First, some trivia: Freddie Mac's losses the past three years were among the 20 worst annual losses any Fortune 500 company has suffered since the list began. For Freddie, which was taken over by the government during the financial crisis along with its big sister Fannie Mae, much of its $14 billion loss in 2010 stemmed from $17.2 billion in provisions for losses on bad mortgages. The company was.. more

Its name says Las Vegas, but this casino operator tripled in market value in 2010 thanks to its fast-growing business in Asia. The company owns the Venetian and Palazzo on the Vegas strip, but about 85% of its sales last year came from Asia, with around 60% of that alone coming from Macao. After all, it's now the world's biggest gambling market and the only place in China where casinos are legal. .. more

Best big companies to work forSee the 27 companies that made both the Fortune 500 and Best Companies to Work For lists this year.Microsoft• NEW! Fortune 500+: Your tool for getting inside America's biggest companies 2011 Fortune 500 rank:382011 Best Companies rank:72No. of U.S. employees: 53,410Most common salaried job: Engineering - Software Development Engineer in TestAvg. pay in that jo.. more

Like last year, Exxon was edged out as the largest company in the U.S. (that crown again goes to Wal-Mart), but it can boast about being the most profitable. With the recession past it, Exxon boosted earnings 59% thanks to rising oil prices driven by a recovering world economy. Oil isn't everything to Exxon. After its 2009 mega-deal for XTO, natural gas now accounts for half of Exxon's global pro.. more

What are you looking for? The banking giant currently has 15,500 positions open globally, 12,000 of them in the U.S. Here, most openings are in retail banking, including positions for personal bankers, financial advisors, business bankers, loan officers, as well as branch managers, assistant branch managers, and tellers. The company also seeks qualified collectors, customer service agents, and o.. more

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- The formal negotiations over the nation's debt have begun. On Thursday, Vice President Biden and a bipartisan group of six lawmakers had their first meeting to work out a framework for long-term debt reduction. But the group's real red-meat goal is to come up with something -- anything -- that can pave the way for lawmakers to support an increase to the country's debt ceil.. more

(MONEY Magazine) -- When their mother died of cancer in June 2007, Pattie Cagney Sheehan and her four siblings inherited the Hinsdale, Ill., three-bedroom ranch where their parents had lived. Estimated value: just over $1 million. Everyone agreed that selling was the best move. Problem was, the property, while in good condition, lingered nine months before a buyer came along, dribbling money from.. more

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- The federal government, the country's biggest property owner, is looking to unload a hefty chunk of its real estate portfolio. The Obama administration has identified 14,000 buildings that agencies can afford to lose, and put forward a new plan on Wednesday that will help move the process along. At the center of the effort is legislation that would create a Civilian Proper.. more

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- A stronger-than-expected jobs report on Friday was a good coda to a week in which stocks were dragged lower by a rout in commodities. In the week ahead, the commodities market will be in focus again. Fund managers said they welcome a fall in oil prices because of how heavily energy weighs on consumers' pocketbooks. "Friday's jobs report and sell-off in commodities should b.. more

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- California is enjoying an unexpected $2.5 billion spike in tax revenue, which could help the state close its massive budget shortfall. But the Golden State is not out of the deficit woods yet. Governor Jerry Brown is expected to unveil a new budget plan on May 16, based on updated projections for revenue and spending, that could contain draconian cuts. The revenue surge ma.. more