Home sales far exceeded expectations in October, surging to the highest level in 21/2 years as first-time buyers rushed to take advantage of an expiring tax credit. ...more

November 24, 2009

The number of newly laid-off Americans signing up for unemployment benefits last week and those using this safety net over a longer period both plunged. The government figures released Thursday were clouded by difficulties adjusting for temporary shutdowns at auto plants. ...more

July 17, 2009

The number of newly laid-off workers filing initial claims for jobless benefits last week fell to lowest level since early January, largely because of the auto industry. ...more

July 10, 2009

Lennar lost $155 million in the first quarter of 2009. ...more

March 30, 2009

A Malawian judge held a closed-door hearing Monday on Madonna's application to adopt a second child from this southern African nation but delayed ruling on the matter until Friday, a court official said. ...more

March 30, 2009

Tech Data Corp., an information technology products distributor, said Tuesday its fourth-quarter profit jumped 17 percent, topping Wall Street forecasts despite falling sales. ...more

March 3, 2009

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., the biggest U.S. tire maker, plans to cut 5,000 jobs this year after posting a fourth-quarter loss of $330 million and a 21 percent decline in sales. ...more

February 18, 2009

An index that tracks signed contracts to purchase existing homes rebounded in December, as buyers snapped up properties at deep discounts, especially in the South and Midwest. ...more

February 4, 2009

Starbucks is reporting that its profit dropped 69 percent in its fiscal first quarter and it plans to close more stores and cut more jobs. ...more

January 28, 2009

Macy's says it will close 11 underperforming stores in 9 states — affecting 960 employees — after one of the weakest holiday seasons in years. ...more

January 8, 2009