TIMOTHY GEITHNER

The world's advanced economies are moving too slowly in ridding banks of problem assets, which could jeopardize a global economic recovery in 2010, the head of the International Monetary Fund said on Wednesday.

Stocks rose at the open on Wednesday, buoyed by hopes that Washington will soon restore confidence in banks, but American Express kept the market's advance in check after a bearish broker view.

Stocks headed for a higher open on Wednesday, with financials set to lead another climb as investors bet Washington will soon restore confidence in banks by relieving them of money-losing assets.

Stock index futures rose on Wednesday, signaling Wall Street will extend Tuesday's strong advance on bets Washington will act soon to restore confidence in banks by relieving them of money-losing assets.

Stocks are set to edge up further on Wednesday, building on the gains made in the previous session when they posted the biggest rise in four months.

U.S. shares are set to edge up further on Wednesday, building on the gains made in the previous session when they posted the biggest rise in four months.

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke on Tuesday said leaders from the Group of 20 rich and developing economies should agree early next month on principles to guide nations as they revamp financial rules to prevent future crises.

U.S. stocks rose about 5 percent on Tuesday after Citigroup said it was profitable in the first two months of 2009 and a key lawmaker said he expects the restoration of a rule that makes it harder to bet that a share's price will fall.

Stock futures rose on Tuesday as reassuring comments from Citigroup about the bank's performance fueled a run-up in financials and investors became hopeful about Washington's efforts to revive the economy.

Asian shares outside Japan posted their best gains in a month on Tuesday while safe-haven flight to the dollar eased, but the moves were seen as only a momentary reprieve from a gloomy economic outlook.

Asian shares rebounded on Tuesday from a three-session losing streak, while the safe-haven bid on the dollar retreated in moves seen as a momentary reprieve from concerns about the weak outlook for the global economy.

Senior members of the Obama administration's auto industry task force are meeting on Friday at the White House to review the status of restructuring efforts at General Motors Corp and Chrysler LLC, officials said.

Two top contenders for senior posts at the U.S. Treasury have withdrawn, people familiar with the moves said on Thursday, dealing a blow to Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner's efforts to build his staff to fight the financial crisis.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner on Wednesday blamed soaring budget deficits partly on failure by the former Bush administration to make needed investments in energy security and healthcare.

The financial system bailout may cost the U.S. more in taxpayer dollars than what has been already allocated, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said on Tuesday.

Stocks rose in choppy trade on Tuesday as U.S. equity prices at 12-year lows ignited a search for beaten-down shares and the energy sector led the way up as oil rose.

Acknowledging that U.S. financial bailout costs may rise, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner on Tuesday said the Obama administration will work with Congress to determine the size and shape of future rescue efforts

U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said on Tuesday President Barack Obama will work with Congress to determine the appropriate size and shape of future financial stability efforts as conditions develop.

U.S. stocks mostly edged higher on Tuesday after President Barack Obama said share prices are potentially a good deal at current levels, offsetting persistent uncertainty about plans to shore up the financial system.

Stocks fell on Tuesday as financial shares reversed earlier gains due to lingering uncertainty about efforts to shore up the financial system.

Stocks rose on Tuesday as investors snapped shares in beaten-down sectors including financials, materials and healthcare a day after the market hit lows not seen since 1997.