UNITED STATES

J. C. Penny Co. reported that its first-quarter profit fell by 50 percent on lower consumer spending and it forecast a similar profit drop for its current quarter.

APP Pharmaceuticals Inc., a major supplier of Heparin, will increase prices of the treatment due to rising costs in raw material, testing and additional personnel costs, the company announced today.

CBS Corp. made a major push into the Internet world on Thursday, announcing that it was acquiring CNET Networks for about $1.8 billion, owner of numerous entertainment and information Web sites.

Bayer AG plans to recall the remaining supplies of its drug Trasylol for blood clotting from the U.S. market according to the Food and Drug Administration.

Nissan Motor Co. is planning to raise its vehicle prices in Japan in a bid to pass along higher raw-material costs, according to a Japanese media report.

The dollar was little changed against the yen on Thursday holding on to gains from yesterday as U.S. stocks rose on consumer prices which rose less than expected, alleviating inflation worries.

Delta Air Lines said Wednesday its pilots had cleared merger plans with Northwest Airlines, removing a possible hurdle of labor disruptions and allowing the companies to create the largest US carrier.

Geron Corp. the developer of biopharmaceuticals for cancer and chronic degenerative diseases treatments said U.S. regulators put a clinical hold to its investigational cell therapy for spinal cord injury.

Ford Motor Co. is recalling about 50,000 Ford F-150 and Lincoln Mark LT pickup trucks in Canada due to a problem that can cause the vehicles to lose braking power.

Copper prices fell on Wednesday as investors fear higher prices may weaken global demand and the dollar was gained, lowering the demand for commodities.

Clear Channel Communications Inc. and the banks that agreed to finance its highly leveraged buy-out were able to enter into a settlement agreement ending lawsuit proceedings previously filed in New York State Supreme Court and Bexar County District Court.

Whole Foods Market Inc. beat analysts estimates despite reporting a 13 percent decline in its fiscal second-quarter profit on charges related to the acquisition of rival Wild Oats Markets for $565 million in 2007.

The dollar gained against the euro and yen on Wednesday after reports of better than expected retail sales in the U.S. and comments from a Federal Reserve official boosted the currency's strength.

Online classifieds leader Craigslist.com filed a countersuit on Tuesday against business rival eBay, accusing the company of using its minority stake in Craigslist to gain access to trade secrets.

Immucor Inc. replied on Tuesday to a warning letter from the Food and Drug Administration that pointed out problems of manufacturing practices in the company.

Copper prices fell slightly on Tuesday as the dollar rallied against the euro on better U.S. retail sales data, but prices may rise on supply concerns from South America.

Liberty Media Corp. and IAC/InterActiveCorp announced on Tuesday they had resolved their dispute over the proposed breakup of IAC.

Gold fell the most in two weeks on Tuesday as the U.S. dollar rebounded against the euro, hindering the investment demand for the precious metal.

U.S. stocks fell at Tuesday's start, after the government said soaring fuel prices did not hinder consumers from shopping as much as expected and Oppenheimer & Co.'s Meredith Whitney cut profit projections for Wall Street's biggest securities firms.

Wal-Mart Stores reported a profit and revenue which matched analysts estimates, however its shares fell as the company anticipates possible flat sales in the coming quarter. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc said profit grew nearly 7 percent in its first quarter as sales grew 10 percent despite the slowdown in the U.S. economy.

The dollar was slightly higher against the euro on Tuesday, ahead of speeches from Federal Reserve who may shed light on the chances for further cuts in interest rates or a pause.