U.S. stocks slide after early flood of economic data

Date: Tue, 13 May 2008 12:03:13 -0400
U.S. stocks slide after early flood of economic data

NEW YORK
U.S. stocks struggle in mixed action after the government said soaring
fuel prices did not prevent consumers from shopping as much as
expected.

The Fed: Financial markets 'still far from normal,' Fed's Bernanke says

Despite some signs of improvement, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke
says financial markets remain severely stressed.

Hewlett-Packard to buy EDS for $13.9B to create IT giant

Hewlett-Packard Co. will buy information-technology giant for $13.9
billion in a deal that will significantly expand its services business
and help it challenge IBM.

Economic Report: U.S. retail sales drop; April weakness is concentrated
in autos

U.S. retail sales fall for the third time in the past five months in
April, led by a big decline in auto sales. But the overall drop of 0.2%
isn't as much as many recession-minded economists had been looking for.

Wal-Mart net rises 6.9%, but company cautions uncertain outlooks

Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world's largest retailer and discounter, says
its first-quarter profit rose 7%, driven by international growth and
penny-pinching U.S. consumers seeking value.