Nine days of intense talks in Geneva weren’t enough to forge a breakthrough in what remains an elusive deal in the World Trade Organization’s Doha round to open up global trade. The latest talks collapsed on Tuesday after the United States and India failed to find a compromise on measures intended to help poor countries protect their farmers against import surges, a diplomat said.One analyst said the failure could hurt U.S. exports, and therefore the economy and the dollar. Amid the current energy, food and financial crises, some analysts also said the failure of the talks would be a blow to the global economy.

Ministers could come back after the summer break for one last roll of the dice but some analysts said any deal would now likely be years away. Despite the latest failure, the United States said it remained committed to the Doha talks. “This is not a time to talk about a round collapsing,” U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab told reporters. “The U.S. commitments remain on the table, awaiting reciprocal responses.”

The question is, is it worth it? Do you think a global trade deal would have a significant impact on the economy? Would you be better off or worse? Send us your comments.

President Bush is urging Congress to end a decades-old ban on offshore oil drilling in response to consumer anxiety over record-high gas prices.

“Every American who drives to work, purchases food or ships a product has felt the effect. And families across our country are looking to Washington for a response,” Bush said.

The push by Bush and Republican presidential candidate John McCain to lift the ban could find plenty of support. About 60 percent of Americans surveyed in a Reuters/Zogby poll said they would favor government efforts to boost domestic drilling and refinery construction.

Roughly the same amount said they would back efforts to reduce domestic demand through tougher fuel-efficiency standards.

Do you favor more U.S. oil drilling?

For more on the rising cost of oil, click here.

Americans in dire need of a break are canceling their vacation plans — from air travel to road trips — because of soaring fuel prices.

In a Reuters/Zogby poll, nearly 39 percent of Americans surveyed said they were reconsidering their vacation plans due to record-high oil prices.

In another survey, 82 percent of Americans said they were opting to stay home this July 4th weekend due to economic concerns.

Have oil prices affected your vacation plans?

For more results from the Reuters/Zogby poll, click here .