The earnings reports for many major companies are due next week, and analysts expect the news to be bad.

Despite oil prices showing some positive signs this week, it’s not enough to spare the oil industry, which is seeing oil rigs being shut down at an alarming rate.

GE is getting out of the commercial and consumer lending business in order to focus on its industrial core.

A massive gas pipeline explosion in 2010 killed eight people in San Bruno, prompting California to contemplate splitting the utility up after numerous safety violations raise concerns about whether it’s too big.

Republicans feel that the government needs to cut back on services to bring taxes down, while Democrats are calling for a flat rate tax for vehicles.

Berkshire plunked down $560 million for the paint manufacturer, which produces liquid and powder coatings for the automotive and transportation industries.

Gas prices are expected to stand at an average of $2.45 per gallon this summer.

Instead, companies are fearful of another economic downturn as stagnation and deflation persist.

The latest labor report indicates the economy added just 126,000 jobs in March, the lowest figure in a very long time.