European shares struggle for direction on Monday with U.S. markets closed for a holiday amid lingering worries about growth, although oil giant BP managed to gain ground. See full story.
U.K. service-sector growth hit by budget
LONDON (MarketWatch) -- Activity in Britain's services sector slowed more sharply than expected in June, undercut by worries about government spending cuts and a tax rise, according to a monthly survey of purchasing managers released Monday. See full story.
Dollar mostly higher
The dollar gains slightly versus the euro and pound after purchasing managers indicated a slowdown in U.K. service-sector activity last month. See full story.
BP bracing for shake-up: report
Investors are braced for a change in BP PLC's leadership once its leaking oil well in the Gulf of Mexico is capped, which could come in the next few weeks, according to a media report Saturday. See full story.
BP tests Taiwanese oil-skimming ship
Vessel's owners claim it can remove 300,000 to 400,000 gallons of spilled oil from the Gulf of Mexico every day. See full story.
MARKETWATCH COMMENTARY
Even in the current market slump, having one of the world’s top smart phone makers carry a valuation similar to that of a battered oil company or car manufacturer is -- shall we say -- unusual. See full story.
MARKETWATCH PERSONAL FINANCE
The time has come for the nation to face some facts and, according to Republican Rep. John Boehner, the House minority leader, that means fixing Social Security by hiking the normal retirement age to 70 for future retirees, from the current 67. See full story.
