SAN FRANCISCO -- Borders Group Inc. is negotiating with banks for financing that could keep it afloat during bankruptcy proceedings, according to a report published Thursday by The Wall Street Journal. The book retailer is in talks with Bank of America Corp. and General Electric Co.'sfinancearm for roughly $500 million in so-called debtor-in-possession financing, meant to keep companies in business after they file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, according to the report. Meanwhile Borders has increased pressure on publishers for concessions such as forgiving payments in order for it to be able to tap new credit lines and avoid a bankruptcy filing, the report said. Shares of Borders rose more than 36% in late trading, to $1.10.

DAVOS, Switzerland -(Dow Jones)- Sweden's currency may be going through the roof, but the country'sfinanceminister Anders Borg is staying as cool as his namesake Bjoern used to be on the tennis courts.

Fannie's and Freddie's effort to challenge the quality of the riskiest mortgage bonds they own is proving a tough slog.

Economist Peter Morici says the U.S.'s AAA rating should be taken down several notches to less than Japan's AA- rating.

WASHINGTON -(Dow Jones)- A North Carolina banking regulator the Obama administration had nominated for a job overseeing Fannie Mae (FNMA) and Freddie Mac (FMCC) has instead been chosen for another term in his state.

WASHINGTON -(Dow Jones)- Senate Democrats on Thursday named Sen. Tim Johnson, (D., S.D.) to be chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, as anticipated.