Yahoo Business - Source Information

Source URL: http://news.yahoo.com/i/749;_ylt=AvP3INWQsksMCsMKPzWEeHOs0NUE
Number of headlines in database: 433
Last update: 2010-09-04 04:13:14

Yahoo Business Headlines

  • Exclusive: American Apparel in talks with restructuring firm(Reuters) (2010-09-04 01:38:15)
    Reuters - Hipster brand American Apparel Inc is in talks to bring in an outside restructuring firm as the manufacturer and retailer struggles to fix its flagging operations, sources told Reuters on Friday.
  • Taxpayers likely to face initial loss on GM IPO: sources(Reuters) (2010-09-03 23:33:47)
    Reuters - The U.S. government is likely to take a loss on General Motors Co in the first offering of the automaker's stock, six people familiar with preparations for the landmark IPO said.
  • What now for Gulf? Fire complicates drill debate(AP) (2010-09-03 23:26:47)
    AP - What now for the Gulf? News of another oil rig fire in the Gulf of Mexico, so soon after the BP oil spill, has set off a wave of anxiety along the Gulf Coast and prompted calls for the government to extend its six-month ban on deepwater drilling.
  • Obama to address new economic ideas next Wednesday(Reuters) (2010-09-03 22:14:13)
    Reuters - President Barack Obama said on Friday he would outline new measures next week to boost the U.S. economy, but analysts were skeptical he would be able to deliver a big enough package to lift growth significantly.
  • China tells state companies to explore Potash bid(Reuters) (2010-09-03 21:10:40)
    Reuters - Chinese officials have ordered state companies to meet investment bankers to explore ways to block BHP Billiton's $39 billion bid for Potash Corp, a source with direct knowledge of the matter said.
  • Petrobras sells 64 bln dlrs of stock to fund oil exploration(AFP) (2010-09-03 20:57:08)
    AFP - Brazil's Petrobras unveiled one of the world's biggest share offerings Friday, a sale of up to 64 billion dollars in new stock to finance oil exploration aimed at turning Brazil into a leading oil exporter of the 21st century.
  • GM to unveil Cruze compact sedans(AP) (2010-09-03 20:45:32)
    AP - General Motors said Friday that it will launch its Chevrolet Cruze compact sedan next week at the Ohio factory that makes the car.
  • Stocks rally as jobs data spurs optimism(Reuters) (2010-09-03 20:43:39)
    Reuters - Wall Street closed a stellar week on Friday after recent economic data, including a stronger-than-expected labor market report, bolstered optimism that the economy would not fall back into recession.
  • BP: Failed blowout preventer removed from well(AP) (2010-09-03 19:57:19)
    AP - BP PLC said the blowout preventer that failed to stop oil from spewing into the Gulf of Mexico was removed from the company's well on Friday afternoon.
  • Stocks set for best week in six as fear eases(Reuters) (2010-09-03 19:42:29)
    Reuters - Wall Street was set to close its best week in six on Friday after economic data, including a stronger-than-expected labor market report, helped soothe fears the economy could fall back into recession.
  • MGIC added $1.2B in mortgage coverage in August(AP) (2010-09-03 18:50:41)
    AP - Private mortgage insurer Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Corp. said Friday it added $1.2 billion in new primary insurance coverage in August and the number of delinquent loans it insures declined.
  • Spending cuts before 2011 could hurt recovery: IMF, ILO(AFP) (2010-09-03 17:53:04)
    AFP - The IMF and the UN labour agency are urging advanced economies not to cut government spending before 2011, warning that a move to tighten fiscal policies could hurt the global recovery.
  • Payrolls data offer ray of hope for recovery(Reuters) (2010-09-03 17:44:13)
    Reuters - U.S. employment fell for a third straight month in August, but the drop was far less than expected and private hiring surprised on the upside, easing pressure on the Federal Reserve to prop up economic growth.
  • Stranded actor Paul Hogan in Australia tax deal(Reuters) (2010-09-03 17:31:16)
    Reuters - Actor Paul Hogan, star of the "Crocodile Dundee" movies, has struck a deal with Australia's tax office which will allow him to return home to his family in Los Angeles, his lawyer said on Friday.
  • Texas firm temporarily plugs leaking ND oil well(AP) (2010-09-03 17:29:09)
    AP - A ruptured oil well in western North Dakota was temporarily plugged on Friday after leaking more than 2,400 barrels of crude and water, company officials said.
  • Wall Street set for bumper week as economy fears ease(Reuters) (2010-09-03 17:23:55)
    Reuters - Wall Street was set to close out its best week in six on Friday after recent economic data, including a stronger-than-expected jobs report, showed the U.S. economy may be in better shape than thought.
  • Mo. drops appeal of real estate ballot measure(AP) (2010-09-03 16:47:03)
    AP - An initiative barring taxes on home and land sales is clear to appear on Missouri's ballot after the state dropped an appeal Friday of a judge's decision ordering the election.
  • Court reinstates markup law for Wisconsin gasoline(AP) (2010-09-03 16:39:27)
    AP - A federal appeals court on Friday reinstated Wisconsin's 71-year-old minimum markup law on gasoline, a decision that could limit competition among retailers and drive up gas prices.
  • Walgreen August same-store sales rise 2.1 percent(AP) (2010-09-03 16:33:28)
    AP - Walgreen Co. reported same-store-sales rose 2.1 percent for August on Friday, just shy of Wall Street estimates.
  • Summary Box: Campbell Soup 4th-qtr results(AP) (2010-09-03 15:56:41)
    AP - SALES DOWN, PROFIT UP: The Campbell Soup Co. said Friday that its adjusted fourth-quarter profit was up 7 percent, even though its sales were down 1 percent.
  • Crews prepare to raise failed blowout preventer(AP) (2010-09-03 15:52:28)
    AP - A vessel has latched onto a key piece of evidence in the oil spill investigation so crews can raise the 300-ton device to the surface of the Gulf of Mexico.
  • Service sector grows at slower pace in August(AP) (2010-09-03 15:49:54)
    AP - The U.S. service sector, the nation's predominant job generator, expanded for the eighth straight month in August although the pace of growth slowed, according to a trade group survey.
  • Sirius XM Has a Stern Decision to Make(The Motley Fool) (2010-09-03 15:43:02)
    The Motley Fool - Satellite-radio star Howard Stern is negotiating in public again.
  • Asia leads world tourism recovery in 2010: UN(AFP) (2010-09-03 15:30:38)
    AFP - World tourism rebounded strongly this year from the global financial crisis, led by Asia and the Middle East, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) said Friday.
  • Private hiring surprises with 67,000 new jobs(Reuters) (2010-09-03 15:10:45)
    Reuters - U.S. employment fell for a third straight month in August, but the drop was far less than expected and private hiring surprised on the upside, easing pressure on the Federal Reserve to prop up economic growth.
  • Broke youth anti-crime groups want federal cash(AP) (2010-09-03 15:10:34)
    AP - A $1.6 billion congressional bailout of sorts could help financially flailing groups that fight to keep young people out of trouble, yet lawmakers are reluctant to take up the expensive proposal amid a sour economy and other, more pressing issues.
  • 3 Ways Obama Could Boost Hiring(U.S. News & World Report) (2010-09-03 15:04:45)
    U.S. News & World Report - Nearly three years after the recession began, President Obama wants to pass a jobs bill. It's not his first jobs bill, but the others--including the big $800 stimulus plan from 2009--haven't quite done the trick. So Obama is pushing for new tax breaks and cheap, government-backed loans for small businesses, with the hope that easier credit and a bit more take-home pay will spur them to hire more workers.
  • Obama says to address new economic ideas next week(Reuters) (2010-09-03 14:53:05)
    Reuters - President Barack Obama on Friday said he would address a package of new measures next week to boost U.S. growth and hiring as he greeted the August job report as positive news.
  • Wall St rises after payrolls data(Reuters) (2010-09-03 14:50:25)
    Reuters - Wall Street advanced on Friday after a better-than-expected jobs report lifted investor optimism on the economy but gains were checked after data showed services sector activity slowed.
  • White House: August jobs report reassuring(Reuters) (2010-09-03 14:18:00)
    Reuters - The White House on Friday greeted a better than expected August employment report as reassuring news after a recent spate of "unsettling" economic data, and reiterated it was working with Congress to take additional steps to boost U.S. growth and hiring.
  • Billionaire investor seals deal to buy German retail chain(AFP) (2010-09-03 14:14:46)
    AFP - The future of Germany's Karstadt, Europe's third-largest department store chain, appeared to be secured Friday as a court approved its acquisition by a billionaire investor, safeguarding 25,000 jobs.
  • Wall St opens higher on jobs data(Reuters) (2010-09-03 13:53:33)
    Reuters - U.S. stocks opened higher on Friday after a better-than-expected jobs report lifted investor optimism on the economy.
  • U.S. payrolls fall less than expected in August(Reuters) (2010-09-03 13:51:59)
    Reuters - U.S. employment fell for a third straight month in August, but the drop was far less than expected and private hiring surprised on the upside, easing pressure on the Federal Reserve to prop up economic growth.
  • Brazil's Petrobras unveils $64 bln share offer(AFP) (2010-09-03 13:47:41)
    AFP - Brazil's state-run oil company Petrobras on Friday unveiled a huge share offering which could raise 64 billion dollars to help finance new exploration projects in the country.
  • China orders state firms to explore Potash bid(Reuters) (2010-09-03 13:22:46)
    Reuters - Chinese officials have ordered state-owned companies to meet with investment bankers to explore potential options to block BHP Billiton's $39 billion bid for Canada's Potash Corp, according to a source with direct knowledge of the matter.
  • Walgreen same-store sales miss expectations(Reuters) (2010-09-03 13:15:04)
    Reuters - Walgreen Co posted weaker-than-expected August sales at stores open more than a year, hurt by generic drug introductions and a decrease in customer traffic.
  • Campbell Soup profit beats Street but sales light(Reuters) (2010-09-03 13:06:17)
    Reuters - Campbell Soup Co posted lower-than-expected quarterly sales and forecast sales growth for the new fiscal year would be below its long-term target as the world's largest soup company grapples with a weak economy.
  • Campbell reports Q4 profit rise on better margins(AP) (2010-09-03 12:35:45)
    AP - The Campbell Soup Co. reported a larger fourth-quarter net income Friday, a time when the temperature rises and its soup sales traditionally drop.
  • Experts see trouble ahead for developed world(AP) (2010-09-03 12:25:13)
    AP - Is the global economy out of the woods? Two years after near-meltdown, with the U.S. looking sluggish, equity markets groggy and Europeans fighting a debt crisis, experts gathered in Italy offered a generally gloomy outlook — especially for the United States and much of the industrialized world.
  • Crafting a Career in Eco-Chic Jewelry(BusinessWeek) (2010-09-03 12:08:42)
    BusinessWeek - Goldman Sachs may not have a lot of friends in the White House these days, but one of its former employees has made a good impression. After three years as an analyst in Goldman's fixed-income, currencies, and commodities division, Monique Pean began her own jewelry line that can now be found in Barneys, Jeffrey New York, and around the neck of Michelle Obama.
  • Campbell Soup sees Q4 profit rise(AP) (2010-09-03 12:00:51)
    AP - The Campbell Soup Co. says it made a profit of $113, or 33 cents per share during the fourth quarter, when the temperature rises and its soup sales traditionally drop.
  • Eurozone retail sales near stagnant in July: data(AFP) (2010-09-03 10:40:48)
    AFP - Retail sales across the 16 nations sharing the euro rose by a modest 0.1 percent in July, after a 0.2 percent increase in June, with drops in Germany and Spain, European Union data showed on Friday.
  • Feds launch investigation of Gulf platform fire(AP) (2010-09-03 10:02:34)
    AP - The agency that oversees offshore drilling will investigate the fire on an oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico.
  • Canada's Goldcorp to buy Andean for $3.4 billion(Reuters) (2010-09-03 09:09:26)
    Reuters - Canada's Goldcorp Inc agreed to buy Argentina-focused gold miner Andean Resources Ltd for C$3.6 billion ($3.4 billion), trumping a competing offer from rival Eldorado Gold Corp.
  • Swedish bank Carnegie buys troubled competitor(AP) (2010-09-03 08:40:43)
    AP - Swedish investment bank Carnegie AB Friday said it will buy competitor HQ Bank AB, which had its banking license revoked by the financial watchdog last week.
  • Oil falls below $75 ahead of US jobs report(AP) (2010-09-03 08:01:04)
    AP - Oil prices fell below $75 a barrel Friday in Asia as investors awaited a report on U.S. employment that will influence guesses about the strength of future energy demand from the No. 1 economy.
  • Stock index futures dip ahead of payrolls(Reuters) (2010-09-03 07:44:48)
    Reuters - Stock index futures pointed to a slightly lower open on Wall Street on Friday, with futures for the S&P 500 down 0.21 percent, Dow Jones futures down 0.17 percent and Nasdaq100 futures flat at 0725 GMT (3:25 a.m. ET).
  • Canada's Goldcorp to buy Andean for $3.2 billion(Reuters) (2010-09-03 07:22:11)
    Reuters - Canada's Goldcorp Inc agreed to buy gold miner Andean Resources Ltd for C$3.6 billion ($3.2 billion), trumping a competing offer from rival Eldorado Gold Corp .
  • Latest Gulf oil rig problem differs from BP spill(AP) (2010-09-03 07:05:23)
    AP - Stark differences exist between the oil platform fire in the Gulf of Mexico and the blast that led to the massive BP spill. Mostly notably, no one was killed and no crude was gushing into the water, but the distinctions don't end there.
  • 'Crocodile Dundee' to return to US amid tax fray(AP) (2010-09-03 06:56:27)
    AP - Actor Paul Hogan, star of the "Crocodile Dundee" movie trilogy, has been cleared to return home to the United States after he was barred last month from leaving Australia because of a disputed tax bill, his lawyer said Friday.
  • Oil lingers near $75 in Asia as stock markets gain(AP) (2010-09-03 05:23:22)
    AP - Oil prices lingered near $75 a barrel Friday in Asia, largely holding onto a big gain the day before as investors put a positive spin on U.S. economic reports and Asian stock markets rose.
  • Payrolls seen falling, private hiring tepid(Reuters) (2010-09-03 05:05:36)
    Reuters - U.S. employment likely fell for a third straight month in August as more temporary census jobs ended and cautious businesses scaled back hiring, an outcome that could pressure the Federal Reserve to prop up growth.
  • Oil platform catches fire in Gulf; workers OK(AP) (2010-09-03 04:03:41)
    AP - An oil platform that burned off the Louisiana coast Thursday was the second such disaster in the Gulf of Mexico in less than five months. This time, the Coast Guard said there was no leak, and no one was killed.
  • Heavy in dollars, China warns of depreciation(Reuters) (2010-09-03 03:26:21)
    Reuters - China on Friday offered a rare glimpse into its foreign exchange reserves, confirming that they are overwhelmingly allocated in dollars, while a central banker said the mountain of cash could face depreciation risks.
  • China approached Canadian fund on rival Potash bid(Reuters) (2010-09-03 03:20:21)
    Reuters - Chinese and other investors have approached at least one big Canadian pension manager about a bid for Canada's Potash Corp to rival BHP Billiton's $39 billion hostile offer.
  • S.Korea's Kia to recall 35,000 cars in US(AFP) (2010-09-03 02:00:48)
    AFP - South Korea's second largest carmaker Kia Motors said Friday it is recalling about 35,000 vehicles sold in the United States due to faulty wiring in interior lights that could cause fires.
  • Oil platform explodes off La. coast; crew rescued(AP) (2010-09-03 00:57:29)
    AP - An oil platform exploded and burned off the Louisiana coast Thursday, the second such disaster in the Gulf of Mexico in less than five months. This time, the Coast Guard said there was no leak, and no one was killed.
  • Murdoch: Global economy is still not out of turmoil(Reuters) (2010-09-03 00:41:12)
    Reuters - News Corp Chief Executive Rupert Murdoch said the global economy is still in an uncertain state and the media industry is going through a fundamental transformation that is unpredictable
  • What makes the 2 Gulf oil explosions different?(AP) (2010-09-03 00:07:43)
    AP - Here are some differences between the Deepwater Horizon rig disaster April 20 and the oil production platform explosion Thursday in the Gulf of Mexico:
  • IMF to give Pakistan $450 mln in flood aid(Reuters) (2010-09-03 00:06:39)
    Reuters - The International Monetary Fund will give Pakistan $450 million in emergency flood aid and disburse funds in September to help the country's economy cope with the devastation, the head of the IMF said on Thursday.
  • White House: No second stimulus being considered(Reuters) (2010-09-02 23:23:35)
    Reuters - The White House stressed on Thursday that no second economic stimulus package is being considered as part of new measures under review by President Barack Obama's team.
  • Take-Two posts profit, raises outlook(Reuters) (2010-09-02 23:11:50)
    Reuters - Video game maker Take-Two Interactive Inc on Thursday smashed Wall Street expectations for its fiscal third quarter and raised its forecast for the current fourth quarter, citing strong sales for its "Red Dead Redemption" title.
  • Obama adviser Summers to visit China September 4(Reuters) (2010-09-02 22:36:38)
    Reuters - The White House said on Thursday that President Barack Obama's top economic adviser will visit China from Saturday for three days of meetings.
  • Temporary cap that stopped oil gusher removed(AP) (2010-09-02 21:55:01)
    AP - Engineers removed a temporary cap Thursday that stopped oil from gushing into the Gulf of Mexico from BP's blown-out well in mid-July. No more oil was expected to leak into the sea, but crews were standing by with collection vessels just in case.
  • Ex-GM CEO Fritz Henderson to head Sunoco spin-off(AP) (2010-09-02 21:46:04)
    AP - Sunoco Inc. has tapped former General Motors CEO Fritz Henderson to lead the energy spin-off it is forming early next year.
  • Con man could get life under Calif. 3-strikes law(AP) (2010-09-02 21:26:05)
    AP - A man accused of bilking elderly South Los Angeles residents out of their homes in a foreclosure scam is facing a potential life sentence in a rare use of California's three-strikes law for a white-collar crime.
  • Stocks rise on economic hopes ahead of payrolls(Reuters) (2010-09-02 20:45:00)
    Reuters - Stocks rose on low volume on Thursday as data showed improvement in housing and the job market a day ahead of the critical monthly payrolls figures.
  • H&R Block 1Q loss narrows despite revenue decline(AP) (2010-09-02 20:37:23)
    AP - H&R Block Inc. on Thursday said its fiscal first-quarter loss narrowed by 2 percent as it reduced staffing and other expenses.
  • Lehman preps bank units for sale or shutdown(Reuters) (2010-09-02 20:34:19)
    Reuters - Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc , the bankrupt U.S. investment bank, needs at least $550 million to keep its two bank units going as it prepares to sell them or shut them down in 18 months, court documents show.
  • Economic data damp down fears of new recession(Reuters) (2010-09-02 20:32:18)
    Reuters - Pending sales of previously owned U.S. homes rebounded unexpectedly in July and new claims for jobless benefits fell last week, helping quell fears the economy could face a double-dip recession.
  • Summary Box: ECB raises eurozone growth forecast(AP) (2010-09-02 20:01:28)
    AP - OUTLOOK IMPROVES: The European Central Bank raised its growth projections for the 16-nation eurozone after better-than-expected economic news.
  • Oil platform explodes off La. coast; oil spreading(AP) (2010-09-02 19:59:47)
    AP - An oil platform exploded and caught fire Thursday off the Louisiana coast, spreading a mile-long oil sheen into the Gulf of Mexico. All 13 crew members were rescued.
  • Analyst: GM plans to sell shares on Nov. 18(AP) (2010-09-02 19:53:48)
    AP - An IPO research firm says it has been told General Motors plans to start trading shares on Nov. 18.
  • Oil prices rise after mixed economic news(AP) (2010-09-02 19:51:59)
    AP - Oil prices ended higher Thursday after an initial retreat as investors put a positive spin on reports about jobs, manufacturing and home sales.
  • More Dems buck plan to let taxes increase for rich(AP) (2010-09-02 19:32:16)
    AP - Congress seems increasingly reluctant to let taxes go up, even on wealthier Americans.
  • EU reaches deal on cross-border financial supervisors(AFP) (2010-09-02 19:17:59)
    AFP - Europe took a big step closer on Thursday to its goal of creating cross-border financial supervisors, reaching a "crucial milestone" in efforts to reform a sector blamed for the global recession.
  • Apple and Google to clash in music space by Christmas(Reuters) (2010-09-02 19:16:10)
    Reuters - Google Inc is in talks with music labels on plans for a download store and a digital song locker that would allow its mobile users to play songs wherever they are as it steps up its rivalry with Apple Inc, according to people familiar with the matter.
  • Summary Box: Pernod Ricard earnings(AP) (2010-09-02 19:08:51)
    AP - COMPANY: Pernod Ricard SA, Paris-based drink maker known for its anise-flavored aperitifs as well as Beefeater gin and recently acquired Absolut vodka reported its full-year earnings Thursday.
  • Burger King agrees to $3.3 billion sale to 3G Capital(Reuters) (2010-09-02 18:57:03)
    Reuters - Burger King Holdings Inc agreed to sell itself to investment firm 3G Capital for $3.26 billion, giving the No. 2 U.S. fast-food chain breathing room to fix its business and close the gap with leader McDonald's Corp.
  • Bernanke takes blame for muddled message on Lehman(Reuters) (2010-09-02 18:33:55)
    Reuters - U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said he was partly to blame for leaving the wrong impression that the central bank could have saved Lehman Brothers from failure in 2008.
  • 5 Tax Moves to Make Now(U.S. News & World Report) (2010-09-02 18:16:40)
    U.S. News & World Report - It may seem a bit strange to be talking about income taxes in September. There are, however, good reasons to think about taxes well before April 15. For starters, there are some big changes in the tax code that go into effect in 2011. Depending on your income tax bracket and investments, some simple planning now could save you a bundle later.
  • Oil sheen spreading from Gulf platform explosion(AP) (2010-09-02 17:58:06)
    AP - The Coast Guard is saying that a mile-long oil sheen is spreading from the site off an offshore petroleum platform that exploded in the Gulf of Mexico off Louisiana.
  • Economic data dampen fears of new recession(Reuters) (2010-09-02 17:54:41)
    Reuters - Pending sales of previously owned U.S. homes rebounded unexpectedly in July and new claims for jobless benefits fell last week, helping dampen fears the economy could face a double dip recession.
  • Bernanke: Shut down banks if they threaten system(AP) (2010-09-02 17:50:33)
    AP - Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke told a panel investigating the financial crisis that regulators must be ready to shutter the largest institutions if they threaten to bring down the financial system.
  • S&P and Nasdaq buoyed by housing, jobs data(Reuters) (2010-09-02 17:43:42)
    Reuters - The S&P 500 and Nasdaq advanced on Thursday, building on their best day in eight weeks in the previous session as data showed an improvement in pending home sales and a drop in initial jobless claims.
  • Romanian PM shakes up cabinet(AP) (2010-09-02 17:33:53)
    AP - Romania's unpopular government was in turmoil Thursday after the prime minister fired five Cabinet ministers, with the economy minister also saying he will quit.
  • Summary Box: Mortgage rates hit low of 4.32 pct.(AP) (2010-09-02 17:22:50)
    AP - RECORD LOWS: Mortgage rates fell to the lowest levels in decades for the tenth time in 11 weeks, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. The average rate for a 30-year fixed loan was 4.32 percent. The 15-year fixed loan hit 3.83 percent.
  • How to Get a Government-Backed, Zero-Down-Payment Mortgage(U.S. News & World Report) (2010-09-02 17:13:50)
    U.S. News & World Report - More than four years after real estate values peaked, the historic plunge in home prices remains fresh in the minds of mortgage lenders. After taking painful losses on delinquent home loans, banks have imposed tougher standards--such as increased credit scores and higher down payment requirements--on applicants of all stripes. And as investors fled for the hills, the exotic mortgage products that helped fuel the real estate boom have largely disappeared from the private market. But that doesn't mean all buyers need a big pile of cash to snag a home loan. ...
  • Pakistan gets IMF relief, tightens security(Reuters) (2010-09-02 17:09:42)
    Reuters - The International Monetary Fund will give Pakistan $450 million in emergency flood aid, providing some relief for a government overwhelmed by the disaster and facing renewed militant violence.
  • Bernanke takes blame for muddling message on Lehman(Reuters) (2010-09-02 16:46:30)
    Reuters - Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said he was partly to blame for leaving the wrong impression that the central bank could have saved Lehman Brothers from failure in 2008.
  • Workers see higher health costs, less care(Reuters) (2010-09-02 16:21:23)
    Reuters - Companies are cutting healthcare costs further amid a continuing sour economy, scaling back benefits and shifting a greater share of the expense to employees.
  • IMF, World Bank step up aid to Pakistan(AFP) (2010-09-02 16:01:09)
    AFP - The IMF and the World Bank have stepped up aid to flood-hit Pakistan to help the country cope with its worst-ever humanitarian disaster, officials said Thursday.
  • Discounts, heat fuel August retail sales beat(Reuters) (2010-09-02 15:57:48)
    Reuters - U.S. retailers posted sales that beat modest expectations in August as consumers sought out bargains during the key back-to-school selling season.
  • Explosion on Gulf of Mexico oil rig(AFP) (2010-09-02 15:54:50)
    AFP - An explosion ripped through an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico on Thursday dumping 13 people into the water, one of whom was injured, the US Coast Guard said.
  • Burger King agrees to be sold for $3.26 billion(Reuters) (2010-09-02 15:32:05)
    Reuters - Burger King Holdings Inc , the No. 2 U.S. fast-food chain, agreed to sell itself to investment firm 3G Capital for about $3.26 billion in a deal analysts said would give the restaurant breathing room to fix its business.
  • HP wins 3PAR for $2.4 billion, Dell bows out(Reuters) (2010-09-02 15:28:07)
    Reuters - Hewlett-Packard Co won the bidding war to buy data storage company 3PAR Inc for $2.4 billion, after rival Dell Inc bowed out from a drawn-out bidding war on Thursday.
  • Highlights: Bernanke's testimony to financial crisis panel(Reuters) (2010-09-02 15:27:16)
    Reuters - The following are highlights from Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke's testimony on Thursday to the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission on the problem of financial institutions that are "too big too fail."
  • Mortgage rates hit record low: Freddie Mac(Reuters) (2010-09-02 15:25:44)
    Reuters - U.S. mortgage rates fell in the past week to the latest in a series of record lows as yields on government debt dropped, according to a survey released on Thursday by Freddie Mac, the second-largest U.S. mortgage finance company.
  • Pending homes sales rise and jobless claims dip(Reuters) (2010-09-02 15:21:40)
    Reuters - Pending sales of previously owned U.S. homes rebounded unexpectedly in July and new claims for jobless benefits fell last week, hopeful signs for the sputtering economic recovery.
  • Bernanke cites "sadness" in letting Lehman fail(Reuters) (2010-09-02 15:03:45)
    Reuters - Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said on Thursday he could not have legally saved Lehman Brothers from bankruptcy and the firm's catastrophic failure in 2008 was a source of sadness.
  • Wall Street gains on housing and jobless data(Reuters) (2010-09-02 15:00:59)
    Reuters - Stocks rose on Thursday, building on their best day in eight weeks in the previous session, as data showed pending home sales improved and initial jobless claims declined.
  • Communities key in foreclosure fight: Fed officials(Reuters) (2010-09-02 14:44:57)
    Reuters - Two top U.S. Federal Reserve officials on Thursday called for a more community-focused approach to the country's ongoing foreclosure crisis, which is weighing on its economic recovery.
  • Del Monte 1Q profit edges up, but revenue slips(AP) (2010-09-02 14:34:49)
    AP - Del Monte Foods Co. said Thursday that its fiscal first-quarter profit edged up 1.4 percent, but revenue softened on weakness in the consumer business and the company trimmed its expectations for revenue growth this year.
  • Instant View: Pending home sales rise in July(Reuters) (2010-09-02 14:34:48)
    Reuters - Pending sales of previously owned U.S. homes rose unexpectedly in July, an industry group said on Thursday, suggesting a tax credit-related housing market decline was close to bottoming.
  • Pending home sales rise 5.2 percent in July(Reuters) (2010-09-02 14:12:55)
    Reuters - Pending sales of previously owned U.S. homes rose unexpectedly in July, an industry group said on Thursday, suggesting a tax credit-related housing market decline was close to bottoming.
  • Mortgage rates hit another record low: Freddie Mac(Reuters) (2010-09-02 14:04:30)
    Reuters - U.S. mortgage rates fell in the past week to the latest in a series of record lows as yields on government debt dropped, according to a survey released on Thursday by Freddie Mac, the second-largest U.S. mortgage finance company.
  • (AP) (2010-09-02 14:02:09)
    AP - July factory orders edge up as strong demand for aircraft offsets weakness in other sectors.
  • Pending home sales rise 5.2 percent in July(AP) (2010-09-02 14:01:21)
    AP - The number of buyers who signed contracts to purchase previously occupied homes increased in July but remained well below last year's levels, a sign that demand for housing remains weak.
  • US jobless claims fall for second straight week(AFP) (2010-09-02 13:41:29)
    AFP - The number of Americans filing new claims for jobless benefits fell faster than expected last week, extending a two-week decline, government data showed Thursday.
  • HP ups bid for 3PAR -- 3PAR to end deal with Dell(Reuters) (2010-09-02 13:35:30)
    Reuters - Hewlett-Packard Co raised its offer for data storage company 3PAR Inc by $3 to $33 per share, after rival bidder Dell Inc raised its offer to $32, instead of bowing out as many expected.
  • Wall Street to open slightly up on jobless data(Reuters) (2010-09-02 13:28:54)
    Reuters - Stock index futures pointed to a slightly higher open on Thursday after Wall Street's best day in eight weeks as initial jobless claims showed a small decline last week.
  • Jobless claims fall but productivity much weaker(Reuters) (2010-09-02 13:24:46)
    Reuters - New claims for U.S. unemployment benefits fell last week, but were still too high to signal a change in fortune for the troubled labor market.
  • American Eagle key revenue figure rises 1 percent(AP) (2010-09-02 13:10:37)
    AP - Teen retailer American Eagle Outfitters Inc. said Thursday that its August revenue in stores open at least a year rose 1 percent, about even with analyst estimates.
  • Bernanke says govt must follow through on new law(Reuters) (2010-09-02 13:08:32)
    Reuters - Tough government follow-through on a freshly minted U.S. financial law will be crucial to ensure no bank or firm grows so large that its collapse could jeopardize the entire economy, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said on Thursday.
  • TD Bank profit rises 29 percent(AP) (2010-09-02 12:56:52)
    AP - Toronto-Dominion Bank, North America's sixth largest bank by branches, increased profit by 29 percent in the third quarter on a record quarter by its Canadian retail banking operations.
  • German car exports up 12 percent in August(AP) (2010-09-02 12:26:21)
    AP - German car exports kept growing in August as a healthier global economy fueled sales abroad, helping push up production, an industry group said Thursday.
  • No bank account? Get your tax refund on plastic(AP) (2010-09-02 12:18:39)
    AP - A new Treasury Department program to give people without bank accounts faster access to their tax refunds will help some avoid costly short-term loans. But careless consumers could end up racking up fees and padding bank profits.
  • A Dearth of Work for China's College Grads(BusinessWeek) (2010-09-02 12:08:41)
    BusinessWeek - The job hunt came as a shock. The 23-year-old job seeker graduated in June from a good school -- Beijing University of Technology -- with a bachelor's degree in materials science, a subject he figured would appeal to employers. Yet he had to go through scores of interviews and comb the online job sites endlessly before landing a job at a local trading company. Happy ending? Barely. The pay, $368 a month, is meager by Beijing standards, so he has had to move back in with his parents and he's too ashamed about the outcome of his job search to give his name. ...
  • Oil eases below $74, eyes on U.S. jobs reports(Reuters) (2010-09-02 11:59:22)
    Reuters - Oil fell further below $74 a barrel on Thursday, weighed by record high inventories in top consumer the United States and investor caution ahead of U.S. employment reports.
  • Stock futures edge up ahead of jobless, housing data(Reuters) (2010-09-02 11:45:52)
    Reuters - Stock index futures edged higher on Thursday after Wall Street's best day in eight weeks and ahead of jobless claims and pending home sales data.
  • Chinese demand helps lift Pernod Ricard profits(AP) (2010-09-02 11:08:32)
    AP - Pernod Ricard SA said Thursday that demand for Martell cognac in China and Chivas Regal scotch in Latin America helped lift full-year net profit by 1 percent.
  • Time Warner Cable, Disney yet to reach deal(Reuters) (2010-09-02 11:07:36)
    Reuters - Time Warner Cable and Walt Disney Co ensured millions of U.S. cable customers can still watch some of their favorite TV programs while the companies kept working on a new programing deal after a midnight deadline passed.
  • European stocks drop before ECB rate call(AFP) (2010-09-02 11:02:55)
    AFP - European stock markets slid on Thursday as investors took profits from recent gains amid caution before the latest interest rate decision from the European Central Bank.
  • Driven by Germany, Europe posts 1% growth(AFP) (2010-09-02 10:17:46)
    AFP - Europe's economy outpaced the United States and Japan in the second quarter, EU data showed Thursday, but analysts warned that the German-powered growth would likely lose steam in the second half.
  • Oil steady near $74 as investors eye U.S. jobs reports(Reuters) (2010-09-02 09:30:38)
    Reuters - Oil steadied near $74 a barrel on Thursday, weighed by record high inventories in top consumer the United States and investor caution ahead of U.S. employment reports.
  • Futures point to Wall Street edging lower(Reuters) (2010-09-02 09:06:30)
    Reuters - Stock index futures pointed to a mostly lower open for U.S. shares on Thursday, giving back a little of the strong gains from the previous session, when they were boosted by strong manufacturing data from China and the United States.
  • Global stocks hit two-week high on manufacturing optimism(Reuters) (2010-09-02 08:57:24)
    Reuters - World stocks hit a two-week high on Thursday and oil prices rose as optimism from strong U.S. and Chinese manufacturing data extended into a second day ahead of a euro zone interest rate decision and key U.S. jobs data.
  • Lehman says two units need help to avoid failing(Reuters) (2010-09-02 08:29:24)
    Reuters - Two struggling units of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc , the bankrupt U.S. investment bank, need hundreds of millions of dollars in capital to stave off failure that could cost Lehman billions, court documents show.
  • ECB may raise projections, but not rates(AP) (2010-09-02 08:14:17)
    AP - The European Central Bank is set to leave interest rates untouched at 1 percent as it meets Thursday amid a still-uncertain global economic outlook, but may raise its 2010 growth projection for the eurozone.
  • Time Warner Cable and Disney still seek carriage deal(Reuters) (2010-09-02 07:59:47)
    Reuters - Time Warner Cable and Walt Disney Co ensured millions of U.S. cable customers can still watch some of their favorite TV programs while the companies kept working on a new programing deal after a midnight deadline passed.
  • Costco August same-store sales up 7 percent(Reuters) (2010-09-02 07:54:12)
    Reuters - Costco Wholesale Corp , the largest U.S. warehouse club operator, reported a 7 percent rise in August sales at stores open at least a year, aided by surge in gasoline prices and foreign currency gains.
  • Risks remain with Gulf well cap coming off(AP) (2010-09-02 07:39:27)
    AP - The image of thick crude gushing from a blown-out oil well a mile beneath the Gulf of Mexico was turned off when a tightly fitting cap was secured on top a month-and-a-half ago.
  • Gazprom's Q1 profits triple to $10.6 bln(AP) (2010-09-02 07:35:55)
    AP - Russia's gas giant Gazprom said Thursday its net profit tripled to 324.9 billion rubles ($10.6 billion) in the first quarter of the year as the company capitalized on a cold winter in Europe.
  • ECB to extend liquidity lifeline amid uneven recovery(Reuters) (2010-09-02 07:28:52)
    Reuters - The European Central Bank is expected to extend its liquidity safety-net on Thursday, delaying its exit from crisis support as policymakers confront a lopsided euro zone recovery and vulnerable banks in perimeter countries.
  • Asia stocks gain as U.S. data soothes fears(Reuters) (2010-09-02 07:08:12)
    Reuters - Asian stocks hit a two-week high, with Japan's Nikkei briefly rising more than 2 percent, as strong U.S. manufacturing data further soothed worries about the global economy.
  • Oil hovers below $74 as global stocks rally(AP) (2010-09-02 05:34:20)
    AP - Oil prices hovered below $74 a barrel Thursday in Asia, consolidating a big gain the day before as a global stock market rally buoyed investor confidence.
  • Asia stocks rise as U.S. data soothes fears(Reuters) (2010-09-02 05:30:47)
    Reuters - Asian stocks rose to a two-week high, with Japan's Nikkei briefly rising more than 2 percent, as strong U.S. manufacturing data further soothed worries about the global economy.
  • Consumer bankruptcies fell 8 percent in August(Reuters) (2010-09-02 05:11:23)
    Reuters - Bankruptcies filings by consumers fell 8 percent in August but still remained on track to top 1.6 million filings in 2010, according to a report by the American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI).
  • China digs for ways to stymie BHP's Potash Corp bid(Reuters) (2010-09-02 04:19:47)
    Reuters - China is stepping up attempts to hamper BHP Billiton's $39 billion hostile offer for Potash Corp, amid worries about future supplies of fertilizer it needs to rapidly boost food production.
  • Obama's Too-Small Steps on the Economy(The Daily Beast) (2010-09-02 04:05:37)
    The Daily Beast - News that the administration is weighing tax cuts is welcome, but the president needs to take concrete action on the economy now—and stop blaming Bush—to win voters, says Douglas E. Schoen.
  • Group: China failing to keep WTO access pledges(AP) (2010-09-02 03:52:07)
    AP - China has failed to honor promises to the World Trade Organization to open its oil and phone markets, a European business group said Thursday, adding to complaints of worsening conditions for foreign companies.
  • A&P mulling sale of Food Emporium chain: report(Reuters) (2010-09-02 03:10:31)
    Reuters - Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co , which operates the struggling A&P supermarket chain, is mulling the sale of its Food Emporium stores to boost liquidity, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
  • Sinochem hires HSBC regarding Potash options: report(Reuters) (2010-09-02 02:46:51)
    Reuters - China's Sinochem has hired HSBC bank to advise it on its options regarding Potash Corp , the target of a $38.6 billion hostile bid from BHP Billiton, the Wall Street Journal reported on its blog on Wednesday, citing a person familiar with the situation.
  • GM roadshow to begin after elections: sources(Reuters) (2010-09-02 00:50:41)
    Reuters - Automaker General Motors Co plans to begin courting investors for its initial public offering immediately after the November 2 U.S. midterm congressional elections, two sources familiar with the plans said on Wednesday.
  • Earnings Preview: Campbell Soup Co.(AP) (2010-09-02 00:49:40)
    AP - Campbell Soup Co., the world's largest soup maker, reports its fourth-quarter and year-end results before the market opens Friday.
  • Ex-Gordmans exec gets prison for defrauding firm(AP) (2010-09-01 23:15:26)
    AP - The former head of store security at discount retailer Gordmans Stores Inc. has been sentenced to 21 months in federal prison for stealing from the company.
  • Top 10 US auto sellers in August(AP) (2010-09-01 23:09:38)
    AP - Automakers released August U.S. sales figures Wednesday. Here is a look at the month's top-selling vehicles, as well as the percent change in sales from August 2009.
  • Summary Box: Hovnanian Enterprises 3rd-qtr results(AP) (2010-09-01 22:24:38)
    AP - SMALLER LOSS: Hovnanian Enterprises Inc. cut its fiscal third-quarter loss as the homebuilder booked fewer land-related write-downs.
  • Manufacturing grows in August(Reuters) (2010-09-01 22:17:22)
    Reuters - The U.S. manufacturing sector grew faster than expected in August, but private employers unexpectedly cut jobs, showing the economic recovery still faces headwinds.
  • Apple TV takes aim at Web-connected living room(Reuters) (2010-09-01 22:11:52)
    Reuters - Apple Inc unveiled a smaller, cheaper version of its Web-to-TV device on Wednesday, stepping up a battle with Google Inc and Microsoft Corp for control of the digital living room.
  • Enbridge wants to work on Lake Michigan pipeline(AP) (2010-09-01 22:06:43)
    AP - Enbridge Energy Partners, the company whose pipeline caused a major oil spill in the Kalamazoo River five weeks ago, said Wednesday its plan to reinforce its oil pipelines under Lake Michigan is part of a routine maintenance program.
  • Connecticut probes First Niagara-NewAlliance deal(Reuters) (2010-09-01 22:05:51)
    Reuters - Connecticut is probing First Niagara Financial Group Inc's proposed $1.5 billion takeover of NewAlliance Bancshares Inc and has asked the banks to justify the merger, throwing a potential roadblock to the largest U.S. bank deal in nearly two years.
  • Hovnanian trims loss for fiscal Q3(AP) (2010-09-01 22:03:49)
    AP - Hovnanian Enterprises Inc. said Wednesday its fiscal third-quarter loss narrowed versus the prior-year period as the homebuilder booked fewer land-related write-downs. But signed contracts on new homes tumbled 37 percent as demand slowed in the absence of homebuyer tax credits.
  • Sorl Auto Parts buys Chinese company assets(AP) (2010-09-01 21:52:10)
    AP - Sorl Auto Parts Inc. said Wednesday that it has bought the assets of a Chinese air brake manufacturer for $25 million.
  • Special session on California budget unlikely now(Reuters) (2010-09-01 21:36:25)
    Reuters - California lawmakers may not be called into a special session on the state's budget stalemate, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said on Wednesday after Democrats and Republicans in the legislature killed rival plans to fill a $19 billion shortfall to balance the state's books.
  • Weak auto sales for August amid economic worries(AP) (2010-09-01 21:21:21)
    AP - Americans nervous about the drumbeat of bad economic news stayed away from auto showrooms. Automakers nervous about their bottom lines didn't offer deals to lure them in.
  • Stocks enjoy best day in 8 weeks(Reuters) (2010-09-01 20:54:36)
    Reuters - Wall Street posted its best day in eight weeks on Wednesday as investor mood brightened after better-than-expected factory data from the United States and China.
  • Summary Box: US manufacturing grows in August(AP) (2010-09-01 20:47:26)
    AP - GROWTH BUMP: U.S. manufacturing growth picked up in August from the previous month, according to an industry trade group, marking the 13th month of expansion in the industrial sector.
  • Romer: U.S. must find will for further stimulus(Reuters) (2010-09-01 20:34:40)
    Reuters - Departing White House economist Christina Romer said on Wednesday the United States needed to find the political will for more economic stimulus, even if it pushed up the fiscal deficit in the short run.
  • Schumer asks Fed to police business card marketing(AP) (2010-09-01 20:23:30)
    AP - U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer called on the Federal Reserve Wednesday to step in to help individuals avoid opening corporate credit cards that come with fewer protections than cards meant for consumers.
  • Court battle set over giant NYC housing complex(Reuters) (2010-09-01 20:22:08)
    Reuters - The future of an 80-acre New York apartment complex will be at stake on Thursday as a judge considers whether a venture led by a prominent hedge fund investor may conduct a foreclosure auction.
