Retail

Stocks soar on Black Friday; tech leads the way

By DANIEL WAGNERAP Business Writer The stock market enjoyed some Black Friday cheer, rising sharply as shoppers braved the annual post-Thanksgiving rush. Major stock indexes closed one of their best weeks of the year. Traders were encouraged by positive economic news from Germany and China, two

Wal-Mart suspends India staff in corruption probe

By ERIKA KINETZAP Business Writer MUMBAI, India (AP) - Wal-Mart's Indian joint venture said Friday it has suspended several employees as part of an internal corruption investigation, another blow to the U.S. company's plans for aggressive expansion in a giant market that is largely

Black Friday creeps into Thanksgiving permanently?

By ANNE D'INNOCENZIOAP Retail Writer This season could mark the end of Black Friday as we know it. For decades, stores have opened their doors in the wee hours on the day after Thanksgiving. But this year, major chains such as Target and Sears ushered in customers on Thanksgiving itself,

Markets solid as US shoppers hit the mall

By PAN PYLASAP Business Writer LONDON (AP) - Europe's squabbling leaders failed to douse the prevailing optimism in the markets this week, with investors hopeful about the start of the U.S. shopping season and an imminent decision to give Greece billions more in cash to avoid bankruptcy.