Senate heads for symbolic tax-cut vote

MARKETWATCH FRONT PAGE

The Senate on Wednesday wades deeper into a fierce election-year battle over tax policy with a test vote on some of the George W. Bush-era tax cuts. See full story.

Latin America�s New Tigers forge ahead

Characterized by youthful populations, growing middle classes, relatively low debt and dynamic economic expansion, Peru and Colombia are poised to grab a bigger share of the region�s growth and attract more money from international investors. See full story.

Peru gold, copper mining opposition intensifies

The $4.8 billion Minas Conga copper and gold project, which will be the biggest foreign investment in Peru�s history, has run into intense local opposition. The conflict has become a high-stakes test of how Peru treats foreign investment. See full story.

Peru, Colombia banks thrive as economies boom

Peru and neighboring Colombia have seen their economies grow very strongly in recent years, and the banking industry has followed suit. See full story.

Peru, Colombia consumers draw investor interest

Investors can capitalize on a young, increasingly affluent consumer class by buying ETFs linked to Peru and Colombia, whose economies have rebounded after decades of political instability. Political risk can still roil these new markets, however. See full story.

MARKETWATCH COMMENTARY

The emergence of cooler, sleeker and easier-to-use social networking apps is a reminder that Facebook�s best days may be behind it � something Wall Street and investors are already betting on. See full story.

MARKETWATCH PERSONAL FINANCE

Most financial advisers have their clients� best interests at heart, but there are a few bad apples. Here�s how to protect yourself, and your retirement funds, from rogue brokers and bad advice. See full story.