  • Manufacturing grows in August but private jobs cut(Reuters) (2010-09-01 20:17:33)
    Reuters - The manufacturing sector grew faster than expected in August, but private employers unexpectedly cut jobs, showing the economic recovery still faces headwinds.
  • July unemployment up in about half of US cities(AP) (2010-09-01 20:10:38)
    AP - The unemployment rate rose in nearly half of the nation's 372 largest metro areas in July, as the pace of hiring slowed from earlier this year.
  • Manufacturing in US and aboard lifts economy(AP) (2010-09-01 20:02:59)
    AP - Manufacturing is growing in the United States and abroad, easing fears that the economy might be on the verge of a second recession.
  • S&P 500 rises 3 percent(Reuters) (2010-09-01 19:59:05)
    Reuters - The S&P 500 rose 3 percent on Wednesday and was set to record its best day in eight weeks as U.S. and Asian economic data soothed worries about a global economic slowdown.
  • August Auto Sales: Volkswagen(AP) (2010-09-01 19:59:02)
    AP - Volkswagen of America Inc. said Wednesday that August sales dipped 8 percent, another automaker to show lower results due to the tough comparisons with last year's Cash for Clunkers August sales.
  • Why It's Harder to Be a Clueless Consumer(U.S. News & World Report) (2010-09-01 19:54:10)
    U.S. News & World Report - American consumers hate being told what to do, and to prove it, we routinely make choices that are irrational and counterproductive. We make impulse purchases we can't afford. We build bigger houses than we need, chaining ourselves to an onerous mortgage for years. We drive rugged, four-wheel-drive vehicles even though we never leave the pavement. We buy Snuggies.
  • Judge rules against U.S. government on oil drilling(Reuters) (2010-09-01 19:50:42)
    Reuters - A federal judge on Wednesday rejected the U.S. government's request to dismiss an industry lawsuit challenging its deepwater oil and gas drilling moratorium, dealing another blow to the Obama administration.
  • Crisis panel chair: Politics may have doomed Lehman(Reuters) (2010-09-01 19:46:55)
    Reuters - Officials appeared to have made a policy decision not to bail out Lehman Brothers, the head of a panel investigating the financial crisis said on Wednesday, challenging the view of regulators that they had no legal authority to help.
  • Dollar dives as economic reports boost confidence(AP) (2010-09-01 19:34:02)
    AP - The dollar took a dive Wednesday after upbeat manufacturing reports in the U.S. and China, the world's two biggest economies, counteracted fears that the global recovery is faltering.
  • Summary Box: Vivendi raises outlook despite 2Q dip(AP) (2010-09-01 19:26:03)
    AP - RESULTS: French media company Vivendi SA said second-quarter profit fell 3.5 percent due to fewer music releases from artists like Eminem and Lady Gaga. But it raised its full-year outlook as it expects strong results from video games and mobile services in emerging markets.
  • US.. and Europe auto sales tumble as subsidies fade(Reuters) (2010-09-01 19:19:56)
    Reuters - Auto sales in the United States and Europe slumped in August, reflecting the end of government sales subsidies and underscoring uncertainty about the strength of the U.S. economic recovery.
  • Summary Box: US fears mean risk for ECB(AP) (2010-09-01 18:30:34)
    AP - THE SITUATION: Indicators are pointing up at the European Central Bank, which may be about to raise its 2010 economic projections. But that brightening picture is being increasingly darkened by fears about the recovery in the U.S.
  • Ex-Lehman CEO says regulators refused to save firm(AP) (2010-09-01 18:00:02)
    AP - The former chief of Lehman Brothers told a panel investigating the financial crisis that the Wall Street firm could have been rescued, but regulators' refused to help — even though they later bailed out other big banks.
  • Apple takes wraps off new lineup of iPods(Reuters) (2010-09-01 17:58:05)
    Reuters - Apple Inc unveiled a snazzier line of its iPod on Wednesday, with new designs for every model of the popular media device in hopes of kick-starting holiday sales.
  • WH economist calls for more spending, less taxes(AP) (2010-09-01 17:52:33)
    AP - Departing White House economist Christina Romer says the government has the tools for bringing down unemployment, but policymakers need to find the will and wisdom to use them.
  • Deflation key to more easing: Fed's Plosser(Reuters) (2010-09-01 17:38:28)
    Reuters - The Federal Reserve should only embark upon further monetary easing if faced with a dangerous downward price spiral, otherwise it risks undermining its credibility, a top Fed official said on Wednesday.
  • August Auto Sales: Toyota(AP) (2010-09-01 17:24:28)
    AP - Toyota Motor Sales USA said Wednesday that its August sales fell 31.4 percent from the same time last year, when sales were boosted by the federal Cash for Clunkers rebate program.
  • Governor Rendell Announces 40 Innovative Energy Projects to Create 1,400 Jobs; Calls for Higher Solar Standards to Spur Additional Job Growth(PR Newswire) (2010-09-01 17:23:00)
    PR Newswire - HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell today announced $20.5 million in state and federal investments that will create 1,400 jobs in the rapidly expanding clean energy industry.
  • Ex-hedge fund manager charged with insider trading(Reuters) (2010-09-01 17:15:33)
    Reuters - A former hedge fund manager has been accused by a U.S. regulator of illegal insider trading in MedImmune Inc securities prior to the acquisition of the pharmaceutical company by Britain's AstraZeneca Plc.
  • Stocks soar on economic hopes(Reuters) (2010-09-01 16:59:07)
    Reuters - Wall Street jumped on Wednesday as an increase in U.S. manufacturing activity and new signs of growth in China and Australia boosted investor confidence in the state of the global economy.
  • Manufacturing grows but private jobs cut(Reuters) (2010-09-01 16:57:23)
    Reuters - The U.S. manufacturing sector grew faster than expected in August but private employers unexpectedly cut jobs, showing the economic recovery still faces headwinds.
  • Glance: Borders 2nd-quarter revenue(AP) (2010-09-01 16:48:22)
    AP - Borders Group Inc., the No. 2 traditional U.S. bookseller, reported a slightly larger loss in the second quarter. Here's a closer look at its results:
  • 5 Ways to Simplify Your Personal Finances(U.S. News & World Report) (2010-09-01 16:42:10)
    U.S. News & World Report - If you're combining your life with a new spouse, moving from one house to another, or just frustrated with the amount of documentation you have filed (or unfiled) in your basement, it's a good time to simplify your finances. Simplification is not only practical, it is beautiful. This is the concept of kanso, a Japanese aesthetic usually applied to gardens. Through a stretch of the mind, we can apply this beauty to our lives and our finances.
  • Some BofA shareholders can apply to tap $150M fund(AP) (2010-09-01 16:31:37)
    AP - Investors who lost money when Bank of America Corp. bought Merrill Lynch without disclosing Merrill's problems can start applying to tap a $150 million compensation fund.
  • Regulators see bank reforms helping avoid crises(Reuters) (2010-09-01 16:17:50)
    Reuters - U.S. bank regulators pinned their hopes on Wednesday on new powers to avert another round of bailouts should crisis strike the handful of mega-firms now even larger than those previously considered too big to fail.
  • US manufacturing grows for 13th straight month(AP) (2010-09-01 16:13:49)
    AP - U.S. manufacturing expanded in August for the 13th straight month, lifting hopes that economic growth won't stall.
  • Summary Box: Brown-Forman net income falls(AP) (2010-09-01 15:47:47)
    AP - THE QUARTER: Liquor company Brown-Forman Corp. posted a 8 percent drop in first-quarter net income, missing analyst estimates as sales edged up 1 percent on international strength but costs rose.
  • Mortgage applications rise 2.7 pct on low rates(AP) (2010-09-01 15:41:27)
    AP - Mortgage applications rose 2.7 percent last week as more borrowers took advantage of the lowest rates in decades to reduce their monthly loan payments.
  • GM's US sales plunge nearly 25%(AFP) (2010-09-01 15:40:11)
    AFP - General Motors reported Wednesday a nearly 25 percent slump in US sales in August compared to the same month a year earlier.
  • Nasdaq rises 3 percent as rally accelerates(Reuters) (2010-09-01 15:19:58)
    Reuters - Stocks extended broad gains on Wednesday, with the Nasdaq Composite (.IXIC) up 3 percent led by gains in large-cap technology companies.
  • Shoe, hat seller Genesco posts wider 2Q loss(AP) (2010-09-01 15:13:58)
    AP - Genesco Inc. said Wednesday its second-quarter loss widened, as the retailer absorbed charges tied to asset impairments, acquisition expenses and flood-related losses in its headquarters city. But its revenue rose, beating Wall Street estimates.
  • Manufacturing grows but private jobs tumble(Reuters) (2010-09-01 15:04:43)
    Reuters - The manufacturing sector grew faster than expected in August, chalking up a 13th straight month of expansion, helping to calm fears that economic growth was stagnating.
  • Construction activity declines 1 percent in July(AP) (2010-09-01 14:37:18)
    AP - Construction spending tumbled in July to the lowest level in a decade, as the housing market struggles in the weak economy and without a popular home-buying tax credit.
  • Regulators say bank reforms help avoid crises(Reuters) (2010-09-01 14:02:41)
    Reuters - New powers from the financial reform law will help avoid a repeat of 2008's frenzied sale of Wachovia and the wreckage that followed the collapse of Lehman Brothers, U.S. regulators said on Wednesday.
  • Borders posts loss as sales continue to fall(Reuters) (2010-09-01 13:59:59)
    Reuters - Borders Group Inc reported a quarterly loss as the second-largest U.S. book store chain cut prices and continued to grapple with lower sales amid a shift to electronic books.
  • Regulators see Dodd-Frank help on systemic risk(Reuters) (2010-09-01 13:55:34)
    Reuters - U.S. banking regulators see new powers under the Dodd-Frank financial reform law helping avoid a repeat of 2008's frenzied sale of Wachovia and the wreckage that followed the collapse of Lehman Brothers.
  • Banks to allow local groups to buy foreclosures(AP) (2010-09-01 13:48:12)
    AP - Major banks are agreeing to give local governments and nonprofit groups the ability to buy foreclosed homes before they are sold to private investors.
  • Wall St jumps at open on energy, industrials(Reuters) (2010-09-01 13:45:54)
    Reuters - Major U.S. stock indexes jumped more than 1 percent at the open on Wednesday as new signs of growth in China and Australia eased concerns about the global economy's health and investors shrugged off an unexpected cut in U.S. private sector payrolls.
  • Private sector unexpectedly cuts jobs in August(Reuters) (2010-09-01 13:38:40)
    Reuters - U.S. private employers unexpectedly cut jobs in August, a report by a payrolls processor showed on Wednesday, delivering another blow to the already faltering economic recovery.
  • Ahead of the Bell: Construction Spending(AP) (2010-09-01 13:06:28)
    AP - Construction spending likely declined in July, reflecting renewed problems in housing since the expiration of government tax credits.
  • Spain halves deficit with painful austerity cuts(AP) (2010-09-01 13:05:13)
    AP - Spain's deficit is down sharply thanks to an unpopular cocktail of tax hikes and austerity cuts — good news for a government fighting to ward off fears it might need a bailout like the one that saved Greece from bankruptcy.
  • Regulators defend actions on Lehman, Wachovia(AP) (2010-09-01 13:02:00)
    AP - Federal bank regulators are defending their actions leading up to the collapse of Lehman Brothers and the purchase of Wachovia at the height of the financial crisis.
  • Instant View: Private sector sheds 10,000 jobs in August(Reuters) (2010-09-01 12:33:45)
    Reuters - U.S. private employers unexpectedly cut 10,000 jobs in August compared to a revised gain of 37,000 in July, a report by a payrolls processor showed on Wednesday.
  • Fuld says government denied Lehman while helping Wall St(Reuters) (2010-09-01 12:09:33)
    Reuters - U.S. regulators did not grant Lehman Brothers the same assistance as its competitors, knocking out the possibility of an orderly unwind of the firm and aggravating the global crisis, former Lehman Chief Executive Dick Fuld said on Wednesday.
  • Mistakes Millennials Make at Work(BusinessWeek) (2010-09-01 12:08:41)
    BusinessWeek - My previous post here highlighted the smart practices that the digital-native Millennials are bringing to the workplace. Here I want to talk about a couple not-so-smart ones.
  • Futures up as economic worries ease(Reuters) (2010-09-01 12:00:50)
    Reuters - Stock index futures rose on Wednesday as new signs of growth in China and Australia eased concerns about the global economy's health and investors awaited data on the labor market and housing.
  • India says will ask Google and Skype to give data access(Reuters) (2010-09-01 11:47:07)
    Reuters - India will send notices to Google and Skype asking them to set up servers in the country and give access to its internet data, a top home ministry official said on Wednesday.
  • Heinz boosts 1Q profit by 13 pct on Asia strength(AP) (2010-09-01 11:44:21)
    AP - H.J. Heinz Co. says its net income jumped 13 percent in its first quarter, largely on stronger sales in Asia.
  • U.S. planned layoffs in Aug hit 10-year low(Reuters) (2010-09-01 11:34:52)
    Reuters - The number of planned layoffs at U.S. firms fell 17 percent in August from the prior month and hit the lowest level in 10 years, a report on Wednesday showed.
  • Oil market heads higher on China data(AFP) (2010-09-01 11:33:33)
    AFP - World oil prices rose on Wednesday, rebounding from sharp losses earlier this week, as traders absorbed upbeat Chinese manufacturing data ahead of the weekly snapshot of US energy inventories.
  • Equities make bright start to September(AFP) (2010-09-01 11:16:32)
    AFP - Asian and European stocks rose on Wednesday, lifted by bargain-hunting and upbeat data, as dealers set aside Wall Street's worst August performance in nine years amid stubborn US recovery doubts.
  • Burger King mulls sale: source(Reuters) (2010-09-01 11:08:37)
    Reuters - Burger King Holdings Inc, the No. 2 U.S. hamburger chain, has been considering a possible sale and has held talks with potential buyers, a source familiar with the situation said on Wednesday.
  • China auto sales rebound to grow 56 percent in Aug(AP) (2010-09-01 11:06:50)
    AP - Auto sales in China, the world's biggest car market, rebounded in August as subsidies for energy-efficient vehicles and a stronger currency spurred demand.
  • Asian factory growth outstrips two-speed Europe(Reuters) (2010-09-01 10:44:54)
    Reuters - Manufacturing in China, India and Russia powered ahead in August while growth slowed in European factories, emphasizing a growing divide in the pace of recovery between the rich and emerging worlds.
