NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stocks looked set to open slightly lower on Wednesday as a report of weaker-than-expected economic growth offset strong data on private-sector employment.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. growth skidded lower in the fourth quarter and was the weakest in five years for all of 2007, according to a government report on Wednesday that highlighted the toll an enfeebled housing sector has taken on the national economy.
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Merck and Co on Wednesday reported a fourth-quarter loss due to charges from a costly settlement related to its withdrawn Vioxxarthritis drug, but results soundly beat Wall Street forecasts and lifted its shares 2 percent.
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Boeing Co said on Wednesday fourth-quarter profit rose a greater-than-expected 4 percent, as higher deliveries of its commercial aircraft offset a dip in military sales due to the creation of a satellite launch joint venture.
ZURICH (Reuters) - Subprime-related problems at UBS AG mounted on Wednesday as the Swiss bank unveiled $4 billion in new write-downs in a surprise statement and sank deep into the red for the year.
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Merger advisory firm Lazard Ltd on Wednesday said its fourth-quarter earnings rose 43 percent, beating estimates, on increased merger advisory fees.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Federal Reserve on Wednesday resumed a two-day policy meeting that is widely expected to result in a decision to cut U.S. interest rates again to shore up the faltering economy.
PARIS (Reuters) - The supervisory board of Societe Generale has voted unanimously to keep Chairman and Chief executive Daniel Bouton at the head of the French bank, a spokeswoman said on Wednesday.
CHICAGO (Reuters) - Kellogg Co on Wednesday posted lower quarterly profit, hit by rising costs for wheat and other commodities and increased spending on advertising.
CHICAGO (Reuters) - Package delivery company United Parcel Service Inc on Wednesday reported a quarterly loss, citing a $6.1 billion charge related to transferring employees from a multi-employer pension fund.
