The proposed $2.15 billion deal was the second to fall apart for the American International Group, which is trying to raise money to repay its federal bailout.

With more people choosing to buy books online, a Barnes & Noble on the Upper West Side prepared to close early next year.

France’s Champagne industry is trying to cut the carbon dioxide it emits transporting billions of tiny bubbles around the world.

Evidence of a rebound in the media industry strengthened when Bertelsmann of Germany reported strong financial results for the first half of 2010 and upgraded its outlook for the whole year.

The Conference Board said its index on consumer confidence increased, but Americans remained apprehensive about the economic future.

Researchers say they can overcome a barrier to the continued rapid miniaturization of computer memory.

The banking sector posted a record $21.6 billion in profit in the quarter, but the list of problem banks increased.

The latest housing data was more upbeat, and the latest on consumer confidence rose in August. But traders were still concerned about Friday’s jobs report.

Researchers say they can overcome a barrier to the continued rapid miniaturization of computer memory.

The latest housing data was more upbeat, and the latest on consumer confidence rose in August.

Worries about the global economy weighed on banks and a strengthening yen hit manufacturers in Japan.

The increase was attributed to a federal tax credit for home buyers that has since expired.

Euro-zone inflation slowed in August, pointing to steady interest rates well into 2011, but unemployment remains high and uneven across the region.

Some large lenders are taking a stand on industry practices — like mining and deforestation — that they regard as risky to their reputations.