A mood of austerity requires some adjustment as Congress and the Obama administration wrangle over spending.
After the Japanese currency's surge of more than 4% earlier in the week, world banks move to rein it in.
World traders react to a fourth day of turmoil in Japan.
A catastrophe at Tokyo Electric Power Co. is possible but unlikely. Still, the nation's Topix stock index sees its biggest 2-day drop since 1987.
Tokyo shoppers strip water, food and batteries from supermarket shelves.
Oil leads the slide on a fourth straight day of declines. Precious metals and carmakers also feel the blow.
If you were expecting Japan's disastrous temblor to rock US markets, consider what some economics professors discovered 20 years ago.
An improving credit card business and expanded food offerings also boost results.
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