Factories humming but jobs still elusive - 2004-02-02
Manufacturing jumped to a 20-year high at the beginning of the new year as factories scrambled to keep up with demand, while a separate report Monday showed a modest increase in consumer spending for the holiday shopping season.

Overall construction spending rose 0.4% to a seasonally adjusted $933.2 billion, the Commerce Department said, as low mortgage rates fueled a strong housing market.
Read the full story at USA Today

Bank boss resigns over rogue trades - 2004-02-02
The chief executive of Australia's top bank has resigned in wake of losses by rogue currency traders. Frank Cicutto had been under pressure since National Australia Bank warned last month that unauthorised trading could cost A$360m (£153m; $277m).

An ambitious series of international ventures left NAB exposed at home, analysts argued. NAB has also had to suffer huge write-downs in the value of its former US mortgage arm.
Read the full story at BBC