The embattled chief executive, under pressure over the disclosure of losses and bonuses at Merrill Lynch, is expected to leave at the end of the year.

The company cited concerns about its ability to get cars beyond the supply period it had negotiated with G.M.

Former Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin defending himself vigorously against charges of complicity in an attempt to smear Nicolas Sarkozy.

Companies that import solar panels to the United States faced up to $70 million in duties. And many members of the industry seemed unaware of the change in customs policy.

Shares spend the most of the session slipping between positive and negative but begin to turn lower as the day, the month and the quarter near a close.

Washington wants to give other governments and the private sector a greater oversight role in an organization that oversees the Internet.

Nielsen said ad spending in 27 countries, accounting for the vast majority of advertising worldwide, declined by 5.8 percent in the second quarter compared with a year earlier.

In testimony to Congress, the ratings service’s chief credit officer rebuts a former analyst’s accusations of inaccuracy.

The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee examines whether rating industry failed to identify risks in securities backed by subprime mortgages.

Two lesser-known barometers came in weaker than expected, causing investors to reel in some aggressive positions.

Kraft has until Nov. 9 to make a binding offer, or walk away for six months. Cadbury had rejected an earlier offer.

The Indian telecom giant Bharti Airtel said that talks on a possible merger with MTN Group of South Africa have ended.

Stock markets dived in early trading after two lesser-known barometers of the economy came in weaker than expected.

Stocks fell after a report showed that business activity in the Midwest contracted in September on a decline in production and new orders.

The oil company said that John S. Watson, currently vice chairman, will serve as chairman and chief executive, succeeding David J. O’Reilly.

The economy sank at a pace of 0.7 percent in the spring, a better-than-expected performance that provided more evidence that the recession was ending.

The French food group will exit its joint venture with the beverage producer Wahaha, settling a dispute that contributed to political tensions between France and China.