Gold surges as investors rush to safety

Date: Wed, 17 Sep 2008 17:03:58 -0400
Gold surges as investors rush to safety

Gold scores its biggest daily gain in a generation in dollar terms as
investor worries about a financial meltdown spur a rush into the
safe-haven metal.

AIG's businesses for sale as bailout buys insurer time

The $85 billion government bailout of the insurance giant buys it some
time to sell businesses such as its aircraft-leasing unit, the
asset-management division and even its market-leading life insurance and
property and casualty operations, experts say.

Stock decline could force Morgan to pursue merger: report

Shares of Morgan Stanley are down as much as 30% after the firm
pre-announces earnings and investors react to speculation the company
may be compelled to hunt for a suitor if the stock continues to fall.

Japan, Australia pump $31.9 billion into markets

The Bank of Japan injects 2 trillion yen ($18.8 billion) into money
markets Wednesday morning, the second straight day it has undertakes
special operations to help ensure ample liquidity during the global
financial market turmoil.