The US economy stumbled badly in the first half of 2011 and came dangerously close to contracting in the January-March period, raising the risk of a recession if a stand-off over the nation's debt does not end quickly.
46111
US economy stumbles badly in first half
18544
The US monetary system is in serious trouble:
25128
US economy grew sluggishly in recent weeks:
16028
The economic future is bleak
46954
US headed for recession:
13768
The economy is not fine
67663
``It's over'' for US economy:
138613
Interest rates likely to come down:
70113
US recession may drag into 2010:
20757
2012 will be a worse year for equities than 2011:
34421
US economy contracts 6.2 percent
36857
Bernanke delivers bleak assessment of US economy
130902
Recession 'could be closer than expected'
162751
Housing starts down in 2011
69475
Recession could have been avoided
149851
A recession is possible
131919
Economy will take time to recover: