Industrial output rises for first time since Oct.

Date: Friday, August 14, 2009

INDUSTRIAL OUTPUT RISES FOR FIRST TIME SINCE OCT.
Led by a resurgent auto sector, U.S. industrial output rises in July for the
first time since October, the Federal Reserve reports.

CONSUMER PRICES UNCHANGED IN JULY

Retail-level inflation remains tame. U.S. consumer prices show no
change in July, after seasonal adjustments, and are down 2.1% on a
year-over-year basis in the sharpest annual decline since 1950, Labor
Department data show.

U.S. CONSUMER SENTIMENT FALLS IN AUGUST

Sentiment has fallen two months in a row to the lowest reading since
March, and is significantly worse than the level was expected by most
economists.

J.C. PENNEY SWINGS TO LOSS

J.C. Penney Co. swings to a fiscal second-quarter loss, hurt by lower
consumer demand in the economic downturn.

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH POSTS LOSS AS SALES TUMBLE 23%

Abercrombie & Fitch posts a second-quarter loss as the teen-clothing
retailer's sales tumble, hurt by irecession-minded shoppers and a
higher-priced assortment of apparel.