WALMART

Wal-Mart Stores Inc reported roughly flat quarterly profit as the strong U.S. dollar lowered the value of its international sales and it faced tough comparisons with last year, when shoppers spent U.S. government issued stimulus checks in its stores.

When Wal-Mart Stores Inc reports second-quarter results on Thursday, it will provide a much-awaited glimpse into the state of consumer spending as measured by the billions of dollars that flow through its cash registers every quarter.

Stocks fell on Monday, led by retailers, as investors booked profits following a four-week rally, though losses were limited by strong July sales at McDonald's Corp .

U.S. stocks fell on Monday, led by retailers, as investors booked profits following a four-week rally, though losses were limited by strong July sales at McDonald's Corp .

U.S. stocks slipped on Monday as a four-week rally encouraged investors to take profits, but McDonald's better-than-expected July sales pushed up the Dow component, briefly lifting the index to a positive territory.

U.S. stock index futures dipped on Monday as investors paused for profit-taking after a sharp run-up, ahead of key indicators on consumer spending due later this week.

Stock index futures dipped on Monday as investors paused for profit-taking after a sharp run-up, ahead of key indicators on consumer spending due later this week.

Wall Street's rally could persist this week as investors' conviction grows that the U.S. economy is on track for a recovery. But retailers' results, CPI and other consumer data could cast a pall if shoppers fail to show signs of life.

Wall Street's rally could persist next week as investors' conviction grows that the U.S. economy is on track for a recovery. But retailers' results, CPI and other consumer data could cast a pall if shoppers fail to show signs of life.

If the strong earnings trend keeps up next week, black will be back in style on the balance sheets of more of the nation's retailers.

U.S. retailers reported their 11th straight month of sales declines in July as shoppers continued to search for bargains and basics in the downturn.

U.S. retailers reported their 11th straight month of sales declines in July, as shoppers continued to search for bargains and basics in the downturn.

U.S. retailers reported disappointing sales declines for July, suggesting shoppers are still searching for bargains and basics in the downturn.

Some U.S. retailers reported sales declines for July that were not as steep as expected, suggesting that more shoppers may be buying discretionary items.

U.S. retailers could post their 11th consecutive drop in monthly same-store sales this week as cool weather, a weak job market, and a lack of tax-free holidays had shoppers picking through the clearance racks in July instead of buying full-priced back-to-school clothes.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc is discussing with U.S. health officials the possibility of putting vaccination sites at some of its stores for an H1N1 swine flu inoculation campaign this fall, a company official said on Thursday.

Cost-cuts helped RadioShack Corp beat estimates in the second quarter, but its shares fell 8 percent on fears the electronics retailer might not be able to sustain profits by merely controlling expenses.

RadioShack Corp reported a higher-than-expected quarterly profit on lower costs and improved sales of netbooks, prepaid wireless handsets and digital televisions, and the retailer's shares rose 4 percent.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc has expanded its laptop selection by 40 percent and will be aggressive in pricing the computers and the accessories to go with them as the discount retailer looks to win sales from frugal back-to-school shoppers.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc has expanded its laptop selection by 40 percent and will be aggressive in pricing the computers and the accessories to go with them as the discount retailer looks to win sales from frugal back-to-school shoppers.

Microsoft Corp is strengthening its focus on its planned to open a retail store this fall. The company hired George Blankenship former Apple Vice President of real estate who helps Apple to acquire property for its controversial retail store strategy way back in 2001.