WRAL.com - AP Business News

Gas prices up as Gustav threatens Gulf refineries

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:31:12 -0400

Retail gas prices swung higher Friday - the first increase in 43 days - as analysts warned that a direct hit on U.S. energy infrastructure by Hurricane Gustav could send pump prices hurtling toward $5 a gallon.

Stocks end lower on personal income data

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:22:13 -0400

Wall Street tumbled Friday after the government said personal incomes fell last month by the largest amount in nearly three years while consumer spending slowed. The Dow Jones industrial average fell more than 170 points, while a disappointing profit report from computer maker Dell Inc. weighed on the technology-heavy Nasdaq composite index.

Phone companies prepare backup plans for Gustav

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 23:27:12 -0400

The hurricane bearing down on the Gulf Coast could be a test for the country's wireless carriers, which faced criticism and a regulatory push after Hurricane Katrina took out networks.

Incomes drop sharply in July while spending slows

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:19:14 -0400

Consumer spending slowed to a crawl and personal incomes plunged in July, reflecting the waning impact of $93 billion in economic stimulus payments.

Alitalia files for bankruptcy protection

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:52:13 -0400

Alitalia said Friday it has sought bankruptcy protection, taking the first step in a plan to reshape Italy's unprofitable and debt-laden national carrier.

Machinists union leaders call for Boeing strike

Sat, 30 Aug 2008 01:10:15 -0400

Leaders of Boeing Co.'s Machinists union called Friday for a strike after rejecting the aerospace giant's "best and final" contract offer. They urged union members to reject the offer in a vote set for Wednesday.

As summer ends, flyers brace for airline changes

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:14:15 -0400

The grip U.S. airlines have on travelers' wallets is about to get tighter as carriers go ahead with plans to trim their domestic schedules due to the high cost of fuel.

GM recalling 944,000 vehicles

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:36:51 -0400

General Motors Corp. said Friday it was recalling 944,000 vehicles because of a problem with a windshield wiper fluid system that could lead to a fire.

Ala. county offer plan to avoid massive bankruptcy

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:28:12 -0400

Alabama's largest county offered a plan Friday to restructure its $3.2 billion sewer debt and, at least for now, put off filing the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history.

Fears of isolation as investors flee Russia

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:17:12 -0400

At the outset of this year, Russia proudly proclaimed itself an island of stability at the annual economic gathering in Davos, setting itself apart from the tumult of the global financial crisis.