This week could mark the end of the bull market for Wall Street, with U.S. stocks likely to join a global equity market plunge triggered by fears of a U.S. recession.    Stocks Likely to Keep Falling  Warning: Bear Market Ahead

  A heavy gloom hanging over Wall Street may deepen this week unless such bellwether companies as Apple and United Technologies provide investors with hope that the U.S. economy can avert recession.

  Oil slid to a six-week low below $89 a barrel on Monday as stock markets fell and concern mounted over an economic slow-down led by top consumer the United States.

  Stocks slipped again today after an early rally, and the word "recession" seems to be rolling off everyone's tongue.  CNBC asked market experts how investors can best weather this storm.

  Britain set a two-week deadline for a private-sector rescue of Northern Rock, as it confirmed plans to convert its almost 25 billions pounds ($49 billion) of loans to the stricken bank into bonds in a bid to smooth a deal.

  U.S. private equity firm JC Flowers said on Monday it was considering making an offer for Britain's Friends Provident, boosting the shares of the stricken insurer.

  Brazilian mining giant Vale  is preparing to make a bid for Anglo-Swiss rival Xstrata in deal that could be worth $90 billion, local newspapers reported on Monday.

  The shrinking value of subprime mortgage investments will eat further into Commerzbank's 2007 profits, its designated chief executive said while admitting that management had blundered.

  Philips Electronics reported fourth-quarter core earnings above average analysts' forecasts on Monday, but said its key medical division still struggled with a weaker U.S. market for imaging systems.

  Agreement between the White House and Congress that the stumbling U.S. economy needs help was a big first step but it was clear Saturday there was room for sparring over crafting a rescue package.

  Forget about tax rebates. Cramer has the stimulus package this economy really needs.

  An overview of this week's market and economic activity, with CNBC's Larry Kudlow and his panel

  The creature-feature "Cloverfield" became the first monster hit released in 2008, debuting with $41 million, a record opening for January, according to studio estimates Sunday.

  For much of the world, the United States is now on sale at discount prices. With credit tight, unemployment growing and worries mounting about a potential recession, American business and government leaders are courting foreign money to keep the economy growing.