Ahead of the Bell: Microsoft CFO shift - AP - 3 minutes ago
Analysts cautioned Wednesday not to read too much into the coming departure of Microsoft Corp. finance chief Chris Liddell, which was announced Tuesday.

Consumers log stronger-than-expected spending rise - AP - 4 minutes ago
Consumers got back in the buying mood in October as their incomes grew modestly, an encouraging sign for the budding economic recovery.

Weekly jobless claims drop below 500,000 - AP - 9 minutes ago
The number of newly laid-off workers filing claims for unemployment benefits fell more than expected last week to the lowest level in over a year.

Deere reports 4Q loss on charges, lower sales - AP - 14 minutes ago
Deere and Co. reported a $223 million loss for the fourth quarter on Wednesday as big charges and a 28 percent decline in sales of farm and construction equipment as demand slumped amid the global economic downturn.

Wyo enviros oppose drilling in 1st national forest - AP - 15 minutes ago
Environmentalists are questioning the legal justification offered for what would be the only active oil well inside the nation's first national forest.

Stock futures point to higher open - AP - 16 minutes ago
Stock futures pointed to a higher open Wednesday as investors prepared to examine fresh data on consumer spending and sentiment, new home sales and the job market a day after the Federal Reserve provided a more upbeat view of U.S. economic prospects.

Hutchison wants more technology in Texas schools - AP - 17 minutes ago
U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison said Tuesday that if elected governor, her education plan would focus on bringing more technology to the classroom, recruiting and retaining teachers, lowering the high school dropout rate and helping school districts find ways to save money.