Commodities

Global stocks were mostly higher Friday as investors looked ahead to U.S. data on jobs and factory output, while Hong Kong rose despite pro-democracy protests.

The U.S. stock market headed higher Thursday as investors received more encouraging news on the economy.

Global stocks sank Wednesday under the weight of worries about the possible timing of a U.S. rate hike, economic weakness in China and an impending referendum on Scottish independence.

Asian stock markets were muted Tuesday amid holidays in Hong Kong and South Korea.

In the world of currencies, the dollar is starting to look like a safe home in a tough neighborhood.

Asian stocks fluctuated Friday as investors looked for direction before a key U.S. jobs report later in the day while Japan's market edged higher after the yen fell to a six-year low.

Global stock markets were lackluster Thursday after Wall Street fell and as investors looked ahead to a European Central Bank meeting and U.S. economic data.

Gold prices climbed Wednesday amid expectations that the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates at record lows.

Stocks can keep climbing next year, tacking even more gains onto their phenomenal run of the last five-plus years.

Oil speculators looking to trade on the view that Iran may soon flood the world market with oil had a short window Tuesday. 

The Obama administration on Friday unveiled its first major standards for oil companies that frack on federal lands, including beefed-up safety measures to protect groundwater, prompting industry complaints they will be a barrier to growth.

The ripple effects from the crisis in Ukraine should serve as yet another motivation for Washington to move quickly to make the U.S. energy independent.

TEST

A new study shows that not approving the long-battled over Keystone Pipeline would have minimal to no impact on U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.

___ After vote win, Greek leaders face pressure to restart talks ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Despite triumphing in a popular vote against austerity, Greece's leaders Monday faced the urgent need to heal ties with European creditors and reach a financial rescue deal to prevent it from falling out of the euro — possibly within days.

The handful of Asian stock markets open for trading on the last day of 2014 mostly rose modestly, led by China which is nearing a 52 percent gain for the year.

A renewed plunge in oil prices is a worrying sign of weakness in the global economy that could shake governments dependent on oil revenues.

Asian stock markets rose Monday, led by a 3 percent surge in Japan, as nerves about the outlook for the world economy steadied after big gains on Wall Street.

Linda Close was grateful to learn she qualified for a sizable subsidy to help pay for her health insurance under the new federal law.

___ Across US job market, layoffs are becoming rare WASHINGTON (AP) — The risk of losing your job is getting smaller and smaller.