Analysts say investors should be leery of Ameren Corp.’s ability to pay the high costs of Illinois’ new emissions standards.

Investing in the iShares MSCI Mexico Investable market index fund, EWW, is one way retail investors can take advantage of the growing middle class in Mexico, but risks abound for a country where the rule of law has been unsuccessful in curbing serious outbreaks of drug-related violence.

Despite Moody’s downgrading the four major Australian banks to a rating of AA2 last week, investors shouldn’t take that to mean the country is down and out just yet.

A reshuffling of Singapore’s Parliament should have little impact on the country’s favorable investment status.

Do you trust Google? America says no, but according to a Harris Interactive poll, they’re pretty impressed with its balance sheet and coveted employee benefits. See why this cash cow is a worthwhile long-term investment.

The combination of Exelon Corp. and Constellation Energy Group will create a $34 billion company and will be the largest retail energy marketer in the U.S.

Retail sales in March rose for the ninth consecutive month, boosted by soaring gasoline prices. High gas prices worry some economists, while others point to strength in home furnishings and restaurant sales as cause for optimism.

Hong Kong has been experiencing some tumultuous times of its own: home prices have increased 13 percent this year on top of a 30 percent jump in 2009.

Photo courtesy of UAL and Continental Airlines.

A merger with Continental Airlines Inc. and Chicago-based UAL Corp. could create the world’s largest airline—as well as a solid investment opportunity with an undervalued company. But don’t act so fast, Morningstar Inc. analyst Basili Alukos explains.

Northern Trust on LaSalle Street. Alice Truong/MEDILL

BY ALICE TRUONG – MEDILL NEWS SERVICE

Seems like Northern Trust Corp.’s (Nasdaq:NTRS) clients are still apparently shaken by the economic climate.

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