Humana Inc.'s third-quarter net income jumped 13 percent after another strong quarter of Medicare Advantage enrollment growth, and the health insurer also raised its 2011 earnings forecast, following a lead set the past couple weeks by other big insurers.

Investors began giving in to fears Thursday that a global recession is already under way, and stock markets shuddered around the world. Selling started in Asia, picked up speed in Europe and sent Wall Street near its worst finish of the year.

Could the U.S. lose its top credit rating even if a deal is reached to raise the debt limit? Market analysts and investors increasingly say yes.

Stocks are wavering in early trading as traders weigh slightly better than expected reports on jobs and housing with the possibility that Greece could default on its debt.

Good news for retirement plan investors as companies in the S&P 500 index have surpassed profit expectations for eight straight quarters.