
The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed more than 20% below its October 2007 peak on Wednesday, meaning it is officially a bear market. The blue-chip index fell 166.8 points or 1.46% to 11,215.5, which is 21.0% below its 14,198.1 close on 11 October.
The EU farm chief called for the comeback of the curvy cucumber and other odd-shaped produce sold in shops as part of proposals to ease market restrictions on fruit and vegetables amid rising food prices.

A ban on handguns in Washington DC has been ruled unconstitutional by the United States Supreme Court. In a 5-4 decision, the justices upheld a lower court ruling striking down the ban. They said individuals had a right to keep handguns for lawful purposes
US consumer confidence has fallen to its lowest level in 16 years while US home prices fell in April at the fastest rate in years, two economic reports have said.

In a move which did not surprise, the US Federal Reserve on Wednesday kept interest rates unchanged at 2%. In its usual release following the two day meeting the Open Market Committee said that recent information indicates that overall economic activity continues to expand, partly reflecting some firming in household spending.
At a time of record-high gasoline prices and a corresponding surge in transit ridership, US citizens are driving less for the sixth month in a row, highlighting the need to find a more sustainable and effective way to fund highway construction and maintenance, said United States Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters.
A judge in New York has agreed to slash 10 million off the 12 million US dollars inheritance given by real estate billionaire Leona Helmsley to her pet dog, Trouble.
Producer prices in United States jumped by more than expected in May pushed higher by the soaring fuel and food prices, according to the latest release from the US Labor Department.
United States remains the dominant leader in science and technology worldwide despite perceptions that the country is losing its competitive edge, according to a RAND Corporation.
Inflation in the United States rose at its fastest pace for six months in May because of sharply higher energy costs. Consumer prices rose 0.6% last month, government figures showed, the steepest monthly increase since last November.