Swaps Come Under Fire

Wholesale Inventories Drop

U.S. wholesalers' inventories unexpectedly fell 0.2% in January, as surging demand pulled goods off shelves in the first month of the year.

Fed Debates Next Rate Signal

Long before the Fed raises short-term interest rates in the face of an improving economy, it will need to signal to the public that a change is in the works. Fed officials are intensifying discussions about how to send that sign when the time comes.

Brown Sets U.K. Budget Date

The British prime minister, whose government is under intense pressure to clarify plans for reducing ballooning debt, said a budget would be laid out on March 24, paving the way for a national election.

• Iain Martin: What Turning Point?
• Gordon Brown Vows to Reduce Deficit
• Is economy heading in the right direction?

Thailand Holds Rates Steady

Thailand's central bank held its benchmark interest rate steady as widely expected, but hinted at an increase at its next meeting if domestic political tensions don't interrupt economic growth.

Brown Sticks to Budget Plans

The U.K. prime minister brushed aside calls to use the upcoming budget to accelerate the government's debt-reduction plan, even as U.K. manufacturing output fell sharply in January.

• Iain Martin: What Turning Point?
• Gordon Brown Vows to Reduce Deficit
• Vote: Is economy heading in the right direction?

Job Market Shows Signs of Gains

Two new reports show that the job market continues to make small gains, though employers will have to do a lot more hiring before a dent is made in the nation's 9.7% unemployment rate.

China Exports Show Tentative Recovery

China's exports expanded strongly for the third straight month in February, though they slipped slightly from January, showing a tentative recovery.

Europe Bailout Fund Gains Backing

The European Union's executive arm said it is preparing proposals that could lead to the creation of a bailout fund for financially troubled euro-zone countries.

• Heard: Euro Monetary Fund Has Promise, Problems
• Real Time Brussels: European Fund Talks Heat Up
• Vote: Is a European monetary fund a good idea?

Japan Machinery Orders Fall

Core machinery orders fell 3.7% in January after unusually strong growth in December, suggesting a full-fledged recovery in business investment is still some way off.