  • AP IMPACT: Delays plague solar energy on fed lands(AP) (2010-09-01 09:56:37)
    AP - Not a light bulb's worth of solar electricity has been produced on the millions of acres of public desert set aside for it. Not one project to build glimmering solar farms has even broken ground.
  • Genzyme CEO open to sale, not at $69 a share(Reuters) (2010-09-01 09:22:51)
    Reuters - Genzyme Corp Chief Executive Henri Termeer said he is willing to sell the company he built up over 25 years, but not for $69 a share.
  • Wall Street futures signal higher open(Reuters) (2010-09-01 08:52:43)
    Reuters - Stock futures for the Dow Jones industrial average, the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq 100 rise 0.3 to 0.7 percent, pointing to a firmer start on Wall Street on Wednesday.
  • Strong Asian data boosts world stocks(Reuters) (2010-09-01 08:46:51)
    Reuters - World stocks kicked off September on a stronger note on Wednesday as data showed a manufacturing rebound in China and stronger-than-expected growth in Australia, while the yen held near recent 15-year peaks against the dollar.
  • Vivendi raises outlook despite dip in net profit(AP) (2010-09-01 08:36:08)
    AP - French media company Vivendi SA said Wednesday that net income fell 3.5 percent in the second quarter due to fewer music releases from artists like Eminem and Lady Gaga, but it raised its full-year outlook as it expects strong results from video games and mobile services in emerging markets.
  • Microsoft seeks China internet search partner: report(Reuters) (2010-09-01 07:47:47)
    Reuters - Software giant Microsoft Corp is looking for a partner in China to help the company play a major role in China's internet search market, Wall Street Journal said.
  • German retail sales slip further in July: stats(AFP) (2010-09-01 07:39:09)
    AFP - German retail sales slipped again in July on a monthly basis, official data showed Wednesday, suggesting that consumers in Europe's biggest economy have not given up their thrifty ways.
  • Asia stocks rise on China manufacturing rebound(Reuters) (2010-09-01 07:31:58)
    Reuters - Asian stocks rose on Wednesday as investors cheered a manufacturing rebound in China and rosier-than-expected Australian growth, which halted the yen's advance toward a 15-year peak against the dollar.
  • Burger King been considering sale: source(Reuters) (2010-09-01 06:01:26)
    Reuters - Burger King Holdings Inc, the No. 2 U.S. hamburger chain, has been considering a possible sale and has held talks with potential buyers, a source familiar with the situation said on Wednesday.
  • China may probe BHP's bid for Potash: report(Reuters) (2010-09-01 05:58:52)
    Reuters - China may launch an antimonopoly probe into BHP Billiton's $39 billion bid for Canada's Potash Corp, the China Business News said on Wednesday, citing a source familiar with the matter.
  • Asia stocks gain as yen nears 15-year high(Reuters) (2010-09-01 05:50:37)
    Reuters - Asian stocks rose on Wednesday as investors cheered a manufacturing rebound in China and stronger-than-expected growth in Australia, while the yen inched up toward a 15-year peak against the dollar.
  • China manufacturing picks up, India going strong(Reuters) (2010-09-01 05:48:31)
    Reuters - China's manufacturing sector regained some momentum in August while India and Russia continued to power ahead, cheering investors in the face of signs that sputtering U.S. recovery was cooling global demand.
  • Burger King has been considering sale: source(Reuters) (2010-09-01 05:36:07)
    Reuters - Burger King Holdings Inc , the No. 2 U.S. hamburger chain, has been considering a possible sale and has held talks with potential buyers, a source familiar with the situation said on Wednesday.
  • Lehman, Wachovia CEOs coming before panel(AP) (2010-09-01 04:08:47)
    AP - An inquiry panel is hearing from former CEOs of two big banks that succumbed to the financial crisis, Lehman Brothers and Wachovia Corp., as it delves into the "too big too fail" predicament and potential systemwide risk from financial institutions.
  • Oil creeps above $72 after big fall on weak demand(AP) (2010-09-01 04:05:21)
    AP - Oil prices rose slightly to above $72 a barrel Wednesday in Asia after a steep drop the previous day amid evidence that U.S. crude supplies remain high and demand weak.
  • Chinese manufacturing snaps out of slowdown(Reuters) (2010-09-01 03:50:04)
    Reuters - China's manufacturing economy staged a moderate rebound in August after slowing for several months under the onslaught of government measures to rein in credit and deter property speculation.
  • Hitachi plans IPO of hard-drive unit: sources(Reuters) (2010-09-01 02:09:20)
    Reuters - Hitachi Ltd (6501.T) is planning an initial public offering of its hard-drive unit in the United States, possibly by year's end, sources familiar with the situation said.
  • Bidding wars, scrapped holidays herald M&A pickup(Reuters) (2010-09-01 01:28:04)
    Reuters - August's unseasonable burst of dealmaking -- the busiest in over a decade -- could herald a wider rebound in M&A for the remainder of the year as low interest rates, record cash piles and low stock-market values encourage chief executives to strike deals.
  • Amazon eyes subscription Web TV service(Reuters) (2010-09-01 00:46:30)
    Reuters - Amazon.com Inc has approached media companies with a proposal for a subscription service that gives users unlimited access to some television shows and movies over the Internet in a bid to rival Netflix Inc, two people familiar with the talks said on Tuesday.
  • SEC says it lacked authority to charge Moody's(AP) (2010-08-31 23:23:32)
    AP - The Securities and Exchange Commission has declined to seek fraud charges against Moody's Investors Services over its ratings of risky investments that led to the financial crisis.
  • Fed officials discussed further stimulus steps(AP) (2010-08-31 23:11:12)
    AP - Federal Reserve officials signaled at their August meeting that they would consider going beyond a modest program to purchase government debt if necessary to boost the economy.
  • California lawmakers reject budget bills(Reuters) (2010-08-31 23:06:24)
    Reuters - Democrats and Republicans in California's legislature rejected rival budget plans on Tuesday on the last day of their regular session, leaving the government of the most populous U.S. state without an official spending plan in place.
  • Hyundai shifting production of SUV to Kia plant(AP) (2010-08-31 22:55:08)
    AP - Hyundai Motor America says the automaker will shift manufacturing of its Santa Fe SUV beginning this fall from its plant in Alabama to one in Georgia run by Kia Motor Manufacturing.
  • Dallas man pleads guilty in $535M oil, gas schemes(AP) (2010-08-31 22:54:08)
    AP - A Dallas man pleaded guilty Tuesday to participating in two oil and gas schemes that defrauded 7,700 investors out of about $535 million.
  • Amazon trying to create Web-based TV service: report(Reuters) (2010-08-31 22:04:34)
    Reuters - Online retailer Amazon.com Inc is trying to create a service that gives paying subscribers unlimited access to some television shows and movies over the Internet, The Wall Street Journal reported.
  • Business Highlights(AP) (2010-08-31 22:01:38)
    AP - Americans' economic confidence ticks up slightly
  • Applied Signal 3Q profit increases(AP) (2010-08-31 21:52:32)
    AP - Applied Signal Technology Inc., a maker of intelligence and surveillance products, said Tuesday that its fiscal third-quarter profit increased as revenue from its network intelligence unit rose.
  • Republican leads Senate race in Pennsylvania(Reuters) (2010-08-31 21:48:42)
    Reuters - Republican Pat Toomey has opened a 10-point lead over Democrat Joe Sestak among likely voters in a Senate race in Pennsylvania dominated by economic worries, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Tuesday.
  • Fed approves sale of Morgan Stanley stock shares(AP) (2010-08-31 21:40:38)
    AP - The Federal Reserve has approved a request by a Chinese sovereign wealth fund to acquire up to 10 percent of the voting shares of New York investment giant Morgan Stanley.
  • GM lists prices for CNG vans(AP) (2010-08-31 21:34:08)
    AP - General Motors said Tuesday that it will cost $15,910 for customers to outfit full-size Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans with compressed natural gas equipment.
  • 10 bailed-out banks spent $16.3M lobbying in 1H(AP) (2010-08-31 21:03:38)
    AP - The 10 banks that received the most bailout aid during the financial crisis spent over $16 million on lobbying efforts in the first half of 2010, as the debate over financial regulatory reform reached its height.
  • How the major stock indexes fared Tuesday(AP) (2010-08-31 21:00:33)
    AP - The stock market ended its worst August since 2001 with meager gains Tuesday after minutes from the latest Federal Reserve meeting showed officials' increasing concern about the economy.
  • Gold, silver rise as investors seek safer assets(AP) (2010-08-31 20:53:48)
    AP - Wary investors turned to gold Tuesday, sending the price to its highest level in two months, despite slightly more optimistic economic news.
  • Consumer confidence, home prices edge up(Reuters) (2010-08-31 20:53:33)
    Reuters - Consumer confidence rose modestly in August and home prices gained more than expected in June, easing some worries the economy is headed for another downturn soon.
  • Wall St ends dismal month on flat note, semis slide(Reuters) (2010-08-31 20:47:57)
    Reuters - Stocks ended little changed in choppy trading on Tuesday, closing out an August the bulls would like to forget.
  • Survey: Workers remain nervous about employment(AP) (2010-08-31 20:18:44)
    AP - STILL NERVOUS: Americans remain nervous about their job security and the strength of the economy, according to a survey by jobs website SnagAJob.com.
  • Stock investors brace for another ugly September(AP) (2010-08-31 20:17:25)
    AP - The economy is weakening, home sales are plunging and stocks are on a long slide. Now comes something even scarier for investors — the beginning of what is traditionally the worst month in the market.
  • Downsize for a More Affordable Retirement(U.S. News & World Report) (2010-08-31 19:48:29)
    U.S. News & World Report - Most people think retirement planning is about saving, investments, and the timing of retirement account withdrawals and Social Security benefits. Ensuring you have sufficient income is definitely one of the most important aspects of retirement planning. But so is controlling your expenses. One way you can do that is by downsizing your current lifestyle. Here is how controlling costs can help you prepare for retirement and still enjoy a nice standard of living.
  • Large banks earn billions, small banks struggle(AP) (2010-08-31 19:14:15)
    AP - U.S. banks are making money again, although a split picture of the industry has emerged since the financial crisis.
  • Wall Street turns negative(Reuters) (2010-08-31 19:00:05)
    Reuters - U.S. stocks turned negative in a volatile session on Tuesday, weighed down by technology, energy and industrial shares.
  • How Fed's policymakers hold power over your purse(AP) (2010-08-31 18:25:49)
    AP - The Federal Reserve's chief policymaking group last met Aug. 10, and the minutes of that meeting were released Tuesday.
  • Fed mulls stimulus if outlook worsens appreciably(Reuters) (2010-08-31 18:20:50)
    Reuters - The outlook for the U.S. economy would have to deteriorate "appreciably" to spur fresh support from the Federal Reserve, minutes of the central bank's last policy meeting released on Tuesday said.
  • Obama adviser warns against tax cuts for wealthy(Reuters) (2010-08-31 18:16:40)
    Reuters - An economic adviser to President Barack Obama said on Tuesday there was a worry that even a temporary extension of lower tax rates for the wealthy would be a "foot in the door" to permanent extension.
  • Dow, S&P edge up on data(Reuters) (2010-08-31 17:59:05)
    Reuters - Stocks rose in choppy trading on Tuesday, closing out a weak month for equities as a pair of positive data surprises on the consumer and housing fronts helped ease investor anxiety over the economy's strength.
  • Summary Box: Lukoil's 2Q profit drops 16 pct(AP) (2010-08-31 17:49:43)
    AP - RESULTS: Lukoil, Russia's second-largest oil producer, reported a 16 percent drop in second-quarter profit to $1.9 billion due to a rise in export duties and cost inflation. Higher oil prices lifted sales to $25.8 billion from $20.1 billion a year earlier.
  • Summary Box: AIG's sale of Taiwan unit on rocks(AP) (2010-08-31 17:46:42)
    AP - NO WAY: Taiwanese regulators have rejected Primus Financial Holdings' planned purchase of AIG's Taiwan life insurance unit.
  • Summary Box: HSBC sells US auto finance units(AP) (2010-08-31 17:40:35)
    AP - IT'S OVER: British bank HSBC Holdings PLC has sold its last U.S. auto finance businesses to Spain's Santander for about $3.56 billion in cash, completing its exit from a market that cost it billions during the financial meltdown.
  • Exclusive: Hitachi plans IPO of hard-drive unit:sources(Reuters) (2010-08-31 17:39:55)
    Reuters - Hitachi Ltd (6501.T) is planning an initial public offering of its hard-drive unit in the United States, possibly by year's end, sources familiar with the situation said.
  • Drilling agency imposes conflict-of-interest rules(AP) (2010-08-31 17:28:41)
    AP - Scandalized by federal regulators who had sex with oil company executives and negotiated with them for jobs, the agency that oversees offshore drilling is imposing a first-ever ethics policy that bars inspectors from dealing with a company that employs a family member or personal friend.
  • Summary Box: Carrefour returns to 1H profit(AP) (2010-08-31 17:26:22)
    AP - RESULTS: Carrefour SA says its three-year turnaround plan is "profoundly changing" the French retailer, which returned to a profit of euro82 million ($104 million) in the first half from a year-ago loss.
  • Summary Box: September the worst month for stocks(AP) (2010-08-31 17:24:03)
    AP - SEPTEMBER SLUMP: September is historically the worst month in the market and one of only three, along with February and June, when stock prices typically decline. The Standard & Poor's 500 index has declined an average of 0.6 percent in Septembers since 1950.
  • Wall St gains on confidence, home price data(Reuters) (2010-08-31 16:02:46)
    Reuters - U.S. stocks rose on Tuesday as a pair of positive data surprises helped alleviate continued investor anxiety over the economy's strength.
  • A look at home prices in 20 US cities(AP) (2010-08-31 15:58:21)
    AP - Home prices rose in June as now-expired tax credits inspired a burst of home-buying. But demand has faded and prices are expected to fall through the rest of the year.
  • Bayer and Bristol's rival clot drugs both impress(Reuters) (2010-08-31 15:23:08)
    Reuters - Rival anti-clotting drugs from Bayer (BAYGn.DE) and Bristol-Myers Squibb both impressed in clinical trials, keeping them firmly in the race to displace the old, problematic heart drug warfarin.
  • Heinz operating earnings up 10 percent(Reuters) (2010-08-31 14:55:11)
    Reuters - U.S. food maker H.J. Heinz Co said quarterly earnings from continuing operations rose 10 percent, helped by sales growth in emerging markets.
  • Consumer confidence and home prices edge up(Reuters) (2010-08-31 14:51:49)
    Reuters - U.S. consumer confidence edged up in August while prices for U.S. homes gained more than expected in June, providing a little relief for those concerned about a slowdown in the economic recovery.
