest activity in 32 months in November, a preliminary purchasing managers' survey showed, reviving worries that China may be skidding toward an economic hard landing and compounding global recession fears.

At the CNN National Security Debate in Washington, D.C., Romney, Huntsman and Paul proved themselves the strongest GOP candidates, while Bachmann and Perry barely squeaked by and Cain and Santorum were left floundering. Here, read the top quotes of the night, and get a full rundown of the Republican candidates' performances.

U.S. S&P stock futures extended losses to more than 1 percent early on Wednesday after a key gauge of Chinese manufacturing activity slumped to its weakest level in nearly three years.

However, the statement makes no mention of sanctions.

Chinese solar companies including Suntech Power Holdings Co Ltd, JA Solar Holdings Co Ltd and LDK Solar Co Ltd posted larger-than-expected quarterly losses and warned that the sector's bleak outlook would continue well into next year.

People who eat canned versus homemade soup have high levels of bisphenol A (BPA), according to research released Tuesday about the controversial plastic-hardener linked to developmental disruptions in children along with cancer, diabetes and heart disease in adults.

Chinese solar companies including Suntech Power Holdings Co Ltd, JA Solar Holdings Co Ltd and LDK Solar Co Ltd posted larger-than-expected quarterly losses and warned that the sector's bleak outlook would continue well into next year.

The collapse in Netflix's valuation is part of a wider wave of grievous losses being felt by shares of companies focused on virtual commerce. After riding a surge of investor enthusiasm to valuation peaks in mid-summer,companies like Netflix and Travelzoo had nowhere to go but down. Short-sellers, chomping at the bit to make bets against the stocks' heady fundamentals, are not exactly helping.

A U.S. official emphasized that diplomatic relations between the U.S. and North Korea will not resume until the Hermit Kingdom agrees to recommit to nuclear disarmament as specified by the 2005 Six-Party-Talks.

Iraq has signed contracts worth $396 million with South Korea's Hyundai Engineering to build two power plants as it tries to increase electricity supplies, a senior official said on Tuesday.

In less than a week from now, commissioners with the U.S. International Trade Commission will be one step closer to making a decision on SolarWorld Industries America's trade dispute against Chinese dumping of solar cells.

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is the current beneficiary of Republican voters' perpetual search for an alternative to Mitt Romney, and he's enjoying the amplified media attention that accompanies a rise in the polls. If he declines, is Huntsman next? Or is it time to write-off the former Utah governor?

Canadian stocks looked set to open slightly higher on Tuesday, in line with stronger commodity prices, though there were signs the respite from worries over U.S. and European government debt could be temporary.

The combination will create the largest bourse in Asia -- with listed stocks having a value of $3.6-trillion.

French holiday company Club Med believes its shift upmarket will help it through the tough economic times ahead and is betting on expansion in the Americas and China to drive growth.

Solar Eclipse on Black Friday, Americans Can’t See

China's trade balance faces the risk of sliding into a deficit for the first time in two decades in 2012 as export demand in Europe and the United States slumps, an academic adviser to the central bank said on Tuesday.

Gold prices on Tuesday clawed back four days of losses after ratings agencies decided not to punish the U.S. for its inability to cut the national debt.

China's central government has given its approval for northwestern China's first ever tourism zone, to be set up on Mount Dingjun in Mianxian County of Shaanxi Province.