Progress cited as fiscal-cliff deadline nears

MARKETWATCH FRONT PAGE

Negotiations aimed at averting the fiscal cliff of tax increases and deep automatic spending cuts are making progress, lawmakers say, as Washington stares down a midnight deadline for action. See full story.

Obama: Failure to pass deal will hurt markets

President Barack Obama urged lawmakers to reach a scaled-down deal to prevent higher taxes on the middle class, saying the failure to act would damage the economy and hurt financial markets See full story.

4 things that will cost less in 2013

Experts say some items and expenses may actually be cheaper in the new year. In some cases, the drop is due to evolving technology and increased competition. In others, shoppers are making choices that may result in lower bills � without leaving them feeling deprived. See full story.

Cliff overshadows job, industrial snapshots

The monthly jobs report and a snapshot of manufacturing are usually a big deal, but Washington � and specifically the fiscal cliff � has shown little sign of relinquishing the spotlight See full story.

Who�s to blame for fiscal cliff? You are

Hold up the mirror to find out who�s responsible for taking the nation past a precipice of tax hikes and spending cuts, writes Steve Goldstein. 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

These not-so-obvious conditions may mean you�re headed for danger See full story.