Existing home sales in U.S. still in the cellarThe number of Americans who bought previously occupied homes fell to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.91 million homes, the National Association of Realtors said. The pace matches last year's sales figures, which were the worst since 1997. Economists say home sales need to be closer to 6 million to be consistent with a healthy housing market.
Existing home sales in U.S. still in the cellar
Leading indicators edge up in SeptemberThe Conference Board index of leading economic indicators rose 0.2 percent in September, in line with views. It was the fifth consecutive gain for the index, although it was slightly weaker than increases in August and July.
Visco put forward to lead Italy's central bankItalian Premier Silvio Berlusconi has nominated the deputy director general of Italy's central bank, Ignazio Visco, to take over for Bank of Italy chief Mario Draghi, who is becoming head of the European Central Bank Nov. 1. The nomination is crucial as Italy seeks to implement austerity and growth measures in a bid to prevent becoming the latest victim of Europe's debt crisis. The nomination must be confirmed by the bank's board.
LinkedIn adds a Japanese platformLinkedIn Corp. launched its online professional networking service in Japanese, the first Asian language platform for the company. Mountain View, Calif.-based LinkedIn also established a small Tokyo office. LinkedIn has about 120 million members, with 20 million in Asia and the South Pacific.
30,000 Finns going on strike, union saysFinnish union leaders said that about 30,000 tech industry workers will begin a two-week strike Friday, expected to halt most of the nation's exports. The strike comes after workers rejected a mediation proposal in a labor dispute over pay and working conditions. It will affect 41 companies, mostly in the machinery, metals and mining sectors.
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In Their Shoes: Minneapolis woman picks up roadkill for a living, doesn’t ‘want to do anything else’
Susan Baker, the lead officer at Minneapolis Animal Care and Control says a good day in her book is when pets are reunited with their owners and the ‘deads’ are properly disposed.