Company: NRG Energy, Inc.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Crude oil futures fell on Wednesday, as U.S. crude inventories soared to their highest level in more than 20 years after rising for the sixth straight week last week and employment dipped in the United States and Europe, dimming the outlook for oil demand.

Stocks ended near session highs Tuesday, with all three major averages logging their best rally in a month, helped by a handful of positive earnings reports and as fears over Europe diminished.

A glut in solar panels has driven down prices, and the oversupply may take a while to clear, according to industry executives. At the same time, low-cost natural gas is making gas-fired plants more attractive. the New York Times reports.

Corporations hold large amounts of cash for a variety of reasons, including speculation on the price of assets, corporate acquisitions, future investments or even as a precaution against market uncertainty.

When the Obama administration and Congress expanded the clean-energy incentives in 2009, a gold-rush mentality took over. The New York Times reports.