UNITED STATES

JPMorgan Chase & Co and several other banks eager to escape the restrictions and stigma linked to government bailout funds may get the chance to do so in the next few weeks.

If General Motors Corp files for bankruptcy, as widely expected, its healthy assets will be quickly sold to a new company owned by the U.S. government, a source familiar with the situation said on Tuesday.

American International Group, Inc, under government pressure to revamp its board with a majority of new independent directors, announced on Tuesday six nominees who will be voted on by shareholders at the company’s annual meeting on June 30.

AT&T Inc is considering offering cheaper data service plans with limited Web surfing for advanced cell phones including Apple Inc's iPhone.

Sprint Nextel Corp said it will sell Palm Inc's long-awaited Pre smartphone starting on June 6 for $199.99 with a two-year service agreement, in line with Apple Inc's iPhone price.

The Canadian government unveiled on Tuesday a C$1 billion ($860 million)Clean Energy Fund that will focus on the development of renewable energy technologies, including carbon capture and storage as well as sustainable oil sands development.

AT&T Inc is considering offering cheaper data service plans with limited Web surfing for advanced cellphones including Apple Inc's iPhone.

The Dow and S&P 500 slipped on Tuesday as financial shares sank and on disappointing housing data, but the Nasdaq rose as investors snapped up technology shares ahead of results from Hewlett Packard .

A Constellation Energy nuclear energy facility, with a power generation capacity of 1,600 megawatts, has entered into a final phase to be selected to receive a portion of the Department of Energy's $18.5 billion loan which is allocated for advanced nuclear projects.

Neal S. Wolin was confirmed as the Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Treasury by the United States by Senate late Monday.

Several major banks are seeking permission to repay government bailout funds, and JPMorgan Chase & Co expects repayments to begin within the next couple of weeks.

U.S. housing starts and permits fell to record lows in April, weighed down by a slump in multifamily units, according to data on Tuesday that still hinted the U.S. recession may be drawing to a close.

A White House task force charged with helping to revive the economy will focus on the creation of a comprehensive U.S. energy plan that will generate millions of clean energy jobs when its meets on Wednesday, the White House said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced fresh pressure on Tuesday from the United States to freeze Jewish settlement activity that Palestinians see as an impediment to peace.

General Electric Co has already raised all the money it planned to seek on debt markets for 2009 and may reach its 2010 goal before the year is out, Chief Executive Jeff Immelt said on Tuesday.

Home Depot Inc reported higher-than-expected quarterly earnings as massive cost cuts offset weak sales, but its shares fell as investors found the results disappointing in comparison with those of smaller rival Lowe's Cos Inc .

Oil prices rose on Tuesday, touching a six-month high over $60 a barrel as a flurry of U.S. refinery problems stoked supply fears leading into peak summer driving season.

Stocks rose for a second day on Tuesday as investors snapped up shares in the technology sector ahead of results from Hewlett Packard , betting the tech bellwether may be the latest company to beat estimates.

U.S. President Barack Obama took aim at climate-warming greenhouse gases on Tuesday and obliged the struggling auto industry to make more efficient cars by imposing tough national standards to cut emissions and increase gas mileage.

U.S. President Barack Obama took aim at climate-warming greenhouse gases on Tuesday and obliged the struggling auto industry to make more efficient cars by imposing tough national standards to cut emissions and increase gas mileage.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc said on Tuesday it is expanding its assortment of hot electronics, like Blu-ray DVD players and high-definition TVs, and freshening the look of its 3,500 U.S. electronics departments as the retailer seeks to grab market share.