  • Loan picture improves but troubles remain: FDIC(Reuters) (2010-08-31 14:08:24)
    Reuters - The U.S. loan picture improved slightly during the second quarter, with the amount of loans 90 days or more past due declining for the first time in more than four years, bank regulators said on Tuesday.
  • Consumer confidence rises modestly in August(Reuters) (2010-08-31 14:06:30)
    Reuters - Consumer confidence rose modestly in August, lifted by a mild improvement in the short-term outlook, according to a private report released on Tuesday.
  • Icahn ups Lions Gate offer to $7.50/share(Reuters) (2010-08-31 14:05:03)
    Reuters - Activist investor Carl Icahn said he on Tuesday that he has increased his offer to buy Lions Gate Entertainment Corp to $7.50 per share, sending the company's shares up more than 12 percent.
  • Monsanto sees 2010 earnings at low end of range(AP) (2010-08-31 13:44:53)
    AP - Monsanto Co., the world's largest seed company, said Tuesday it expects full year earnings at the low end of its previous expected range and is cutting up to 700 more jobs.
  • Home price rise better than forecast(Reuters) (2010-08-31 13:42:40)
    Reuters - Prices of U.S. single-family homes gained more than expected in June and rose in the second quarter, reflecting the lingering boost from homebuyer tax credits that ended in April, Standard & Poor's/Case Shiller home price indexes showed on Tuesday.
  • Wall St falters at open as energy shares hurt(Reuters) (2010-08-31 13:39:04)
    Reuters - Stocks opened lower on Tuesday as housing data failed to counter pessimism about the economy, while energy shares fell alongside the price of oil.
  • Home prices rise in 17 cities in June(AP) (2010-08-31 13:35:30)
    AP - Home prices rose in June for a third straight month as now-expired tax credits inspired a burst of home-buying. But prices are expected to fall through the rest of the year now that demand has faded.
  • Potash Corp slams BHP for contacting its customers(Reuters) (2010-08-31 13:33:28)
    Reuters - Potash Corp said on Tuesday its suitor BHP Billiton has called many of its customers, a move that the fertilizer maker condemned as being "inappropriate and highly unethical."
  • Staples will sell Amazon.com's Kindle(AP) (2010-08-31 12:35:04)
    AP - Office supply retailer Staples Inc. will start selling Amazon.com's Kindle electronic-book reader this fall.
  • Greenpeace blocks Greenland drilling(AP) (2010-08-31 12:26:36)
    AP - Greenpeace forced a Scottish company to stop drilling off Greenland on Tuesday by having four activists climb onto an oil rig.
  • Making the Most of the Campus Visit(BusinessWeek) (2010-08-31 12:08:41)
    BusinessWeek - The campus visit is important to business school applicants because it can enhance their application and give them a sense of where they might one day earn their MBA. Although most experts agree that visitors should not get hung up on garnering face time with the busy admissions committee, some programs go as far as aiding them with their application, says Sam Kang, director of admissions for the full-time MBA/MS programs at the University of Maryland Smith School of Business (Smith Full-Time MBA Profile).
  • Stock futures fall in jittery market ahead of data(Reuters) (2010-08-31 12:00:46)
    Reuters - Stock index futures were lower on Tuesday as investors awaited data on housing and consumer confidence to gauge the pace of the economy recovery.
  • AIG sale of Taiwan unit on brink of collapse(Reuters) (2010-08-31 11:47:22)
    Reuters - Bailed-out insurer American International Group faces the prospect of looking for another buyer for its Taiwan unit after regulators threw out its proposed $2.2 billion sale of Nan Shan Life to a Chinese company.
  • Exelon to buy Deere's wind power unit for $860 million(Reuters) (2010-08-31 11:42:43)
    Reuters - Electric utility Exelon Corp said it agreed to buy John Deere Renewables, the wind energy business of Deere & Co, for about $860 million to generate more power from renewable sources of energy.
  • Indian economy posts best performance since 2007(AFP) (2010-08-31 11:34:55)
    AFP - India's economy grew 8.8 percent in the fiscal first quarter, its best performance since 2007, data showed Tuesday as the country returned to boom levels last seen before the financial crisis.
  • Dollar General profit beats estimates(Reuters) (2010-08-31 11:28:48)
    Reuters - Dollar General Corp posted a higher-than-expected quarterly profit as it attracted bargain-seeking consumers who spent more per visit, and the discount retailer raised its profit outlook.
  • GM expects competitive Chevy Volt pricing in China(Reuters) (2010-08-31 11:21:56)
    Reuters - General Motors expects competitive pricing for its electric Chevrolet Volt in China as it hopes to gain a foothold in China's fledgling environmentally friendly car industry with the highly anticipated car.
  • Lukoil's Q2 profit drops 16 pct to $1.9 Bln(AP) (2010-08-31 11:21:20)
    AP - Lukoil, Russia's second-largest oil producer, said Tuesday its second-quarter net profit dropped 16 percent from a year ago to $1.9 billion due to a rise in export duties and cost inflation.
  • Carrefour turnaround plan brings H1 profit(AP) (2010-08-31 11:20:35)
    AP - The CEO of Carrefour SA on Tuesday said his three year turnaround plan is "profoundly changing" the French retailer, which reported a net profit of euro82 million ($104 million) in the first half.
  • Eurozone inflation eases in August to 1.6 percent(AP) (2010-08-31 11:13:45)
    AP - Inflation in the 16 countries that use the euro fell in August, official figures showed Tuesday, reinforcing market expectations that the European Central Bank will not be raising borrowing costs this year.
  • Taiwan rejects Primus purchase of AIG unit(AP) (2010-08-31 11:12:04)
    AP - Taiwanese regulators on Tuesday rejected Primus Financial Holdings' planned purchase of AIG's Taiwan life insurance unit amid concerns that the Cayman Island-based firm may be backed by funds from rival China.
  • Goldman swims downstream for PetroAlgae IPO(Reuters) (2010-08-31 11:09:15)
    Reuters - No client is too small for Goldman Sachs Group Inc these days, even a company with no revenue that's owned by a hedge fund specializing in penny stocks.
  • Double-dip fears hit global stocks(Reuters) (2010-08-31 11:07:31)
    Reuters - World stocks fell Tuesday in markets dominated by concerns the U.S. economy is sliding back into recession, prompting further flows into safe-haven assets.
  • 'Crocodile Dundee' says he can't afford back taxes(AP) (2010-08-31 10:52:40)
    AP - Paul Hogan, star of the "Crocodile Dundee" movie trilogy, said Tuesday he cannot afford to pay even 10 percent of what the Australian Tax Office says he owes in back taxes.
  • Global equities rocked by US economic fears(AFP) (2010-08-31 10:50:18)
    AFP - World stock markets sank heavily on Tuesday as investors shunned risky assets amid renewed fears over the United States economy, while Tokyo also dived on concern over the soaring yen, dealers said.
  • No deal: buyers will see fewer discounts for cars(AP) (2010-08-31 09:34:37)
    AP - For years, Americans shopping for cars were treated to all sorts of deals and incentives, especially at the end of summer. Think Cash for Clunkers, which paid up to $4,500, or promotions that offered employee discounts to everyone.
  • World stocks fall on economic worries(Reuters) (2010-08-31 09:25:06)
    Reuters - World stocks fell on Tuesday in markets dominated by concerns the U.S. economy is sliding back into recession, prompting further flows into safe-haven assets.
  • Stock futures point to Wall Street extending decline(Reuters) (2010-08-31 09:16:07)
    Reuters - Stock index futures pointed to a lower open for Wall Street on Tuesday, extending a sharp decline in the previous session, on worries about the strength of the global economic recovery.
  • Bertelsmann makes 1st-half profit, raises outlook(AP) (2010-08-31 09:14:52)
    AP - Improving European advertising markets and cost-cutting efforts helped Bertelsmann AG to a net profit in the first half, prompting the media group to raise its full-year forecast on Tuesday.
  • German official unemployment rate stable at 7.6%(AFP) (2010-08-31 08:43:34)
    AFP - The German unemployment rate was stable in August at 7.6 percent of the workforce, official figures showed on Tuesday as the number of people seeking work edged slightly lower to 3.188 million people.
  • HSBC sells US auto finance units to Santander(AP) (2010-08-31 07:30:38)
    AP - British bank HSBC Holdings PLC said Tuesday it has sold its last U.S. auto finance businesses to Spain's Santander for about $3.56 billion in cash, completing its exit from a market that cost it billions during the financial crisis.
  • Global stocks fall, yen climbs on U.S. recovery fears(Reuters) (2010-08-31 07:18:45)
    Reuters - Fears that policymakers around the world will be slow to support the flagging global recovery lifted the yen on Tuesday, weighed on Asian and European stocks and gave further fuel to a five-month rally in U.S. and Japanese government bonds.
  • Nikkei slides 3.6 percent to hit 16-month closing low(Reuters) (2010-08-31 07:17:42)
    Reuters - Tokyo stocks fell 3.6 percent to a 16-month closing low on Tuesday, with disheartened investors bailing out of the market after the Bank of Japan's emergency moves the day before failed to curb the yen's strength.
  • Kazakhstan to double crude oil export duties in 2011(AFP) (2010-08-31 07:09:13)
    AFP - Energy-rich Kazakhstan will double its crude export duty tax to 40 dollars (31.51 euros) per tonne next year to boost revenue, the country's finance ministry said on Tuesday.
  • Taiwan regulator rejects AIG unit sale(Reuters) (2010-08-31 06:54:24)
    Reuters - Taiwan regulators rejected AIG's planned $2.2 billion sale of its Taiwan unit to a China-related group, citing regulations on mainland investment, and leaving the insurer facing another auction.
  • Google set to unveil "priority inbox" for Gmail(Reuters) (2010-08-31 06:50:30)
    Reuters - Google is set to unveil a new feature to its Gmail service that aims to separate a user's important emails from the ones that do not get read often.
  • CFTC issues final forex exchange market rule(Reuters) (2010-08-31 05:29:09)
    Reuters - The U.S. futures regulator issued a final rule late Monday for the retail foreign exchange market, which included relaxing an earlier proposal that would slash leverage available to investors participating in these transactions.
  • Nikkei drops 3 percent as yen worry hits investor confidence(Reuters) (2010-08-31 05:25:00)
    Reuters - Tokyo stocks fell 3 percent on Tuesday, their worst daily drop in three months, after the Bank of Japan's emergency moves the day before failed to curb the yen's strength and disheartened investors bailed out of the market.
  • UC Rusal books first-half profit(AFP) (2010-08-31 05:09:17)
    AFP - UC Rusal, the world's biggest aluminium producer, said Tuesday that it swung back to profit in the first half of 2010 as a recovery in the global economy boosted demand for base metals.
  • Oil falls below $74 as global stock markets slump(AP) (2010-08-31 05:01:43)
    AP - Oil prices fell below $74 a barrel Tuesday in Asia, extending losses from the previous session as global stock markets slump after a disappointing U.S. consumer spending number.
  • 2011 APEC meeting rated special security event(AP) (2010-08-31 01:28:25)
    AP - Next year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference in Honolulu has been designated a national special security event by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
  • Intel buys Infineon unit and expands wireless offer(Reuters) (2010-08-30 23:28:28)
    Reuters - U.S. chipmaker Intel Corp unveiled a deal on Monday to buy German chipmaker Infineon Technologies AG's wireless unit for $1.4 billion, as it claws its way into the booming smartphone market and cuts its reliance on personal computers.
  • Obama's economic strategy: What does it mean for you?(The Newsroom) (2010-08-30 22:48:09)
    The Newsroom - President Obama today sought to refocus the White House's efforts to shore up the U.S. economy, with a pledge to extend tax cuts for Americans earning less than $200,000 per year. The president remained silent about the fate of Bush-era tax cuts to wealthier Americans, while also issuing a plea to Republicans to reach across the partisan aisle to ease passage of a small-business jobs bill he argues is crucial to the nation's recovery.
  • Panel member: Blowout preventer may hold key(AP) (2010-08-30 22:15:46)
    AP - Accurate conclusions about what caused the blowout of BP's oil well in the Gulf of Mexico and the massive spill that followed will have to wait for a key piece of equipment to be raised from the seafloor and analyzed, a member of a federal investigative panel looking into the disaster said Monday.
  • BHP denies any plans to divest Potash Corp assets(Reuters) (2010-08-30 22:12:39)
    Reuters - BHP Billiton denied speculation on Monday that it planned to sell any of Potash Corp's assets if it succeeds with its $38.6 billion hostile bid for the world's largest fertilizer producer.
  • Obama's economic strategy: what does it mean for you?(The Newsroom) (2010-08-30 22:04:43)
    The Newsroom - President Obama today sought to refocus the White House's efforts to shore up the U.S. economy, with a pledge to extend tax cuts for Americans earning less than $200,000 per year. The president remained silent about the fate of Bush-era tax cuts to wealthier Americans, while also issuing a plea to Republicans to reach across the partisan aisle to ease passage of a small business jobs bill Obama argues is crucial to the nation's recovery.
  • The 'A' In CAN SLIM: Awesome Earnings(Investor's Business Daily) (2010-08-30 21:57:00)
    Investor's Business Daily - What do Johnny Lee, Vanilla Ice and Sinead O'Connor have in common? They've all had one or two big hits, but have since faded from the spotlight.
  • Oil sands polluting Canadian river system: study(Reuters) (2010-08-30 21:34:22)
    Reuters - Canada's vast oil sands operations are polluting the Athabasca River system, researchers said on Monday, in a report that is bound to fuel the environmental battle over developing the resource.
  • Obama: GOP should let small business bill through(AP) (2010-08-30 21:14:19)
    AP - President Barack Obama exhorted Congress on Monday to make passage of a long-languishing small business aid package its first order of business when it returns next month from its summer break.
  • Summary Box: Economic worries dog stock prices(AP) (2010-08-30 20:50:52)
    AP - ANOTHER POOR SIGN: Traders digested another weak sign on the economy Monday, a report showing that personal incomes rose less than expected in July.
  • Stocks fall in year's lightest volume(Reuters) (2010-08-30 20:45:04)
    Reuters - Stocks fell in the year's lightest volume on Monday as worries about the pace of economic recovery overshadowed data showing a rise in consumer spending and income.
  • Crisis panel to hear from Bernanke and Lehman's Fuld(Reuters) (2010-08-30 20:43:03)
    Reuters - Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke and bank regulator Sheila Bair will testify this week before a panel exploring the causes of the financial crisis.
