Joe Biden–Paul Ryan debate: 5 things to watch

MARKETWATCH FRONT PAGE

5 things to watch when Vice President Joe Biden and Rep. Paul Ryan square off in their one and only debate on Thursday night in Danville, Ky. See full story.

Ryan can�t be Ryan at tonight�s debate with Biden

Paul Ryan can�t be his true conservative self in tonight�s vice presidential debate, because his ideas are too radical for the new moderate Mitt Romney, writes Darrell Delamaide. See full story.

Jobless claims plunge to four-year low

First-time claims for unemployment insurance fell 30,000 to 339,000 in the latest week, the lowest level in more than four years. See full story.

Why we shouldn�t have to wait for �Downton Abbey�

Cross-border viewing barriers for movies and TV make even less sense in a broadband era. See full story.

U.S. stocks end near flat; S&P 500 barely up

U.S. stock indexes close largely unchanged on Thursday, with the S&P 500 index just managing to halt a losing streak, as cheer about a decline in jobless claims dissipates. See full story.

MARKETWATCH COMMENTARY

The Republican candidate wants to talk tough but comes across as sounding reckless, writes media columnist Jon Friedman See full story.

MARKETWATCH PERSONAL FINANCE

Forgetting your coupons at home isn�t quite the inconvenience it once was � provided you have your phone with you. See full story.