Labor market firming, but inflation still benign

(Reuters) - Fewer than expected Americans filed new claims for unemployment benefits last week and manufacturing activity hit an eight-month high in early November, hinting at some strength in the economy.

If US goes over fiscal cliff, dollar could fly

NEW YORK: In times of trouble, investors tend to flee to the comfort of the U.S. dollar -- even when the trouble is emanating from the United States.

Global shares slip as government bonds gain, Greece eyed

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Shares prices slipped from 3-1/2 month highs on major world markets on Wednesday and government bond yields fell as Greek and European officials met on the eurozone debt crisis and after weak Japanese economic data stoked concern about global growth.