Reuters - Stocks climbed more than 1 percent on Thursday as oil prices dropped sharply for the third day, while banks rallied after stronger-than-expected results from JPMorgan Chase & Co.

AP - Wal-Mart, the nation's largest retailer, has pledged to buy more produce from local farmers as it kicked off a campaign to highlight the fruits and vegetables grown in Oklahoma and sold in its stores.

AFP - World stock markets reeled again on Wednesday on uncertainty over the unfolding US financial crisis and the prospect of more gloomy comment from US Federal Reserve chief Ben Bernanke.

AFP - China's economic juggernaut slowed but still maintained double-digit growth in the first half of the year as it battled inflation and absorbed global setbacks, official data showed Thursday.

Reuters - Oil prices steadied on Thursday, after sharp losses on swelling stocks and fading demand in the United States and after a fresh diplomatic initiative from Washington over Iran.

Reuters - Stocks rallied more than 2 percent on Wednesday, powered by the best day for banks in 16 years as unexpectedly strong results from Wells Fargo & Co relieved worry about a credit crisis spiraling out of control.

AP - Consumer prices shot up in June at the second fastest pace in 26 years with two-thirds of the surge blamed on soaring energy prices.

Reuters - Stocks rose on Wednesday as upbeat quarterly results from Wells Fargo & Co eased concerns about the impact of the credit crisis on banks, while a fall of about $4 in oil prices reduced inflation fears and fueled optimism about consumer spending.