Thursday Wrapup........

• Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke called on the government Thursday to ramp up efforts to stem soaring home foreclosures, which are feeding into the country's deep economic troubles.
  
• Jobless rolls at 26-year peak, factory orders drop. The number of U.S. workers on jobless benefits rolls hit a 26-year high last month, data showed on Thursday, and it may head higher as a deepening economic slump forces a broad spectrum of firms to cut jobs.
• AT&T announces plans to cut 12,000 jobs, about 4 percent of its work force. The Dallas-based telecommunications company -- the nation's largest -- said the job cuts will take place this month and throughout 2009. The company also plans to reduce capital spending next year.
• Oil at nearly 4-year low ($45.84) with jobs slashed and factory orders plummeting. Oil prices fell Thursday to levels last seen nearly four years ago as the number of people continuing to receive government aid reached a 26-year high, factory orders hit an eight-year low and major corporations slashed jobs.