AFP - Christina Romer, a key economic advisor to President Barack Obama who championed the use of stimulus programs to pull the US economy out of recession, will step down next month, the White House said Thursday.

Reuters - Christina Romer, one of President Barack Obama%27s top economic advisers, said on Thursday she was stepping down, an exit that comes as the White House struggles to keep the recovery on track with congressional elections looming in November.

AP - Christina Romer, one of President Barack Obama%27s most pivotal economic advisers, is resigning, a change that comes as the White House struggles to show signs of clear economic gains to a hurting nation.

AP - A look at economic developments and activity in major stock markets around the world Thursday: