Four thousand U.S. dollars are counted out by a banker counting currency at a bank in Westminster, Colorado November 3, 2009. Credit: Reuters/Rick WilkingView the original article h

Washers and dryers are seen on display at a store in New York July 28, 2010. Credit: Reuters/Shannon StapletonWASHINGTON | Fri Dec 21, 2012 8:38am EST WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A gauge of planned U.S. business spending rose much more than expected in

1 of 3. U.S. President Barack Obama speaks about the fiscal cliff at the White House in Washington December 21, 2012. Credit: Reuters/Kevin LamarqueWASHINGTON | Fri Dec 21, 2012 11:43pm EST WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House on Friday tried to rescue

A shopper walks down an aisle in a newly opened Walmart Neighborhood Market in Chicago in this September 21, 2011 file photo. Credit: Reuters/Jim Young/FilesNEW YORK | Fri Dec 21, 2012 10:21am EST NEW YORK (Reuters) - Consumer sentiment slumped in

The U.S. Capitol Building stands in Washington December 17, 2012. Credit: Reuters/Joshua RobertsLONDON | Fri Dec 21, 2012 7:28am EST LONDON (Reuters) - Global investors are betting Washington will overcome its budget deadlock despite an apparently serious