U.S. stocks rally as politicians talk deal

MARKETWATCH FRONT PAGE

U.S. stocks climb on Wednesday as the market interprets comments by President Barack Obama and House Speaker John Boehner to mean that a budget deal would be reached. See full story.

Retailers give positive holiday outlook

In a positive signal for the holiday season, clothing retailers including American Eagle Outfitters Inc. and Ann Inc. on Wednesday said the critical holiday selling season was off to a good start, and that they had made up sales lost last month to superstorm Sandy. 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

Eleven percent of student loans were 90 days or more past due in the third quarter � the highest level in nearly a decade. See full story.