U.S. stocks face lowered earnings bar

MARKETWATCH FRONT PAGE

The U.S. stock market faces the heart of the fourth-quarter earnings season in the days ahead, with the bar substantially lower and Europe�s troubles in play See full story.

Why gold could lose its glitter in 2012

Investors who have recently jumped on the gold bandwagon will need plenty of patience in 2012, as an anemic global economy and better prospects for the U.S. dollar could dim gold�s allure. See full story.

2012 Mercedes-Benz C250 coupe

Mercedes Benz�s new C250 is a relative bargain for German luxury car, writes Ron Amadon. See full story.

2012 Mercedes-Benz C250 coupe

Mercedes Benz�s new C250 is a relative bargain for German luxury car, writes Ron Amadon. See full story.

Packers, Pats hope offense overcomes defense

Number-one seeds have historically great offenses paired with defenses that rank among the NFL�s worst. 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

In 2012, creativity and adaptability are among the key skills needed to land and keep a job, as staff levels remain lean and employers expect workers to respond to a wide variety of demands. See full story.