IBT Staff Reporter

U.S. mortgage applications rose for the first time in four weeks, reflecting a jump in demand for home refinancing loans as interest rates on 30-year loans dropped below 5 percent, data from an industry group showed on Wednesday.

Britain's top shares added 0.9 percent by midday on Wednesday, boosted by gains in retailers Marks & Spencer (MKS.L) and Next (NXT.L), which posted forecast-beating results, while financials and miners also rose.

The dollar fell broadly on Wednesday as firmer equity and commodity prices buoyed demand for the euro and perceived riskier currencies, while traders braced for a policy decision from the Federal Reserve.

Oscar organizers on Tuesday named an unlikely pair of hosts for March's Academy Awards, comedian Steve Martin and 30 Rock star Alec Baldwin, a past loser at the world's top film awards.

In a move that puts him at the cutting edge of sport sponsorships, comedian Stephen Colbert and his fans will back the U.S. Speedskating team at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, the talk show host said.

U.S. stock index futures rose on Wednesday on an upbeat forecast from carmaker Nissan and a rebound in European banks, ahead of jobs data and the Federal Reserve's statement on interest rates and the economy.

Kirstie Alley is to parlay her lengthy weight-loss battle into a U.S. TV series for what the actress called in a Tuesday Twitter message a very funny docu about me losing weight, raising unpretentious kids, and biz.

Censorship of the Internet is open to challenge at the World Trade Organization as it can restrict trade in services delivered online, a forthcoming study says.

The Berenstain Bears are heading to the big screen.

Playwright Henry Jaglom's homage to theater people is populated with a host of eccentric but lovable characters who bring to mind Kaufman and Hart's You Can't Take It With You.

A Los Angeles man arrested with a knife at the workplace of American Idol host Ryan Seacrest pleaded not guilty to a stalking charge on Tuesday, and was ordered to stay away from Seacrest.

German politicians seethed and unions tore up a deal to cut costs in protest at General Motors' completely unacceptable decision not to sell Opel, its European unit, after months of painstaking talks.

Stock index futures rose on Wednesday on an upbeat forecast from carmaker Nissan and a rebound in European banks, ahead of jobs data and the Federal Reserve's statement on interest rates and the economy.

Stock index futures rose on Wednesday ahead of key jobs and services sector data, with investors also eyeing the Federal Reserve's statement on interest rates and the economy.

Time Warner Inc posted higher-than-expected quarterly profit, and the media powerhouse raised its full-year earnings forecast in a sign that advertising sales at networks like CNN and TBS are showing life.

Entrepreneurs are finding the road to Internet riches in China increasingly rough, facing a thicket of regulatory issues, stiff competition and a frontier mentality that leads to frequent underhanded practices.

The Federal Reserve on Wednesday is expected to reaffirm its intention to keep U.S. interest rates at ultra-low levels for a long time to support the economy, even as signs of recovery accumulate.

Oil rose above $80 a barrel on Wednesday, extending the previous session's near 2 percent gain, following a U.S. industry report showing an unexpected fall in crude stocks and supported by a weaker dollar.

Kraft faces a tougher task winning over Cadbury shareholders in its bid battle after disappointing results late Tuesday cut analyst estimates of what it could afford to pay for Cadbury.

The video games sector has yet to gain from a downturn where consumers stay home to play, but social games creator Playfish says the industry is just beginning a new growth spurt.

Stock index futures pointed to a higher opening on Wall Street on Wednesday as investors awaited the Federal Reserve's statement on interest rates and the economy.

The Walt Disney Co's breakthrough deal to build one of its signature theme parks in Shanghai marks a major advance for Western media and entertainment firms trying to crack a tough China market.

Microsoft Corp. and Taiwan's economics ministry said they plan to set up a research center on the island by next year, in the software company's first Asian foray into the budding cloud computing industry.

World stocks rose from the previous day's four-week low on Wednesday while the dollar slipped ahead of a policy decision by the Federal Reserve, expected to affirm its commitment to ultra-low interest rates.

The dollar steadied below a one-month high against a basket of currencies on Wednesday, while Asian stocks edged higher in muted trade ahead of a policy announcement from the Federal Reserve that kept investors wary.

Toyota Motor withdrew from Formula One on Wednesday, leaving Japan without a team in motorsport's premier series.

Microsoft Corp. and Taiwan's economics ministry said they plan to set up a research center on the island by next year, in the software company's first Asian foray into the budding cloud computing industry.

Microsoft Corp. and Taiwan's economics ministry said they plan to set up a research center on the island by next year, in the software company's first Asian foray into the budding cloud computing industry.

Delphi, the auto-parts maker that emerged from a four-year bankruptcy in October, is forming a new board of directors and will name retired Dupont Chief Executive John Krol as its chairman, the Wall Street Journal said.