Troubled subprime mortgage lender Countrywide Financial Corp. plans to slash as many as 12,000 jobs over the next three months, according to company statement released late Friday.

The number of Americans with jobs fell for the first time in four years in August, as Friday’s closely watched government jobs report came in much weaker than Wall Street forecasts.

U.S. stocks eased higher at the start of trading Thursday as investors considered some economic reports and generally stronger-than-expected retail sales.

U.S. stock were mixed at the start of trading Tuesday as investors awaited key reports on construction, manufacturing and auto sales.

These areas may not be kind to renters, but they’re a boon to owners collecting those monthly checks.