MiamiHerald.com: National Business

6 tips on managing your 401(k) plan effectively

Thu, 23 May 2013 19:29 EDT

The run-up in stock prices this year could tempt even the most hands-off investor to wade into their 401(k) and make some changes.

Procter & Gamble brings back A.G. Lafley as CEO

Thu, 23 May 2013 18:44 EDT

Procter & Gamble Co. is bringing back its former CEO, as the world's largest consumer-products maker tries to spur global growth.

Money market fund assets rose to $2.601 trillion

Thu, 23 May 2013 18:34 EDT

Total U.S. money market mutual fund assets rose $19.53 billion to $2.601 trillion for the week that ended Wednesday, according to the Investment Company Institute.

Summary Box: Stocks recover from an early swoon

Thu, 23 May 2013 17:59 EDT

UPS AND DOWNS: Stocks plunged at the opening of trading but recovered by midday. A rout overseas and in the early going on Wall Street was set off by a slowdown in China and worries that the Federal Reserve might slow down its bond purchases. By the afternoon the U.S. market had recouped nearly all of its loss.

Merck ends development of Parkinson's disease drug

Thu, 23 May 2013 17:44 EDT

Merck & Co. says it is ending development of an experimental Parkinson's disease drug because the drug wasn't working.

GM aims new Chevy Cruze diesel at Volkswagen Jetta

Thu, 23 May 2013 17:44 EDT

The marketing people at Chevrolet make no secret of the goal for the new diesel version of the Chevrolet Cruze: Take sales from Volkswagen.

Campbell buying Plum Organics baby food maker

Thu, 23 May 2013 17:24 EDT

Campbell Soup said it's buying Plum Organics, which makes food for babies and kids, for an undisclosed amount as it looks to move into faster-growing categories.

Why worry? Less aid by Fed would point to recovery

Thu, 23 May 2013 16:54 EDT

Investors have grown nervous that the Federal Reserve will scale back its efforts to boost the U.S. economy sooner than many expected.

News Summary: J&J predicts surge of new medicines

Thu, 23 May 2013 16:49 EDT

BIG PLANS: Johnson & Johnson says it's poised by 2017 to seek regulatory approval for a dozen new medicines and two dozen variations of existing ones.

Sears reports bigger-than-expected 1Q loss

Thu, 23 May 2013 16:44 EDT

It was another ugly quarter for Sears Holdings Corp.

Stocks end lower as investors reassess Fed worries

Thu, 23 May 2013 16:29 EDT

Stocks are ending the day slightly lower after recouping a big loss early on.

Gap back in style as 1Q profit jumps 43 percent

Thu, 23 May 2013 16:24 EDT

After years of struggle, Gap is back in style.

Wheat gains on overseas demand

Thu, 23 May 2013 16:09 EDT

The price of wheat rose by the most in two weeks Thursday after the U.S. government reported strong demand for the grain from overseas buyers.

Big stores nix credit card settlement, file suit

Thu, 23 May 2013 15:54 EDT

Some of the country's largest retailers, including Target Corp. and Macy's Inc., on Thursday filed a lawsuit against MasterCard and Visa, rejecting a settlement reached last year over alleged fee-fixing.

Muni bond investors on edge over tax proposal

Thu, 23 May 2013 15:54 EDT

Municipal bonds continue to provide a reliable refuge from stock market volatility and a steady source of tax-free income.

News Summary: US mortgage rates up, but still low

Thu, 23 May 2013 15:44 EDT

RATES RISE: Average U.S. rates on fixed mortgages rose this week to their highest levels since mid-March. Even with the gains, they remained close to historic lows.

Pepper your wardrobe with 'Gatsby' glitz for less

Thu, 23 May 2013 14:44 EDT

Baz Luhrmann's big screen adaption of "The Great Gatsby" is shining a spotlight on Roaring Twenties glam fashions, from drop-waist dresses and head scarves to crisp bow ties and spectator shoes. But you don't need a wallet the size of Jay Gatsby's to get the look.

Snapple co-founder Leonard Marsh dies at 80

Thu, 23 May 2013 14:29 EDT

Leonard Marsh, the co-founder of the Snapple beverage brand, has died at age 80.

Kerry Kennedy, farmworker protest Wendy's in NYC

Thu, 23 May 2013 14:14 EDT

Kerry Kennedy has joined farmworkers protesting outside Wendy's shareholder meeting in New York City.

McDonald's can't shake criticism about nutrition

Thu, 23 May 2013 14:09 EDT

McDonald's once again faced criticism that it's a purveyor of junk food that markets to children at its annual shareholder meeting Thursday - including some sharp remarks from a 9-year-old girl.