AFP - European equity prices dropped on Friday as oil and mining majors lost ground, but losses were limited by gains to banking share prices, traders said.

Reuters - Stocks rose on Friday, helped by a government report that showed underlying price pressures rose moderately in May, easing fears that inflation would force a near-term rise in interest rates.

AP - Stocks advanced for a second session Friday after government readings on inflation and a decline in oil prices helped contain some worries about the effect of rising prices on strapped consumers. The Dow Jones industrial average rose more than 70 points, but was well off its highs of the day.

Reuters - Shares of Yahoo dropped more than 8 percent on Thursday after the Wall Street Journal reported that negotiations between the Internet media company and Microsoft Corp ended without reaching a deal .

Reuters - Stocks rose on Thursday after a stronger-than-expected May retail sales report and a $46 billion takeover bid for Anheuser-Busch from an overseas rival helped the market recover from a string of deep losses.

Reuters - The New York Stock Exchange plans to modify the role of specialist traders on the exchange floor, giving them fewer privileges, but more freedom in the way they trade, The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday.

AP - Wall Street gave up a big early advance as the price of oil rose Thursday, with stocks closing moderately higher but also demonstrating how anxious investors are about inflation and the overall health of the economy. Bond prices fell sharply and yields shot higher in response to an upbeat retail sales report.

AP - Asian stock markets retreated Thursday after Wall Street's overnight loss, as high oil prices aggravated worries about inflation and the possibility of higher interest rates.

AFP - The value of property builders slid further on London's stock market on Thursday as the housing market reels from the global credit crunch, high interest rates and inflation.

AFP - European stock markets rose on Thursday, shrugging off heavy share-price falls in Asia and on Wall Street which were driven by another spike in oil futures and inflation worries, analysts said.

Reuters - Stocks rose on Thursday after government data showed a sharp increase in retail sales last month, calming worries about the profit outlook, while news of a $46 billion takeover bid for brewer Anheuser-Busch boosted optimism about share valuations.

AP - A dose of good economic news and a buyout offer for Anheuser-Busch Cos. gave Wall Street a rebound Thursday, sending the Dow Jones industrials jumping more than 120 points. Treasury prices fell, driving yields higher, as investors returned to stocks.

AFP - The US Securities and Exchange Commission rolled out a series of proposals Wednesday aimed at overhauling the credit rating industry which has been criticized for worsening the global credit crunch.