MarketWatch

The first January after the end of a bear market has been consistently strong, yielding a 3.7% gain for stocks on average since the 1930s, according to Standard & Poor's.

However, the U.S. equities market is poised to finish 2009 with its best annual performance in six years.

Bank becomes latest financial institution to change compensation policy in wake of national controversy over executive pay.

The new year always brings optimism, and that has shown up in investor sentiment, but it might not last, writes Chuck Jaffe.

The new year always brings optimism, and that has shown up in investor sentiment, but it might not last, writes Chuck Jaffe.

International-stock mutual funds were the best performers in a year when U.S. stock funds also soared, but the question for many investors as they head into 2010 is whether these standouts can continue their ascent.

U.S. stocks move lower on 2009's last day of trading, as investors retreat, waiting to close out a year that’s on track to become the stock market's best since 2003.

Much like shoppers spotting hidden gems in a discount store clothing bin, corporate-bond bargain-hunters showed a real knack this year for turning the overlooked into the envy of their peers, often spending just pennies on the dollar to do so.

After a brutal 2009. industry hopes for better times in 2010.

GMAC’s request for new cash -- up to $3.5 billion, according to reports -- isn’t any surprise, the auto finance company long ago cemented its reputation as the American International Group Inc. of the auto industry: it’s too connected to fail.

Energy traders certainly have their work cut out for them when it comes to guessing the next direction for oil and natural gas as the year comes to an end.