U.S. stocks retreat as cliff tensions rise

MARKETWATCH FRONT PAGE

U.S. stocks fall on Wednesday after a two-session rally as negotiations to avoid deep spending cuts and tax hikes seemed to hit an especially rocky spot. See full story.

Hacker-proof your password

How to come up with a code you�ll remember � and that computers won�t guess. See full story.

Apple�s top iPhone apps of 2012

Apple has released its list of the top downloaded apps of 2012, along with its picks for the best apps of the year for the iPhone and iPad. See full story.

Google strikes back against big thumbs

Consumers have long been asked to confirm their online purchases, but now Google is asking them to also confirm the ads they click on. See full story.

Oracle on hiring spree, sees �budget flush�

Oracle posted strong results helped by a year-end �budget flush.� The tech giant is also said it is hiring which analysts say is partly due to stiffening competition in a changing market. See full story.

MARKETWATCH COMMENTARY

The fiscal cliff is a misleading metaphor, writes Rex Nutting. The tax and spending laws will change on that day, it�s true, but the impact will be spread out over many, many months. We�re already feeling the pain. See full story.

MARKETWATCH PERSONAL FINANCE

Consumers have long been asked to confirm their online purchases, but now Google is asking them to also confirm the ads they click on. See full story.