Midday Report: U.S. consumer confidence plunges again in June

Date: Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:03:35 -0400
U.S. consumer confidence plunges again in June

Worries about the economy and jobs drive consumer expectations to a
record low in June, while confidence moved to its fifth-lowest reading
ever.

Economic Report: Four years of home-price gains wiped out: Case-Shiller
data

Home prices in 20 major U.S. cities have dropped a record 15.3% in the
past year and are now back to where they were in 2004, the Case-Shiller
home price index says. A similar regional index compiled by the
government shows a smaller decline.

UPS shares near five-year low after profit forecast is cut

Shares of UPS skid 5% to a nearly five-year low after the
package-delivery giant slashes its second-quarter outlook because of
soaring fuel prices and a sluggish U.S. economy.

Dow Chemical raises prices on energy costs, again

For the second time in a month, Dow Chemical Co. is significantly
raising product prices to offset a surge in costs for energy and raw
materials.

Kroger profit rises better-than-expected 15%

Supermarket chain Kroger says its first-quarter profit rose a
better-than-expected 15% after lowering prices and expanding its generic
drug and discounted gas programs to lure budget-conscious shoppers.