Reuters - UBS AG's chairman is sure the troubled Swiss bank will still be independent in two years' time, according to an interview published on Saturday.

AP - The lower profits and muted outlooks this week from retailers such as J.C. Penney Co., Macy's Inc. and Nordstrom Inc. are heightening concerns among investors that shoppers' focus on necessities and buying at discounters could linger well into next year.

Reuters - Regulators upheld a record $10.2 million fine against Southwest Airlines Co for alleged safety violations and want payment this month, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said on Friday.

Reuters - Two top Federal Reserve officials on Friday voiced concern about weak U.S. economic growth for the rest of 2008 and said inflation, while a worry, should start to fade over time.

Reuters - J.C. Penney Co Inc and Abercrombie & Fitch Co reported quarterly profits that beat Wall Street expectations on Friday, but came up short in their earnings forecasts, joining other U.S. retailers who fear a deeper slowdown in consumer spending toward year's end.

Reuters - Lehman Brothers is in talks for potential sale of its $40 billion portfolio of commercial real estate and securities in an effort to bolster its finances following costly credit-related write-downs, the Financial Times said in its online edition.

Reuters - Employees at a Wal-Mart Stores Inc. outlet in Canada won an arbitrator-imposed contract on Friday, becoming the giant retailer's only location in North America with a collective agreement in place.

Reuters - J.C. Penney Co Inc posted a quarterly profit on Friday that beat Wall Street expectations as strong inventory controls offset weaker consumer spending, pushing its shares 6 percent higher.

Reuters - Chrysler LLC aims to cut its supply chain costs by 25 percent in the next three years, and improve its relationship with suppliers, John Campi, executive vice president of procurement, said on Friday.