Finance

Washington -- The U.S. Federal Reserve said it would leave its historically low interest rates intact in an environment of modest economic improvement.

Washington -- Senate Banking Committee Chairman Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., unveiled his 1,336 page regulatory reform bill Monday, saying it included Republican input.

Washington -- A top candidate for a post on the U.S. Federal Reserve board of governors may turn down an offer if one is made, sources told The New York Times.

Washington -- The Treasury Department said some homeowners could receive a cash incentive to sell their homes to steer them away from a foreclosure.

Ottawa-- The Bankruptcy Canada agency in Ottawa reported an 8.6 percent monthly decline in bankruptcy filings in December.

Washington -- U.S. mortgage lender Quicken Loans said it was considering moving 700 more employees to Detroit within a year after posting a banner year in 2009.

Beijing -- The People's Bank of China increased reserve requirements among most banks in a move widely interpreted as a step to slow inflation.

Washington -- The U.S. Federal Reserve bank is likely to use a variety of options to slow the economy when the recovery is stronger, bank officials said.

Washington -- A majority of U.S. economists indicated in a survey low interest rates contributed to the housing bubble that sent the financial system into a tailspin

Washington-- A Washington state bank and a California credit union have become the first two financial institution failures of the year, officials say.