UNITED STATES

J.P. Morgan has agreed to buy all of defunct U.S. brokerage MF Global's shareholding in the London Metal Exchange after a competitive bidding process, KPMG, the administrators for MF Global's UK unit, said on Wednesday.

Johannesburg stocks fell to their lowest close in a month on Wednesday, as weak Chinese factory data sparked concerns about demand from the world's second-largest economy, hitting miner Assore and luxury good maker Richemont.

Stocks tumbled again on Wednesday, leaving the benchmark S&P 500 on pace for a sixth straight decline as frustration with the euro zone's debt crisis coupled with weak Chinese factory data sank investor sentiment.

Shares of Groupon Inc fell for a third day on Wednesday, sinking below the company's initial public offering price of $20 less than three weeks after the daily deal company went public.

Half of all Americans think that bombing Iran is necessary to stop the country's burgeoning nuclear weapons program if sanctions fail, according to a new Quinnipiac poll. And 60 percent of Americans think that economic sanctions will fail.

According to a new Pew Research Center poll, a third of Republicans think Mormonism isn't a Christian religion, and these people are less likely to support Romney for the Republican nomination. But if Romney does get the nomination, an overwhelming majority of Republicans would vote for him over President Barack Obama.

Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh signed a deal on Wednesday under which he stepped down from 33 years in power and 10 months of protests against his rule that have brought the country to the edge of civil war.

The African Union special envoy for Somalia on Wednesday urged countries waging war on al Shabaab to keep an open door to negotiations with militants who are willing to lay down their weapons.

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has sacked the head of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), a spokesman said on Wednesday, giving no reason.

Samsung Galaxy Nexus Prime fans had braced themselves for the leaked Dec.8 release date on the Verizon Wireless networkbut , a new Best Buy ad featuring the phone points to an earlier release date on Sunday.

Russia has again warned the U.S. about deploying a missile defense system in Europe, with President Dmitry Medvedev saying his nation will deploy new missiles aimed at the shield if the U.S. goes forward with its plan.

France would have limited room to absorb any new shocks to its public finances without endangering its AAA status, Fitch Ratings said on Wednesday, in the latest sign that the euro crisis could rob France of its cherished top-tier rating.

There may be a ray of hope on the horizon for those bogged down by checked baggage fees. Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) proposed a bill that would kill the hefty fees on checked luggage.

Officials with the internet company are discontinuing seven projects including the company's Renewable Energy Cheaper than Coal (RE

Consumer spending growth slowed in October and business capital investment plans were weak, raising questions about expectations for solid growth in the fourth quarter.

President Dmitry Medvedev said Wednesday that Russia will deploy new missiles aimed at the American missile defense system in Europe if it does not go ahead with an agreement with Washington and NATO on how the systems will be built.

Stocks tumbled again on Wednesday, leaving the benchmark S&P 500 on pace for a sixth straight decline as frustration with the euro zone's debt crisis coupled with weak Chinese factory data sank investor sentiment.

Julius Genachowski's decision to call the hearing could spell trouble for the $39 billion transaction.

Latest data on new claims for unemployment sent mixed signals to the market, showing that while the week ended Nov. 19 was the third straight week for initial claims to hold below 400,000, a mark that most economists believe is essential for the economy to add more jobs than it is shedding, application for jobless insurance increased 2,000 to 393,000.

Sen. John Thune, R-South Dakota, endorsed Mitt Romney on Wednesday, just three days after Sen. Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire gave her endorsement. Thune and Ayotte are both strong conservatives, so their backing may increase Romney's credibility among the voters who are most hesitant to support him.

U.S. online spending should increase 15 percent this holiday season, outpacing even last year's torrid growth, as shoppers are enticed by more retailers offering free or low-cost shipping, analytics firm comScore said.