Gold extends post-Fed rally to 6-week high

MARKETWATCH FRONT PAGE

Gold prices rise to their highest level since early December, extending gains that followed the Federal Reserve�s announcement that it plans to hold rates near zero until the end of 2014. See full story.

Economy improving, leading indicators say

The U.S. economy is expected to improve early this year, though global conditions present risk, the Conference Board says. See full story.

December new-home sales dip to end worst-ever year

Sales of new homes slumped 2.2% in December, disappointing analysts who had expected another big gain in the month after a strong report in November. Sales for the year hit a new record low. See full story.

Jobless claims in U.S. rise sharply

New applications for U.S. unemployment benefits rose sharply last week, but initials claims remained at a level that usually suggests a modest improvement in the U.S. labor market. See full story.

U.S. stocks open up on earnings and data

Wall Street stocks open higher after a round of better-than-expected earnings from companies including Caterpillar and as jobless claims remain below the 400,000 threshold. See full story.

MARKETWATCH COMMENTARY

Instead of acknowledging that banks have become a part of government, we keep pretending they are private institutions, writes David Weidner. See full story.

MARKETWATCH PERSONAL FINANCE

Gold has been one of the greatest investment stories of the decade, and despite some recent weakness, its safe-haven appeal is likely to continue. But regardless of the price gyrations in gold futures and demand, do we really know what the cost of gold is in human terms? See full story.