In these 10 spots, fleeing lenders, rampant foreclosures, stalled sales and few new jobs hamper growth.

What in the world is going on here? Why is Washington spending billions to bail out Wall Street titans while leaving struggling homeowners to fend for themselves? Why are the Federal Reserve and the Treasury acting as if they’re afraid the world may come to an end, while the stock market seems much less concerned? And finally, what does all this mean to those of us who aren’t financial professionals?

We canvassed the country to find towns with the best mix of business advantages and lifestyle appeal. Check out our 100 top picks and find the perfect place to build your dream.

The Federal Reserve would have the power to regulate virtually the entire banking and securities industry under proposals to be unveiled Monday by Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, according to a summary of the proposals provided to CNN late Friday.

Investors burned during this wretched first quarter can take comfort in this fact: many pros think stocks could do very well in the third and fourth quarters.

Stocks were mixed at the open Thursday, with blue chips rising on some improved economic news and techs falling on Oracle’s sales miss.

U.S. stock futures were littled changed Tuesday as investors weighed more losses from the financial sector and more problems in home values as they awaited reports on consumer confidence.

Wealthy enclaves boasting a potent mix of like-minded neighbors, good schools, plenty of parks and safe streets.

Stocks advanced at the open Monday as investors welcomed talk that JP Morgan Chase may boost its bid for Bear Stearns, giving a lift to financial stocks.

Lenders claim they want to help troubled mortgage borrowers stay in their homes. But the reality is that many foreclosure prevention counselors are running into lots of obstacles.