The latest retail sales report from the government augurs well for small and independent retailers for the fourth quarter, with one possible snag: the impact of trade tariffs.

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The percentage of manufacturing and distribution companies in Maryland who say they are doing well is about half of the national mark, according to a new survey. In the 2014 Manufacturing & Distribution Monitor by McGladrey, a CPA and consulting ...

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WASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve has a more downbeat outlook on the U.S. economy for 2013 and 2014 than it did three months ago. The Fed predicts that the economy will grow just 2 percent to 2.3 percent this year, ...

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SAN FRANCISCO — Microsoft is so confident it has the Internet’s best email service that it is about to spend at least $30 million to send its message across the U.S. The barrage begins Tuesday when Microsoft’s twist on email, ...

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NEW YORK — Wal-Mart Stores Inc. reported a 5.7 percent increase in second-quarter net income and raised its outlook for the full year as the world’s largest retailer continues to woo back frugal shoppers by re-emphasizing it has the lowest ...

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Under Armour Inc. executives said Tuesday they have lowered projections for online sales for the year as the Baltimore-based sports apparel company continues to have difficulty converting site visits to dollars.

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OCEAN CITY — Lower Shore residents looking to earn a few extra bucks this summer may be in luck, as this year’s job outlook is promising. Leighton Moore, owner of Seacrets in Ocean City, said the number of people he’s ...

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WASHINGTON — The U.S. economy grew at a 2.8 percent annual rate in the final three months of last year, the fastest growth in 2011. Americans spent more on cars and trucks, and companies restocked their shelves at the strongest ...

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Spice maker McCormick & Co.’s net income dipped 1 percent in its fiscal fourth quarter, weighed down by transaction costs related to an acquisition and joint venture. The Sparks-based company also gave a 2012 earnings outlook Thursday that is below ...

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WASHINGTON — Fitch says it will keep its rating for long-term U.S. debt at the top AAA level, despite a congressional panel’s failure to agree on long-term deficit cuts. But it is lowering its outlook to negative. The rating agency ...

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