U.S. credit card defaults rose in June as unemployment increased and Americans struggled to pay their debts, but the figures were better than expected and the company's shares rose 3.2 percent.

Family Dollar Stores Inc reported a 36 percent jump in quarterly profit, topping market estimates, and its shares rose 10 percent, as more shoppers scoured its aisles for low prices on food, shampoo and household cleaners.

J.C. Penney Co Inc (JCP.N) posted a smaller-than-expected net loss on Friday as it reined in costs, but the retailer indicated full-year profit might miss expectations, sending its shares down nearly 5 percent.

June sales fell for most U.S. retailers as the plunging job market and cool, rainy weather dampened interest in summer shopping for consumers, triggering concern about the back-to-school season.

MasterCard Inc (MA.N) reported on Tuesday quarterly earnings as the world's second-largest credit card network raised fees to banks and trimmed expenses, while consumers used their debit cards more.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke on Thursday will push back at efforts to curb the Fed's power as he goes before lawmakers considering his nomination to a second term at the central bank's helm. ...

TOKYO (Reuters) – American Airlines said it and other members of the Oneworld airline alliance along with private equity fund TPG are willing to invest $1.1 billion in Japan Airlines to prevent it defecting to Delta Air Lines and the rival Skyteam...

HONG KONG (Reuters) – Gold struck another peak on Thursday because of its investor appeal as a safe asset and Asian stocks looked past Wall Street's weak finish to eke out gains. The yen slipped amid growing market talk that...

BOSTON – Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has agreed to pay $40 million to 87,500 Massachusetts employees who claimed the retailer denied them rest and meals breaks, manipulated time cards and refused to pay overtime, according to court documents filed...

NEW YORK (Reuters) – General Electric Co (GE.N) and Comcast Corp (CMCSA.O) are set to announce a joint venture on Thursday morning that would give the cable company eventual control of NBC Universal in this year's biggest media deal. ...