  • Interest rates mixed at weekly Treasury auction(AP) (2010-08-30 20:30:46)
    AP - Interest rates on short-term Treasury bills were mixed in Monday's auction with rates on three-month bills dropping to the lowest level in two months while rates on six-month bills rose.
  • Consumer spending gain strongest in 4 months(Reuters) (2010-08-30 20:30:25)
    Reuters - Consumer spending rose in July at the strongest pace in four months, supported by a small gain in incomes that offered hope that consumers will be able to keep contributing to a modest economic recovery.
  • Updated car stickers to include environmental info(AP) (2010-08-30 20:04:57)
    AP - Will your new car get an A in fuel efficiency? A government proposal may add letter grades to showroom window stickers on new cars and trucks to reflect a vehicle's overall fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Pro-Vatican politicians irked by Gadhafi in Rome(AP) (2010-08-30 19:41:47)
    AP - Premier Silvio Berlusconi held talks with Moammar Gadhafi on Monday aimed at promoting the two nations' economic ties, but public attention remained focused on the Libyan leader's efforts to persuade Italians to convert to Islam.
  • BlackBerry maker wins reprieve on India shutdown(Reuters) (2010-08-30 19:40:39)
    Reuters - Research In Motion will give India access to secure BlackBerry data beginning September 1, a government source said on Monday, leading New Delhi to put off a decision on whether to shut down the smartphone.
  • Genzyme rejects Sanofi offer as long battle looms(Reuters) (2010-08-30 19:27:25)
    Reuters - Biotech company Genzyme Inc rejected an $18.5 billion buyout offer from French drugmaker Sanofi-Aventis SA on Monday, setting the stage for a protracted and potentially hostile takeover battle.
  • Consumer spending offers hope on economy(Reuters) (2010-08-30 18:36:09)
    Reuters - Consumer spending rose at the strongest pace in four months in July, supported by a small gain in incomes that offered hope consumers will be able to keep contributing to a modest economic recovery.
  • Wall St falls as economy worries persist(Reuters) (2010-08-30 18:27:49)
    Reuters - Stocks fell on Monday as a statement from President Barack Obama fell short of addressing worries the recovery is faltering, while investors looked ahead with caution to important economic data coming this week.
  • Weather delays hit final plugging of BP's well(AP) (2010-08-30 18:03:20)
    AP - High seas on the Gulf of Mexico forced BP PLC on Monday to delay operations for up to three days to raise the piece of equipment from the seabed that failed to prevent the massive oil spill, the U.S. government said.
  • Genzyme rejects Sanofi offer, long battle looms(Reuters) (2010-08-30 17:59:13)
    Reuters - U.S. biotech company Genzyme Inc rejected an $18.5 billion buyout offer from French drugmaker Sanofi-Aventis SA on Monday, setting the stage for a protracted and potentially hostile takeover battle.
  • Obama, advisers discussed more steps on economy(Reuters) (2010-08-30 17:53:23)
    Reuters - President Barack Obama said on Monday he and his economic team discussed additional steps to promote economic growth, including looking at tax cuts for businesses.
  • Wall St loses ground after Obama comments(Reuters) (2010-08-30 17:44:04)
    Reuters - Stocks accelerated declines on Monday after comments from U.S. President Barack Obama did little to soothe investors anxious over the slowing pace of the recovery.
  • Forget Treasuries. Buy Convertibles Instead.(The Motley Fool) (2010-08-30 17:41:23)
    The Motley Fool - The recent pullback in the stock market has many investors running for cover. Meanwhile, fear of an imminent double-dip recession and concerns about renewed pressure in the housing market has pushed bond prices to historic highs, reducing bond yields and creating an income crunch for savers. Throughout 2010, billions of dollars have gone into bond mutual funds, and the trend shows no sign of reversing anytime soon.
  • Greek FinMin: markets still assessing reforms(AP) (2010-08-30 17:38:25)
    AP - The international bond markets will likely wait until the end of the year before passing judgment on Greece's efforts to overhaul its economy and pull itself out of a debt crisis that nearly led to the country's bankruptcy earlier this year, the finance minister said Monday.
  • TSX rises broadly, as financials lead the way(Reuters) (2010-08-30 16:52:53)
    Reuters - Toronto's main stock index climbed on Monday morning, led by rising financial issues, which had retreated in recent weeks on the back of concerns about the global recovery and mixed banking results.
  • BlackBerry offers India solutions, wins reprieve(Reuters) (2010-08-30 16:34:39)
    Reuters - BlackBerry maker Research in Motion will give India access to secure data from Sept 1, a government source said on Monday, as the country looked to push RIM, Google and Skype to set up servers in India amid security concerns.
  • Summary Box: Eurozone economic sentiment up again(AP) (2010-08-30 16:27:17)
    AP - SPRING IN PARIS: Economic confidence in the 16 countries that use the euro rose to its highest level in nearly two-and-a-half years during August.
  • July consumer spending gain strongest in 4 months(Reuters) (2010-08-30 16:27:08)
    Reuters - Consumer spending rose at the strongest pace in four months in July, supported by a small gain in incomes that offered hope consumers will be able to keep contributing to a modest economic recovery.
  • Dead soldiers' parents sue insurer over benefits(AP) (2010-08-30 16:22:30)
    AP - The parents of six deceased U.S. soldiers accuse Prudential Financial of paying paltry interest on military life insurance benefits and keeping more generous interest earnings for itself.
  • Chrysler dealers hear plans to sell Fiat minicars(AP) (2010-08-30 16:04:10)
    AP - Chrysler is telling hundreds of dealers about plans to sell the Fiat 500 minicar in big cities across the U.S.
  • Wall Street edges lower(Reuters) (2010-08-30 15:59:39)
    Reuters - Stocks dipped on Monday as confidence about the economy sagged and investors were cautious ahead of several key reports coming this week.
  • Earnings Preview: Brown-Forman(AP) (2010-08-30 15:43:39)
    AP - Liquor company Brown-Forman Corp., whose brands include Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey and Southern Comfort, reports its first-quarter results before the stock market opens Wednesday.
  • Gasoline prices fall ahead of Labor Day weekend(AP) (2010-08-30 15:43:33)
    AP - There is good news at the gas pump, as Americans get ready to fill their cars, RVs and boats for the Labor Day weekend.
  • HP approves extra $10 billion in stock buyback(Reuters) (2010-08-30 15:41:33)
    Reuters - Hewlett-Packard Co said on Monday its board approved the buyback of an additional $10 billion in shares, even as it finds itself involved in an escalating bidding war over high-end data storage company 3PAR Inc .
  • BlackBerry to offer India access: govt source(Reuters) (2010-08-30 15:16:33)
    Reuters - BlackBerry maker Research in Motion will give the Indian government access to encrypted data from September 1, while the Indian home ministry wants BlackBerry, Google and Skype to set up servers in India, a government source familiar with the matter said Monday.
  • Smoking Rates Linked to Education and Cigarette Taxes(LiveScience.com) (2010-08-30 15:06:21)
    LiveScience.com - States with a highly educated populace and higher taxes on cigarettes have fewer smokers, according to a new Gallup study of poll data.
  • Hungary PM says IMF is lender, not econ policy guide(Reuters) (2010-08-30 13:47:35)
    Reuters - Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Monday that it was in the country's interest to sign loan agreements with the IMF if necessary but it was not in the country's interest to have economic policy agreements with the Fund.
  • Wall Street falters on investor caution(Reuters) (2010-08-30 13:43:25)
    Reuters - Stocks opened modestly lower on Monday as gains in consumer spending and income and a flurry of mergers-and-acquisition activity failed to entice investors.
  • Consumer spending posts gain in July(Reuters) (2010-08-30 13:24:42)
    Reuters - Consumer spending rose at the strongest pace in four months in July, supported by a small gain in incomes that offered hope consumers will be able to keep contributing to a modest recovery.
  • HP approves $10 billion stock buyback addition(Reuters) (2010-08-30 13:00:35)
    Reuters - Hewlett-Packard Co's said on Monday its board approved to buy back an additional $10 billion in shares to manage dilution created by shares issued under other plans.
  • Genzyme breaks silence to rebuff Sanofi(Reuters) (2010-08-30 12:52:55)
    Reuters - U.S. biotech Genzyme broke its five-week silence to reject an $18.5 billion takeover proposal by French drugmaker Sanofi-Aventis on Monday, dismissing it as opportunistic and too low.
  • Nigeria: Shell says $1.1B oil pipeline nearly done(AP) (2010-08-30 12:52:51)
    AP - Royal Dutch Shell PLC says a $1.1 billion crude oil pipeline running through Nigeria's restive southern delta is almost complete.
  • REITs Attract Yield-Hungry Investors(BusinessWeek) (2010-08-30 12:08:41)
    BusinessWeek - The U.S. commercial real estate market has so far averted the catastrophe that many strategists were predicting last year. Even after sales of existing homes plummeted 27 percent to record lows in July, threatening further home-price declines, analysts see commercial real estate values stabilizing. ...
  • Genzyme rejects Sanofi-Aventis' $18.5 billion offer(Reuters) (2010-08-30 12:00:22)
    Reuters - Genzyme Corp rejected an $18.5 billion takeover offer from French drugmaker Sanofi-Aventis, saying it dramatically undervalues the company.
  • Stock futures dip after M&A(Reuters) (2010-08-30 11:36:55)
    Reuters - Stock index futures were slightly lower on Monday as investors awaited data on personal spending for a signal the economy can avoid a double-dip recession and after a fresh batch of merger-and-acquisition activity.
  • Eurozone economic sentiment up again in August(AP) (2010-08-30 11:26:37)
    AP - Economic confidence in the 16 countries that use the euro rose to its highest level in nearly two-and-a-half years during August, the European Commission said Monday.
  • Late payments on auto loans fall in 2nd quarter(AP) (2010-08-30 11:09:20)
    AP - In another sign that borrowers have taken tighter control of their debt, late payments on auto loans dropped in the second quarter.
  • Paris, Frankfurt exchanges gain in early deals(AFP) (2010-08-30 09:50:57)
    AFP - Share prices in Paris and Frankfurt were showing modest gains in early trading Monday but analysts said investors were cautious ahead of key economic data to be released later in the week.
  • Eurozone economic confidence climbs again: data(AFP) (2010-08-30 09:44:25)
    AFP - Business and consumer confidence in the 16-nation eurozone rose again in August but at a slower pace than the previous month amid optimism about the economy, the European Union said Monday.
  • Sanofi proposal heaps pressure on Genzyme(Reuters) (2010-08-30 09:40:20)
    Reuters - Pressure mounted on Genzyme as its shares rose 6 percent in Frankfurt a day after French drugmaker Sanofi made public its month-old proposal to buy the U.S. biotech group for $18.5 billion.
  • Oil hovers near $75 as global stocks rally(AP) (2010-08-30 08:57:45)
    AP - Oil prices hovered near $75 a barrel Monday in Asia, buoyed by rallying global stock markets and improving investor sentiment.
  • Stock futures point to higher open on Wall Street(Reuters) (2010-08-30 08:10:23)
    Reuters - Stock index futures pointed to a higher open on Wall Street on Monday, with futures for the S&P 500 up 0.17 percent, Dow Jones futures up 0.09 percent and Nasdaq 100 futures up 0.27 percent.
  • Agrium says keen on Potash assets if BHP sells(Reuters) (2010-08-30 07:39:52)
    Reuters - Canada's Agrium Inc said it would be interested in Potash Corp's nitrogen and phosphates business, worth an estimated $12 billion, if miner BHP Billiton secures its $39 billion Potash takeover and decides to sell the assets.
  • BOJ eases policy to fight yen rise but impact seen slim(Reuters) (2010-08-30 07:30:26)
    Reuters - The Bank of Japan buckled under government pressure and eased monetary policy at an emergency meeting on Monday in an effort to curb a rise in the yen that is threatening a fragile economic recovery.
  • Yen firms as BOJ disappoints, global stocks rise(Reuters) (2010-08-30 07:15:40)
    Reuters - The yen rose and Japanese shares gave up some of their strong early gains on Monday after the Bank of Japan made only minor tweaks in policy, disappointing markets looking for more aggressive action against deflation.
  • Intel to buy Infineon's mobile unit for $1.4 billion(Reuters) (2010-08-30 07:10:28)
    Reuters - Intel is to buy German chipmaker Infineon's wireless unit for $1.4 billion, enabling the U.S. chipmaker to boost its presence in the smartphone market.
  • Intel to buy Infineon's wireless ops for $1.4 billion(Reuters) (2010-08-30 05:48:16)
    Reuters - German chipmaker Infineon has agreed to sell its wireless unit to Intel for $1.4 billion, enabling the U.S.chipmaker to boost its presence in the smartphone market.
  • Oil hovers above $75 as Asian stocks rally(AP) (2010-08-30 04:58:27)
    AP - Oil prices hovered above $75 a barrel Monday in Asia, buoyed by rallying global stock markets and improving investor sentiment.
  • Fed policy on right course, economists say(Reuters) (2010-08-30 04:02:09)
    Reuters - Most economists in a recent survey said they approved of the Federal Reserve's current course on monetary policy and see deflation as a risk for the short term.
  • China-Russia crude oil pipeline begins operations(AP) (2010-08-30 03:40:32)
    AP - Russia has opened its section of a crude oil pipeline from eastern Siberia to China, a major step in expanding energy cooperation between the neighboring powers.
  • Obama says economy not growing fast enough(Reuters) (2010-08-30 01:58:20)
    Reuters - President Barack Obama said on Sunday the U.S. economy was expanding, but not quickly enough, and there was no "magic bullet" that will fix its problems.
  • Sanofi makes $18.5 billion Genzyme offer public(Reuters) (2010-08-30 01:49:44)
    Reuters - France's Sanofi-Aventis on Sunday publicly disclosed its $18.5 billion, $69-per-share cash offer for Genzyme Corp in a bid to rouse shareholders after failing to engage the U.S. biotechnology company in merger talks.
  • BHP could sell some Potash Corp assets(Reuters) (2010-08-30 00:06:52)
    Reuters - Global miner BHP Billiton could look to divest the nitrogen and phosphates business of fertilizer maker Potash Corp if its $39 billion bid goes through, the company has told analysts.
  • Obama says no magic bullet for struggling economy(Reuters) (2010-08-29 22:54:44)
    Reuters - President Barack Obama said on Sunday there was no magic bullet for what ails the struggling U.S. economy but urged steps such as passage of his small-business lending proposal.
  • BHP could divest some Potash Corp's assets: report(Reuters) (2010-08-29 22:15:21)
    Reuters - Global miner BHP Billiton could look to divest the nitrogen and phosphates business of fertilizer maker Potash Corp if its $39 billion bid goes through, the Australian Financial Review reported on Monday.
