AP - Legislation extending unemployment insurance for the long-term jobless faces a key test vote in the Senate, its momentum helped by about 60 popular tax breaks for individuals and businesses that expired at the end of last year.
AP - Russia's largest steelmaker Severstal says its fourth quarter net loss narrowed sharply to $162 million and expects market improvements in the year ahead.
AP - An official in charge of China's foreign reserves tried to ease American concern Tuesday about the political impact of its huge holdings of U.S. government debt and indicated Beijing has no plans for a big increase in its gold stockpile.
AP - German mail and logistics company Deutsche Post AG says its net loss for the fourth quarter narrowed to euro283 million ($385 million) largely because of a cost savings program.
Reuters - The United States has not raised the issue of gasoline sales by Reliance Industries to Iran, but New Delhi has told the U.S. government that issues with Tehran should be settled by talks, not sanctions, India's junior oil minister said.
AP - Asian stocks were mixed Tuesday, taking a breather after sharp gains the day before as investors awaited more clues about the health of the world economy.
AP - Oil prices hovered below $82 a barrel Tuesday in Asia, losing momentum after a monthlong run-up fueled by growing investor optimism about global economic growth.
Reuters - Toyota Motor Corp said it had found no flaw with its throttle controls as it seeks to dismiss an external study critical of its electronic safety systems.
AFP - Big business and the rich will bear the brunt of Portugal's new austerity programme, the country's socialist prime minster said as his government announced spending cuts and select tax rises.