Inflation may well creep up in coming months, but any upward pricing pressure could prove self-defeating.

AP - American shoppers are splitting again: The affluent are finally starting to buy, picking up designer clothes at places like Nordstrom, while those on the lower economic rungs are still scrimping by, heading to Walmart for the basics.

The Belgian-French bank reported a higher-than-expected third-quarter net profit due to sharply higher revenue.

Reuters - Chinese President Hu Jintao called on Friday for an end to "unreasonable" trade restrictions on developing countries, just days ahead of a U.S. presidential visit to his country that has been clouded by economic tensions.

AP - The federal deficit hit a record for October as the new budget year began where the old one ended: with the government awash in red ink.