7 really stupid investments

MARKETWATCH FRONT PAGE

Commentary: Highlights from a decade of bad investment ideas. See full story.

Fed sets jobless, inflation targets; to buy bonds

The Federal Reserve, in what analysts called a watershed move, set out new thresholds Wednesday on the level of unemployment and inflation that must be in place before it would contemplate higher interest rates. See full story.

Gold prices skid on profit-taking after Fed

Prices of gold and silver take a tumble in electronic trading as gains in the wake of the Federal Reserve�s expanded monetary stimulus give way to profit-taking. See full story.

Europe stocks drop after Fed comments

European stock markets drop on Thursday, as investors digest fresh comments from the U.S. Federal Reserve and news about a European banking union. See full story.

Big earnings on Thursday: Ciena, Hovnanian, Adobe

Among the companies whose shares are expected to see active trade in Thursday�s session are Ciena, Hovnanian Enterprises, and Adobe Systems. See full story.

MARKETWATCH COMMENTARY

The fiscal cliff is a misleading metaphor, writes Rex Nutting. The tax and spending laws will change on that day, it�s true, but the impact will be spread out over many, many months. We�re already feeling the pain. See full story.

MARKETWATCH PERSONAL FINANCE

Commentary: Presenting the 17th annual Lump of Coal Awards See full story.