Business

SEATTLE (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp is expected to report a big jump in earnings on Thursday, helped by the newest versions of its lucrative Office software and the blockbuster Halo game; but short- and long-term issues with its core Windows franchise nag at investors. Full Story »

• Slideshow: Microsoft

WASHINGTON/DETROIT (Reuters) - Chrysler, the once-bankrupt U.S. automaker that received billions in government aid last year, will soon get new federal loans to help retool factories to make more fuel efficient vehicles, according to sources familiar with the matter. Full Story »

STOCKHOLM (AFP) - Stock exchange company NASDAQ OMX said Monday it had launched the world's fastest trading system, Genium INET, in its Nordic cash and fixed income derivatives markets. Full Story »

NEW YORK - Americans' confidence in the economy stayed stuck in gloomy territory in October, with Wall Street's gains in recent months not boosting spirits much. Full Story »

LOS ANGELES - When the cost to see the latest "Shrek" movie in Imax 3-D briefly hit $20 in New York this summer, theatergoers nearly choked on their popcorn. Full Story »

DUBLIN - Ireland's government said Tuesday it must slash euro15 billion ($20.8 billion) from its annual deficits in a four-year plan designed to bring Europe's most runaway budget back within EU limits. Full Story »

LOS ANGELES - Mortgage default notices in California have edged up from last quarter for the first time since early last year but remain below their year-ago numbers. Full Story »

WASHINGTON - The Federal Reserve says it won't ask the Supreme Court to review a lower court decision ordering the central bank to provide information on companies that had received Fed loans during the 2008 financial crisis. Full Story »

CLEVELAND - Paint maker and retailer Sherwin-Williams Co. posted flat earnings for the third quarter on Tuesday as an 8.8 percent increase in revenue was offset by higher raw materials costs. Full Story »

HOME PRICES FALL: Home prices are falling further, suggesting a bottom hasn't been reached in many metro areas. The Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller 20-city home price index fell 0.2 percent in August from July. Full Story »

PITTSBURGH - Pennsylvania state regulators say a gas drilling company will pay $32,000 for environmental damage from a a deadly explosion. Full Story »

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. - The two major-party candidates for Connecticut governor say they'll lure good-paying jobs to the state but continue to criticize each other's plans to reduce the state's $3.4 billion deficit. Full Story »

DETROIT - The most problem-free cars and trucks are made by Honda and Toyota, but U.S. automakers Ford and General Motors are closing the gap in quality, according to an annual survey by Consumer Reports magazine. Full Story »