Sales gains lift Dollar Tree's 1Q profit 15 pct RICHMOND, Va. (AP) -- Discount retailer Dollar Tree Inc. said Thursday that its net income increased 15 percent in the first quarter as consumers spent more at its stores, which sell goods for $1 or less....Stocks fall on Fed, weak Chinese manufacturing NEW YORK (AP) -- Stocks fell in early trading, extending a sell-off that began Wednesday afternoon, after Chinese manufacturing unexpectedly contracted and on concern that the Federal Reserve may ease back on its stimulus program....Stock slump continues on Wall Street NEW YORK (AP) -- A global stock market slump is continuing on Wall Street as traders worry about how committed the Federal Reserve remains to keeping up its bond-buying program....Ralph Lauren's 4Q profit rises 35 pct NEW YORK (AP) -- Ralph Lauren Corp. reported a 35 percent increase in fourth-quarter profit as the luxury retailer benefited from lower cotton prices. But economic challenges here and abroad and the move to eliminate some businesses to focus on the most profitable ones cut into sales....US equities sell-off goes on; futures slump NEW YORK (AP) -- The momentum of a late sell-off on Wall Street carried over into a second day, sending U.S. futures and global stock markets into retreat....Oil down to near $93 on Chinese recovery concerns The price of oil fell to near $93 a barrel on Thursday after a survey showed manufacturing activity in China falling to its lowest level in seven months, a sign that the recovery in the world's No. 2 economy is fading....Japan gyrations underline economy's vulnerability TOKYO (AP) -- Japan's financial markets gyrated wildly Thursday, underscoring the vulnerability of its economy to a loss of investor confidence as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attempts shock monetary easing to end two decades of stagnation....Between economy and trouble, Obama approval steady WASHINGTON (AP) -- The economy is recovering, the White House is dealing with multiple controversies, and President Barack Obama appears generally unaffected either way....Lenovo says quarterly profit up 90 percent BEIJING (AP) -- Computer maker Lenovo Group said Thursday its latest quarterly profit rose 90 percent as sales of smartphones and mobile computing technology expanded....Argentine leader raises cash handouts 35 percent BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) -- Argentina's president announced a $3.2 billion annual increase in cash handouts for the poor, students and pregnant women Wednesday, saying the programs will reach nearly 700,000 additional children, pay their families 35 percent more and encourage consumer spending in what is an election year....
