Reuters - Stocks were solidly lower on Wednesday as the Federal Reserve's Beige Book said economic activity was generally weak in late April and early June 2, adding to concerns about a surge in oil prices and further financial sector losses.

Reuters - Bank of America Corp Chief Executive Kenneth Lewis said Wednesday he remains committed to buying Countrywide Financial Corp , the giant money-losing mortgage lender, but acknowledged that the nearly year-long global credit crisis still has "a ways to go."

Reuters - U.S. businesses were able to raise prices for consumers in some areas even as the economy weakened, the Federal Reserve said in a report on Wednesday showing higher energy and commodity prices are causing inflation pressures.

Reuters - Toymakers, manufacturers and retailers shrugged off soaring temperatures and flocked to the 2008 Licensing International Expo, some showing off hit brands, and others vying for rights to use them.

Reuters - Yahoo Inc's board of directors came under increasing pressure over an employee severance plan on Tuesday, with shareholders suing the company demanding a swift trial and investor Carl Icahn threatening to hold the board "personally liable" for approving it.

Reuters - French holiday resort operator Club Mediterranee is trading well and will be profitable in the current fiscal year, its chief executive told Le Figaro newspaper.

Reuters - Toyota Motor Corp (7203.T) said on Wednesday its battery joint venture with Matsushita Electric Industrial Co (6752.T) will start full-scale production of lithium-ion batteries in 2010 as it aims to roll out more electricity-driven cars over the next few years.

Reuters - Lehman Brothers almost struck a deal with Korean financial institutions as part of raising $6 billion in capital, and may yet arrange one by the end of the year, the Financial Times reported on its website on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter.

Reuters - U.S. gasoline prices will continue to march to record highs this summer before peaking at $4.15 per gallon in August, the Energy Information Administration said on Tuesday.

Reuters - U.S. stocks shifted gears and climbed at midday on Tuesday as investors bought Dow industrials like Coca-Cola and other companies with steady earnings, while a drop in oil prices helped ease concerns about inflation.