Martha Stewart, founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, joins CNBC's Sue Herera to discuss the first "American Made Awards" at Grand Central in New York City that aims to recognize and encourage the next generation of American-made entrepreneurs and business leaders. Bob Pittman, CC Media Holdings CEO, offers insight.
Since Ron Johnson joined JCPenney, the stock has received a free pass. JCP shares are actually up 11 percent despite continuing disappointments. But after all, if anyone can revive a tired retailer, the man who created the Apple retail experience should be the one.
Stocks spiked in the final minutes of trading Wednesday following a report that the G20 is considering a $600 billion IMF lending program to euro zone, but came off their highs after the IMF denied the report. Investors were also closely waiting for the key EU summit at the end of the week.
Developments in retail are coming at a fast and furious pace. What must you know about JCPenney and Talbots and how should you trade the changes?
JCPenney's plan to take a $38.5 million stake in Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia is "one of the first cards played in what will be a full hand of moves" by Chief Executive Ron Johnson, "to change the perception of the JCPenney brand," said Piper Jaffray retail analyst Jeff Klinefelter.
Futures were hugging the flatline Wednesday as investors took a breather following to days of gains to see if EU officials could come up with a plan to deal with the region's debt crisis during a summit at the end of the week.
Stocks ended modestly higher, snapping a three-day losing streak thanks to news that gasoline demand was stabilizing, and as investors shrugged off weak economic news.