Retail sales fall less than expected

Sales at U.S. retailers fell in September, but rose excluding motor vehicles for a second straight month in September, raising cautious optimism consumer spending could support the economic recovery. Read Full Article here.

JPMorgan profit soars

JPMorgan Chase & Co reported sharply higher third-quarter results, topping Wall Street expectations, as gains at its investment bank offset deeper losses on credit cards and other consumer loans. Read Full Article here.

Investors see sweet spot for equities-BofA poll

Investors remain bullish about equities but not to the extent that it creates the risk of a sharp swing in sentiment, Bank of America Merrill Lynch said on Wednesday. Read Full Article here.

Major U.S. firms on route to award record pay in '09: report

Major U.S. banks and securities firms are on track to pay employees about $140 billion in total compensation and benefits this year, the Wall Street Journal said, citing an analysis of securities filings for the first half of 2009 and revenue estimates through the end of the year. Read Full Article here.

GM aims to grow faster than China market in 2010

General Motors Co aims to grow faster than China's auto market in 2010, its China chief said on Wednesday, after outperforming the country's overall market in the first three quarters.

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Banks jostle for commods talent as markets rebound

Rallying commodity markets are adding to profits of Wall Street houses like Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan, and banks are ramping up commodity desks again, a year after the recession cut into operations. Read Full Article here.

Handbags and snoods help Burberry top forecasts

Luxury goods group Burberry beat second-quarter revenue forecasts, helped by demand for handbags, leather goods and snoods, adding to signs of a consumer recovery and lifting its shares to a 21-month high. Read Full Article here.