3:21pm:  The final days before Christmas are crucial, and shoppers gave it their best shot. But the push may not have been enough to prop up spending for the season. (more)

Housing, credit market turbulence, product recalls and declining store traffic are threats that could trip retailers' sales and profits in the coming months and beyond. (more)

When Wall Street fails, it inevitably asks for a handout. Fortune's Allan Sloan says there must be a better way.  (more)

U.S. workers can't compete globally unless they work harder, writes Fortune's Geoff Colvin. (more)

As the U.S. tries to free itself from Big Oil's grip, larger biofuel producers look to stake their claim in a growing business. (more)

Find out whether you have the political savvy to scale the executive ranks. (more)

Test how savvy you are at deciding issues at work. (more)

Google is No. 1, shooting to the top in its first appearance on Fortune's list. Find out why, plus see detailed profiles for all the best places to work.  (more)

Rank all 50 states and see where yours fits in.  (more)

Is the job outlook brighter? Find out. (more)

Find out what the Federal Reserve will do next, where interest rates are going and what it means to you. (more)