AFP - Unrest in the Niger Delta is becoming a major problem for the Nigerian government but its importance as an oil producer is also helping extend its shadow over the world economy.

AFP - The United States and Asia's four largest powers voiced "serious concerns" Saturday after the single biggest one-day hike in oil prices, warning that the global economy was at risk.

AP - Wal-Mart officials, bolstered by a rebounding stock price and improved image, told shareholders on Friday that their renewed focus on price and better merchandise is winning over customers who they expect to keep when the sluggish economy improves.

AFP - The United States and Asia's four largest powers voiced "serious concern" Saturday about a record spike in oil prices but vowed to keep scaling back politically sensitive fuel subsidies.

Reuters - The world's leading semiconductor maker Intel Corp faces a formal investigation by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission after fighting similar antitrust probes in Europe and Asia, the company said on Friday.

Reuters - The U.S. unemployment rate surged to 5.5 percent in May, its highest in more than 3-1/2 years, as the barely growing economy lost jobs for the fifth straight month.

Reuters - Oil jumped nearly 9 percent to a record $139 a barrel on Friday, extending a two-day rally to more than $16 as the slumping U.S. dollar and mounting tensions between Israel and Iran attracted a stampede of buyers.

Reuters - Stocks plunged on Friday, marking the Dow's worst day in 15 months, after the government said the May unemployment rate jumped the most in 22 years and oil prices shot to another record, renewing fears that the U.S. economy faces 1970s-style stagflation.

AP - Wal-Mart executives said Friday that a reinvigorated focus on price has allowed the world's largest retailer to beat out competitors in a challenging economic environment.

AP - The nation's unemployment rate jumped to 5.5 percent in May — the biggest monthly rise since 1986 — as nervous employers cut 49,000 jobs.