Reuters: Top Global and Breaking News

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FRANKFURT (Reuters) - The ECB is expected to show no sign of veering off the crisis exit path at its meeting later on Thursday, amid escalating fears about debt-choked euro zone members and a renewed push by the Federal Reserve to kick-start the U.S. economy.

ECB to maintain exit focus after Fed stimulus push

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WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Exuberant Republicans vowed on Wednesday to exercise their new power in Congress to roll back some of President Barack Obama's key accomplishments, but a somber Obama said voters wanted both parties to work harder to find common ground.

Republicans vow to roll back Obama agenda

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WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama is open to the idea of discussing an extension of Bush-era tax cuts for all income levels, the White House said on Thursday.

Obama open to discussing broad tax cut extension

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WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Pending sales of previously owned U.S. homes fell unexpectedly in September, a report showed on Friday, and activity may remain volatile for months as troubles with foreclosures disrupt the market.

September pending home sales fall 1.8 percent

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WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Employment surged much more than expected last month as private companies hired workers at the fastest pace since April, a sign the sluggish economy is finally starting to tick up.

Jump in hiring lifts spirits on economy

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NEW YORK (Reuters) - Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway got the wrong end of a bet on future stock market prices in the third quarter, hurting profits and masking the substantial strength in his recently acquired railroad.

Buffett derivative bet pushes Berkshire to loss

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WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A bipartisan agreement to tackle huge budget deficits is achievable, though it would take a lot of work, outgoing White House economic adviser Larry Summers said on Friday.

Summers sees prospects for eventual budget deal

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SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia's Qantas Airways hopes to have its grounded fleet of six Airbus A380s flying again "within days" following urgent checks after an engine failure, chief executive Alan Joyce said on Saturday.

Qantas A380 fleet could fly again within days: CEO

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MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Defense Secretary Robert Gates said on Sunday he hoped the outgoing Congress would approve legislation ending the military's ban on gays but was unsure of the prospects for success.

Defense chief Gates backs push to end "don't ask, don't tell"

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SEOUL (Reuters) - Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Seoul on Sunday in a largely peaceful protest against this week's G20 summit as the city went on heightened alert for the meeting of world leaders.

Thousands protest in Seoul before G20 summit