AFP - The Bush administration's highest priority for its remaining three years is to control US federal spending and bring down the budget deficit, US Treasury Secretary John Snow has said.

Reuters - Hiring at U.S. small businesses was quite strong in October and implies a robust gain in overall U.S. hiring last month, a small business group said on Friday, just ahead of the release of key U.S. jobs data.

FT.com - The dollar extended its 25-month high against the yen and its gains on the euro after Federal Reserve officials comments that the central bank would have to be vigilant to contain inflation expectations.

AFP - The US economy added 56,000 jobs in October, the Labor Department said in a report weaker than anticipated by private economists.

USATODAY.com - Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan told Congress Thursday that fallout from the recent spate of devastating hurricanes should prove fleeting and that the economy remains sturdy. The Fed chief sounded optimistic about the economy's prospects, but made clear the Fed is keeping a close eye on high energy prices to make sure they don't spark broader inflation.

Reuters - The lingering impact of hurricanes Katrina and Rita may again obscure the view of U.S. hiring when October employment data is issued at 8:30 EST but analysts say the storm's worst impact is past.

USATODAY.com - Savers are no longer talking about Mean Al Greenspan and putting his picture on dartboards. Now they're baking cookies for the Federal Reserve chairman and giving him nicer nicknames: Al 'The Man' Greenspan. Daddy Greenbucks. Snookums.

AFP - The "rock-bottom" pricing strategy used by retail giant Wal-Mart has filtered into the US economy and kept a lid on inflation, according to a study commissioned by the company and released.

Investor's Business Daily - The Federal Reserve's quarter-point increase in short-term interest rates last week -- its 12th hike since June 2004 -- was a sweet melody to the ears of savers.