  • Online video key to Disney, Time Warner Cable row(Reuters) (2010-08-29 21:23:49)
    Reuters - The growing availability of popular TV shows on the Web is at the heart of ongoing contentious programing fee negotiations between Walt Disney Co and Time Warner Cable Inc, according to a person familiar with the discussions.
  • Dell says assessing 3PAR offer after HP trumps bid(Reuters) (2010-08-29 19:20:42)
    Reuters - Dell Inc said on Sunday it was assessing its bid for 3PAR Inc after the data storage company's board of directors late on Friday said Hewlett-Packard Co's $2 billion offer was a "superior proposal."
  • Jobs data to show severity of malaise(Reuters) (2010-08-29 19:01:38)
    Reuters - The patient clearly looks ill, but is there at least a steady pulse?
  • BP's life on frontiers of energy industry at risk(AP) (2010-08-29 18:51:43)
    AP - At a celebration of BP's centennial last October, CEO Tony Hayward boasted to guests that the oil company "lives on the frontiers of the energy industry."
  • Sanofi-Aventis makes $18.5 billion offer for Genzyme(Reuters) (2010-08-29 17:35:25)
    Reuters - France's Sanofi-Aventis on Sunday publicly disclosed its $18.5 billion, $69-per-share cash offer for Genzyme Corp in a bid to rouse shareholders after failing to engage the U.S. biotechnology company in merger talks.
  • Analysis: Bernanke soothes hawks with nod to stimulus risk(Reuters) (2010-08-29 16:28:55)
    Reuters - Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke has smoothed the ruffled feathers of anti-inflation hawks at the Fed by indicating he will only press for more policy easing if the U.S. economic slowdown worsens.
  • Baghdad slams 'illegal' RWE gas deal with Iraqi Kurds(AFP) (2010-08-29 15:10:11)
    AFP - Iraq on Sunday slammed as "illegal" an agreement between its autonomous Kurdistan region and the German energy firm RWE that is expected to help supply the planned Nabucco gas pipeline to Europe.
  • No decision on reviving homebuyer credit: Donovan(Reuters) (2010-08-29 14:38:00)
    Reuters - The Obama administration has not decided whether it should resurrect a popular tax credit for first-time homebuyers, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan said on Sunday.
  • Roche says no decision on job cuts this week(Reuters) (2010-08-29 14:31:00)
    Reuters - Swiss drugmaker Roche Holding AG said on Sunday it would not make any decision on job cuts this week, after Swiss newspaper Sonntag reported it could be about to cut thousands of positions.
  • Bank of Japan likely to meet on Monday to ease policy(Reuters) (2010-08-29 14:13:55)
    Reuters - The Bank of Japan is likely to hold an emergency meeting on Monday to ease monetary policy after Governor Masaaki Shirakawa returned to Tokyo from a trip to the United States earlier than expected.
  • 2 new programs planned to help homeowners(AP) (2010-08-29 13:28:33)
    AP - The Obama administration's top housing official says several new programs are in the works to help try to revive the housing market.
  • Roche to decide on massive job cuts: report(Reuters) (2010-08-29 13:04:20)
    Reuters - Swiss drugmaker Roche Holding AG could decide at a management meeting this week to cut a large number of jobs in its pharma unit, Swiss newspaper Sonntag reported, quoting an unnamed source.
  • Putin opens Russian side of oil pipeline to China(AFP) (2010-08-29 11:56:02)
    AFP - Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on Sunday opened the Russian section of a long-awaited oil pipeline that will carry Russian crude to China in a bid to diversify its oil exports away from Europe.
  • Wen urges Japan to raise wages of China workers(AFP) (2010-08-29 07:57:06)
    AFP - Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Sunday urged Japanese companies operating in China to raise workers' wages, after a series of strikes led to costly factory shutdowns, Japan's foreign ministry said.
  • Dubai World opens talks with small creditors: report(Reuters) (2010-08-29 07:37:45)
    Reuters - Troubled conglomerate Dubai World has begun talks with small creditors, not included in the coordination committee of banks on its restructuring plan, to avoid any lawsuits, a UAE newspaper said on Sunday.
  • Zara takes the plunge into crowded online market(AFP) (2010-08-29 03:19:24)
    AFP - Europe's largest clothing retailer, Spain's Inditex, is taking its flagship Zara brand online, but it can expect stiff competition from other giants of high-street fashion already well-established in cyberspace.
  • BHP says timed Potash bid as rivals were weakened(Reuters) (2010-08-29 00:38:57)
    Reuters - Global miner BHP Billiton on Sunday played down any chance of raising its $39 billion bid for fertilizer maker Potash Corp, saying it had timed its move to catch out weakened rival bidders.
  • Chevron: Most oil removed from Utah leak site(AP) (2010-08-28 22:33:58)
    AP - A Chevron spokesman says very little of the 33,000 gallons of oil that spilled into a Salt Lake City creek in June remains in the area.
  • EU prods China for faster yuan rise: G20 draft(Reuters) (2010-08-28 18:38:21)
    Reuters - (This story does not carry a dateline to protect the identity and location of a source) (Reuters) - The European Union thinks China has made only limited progress in allowing its yuan currency to move more rapidly, and swifter action would help safeguard a fragile economic recovery, according to a draft G20 document obtained by Reuters on Saturday.
  • China tells Japan wage demands "understandable"(Reuters) (2010-08-28 17:17:57)
    Reuters - China says it is understandable for its workers to demand higher wages after foregoing pay increases during the worst of the economic crisis, a Japanese official said after talks with Chinese counterparts.
  • US-ASEAN economic ties 'priority' despite no-show(AFP) (2010-08-28 16:04:03)
    AFP - Economic ties between the United States and Southeast Asia are "a high priority", an embassy spokesman said Saturday despite the absence of US officials from a key regional trade meeting.
  • Wall Street awaits US jobs report(AFP) (2010-08-28 16:00:32)
    AFP - Wall Street may be in for another rocky week, as traders brace for negative data topped by an expected rise in the US unemployment rate that could dampen economic recovery prospects.
  • Fiscal "alchemy" must mimic monetary science(Reuters) (2010-08-28 15:19:58)
    Reuters - Tax and budget policies need the same regularity and independence as monetary policy if countries around the world are to cope with looming stresses from pension programs, world central bankers were told at a Federal Reserve conference on Saturday.
  • Japan's Noda says ready to use all measures on yen(Reuters) (2010-08-28 14:45:46)
    Reuters - Japanese Finance Minister Yoshihiko Noda said on Saturday he was ready to employ "all possible measures" to tackle the soaring yen, which was having a big impact on the country's export-led economy.
  • Japan's Noda wants to see steady efforts on yuan reform(Reuters) (2010-08-28 13:56:11)
    Reuters - Japanese Finance Minister Yoshihiko Noda said on Saturday he told Chinese officials that Tokyo wants to see further efforts to make the yuan more flexible.
  • Investors embark on treacherous month(Reuters) (2010-08-28 13:22:53)
    Reuters - Beaten-up investors go into September, historically a weak month for stocks, facing key reports on jobs, manufacturing and services. If those disappoint, the S&P 500 could breach technical support levels, pushing stocks yet lower.
  • K+S: no threat from Potash Corp bid battle: report(Reuters) (2010-08-28 13:20:20)
    Reuters - Potash miner K+S is specialized enough to weather any takeover of Canadian rival Potash Corp and survive as a standalone entity, the German firm's finance director told a newspaper.
  • China, Japan talks to strengthen economic ties(AP) (2010-08-28 09:28:07)
    AP - The economies of China and Japan are interdependent and their close cooperation has helped two-way trade rebound above the levels before the world financial crisis, a top Chinese economic official said Saturday.
  • Architectural gems languish on Calif. home market(AP) (2010-08-28 08:38:23)
    AP - The home sale slump has left some dwellings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and other architectural luminaries languishing on the Southern California market.
  • Bernanke speech shows effort to find Fed consensus(AP) (2010-08-28 04:00:59)
    AP - Ben Bernanke is struggling to build consensus among Federal Reserve officials about what steps are needed — if any — to give the economy a boost.
  • Marquee homes languish on Calif. housing market(AP) (2010-08-28 01:10:32)
    AP - Southern California's homes-sale listings are beginning to resemble an index to the country's most famous mid-20th-century architects, as marquee properties languish on the market as the well-heeled become increasingly reluctant to buy.
  • California lawmakers to vote on budget plans(Reuters) (2010-08-28 00:19:26)
    Reuters - California lawmakers will vote on rival plans for closing a $19 billion deficit and balancing the state's budget on Tuesday, the last day of their legislative session, aides said on Friday.
  • Recovery Slowing, Fed Ready To Help: Chairman Bernanke(Investor's Business Daily) (2010-08-27 23:52:00)
    Investor's Business Daily - Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke signaled more willingness Friday to take bold action to try to bolster the recovery as the government slashed its estimate for Q2 economic growth.
  • BofA loses bid to end investor lawsuits on Merrill(Reuters) (2010-08-27 23:32:12)
    Reuters - A Manhattan federal judge refused to dismiss shareholder lawsuits against Bank of America Corp and various executives and directors over the purchase of Merrill Lynch & Co during the 2008 financial crisis and disclosures about Merrill's losses and bonus payouts.
  • Paul Allen's firm sues Silicon Valley giants(Reuters) (2010-08-27 23:28:51)
    Reuters - A company linked to Microsoft Corp co-founder Paul Allen is suing 11 major corporations, including Apple, Google and Facebook, accusing them of infringing on technology patents.
  • Tribune files no new bankruptcy plan(Reuters) (2010-08-27 22:59:11)
    Reuters - Citing the "ongoing nature" of talks with creditors, Tribune Co announced on Friday it would not file amendments to its bankruptcy plan at the present.
  • Economy edges closer to stalling, government says(AP) (2010-08-27 22:57:37)
    AP - WASHINGTON — The economy turns out to be weaker than we thought, and the outlook for the rest of the year is now looking dimmer.
  • Democrats claim conservative group tax violation(AP) (2010-08-27 22:54:25)
    AP - The Democratic Party has filed a complaint with the Internal Revenue Service complaining that a conservative foundation spending millions of dollars on ads in election battleground states is violating its status as a tax-exempt organization.
  • Bernanke says Fed to act if needed(Reuters) (2010-08-27 22:40:53)
    Reuters - U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said on Friday the economic recovery has weakened more than expected and the Fed stands ready to act if needed to spur slowing growth.
  • Aug. auto sales expected to fall(Investor's Business Daily) (2010-08-27 22:39:00)
    Investor's Business Daily - Vehicle sales will likely be 18% lower this month than a year ago, when they were boosted by the federal Cash for Clunkers stimulus program, according to auto Web site Edmunds.com. It estimated that the industry will sell roughly 1.03 mil units in Aug. Five of the six top automakers are projected to report decreases this month, with Chrysler seen as the lone exception.
  • Summary Box: Bernanke seeks to build consensus(AP) (2010-08-27 22:27:38)
    AP - TOUGH JOB: Ben Bernanke is struggling to build consensus among Federal Reserve officials about what steps are needed — if any — to give the economy a boost.
  • US points to oil as key to Iraq's postwar future(AP) (2010-08-27 21:10:46)
    AP - When the U.S. overthrew Saddam Hussein seven years ago, the Bush administration envisioned a liberated Iraq that was rich, stable, democratic and a shining example to the rest of the Arab world.
  • Summary Box: Bernanke, GDP news sends stocks up(AP) (2010-08-27 21:03:47)
    AP - BERNANKE BOOST: Assurances from Ben Bernanke that the central bank was ready to help boost the economy sent shares sharply higher. Major indexes closed up about 1.7 percent.
  • Technical support and short covering boost stocks(Reuters) (2010-08-27 21:01:24)
    Reuters - Stocks rebounded to post their best gains in nearly four weeks on Friday, overcoming initial skittishness brought on by a revenue warning from Intel and dour comments from Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke.
  • Paul Allen's Interval sues Silicon Valley giants(Reuters) (2010-08-27 20:44:01)
    Reuters - Microsoft Corp co-founder Paul Allen's Interval Licensing filed a lawsuit accusing 11 major corporations, including Apple, Google and Facebook, of infringing on technology patents.
  • Intel warns of sales shortfall(Reuters) (2010-08-27 20:31:13)
    Reuters - Intel Corp warned that third-quarter revenue could fall short of its own estimates by more than $1 billion, reinforcing doubts about the strength of a technology sector recovery.
  • August auto sales sluggish(Reuters) (2010-08-27 20:19:30)
    Reuters - What: August U.S. auto sales results
  • Summary Box: Commodities mostly higher(AP) (2010-08-27 20:00:28)
    AP - GOLD PLAY: Gold prices settled up just 20 cents at $1,237.90 Friday after hitting $1,244.20 an ounce earlier in the day due to developing economic news. Many traders are trying to determine if the economic environment is favoring risk or if safe-havens such as gold are a better bet.
  • Commodities prices mixed on economic growth news(AP) (2010-08-27 19:59:50)
    AP - Commodities prices were mixed Friday after a new report showed second-quarter economic growth was slower but not as slow as had been anticipated.
  • Summary Box: British 2Q economic growth revised up(AP) (2010-08-27 19:35:10)
    AP - CONSTRUCTION BOOSTS GROWTH: Britain's economy grew by 1.2 percent during the second quarter, faster than the earlier estimate of 1.1 percent, thanks to a sharp rise in construction.
  • US, world stocks edge up due to US growth data(AP) (2010-08-27 14:03:24)
    AP - Stocks edged higher in Europe and on Wall Street Friday after a key U.S. economic growth figure was not as bad as feared, and as investors looked ahead to a speech by Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke.
  • European stocks drop ahead of US data(AFP) (2010-08-27 11:05:38)
    AFP - Europe's main stock markets fell on Friday as investors digested robust British growth data and awaited output figures from the United States amid fears of a double-dip recession.
  • FTSE falls after Wall Street slump(AFP) (2010-08-27 07:37:04)
    AFP - London stocks fell at the start of trading on Friday after a slump on Wall Street overnight.
  • Asian shares sluggish on US nervousness, Japan woes(AFP) (2010-08-27 03:36:23)
    AFP - Asian stock markets were sluggish on Friday following a lacklustre session on Wall Street and mixed economic data from Japan.
  • Treasurys gain as stock market takes a turn lower(AP) (2010-08-26 21:53:07)
    AP - Treasury prices rose Thursday, sending interest rates lower after the glow from a positive report on unemployment faded.