For the world, apparently, eight is no longer enough. The G-8 group of powerhouse economies, which expanded from the original G-5 one by one over three decades, stepped off center stage Friday with the ascension of the G-20 into the role of overseeing the global economy.

As the third quarter ends, the performance of many mutual funds confirms that investors have regained their taste for risk amid more signs of an economic recovery.

Investor confidence suffered another blow Friday as disappointing reports on manufacturing and home sales stirred worries that the economy will struggle to recover.

Honeywell International Inc. recently received $79.1 million contract from the Army to make engines and fielding kits for the CH-47 Chinook helicopter, the Pentagon said late Friday.

Treasury officials and regulators are weighing a fresh round of bailouts for banks that were deemed too risky to qualify for earlier aid.

The rally in stocks, which stumbled in recent days on worries about the economic recovery and continued government stimulus, will be tested next week by crucial data on growth and jobs.

Stocks fell for a third straight day on Friday on disappointing housing and durable goods data, while Research In Motion’s lackluster results dented optimism about technology spending.

World leaders lined up Friday behind sweeping promises to fix a malfunctioning global economic system in hopes of heading off future financial meltdowns. For now, they said, they would keep stimulus programs going “until recovery is assured.”

Freddie Mac’s new chief financial officer, lured from the banking industry this month, is receiving a pay package worth up to $5.5 million.

The following stocks were among those that moved substantially or traded heavily Friday on the New York Stock Exchange: NYSE: