Death Toll Rises in Philippine Floods

At least 140 people were dead and 32 missing in the Philippines after the country was hit by a powerful tropical storm and the government said it was seeking international assistance with the relief effort.

Xerox to Acquire ACS for $6.4 Billion

Xerox agreed to pay $6.4 billion of cash and stock for outsourcing and information-services company Affiliated Computer Services.

Deals Drive Push Back Into Stocks

The Dow industrials rose 124 points and are on course for the best quarter since 1998 amid a burst of deals and analyst upgrades.

SEC Reviewing Securities Lending

The SEC chairman said the agency is conducting a "wholesale review" of the securities-lending marketplace.

$35 Billion Set for Local Housing

The White House is close to committing up to $35 billion to help housing agencies provide mortgages to low- and moderate-income families.

Abbott Strikes Deal on Solvay Unit

Abbott Laboratories has struck a deal to acquire the pharmaceutical unit of Belgian conglomerate Solvay for roughly $7 billion.

Countrywide Phone Calls Add to Din Over Loans

Countrywide Financial's recorded phone conversations with borrowers in a mortgage program that included public officials have prompted new congressional calls for more information.

China OKs GM-Delphi Deal

China approved General Motors' plan to buy a stake in parts supplier Delphi.

Elections Pose Risks to Opel Deal

GM's planned sale of Opel faced further uncertainty as Spain urged an investigation and German critics were set to gain influence.

Ohio Suit Targets BofA, Executives

Ohio's attorney general filed a lawsuit on behalf of five pension funds that could seek "billions" from Bank of America and some of its executives over the bank's handling of its merger with Merrill Lynch.

Zoellick Favors Power for Treasury

World Bank chief Zoellick said the Treasury, not the Fed, should be given more power to regulate banks. He also said the dollar could increasingly lose its status as the dominant reserve currency.

Drop in Start-Ups Bodes Ill for Recovery

New companies are crucial to any economic recovery. Businesses in their first 90 days of life accounted for 14% of hiring in the U.S. between 1993 and 2008.

J&J Buys 18% Stake in Crucell

The U.S. pharmaceutical giant bought an 18% stake in Dutch biotech company Crucell as part of a deal to collaborate on the treatment and prevention of influenza.

Nufarm, Sinochem Reach Deal

Australian crop chemical company Nufarm announced a provisional takeover deal with China's Sinochem that would value Nufarm at $2.46 billion.

German Data Bring Hope

German consumer prices fell 0.3% in September from September 2008, but leading indicators continue to point to a pickup in economic growth.