IBT Staff Reporter

A top Federal Reserve official signaled on Friday the central bank won't tighten monetary policy any time soon, even as the jobs recovery looked set to quicken.

President Barack Obama offered assistance to Japan on Friday after an 8.9 earthquake hit just off the coast of the northeastern city of Sendai, triggering a tsunami which has so far caused up to 300 deaths, according to local officials.

Oil slid by on Friday, with U.S. crude falling below $100, after an earthquake rocked Japan, created a 10-meter tsunami and shut down dozens of plants in the world's third-largest oil consumer.

Retail sales posted their largest gain in four months in February as shoppers stepped up purchases of autos, clothes and other goods even as they spent more for gasoline.

Stocks edged lower on Friday after a massive earthquake hit Japan and a disappointing reading on consumer sentiment.

It was the summer of 2006 and hedge fund manager Daniel Loeb was having difficulty containing his very harsh feelings toward Fairfax Financial, the Canadian insurance giant, and its CEO, Prem Watsa.

Sales at U.S. retailers increased broadly in February as rising energy prices boosted receipts at gasoline stations, but consumers also spent on a range of products in a sign of resilience in the face of rising gasoline prices.

Gold-buying prices held at two-week lows vs. the Dollar in London on Friday, as the US currency jumped and world stock markets sank after a powerful tsunami hits the Japanese coast 190 miles north-east of Tokyo.

Apple Inc kicks off sales of its latest iPad on Friday, likely extending its lead in the burgeoning market while offering an important snapshot of consumer demand for tablet computing.

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York said on Friday it had received American International Group Inc's offer to buy back residential mortgage-backed securities taken over at height of the financial crisis.

A federal judge limited the potential financial liability facing the operator of LimeWire, a once-popular file-sharing service found liable for copyright infringement, at an upcoming damages trial.

Lindsay Lohan was back in court Thursday to reject a plea agreement offered by prosecutors in a grand theft case.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed that Nani would be out for the next three games, including the FA Cup tie against Arsenal.

Gold Investment is most commonly associated with gold bullion coins, and there are very good reasons for that. The best and most widely circulated coins are 90 to 99.99 percent one ounce gold coins, with the 5 main coins listed in this article. The pioneer bullion coin and best known one is the South African Krugerrand.

Sales at U.S. retailers increased broadly in February as rising energy prices boosted receipts at gasoline stations, but consumers also spent on a range of products in a sign of resilience in the face of rising gasoline prices.

LONDON, March 11 - Eight catastrophe bond transactions totaling over a $1 billion could leave financial investors exposed to insured losses after a huge earthquake struck the northeast coast of Japan on Friday, triggering a 10-meter high tsunami.

Consumer sentiment fell to its lowest level in five months in early March as gas prices rose, a survey released on Friday showed.

The devastating earthquake measuring 8.9 on Richter scale went rampaging through Japan and triggered a massive tsunami with 12-foot waves inundating the northern coastal region.

Valero Energy Corp. (NYSE: VLO) said it has agreed to acquire Chevron Corp. (NYSE: CVX)'s Pembroke oil refinery in Wales, U.K., as part of a deal valued at up to $1.73 billion.

In the 14th FA Cup meeting between the competition's two most successful sides, here's an analysis of the greatest matches between Manchester United and Arsenal in the history of the FA Cup.

Charlie Sheen had a little surprise visit Thursday night from the Los Angeles Police Department. Officers raided his home searching for firearms.

Analysts say Apple's tablet dominance will remain strong in 2011.

Portugal announced new spending cuts on Friday to try to restore confidence in its finances ahead of a euro zone summit that is likely to back a plan to boost competitiveness but defer decisions on a stronger rescue fund.

The NOAA has issued warnings for the coasts of California, Oregon, and Washington.

People.com is reporting that Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel have decided to end their relationship.

A massive 8.9-magnitude earthquake struck off Japan's northeastern coast Friday, spawning a tsunami as high as 10 metres, killing at least 60 people and injuring many. Given the scale of the disaster, the death toll was likely to climb further.

A massive 8.9 earthquake struck Japan on Friday triggering a reportedly 33-feet high (10 meters) tsunami that swept away cars, planes, homes and even some smaller buildings along the country's northeastern coast.

Chinese inflation topped expectations in February at 4.9 percent and looks set to climb further in coming months, adding to pressure for another dose of monetary tightening.

Stocks were poised for a lower open on Friday after a massive earthquake hit Japan and accelerating inflation in China unnerved investors.