Dow slides on China worries

The Dow tumbled Friday after China’s bid to limit bank loans and slower-than-expected European growth raised worries about the global recovery. But a late-session run up in select techs gave the Nasdaq a boost.

Record $3.5 billion spent on lobbying in 2009

Lobbying appears to be recession-proof, according to a report out by the Center for Responsive Politics today.

Colleges cut back on generous financial aid

Buffett’s Berkshire joins the S&P 500

Warren Buffett’s legendary Berkshire Hathaway joined the S&P 500 index after markets closed Friday.

Wall Street dusts off ‘Help Wanted’ sign

After shedding more than 30,000 workers over the past two-and-a-half years, is the job market on Wall Street finally be turning a corner? It might be the case.

‘Cash for Appliances’ coming to a state near you

A government program that gives consumers rebates on purchases of energy-efficient household appliances is ramping up in states across the country.

At $3,250, Olympic hockey tix trump the Super Bowl

Fancy a last-minute ticket to the opening ceremonies? Get ready to fork over about a thousand bucks. How about a glimpse at Shaun White at Wednesday’s halfpipe finals? It’ll set you back another $1,400. And as for rink-side seats at the men’s ice hockey final game… those will cost you more than this year’s Super Bowl tix — a whopping $3,250 or more.

Airline performance improved in 2009

Airlines in the United States did a better job of getting passengers and their luggage to their destinations on time last year, according to the federal government’s latest report on airline performance.

Macworld’s Best-of-Show

Macworld Expo proves it can attract a crowd — and some cool technology — without Apple.

Where’s housing headed? Follow rents

It may not be the most widespread measure of housing prices, but if you want to follow a powerful driver, look at rents.