Reuters - Distressed U.S. automakers began submitting plans to Congress on Tuesday as they tried to show that they have a viable future and deserve federal aid, while new reports showed that vehicle sales continued their freefall in November.

Reuters - House of Representatives Democratic Leader Steny Hoyer said on Tuesday he hoped Congress will be able to take action next week on struggling U.S. auto manufacturers' requests for federal financial aid.

Reuters - The auto industry reeled from further sales declines in the United States as a slowdown that began there showed signs of spreading to Europe, Asia and Africa, forcing automakers to slash production.

Reuters - Stocks rose on Tuesday as investors scooped up beaten-down shares after Monday's sell-off and news that bellwether General Electric would keep its dividend unchanged in a tough economy.

Reuters - Staples Inc posted a quarterly profit that edged past analysts' expectations and announced an improved cost-savings outlook on Tuesday, sending its shares up nearly 6 percent.

AP - Reported incidents of mortgage fraud grew by 45 percent in the second quarter compared to the year-ago period, as borrowers misstated their financial information to maneuver around tighter lending standards, industry data released Tuesday showed.

Reuters - General Motors Corp reported a 41 percent drop in overall U.S. sales for November, saying continued economic uncertainty was hurting consumer confidence.

Reuters - Stocks sharply pared gains on Tuesday after General Motors Corp posted a 41 percent slide in November auto sales, compounding investors' worries about the fate of the embattled U.S. auto industry.

Reuters - General Electric Co plans to scale back its hefty finance arm and cut jobs across its range of businesses as it braces for what it expects to be a worsening economic environment next year, executives said.

Reuters - Stocks rallied on Tuesday as bargain hunters snatched up beaten down shares after Monday's steep sell-off, buttressed by news that General Electric would maintain its dividend.