Cisco upgraded to ‘Outperform’ at William Blair; analyst sees pent-up demand, new dealsNEW YORK — Cisco Systems Inc. is winning new deals and benefiting from a broad economic recovery, a William Blair analyst said Wednesday as he upgraded the company’s stock. After years of making sport of others’ personal foibles, David Letterman exposes his ownNEW YORK — Some of the politicians zinged by David Letterman over the years for their indiscretions are offering pity and advice for the scandalized talk show host. Stock futures indicate higher open as investors build momentum heading into earnings seasonNEW YORK — Stock futures are pointing to another higher opening Wednesday as investors continue to build momentum heading into earnings season. Costco 4th-quarter profit slips partly on stronger dollar, but tops analysts’ estimatesNEW YORK — Costco Wholesale Corp. said Wednesday that its fiscal fourth-quarter profit fell 6 percent, partly on the stronger dollar and increased employee benefit costs, but results beat analysts’ estimates. ‘Floods, drought derailing India’s fight against poverty’NEW YORK - The massive food scarcity in India due to floods and drought is impacting hundreds of millions, derailing ongoing humanitarian work by years and adding to other serious socio-economic woes, warns the US-based non-profit World Vision. Early returns show incumbent trailing state representative in Albuquerque mayoral raceALBUQUERQUE — Early returns show Martin Chavez trailing a state representative in his bid for an unprecedented fourth term as Albuquerque’s mayor. September retail sales improve but some barely match 2005, SpendingPulse reportsNEW YORK — U.S. retail sales figures from a key data service show signs of a rebound in September from last year’s deep plunge. Unofficial returns show state representative taking early lead in bid for Albuquerque mayorALBUQUERQUE — State Rep. Richard Berry has taken an early lead in his bid for Albuquerque mayor. US stocks continue rise amidst worldwide rallyNEW YORK - US stocks continued to rally Tuesday, buoyed by anticipation that third-quarter earnings starting later this week will exceed estimates even as the dollar continued to fall. NY man convicted of hate crime in mugging of centenarian, 2 other women, could face 90 yearsNEW YORK — A New York City man was convicted of hate crimes Tuesday in connection with a series of muggings that included an assault on a centenarian on her way to church. After 4 years, auto parts supplier Delphi emerges from Chapter 11 as new companyNEW YORK — Auto parts supplier Delphi finally exited bankruptcy protection on Tuesday nearly four years to the day it filed for Chapter 11. Bank of America vows not to change credit card rates before FebruaryNEW YORK — Bank of America Corp. on Tuesday pledged not to hike credit card interest rates or fees before a new law intended to reform industry practices takes effect in February. AP Poll: Obama’s job approval rises after declining since inauguration; war support declinesNEW YORK — President Barack Obama’s approval ratings are starting to rise after declining ever since his inauguration, new poll figures show as the country’s mood begins to brighten. But concerns about the economy, health care and war persist, and support for the war in Afghanistan is falling. White House announces 2 nominations to appeals court benchesWASHINGTON — President Barack Obama on Tuesday said he would nominate a pair of Northeastern judges to appeals court positions. Gold prices surge to new all-time high as dollar tumbles, investors seek inflation hedgeNEW YORK — Gold prices surged to a new high Tuesday as investors sought a safe harbor from a falling dollar and inflation. Boeing, MGM Mirage, Corning, Avocent, Pepsi Bottling Groupare among big market movers TuesdayNEW YORK — The following stocks were among those that moved substantially or traded heavily Tuesday on the New York Stock Exchange: After 4 years, Delphi emerges from Chapter 11 as new companyNEW YORK — Auto supplier Delphi says it’s emerging from bankruptcy protection nearly four years to the day it filed for Chapter 11. Dow jumps 132 points as hopes grow for strengthening in corporate profits, global economyNEW YORK — The stock market got a big lift from a faraway place: Australia. Verizon Wireless, Google team up to develop new Android smart phones, tackle iPhone challengeNEW YORK — Verizon Wireless and Google Inc. are teaming up to tackle the challenge posed by the iPhone, saying they will collaborate closely to create wireless devices that use Google’s software. AG Holder: NY plot was one of the most serious since 2001 attacksWASHINGTON — Attorney General Eric Holder said Tuesday the alleged terror plot disrupted in New York was “one of the most serious in the United States since Sept. 11, 2001″ — but he gave no indication when more arrests might be made. Stocks rise as investors continue rally into second day; Weak dollar fans commoditiesNEW YORK — Investors barreled into stocks for a second day as hopes grew that corporate profits will strengthen as the global economy recovers. French company trumpets cost savings of tires, shows legendary Michelin Man battling gas pumpNEW YORK — Michelin rolled out a global media campaign on Tuesday that touts the cost savings of its tires as it fights for market share in an increasingly competitive market. David Letterman’s apologies mean another big night in ratings for CBS late-night hostNEW YORK — David Letterman’s apologies to his wife and staff for having sex with co-workers meant another big night in the ratings for the late-night talk-show host. Treasury prices continue to fall as stock market rally extends into second dayNEW YORK — Treasury prices fell Tuesday, pushing their yields higher, as investors poured money into riskier investments such as stocks. Education influences how long many expect to work after they ‘retire,’ new survey findsNEW YORK — When you hear that retirement isn’t what it used to be, a first thought might be of active seniors traveling the globe instead of sitting in rocking chairs. But for plenty of Americans, especially those with little education, “retirement” involves continuing to work — and that will likely be even more common in coming years, a new study finds. Michelin kicks off new media campaign featuring its legendary Michelin Man characterNEW YORK — Michelin says it’s launching a new global media campaign featuring its legendary Michelin Man character. US trade officials to begin investigation over claim that Toyota violated hybrid patentsNEW YORK — Trade regulators are launching an investigation into whether Toyota violated patents held by a Florida-based hybrid technology company. Former NY power broker Raymond Harding pleads guilty in pension fund corruption scandalNEW YORK — A political power broker and an investment executive who advised government officials in several states have pleaded guilty to securities fraud in connection with a “pay-to-play” scandal at New York’s public pension fund. Neiman Marcus holiday book not all fantasy: Gifts under $250 give a nod to frugalityNEW YORK — With even super affluent shoppers tightening their Gucci belts, luxury retailer Neiman Marcus Group Inc. unveiled its Christmas Book Tuesday with a nod to this new frugality. Female bodybuilder talks about competition and offers tips on how to stay fitNEW YORK — For Tennille Ray, maintaining her sculpted arms, 12-pack abs and muscled legs is a full-time job. |