MARKETS / FINANCE

Former Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc chief executive Richard Fuld asked a judge on Friday to toss out an investor lawsuit that accused him and other Lehman officials of failing to disclose a controversial Repo 105 accounting technique used by Lehman.

U.S. employers, who have been cautiously but steadily adding back workers amid evidence of a continuing economic recovery, are rethinking some hiring plans as they await the resolution of Europe's debt crisis.

Hiring by U.S. private employers slowed sharply in May, a setback for the economy's recovery, even as temporary census hiring pushed overall payrolls growth to its biggest increase in 10 years.

The possibility of a Hungarian debt crisis pushed the euro to a four-year low against the dollar on Friday and reignited fears more Eastern European nations could reveal financial frailties.

Shares of Internet firm AOL Inc rose in a broader market sell off on Friday as talk circulated that it may be an acquisition target for Microsoft Corp.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc plans to buy back $15 billion more of its shares and expects to add over 500,000 employees in the next five years as it increases its global presence.

Stocks cascaded to their lowest close since February on Friday after May's jobs figure slammed investors already reeling from worry over another developing debt crisis, this time in Hungary.

Stocks cascaded to their lowest close since February on Friday after May's jobs figure slammed investors already reeling from worry over another developing debt crisis, this time in Hungary.

Stocks sank on Friday after the economy added fewer-than-expected jobs in May, while a possible new debt crisis in Hungary added to the gloom.

President Barack Obama said on Friday the gain of 431,000 jobs in May is a sign the economy is getting stronger, although there will still be ups and downs going forward.

McDonald's Corp has recalled at least 13.4 million Shrek-themed drinking glasses in the United States and Canada after consumers were warned to stop using them because they contain the toxic metal cadmium.

Leading policymakers spoke with unusual frankness on Friday of their fears that the euro zone's financial and banking woes could derail the global economic recovery.

McDonald's Corp has recalled at least 13.3 million Shrek-themed drinking glasses in the United States and Canada after consumers were warned to stop using them because they contain the toxic metal cadmium.

Even the all-time greats need help to do their best.

McDonald's Corp has recalled 12 million Shrek-themed drinking glasses in the United States after a federal agency warned consumers to stop using them because they contain the toxic metal cadmium.

(Corrects number of drinking glasses in stores or not yet shipped in paragraph 12)

Wal-Mart Stores Inc will add more than 500,000 employees in the next five years as it increases its global presence, even as it works to improve sluggish U.S. sales, CEO Mike Duke said on Friday.

The most worrisome number in Friday's disappointing U.S. employment report may be 6,600.

The continued failure of BP's efforts to stop the Gulf oil spill and mounting political pressure are putting the very future of the British-based oil giant in question. BP shares plunged again on Tuesday, wiping $17 billion off the market capitalization of the company. Premiums on credit default swaps to insure the company's debt soared 75% to $178,000 for $10 million as analysts began to question whether the company can survive the financial and reputational costs of the Deepwater Horizon catas...

Agricultural Bank of China , preparing for the world's largest-ever IPO, unveiled key financial figures on Friday, detailing plans to issue up to 47.6 billion new shares and forecasting a sharp rise in yearly net profit.

Bankrupt financial group Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc plans to sell about 450 works by contemporary artists including Robert Rauschenberg at an auction in September, according to court documents.

U.S. stocks fell 2 percent on Friday as a disappointing May payrolls report and another possible debt crisis, this time in Hungary, intensified fears about the stability of the economic recovery.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc announced a new $15 billion share repurchase plan at its annual meeting on Friday, as shareholders look for greater returns from the world's largest retailer.

U.S. private employers hired fewer workers than expected in May, a setback for the labor market recovery, even as temporary census hiring pushed overall payrolls growth to its fastest pace in 10 years.

Private employers hired fewer workers than expected in May, a setback for the labor market recovery, even as temporary census hiring pushed overall payrolls growth to its fastest pace in 10 years.

U.S. nonfarm payrolls grew at their fastest pace in 10 years in May, buoyed by recruitment for the decennial census, but private hiring slowed sharply, disappointing investors looking for a stronger figure.

Chile's state copper think tank Cochilco said Friday it raised its forecast for copper prices to $3.20 per lb in 2010 despite the ongoing market volatility stemming from Europe's debt woes. Cochilco, which helps set price views for the world's top copper miner Codelco [CODEL.UL], said it also raised its 2011 average copper price forecast to $3.30 from $3.20.

Nonfarm payrolls grew at their fastest pace in 10 years in May, buoyed by recruitment for the decennial census, but private hiring slowed sharply as businesses opted to increase hours rather than hire new workers.

Nonfarm payrolls grew at their fastest pace in 10 years in May, buoyed by recruitment for the decennial census, but private hiring slowed sharply as businesses opted to increase hours rather than hire new workers.