Oil ends lower, gasoline at best since August

MARKETWATCH FRONT PAGE

Oil futures end a seesawing session modestly lower. Gasoline futures settle at their highest since August on a planned refinery shutdown and higher Brent prices. See full story.

White House expands foreclosure prevention program

The Treasury Department on Friday expanded a troubled program seeking to help troubled borrowers on the verge of foreclosure, expanding incentive payments to investors so they participate in the program. See full story.

Economy expands 2.8% in fourth quarter

The U.S. economy chalks up 2.8% growth in the final three months of 2011, propelled by increases in consumer spending and business inventories. While the growth rate in See full story.

Updates, advisories and surprises

A roundup of the latest corporate earnings reports and what companies are saying about future quarters. See full story.

Hopes rise for Greek debt deal

Rising expectations for an agreement between Greece and private creditors on a plan to cut the nation�s debt load coincide with talks set to resume in Athens. 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.