Italy’s Credit-Rating Outlook Raised to Stable by Moody’s

Italy’s credit rating outlook was raised to stable from negative by Moody’s Investors Service, which cited the government’s financial strength and reduction of risks from contingent liabilities.

Fed officials see brighter global economic outlook

(Reuters) - Two top Federal Reserve officials painted a picture of cautious optimism on Friday for the U.S. economy in 2013, helped by stronger global growth as the central bank aggressively prints money to curb the nation's lofty rate of unemployment.

Asian Markets Rise on Fiscal Deal

HONG KONG — Stock markets in the Asia-Pacific region began the year with gains on Wednesday, as investors took some relief from the last-minute fiscal deal reached in Washington, but wrestled with the lingering uncertainties that surround many other aspects of the U.S. budget.

Debt Ceiling Nears as Budget Talks Stymied

The Treasury Department said Wednesday the government would hit its legal borrowing limit by Monday, setting in motion emergency measures to keep the government operating for several more weeks and serving as a reminder that the nation's budget wrangling could continue well into 2013.

Trade data to hint at U.S. economic difficulties

WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) — After a week of key employment and manufacturing-sector data, Wall Street can be forgiven for directing their focus away from the economic reports that come out of the Capitol this week and toward Europe ahead of key meetings there.