Spain up against a wall as borrowing costs soar

MARKETWATCH FRONT PAGE

Economists and analysts were left asking just how long Spain can hold out before it needs a bailout for its banks, as borrowing costs reached fresh highs for the government on Wednesday after its debt was downgraded and the European Central Bank reportedly rejected its plans to rescue Bankia. See full story.

EU sees rescue-fund bailout of euro-zone banks

The euro area�s permanent rescue fund might be given permission to directly recapitalize the currency union�s ailing banks, the European Commission says in a set of reports Wednesday that also called for the creation of a banking supervision union to match the 17-country currency union. See full story.

Spain to sell bonds to pay for Bankia bailout

Spain�s government on Wednesday clarifies its rescue plans for Bankia SA, saying it will pay for the EUR19 billion bailout with cash raised through an auction of treasury bonds. See full story.

Ireland expected to back EU�s fiscal compact

Ireland is expected to ignore warnings of further austerity and back tighter, European Union�imposed budget and debt controls in a referendum Thursday, as it seeks economic stability through future access to the EU�s emergency funds. See full story.

Ireland expected to back EU�s fiscal compact

Ireland is expected to ignore warnings of further austerity and back tighter, European Union�imposed budget and debt controls in a referendum Thursday, as it seeks economic stability through future access to the EU�s emergency funds. See full story.

MARKETWATCH COMMENTARY

A Bay Area gathering of women in tech is hosted by Facebook, where CEO Mark Zuckerberg�s hacker ethic reigns, writes Therese Poletti. See full story.

MARKETWATCH PERSONAL FINANCE

When it comes to IRAs, timing is everything. Robert Powell looks at five rules that could derail your retirement-savings plans. See full story.