<div><p>Given the market's volatility, investors have stayed "defensive," beefing up their portfolios with recession-proof stocks. "Investors are being challenged on two fronts: the global economic slump and the housing and credit crises, which will take years to work out," says Joseph Battipaglia, market strategist at Washington Crossing Advisors. Risk aversion is high because ...

<div id="subtitle">Markets trade nervously as House prepares to vote on rescue plan; banking contagion spreads</div><div><p>Wall Street gave Washington's $700 billion rescue plan for banks, brokerages, credit unions, thrifts and insurance companies a mediocre grade on Monday.</p><p>As the House ...

<div id="subtitle">Markets set for nervous trading on bet rescue plan will pass, but relief might not last</div><div><p>Financial markets were subdued in early trading Sunday night after congressional leaders said they are poised to pass a $700 billion rescue plan for banks, brokerages, credit unions, thrifts and ...