WASHINGTON -- The economy showed off unexpected signs of resilience Friday as job losses slowed, the dollar gained a bit of muscle for a change and there were even indications that food prices may be easing. The unemployment rate dipped, though that may not last.

WASHINGTON -- The economy showed off unexpected signs of resilience Friday as job losses slowed, the dollar gained a bit of muscle for a change and there were even indications that food prices may be easing. The unemployment rate dipped, though that may not last.

The world is not food secure. An overextended global food system operating in an increasingly resource-constrained world with little or no cushion to cope with catastrophe is now at the brink of break down due to soaring global food prices. In the United States and internationally, our response must be immediate and enduring, requiring swift action this week by Congress, the World Bank, the Group of Eight industrialized nations and the United Nations.

WASHINGTON -- Battling risky economic crosscurrents, the Federal Reserve is ready to bump down a key interest rate again to brace the wobbly economy. That rate cut could turn out to be the last one for a while as zooming energy and food prices heighten inflation concerns.

WASHINGTON -- The president of the World Bank has called for immediate action to deal with mounting food prices that have caused deadly violence in several countries.

With food prices climbing far faster than inflation - and many staples rising at double-digit rates - some consumers are starting to ask themselves if they need to tighten their belts, both literally and figuratively.

• Vote: Rising prices impact buying habits?

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Central Bank is determined to prevent higher oil and food prices driving up inflation more broadly, President Jean-Claude Trichet said on Wednesday.