Midday Report: Retail sales fall on plunging gas prices

Date: Fri, 12 Sep 2008 12:02:46 -0400
Retail sales fall on plunging gas prices

U.S. retail sales unexpected fall in August, pushed lower by plunging
gasoline prices, the Commerce Department says. .

Lehman for sale in rush to try to salvage struggling firm

Lehman Brothers is reportedly for sale as the brokerage firm tries to
avoid potential downgrades that could trigger a damaging exodus of
clients and trading partners and threaten future profits.

WaMu says it's 'well capitalized', Fitch cuts ratings

Washington Mutual Inc. late Thursday provided an update on its financial
health, saying that its provision for loan losses in the third quarter
will fall from the prior period though it remains "well capitalized" and
its retail deposit balances have remained relatively stable.

Hurricane Ike storms toward Texas coast

The National Weather Service issues a dire warning Friday for some
residents along the Texas coastline, as massive Hurricane Ike picks up
some strength on its track to become a major hurricane.