msnbc.com: Business

• Stocks tick higher after release of Fed notes
  Wall Street advanced moderately Tuesday, as fresh details from the Federal Reserve on its efforts to combat the recession helped offset disappointing economic reports.
• Despite actions, Fed sees downturn lasting
  Federal Reserve officials feared the economy would be stuck in a painful rut for some time despite their decision to slash interest rates to a record low.
• Factory orders plunge in November
  Orders to factories fell for a record fourth straight month in November, reflecting the intensifying effects of the country's steep recession.
• Pending home sales plunge to record low
  Pending sales of existing U.S. homes dropped to a seven-year low in November, data showed on Tuesday.
• Services sector contraction slows in Dec.
  An index of activity in the U.S. services sector contracted at a slower pace in December as new orders and employment improved.