U.S. stocks finish mostly higher as oil prices fall

Date: Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:04:04 -0400
U.S. stocks finish mostly higher as oil prices fall

U.S. stocks end mostly higher, with the major indexes posting mixed
results for the week, as Ambac Financial Group Inc. and MBIA Inc. have
their credit ratings affirmed, while crude-oil futures finish lower.

MarketWatch First Take: Gasoline prices are key to consumer confidence

A month from now, we'll know if American consumers see the glass as half
full or half empty.

Futures Movers: Crude falls for second day as dollar rallies

Crude-oil futures close lower for a second session to tally a weekly
loss of more than 1%, as moves in the foreign-exchange market trigger
broad losses in dollar-denominated commodities.

MarketWatch First Take: The retail race is on for back to school

The overall outlook for back-to-school retail is looking a little shaky,
and lackluster forecasts from J.C. Penney Co. and Abercrombie & Fitch
Co. -- retailers who were expected to be winners -- just add to the
gloom.

Is the 'Google phone' coming soon?

The wireless world has been patiently awaiting the so-called "Google
phone" for more than a year, and reports this week suggest that such a
device could soon find its way to the market.