U.S. lawmakers entered a weekend of budget negotiations in a final effort to prevent at least some of more than $600 billion in tax increases and spending cuts from taking effect in January.
Home prices climbed more than forecast in October, indicating a rebounding real-estate market will bolster the U.S. economy for the first time in seven years.
Banks’ loan-loss reserves may jump about 50% under a proposed U.S. accounting-rule change that redefines how quickly firms must recognize bad debts, standard-setters said.
More than 6 in 10 Americans support a ban on assault rifles and high-ammunition magazines, according a poll conducted after last week’s mass shootings in Newtown, Conn.
