In a very positive sign that the credit crunch may be easing, the volume of asset-backed commercial paper grew after declining for 20 straight weeks. Companies issue asset-backed commercial paper to fund short-term operations. The market slowed...

Retailer Talbots Inc. said Friday it will close its kids' and mens' concepts by September as part of a bid to focus more on its core customer -- women who are 35 years old or older. Talbots said it will close 78 stores as a result of the decision...

Here's a clip from Bloomberg TV where they say that Centro has been approached by Morgan Stanley and Westfield about a buyout. Another Bloomberg report identifies Blackstone and Citadel as possible suitors.

The good news is that online sales this holiday season grew 19 percent over last year. The bad news is that the lowest pace of growth on record. ...