AFP - Global stock markets held onto New Year optimism Tuesday even as the euro suffered fresh losses amid signs of Europe's deepening recession and a looming energy standoff with Russia drove up oil prices.

Toyota is suspending production at all 12 of its Japan plants for 11 days over February and March, a stoppage of unprecedented scale for the nation's top automaker as it grapples with shrinking global demand.

Wall Street gave back some of last week's huge gains Monday but found encouragement from a U.S. government report that construction spending fell less than forecast.

Reuters - U.S. auto sales plunged by 36 percent in December led by outsized declines at Chrysler LLC, Hyundai Motor (005380.KS) and Toyota Motor Corp(7203.T) as the battered industry closed out its weakest year since 1992 in its largest single market.

Reuters - Toyota Motor Corp (7203.T), the world's biggest automaker, is to halt production at all its Japanese plants for a total of 11 days in February and March in a bid to reduce stocks of unsold cars as demand has slumped.

Blockbuster The Dark Knight is among the films nominated for best picture by the Producers Guild of America.

E! Online - Amy Winehouse may not have given in to wearing her bathing suit all the time, but she has agreed to pay the fine for her 2007 illegal marijuana possession charge in Norway.

After A Falling Out In 2006...

AFP - Little-known Latvian Ernests Gulbis sent top seed and world number three Novak Djokovic crashing out of the first round of the Brisbane International here Tuesday.

AFP - Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic said preparations for his title defence were still on track despite a first-round loss Tuesday at the Brisbane International.

AP - Mark Teixeira and the New York Yankees completed their $180 million, eight-year contract Tuesday, announcing the deal in perhaps the final event at the old Yankee Stadium.