Futures edge up before jobs data
NEW YORK (Reuters) – Stock index futures edged up on Friday before a government report that is expected to show 70,000 jobs were created last month, while oil prices hovering near $99 a barrel kept investors on edge.

November factory orders up 1.5 percent
WASHINGTON – Orders to U.S. factories jumped in November by the largest amount in four months. The increase was driven by higher petroleum prices and was not viewed as a sign of any newfound strength in manufacturing.

Single trader behind oil record
The man behind the record rise in oil prices to $100 a barrel was a lone trader, seeking bragging rights and a minute of fame, market watchers say.

Housing glut could help war wounded
CIBOLO, Texas – The glut of unsold houses pocking the nation’s newer neighborhoods may be just what the doctor ordered for thousands of wounded servicemembers facing homelessness and serious financial hardships since returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan, advocates say.

Business growth is not an end in itself (by Samuel Brittan, Financial Times)
[In a] no-growth new world, people could enjoy the fruits of technological progress with a mixture of increased leisure and a more congenial and relaxed working life. The reduction in labour input would be voluntary and completely different from what happens in an economic slump. Some political economists have looked forward to this state of affairs…Even if demand for conventional consumer goods were to peak, there might still be demand for more public services and more expenditure to relieve poverty at home and abroad… Economic growth need not just consist of trinkets or lavish parties for billionaires.
Do we really NEED all those Wiis?

Japan firm offers “family allowances” to pet owners
TOKYO (Reuters) – Hoping to send the message that pets are life-long partners not disposable accessories, a Japanese maker of medicines for animals has begun giving employees who own dogs or cats a monthly “family allowance” for their pets.