A rebound in purchases of personal computers worldwide will lead to a 2.8 percent increase in shipments this year, driven by sales of netbooks, according to a technology research firm.

Oil prices rose toward $80 a barrel on Monday due to weakness in the dollar and signs of buoyant demand from China, the world's second-largest energy consumer.

Stocks finished lower Friday, despite a last-ditch attempt to rally, as technology shares took yet another hit — this time it was weak earnings from PC maker Dell. Still , for the week, the Dow gained about 50 points.

Stocks declined Friday as technology shares took yet another hit — this time it was weak earnings from PC maker Dell. Merck was among the few gainers today as investors moved into classically safe bets like health care, consumer staples and utilities.

Stocks opened lower Friday as technology shares took yet another hit — this time it was weak earnings from PC maker Dell.

Shares of Dell Inc. fell after it reported weaker-than-expected revenue and profit for the third quarter as the computer maker missed out on a fledgling rebound in technology spending.

Shares of Dell Inc. fell Friday after it reported weaker-than-expected revenue and profit for the third quarter as the computer maker missed out on a fledgling rebound in technology spending.

Stock index futures were slightly lower ahead of trading Friday, with technology shares pressured by a weak earnings report from PC maker Dell.

Oil fell nearly 1 percent on Friday as a stronger dollar weighed on prices and falling equities raised concern about the economy and the outlook for energy demand.

By Kelvin Soh

The computer maker reported financial results that were worse than last year and also fell short of Wall Street expectations, punishing the company's shares.

What follows is a roundup of corporate earnings reports for Thursday, Nov. 19.

By Jim Finkle

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Ombudsman rebuked European Union regulators on Wednesday for procedural errors in their antitrust probe of Intel but the censure will not affect a 1.06 billion euro ($1.58 billion) fine against the U.S. chipmaker.

The European Ombudsman rebuked European Union regulators on Wednesday for procedural errors in their antitrust probe of Intel but the censure will not affect a 1.06 billion euro ($1.58 billion) fine against the U.S. chipmaker.