Reuters - Wal-Mart Stores Inc reported a higher quarterly profit on Thursday as shoppers headed to its stores for low prices on food, health care products and electronics.

Reuters - Wal-Mart Stores Inc second-quarter profit jumped 17 percent, but the discount retailer forecast current quarter results that could miss Wall Street estimates as consumers worldwide deal with tough economic times.

AP - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. raised its full-year earnings forecast Thursday after second-quarter profit rose more than expected, helped by tight inventory controls and a renewed focus on low prices that is attracting financially squeezed shoppers around the world.

AP - Macy's Inc. posted a lower second-quarter profit Wednesday and warned that its full-year earnings will be below expectations. That, along with a pared-down outlook from a key supplier and a somber government report on retail sales in July, suggests a persistent slowdown for retailers as they face the critical back-to-school and holiday shopping seasons.