Consumer spending plunged in September by the largest amount in nine months, reflecting the end of the government's Cash for Clunkers auto sales program.

The season's traditional kickoff isn't quite here, but already some winners have emerged, from electronic book readers and hot pink netbooks to shimmery tops and the "snood," a hood-scarf hybrid that resembles a babushka.

Retail sales declined in September by the largest amount this year as car sales plummeted following the end of the government's popular Cash for Clunkers program.

Stocks advanced Tuesday as the two-year Treasury auction was met with solid demand and the dollar retreated.

Home Depot said Monday it will start selling Martha Stewart-branded home improvement products starting in 2010.

As another new fashion season debuts, against the chilliest retail climate in years, many believe this is not merely a difficult moment for high-end retail but a defining one as well.

Stocks pared their gains Wednesday after the Fed said the economy was improving and it planned to gradually slow the pace of Treasury buying.

Stocks pared their gains Wednesday after the Fed said the economy was improving and it planned to gradually slow the pace of Treasury buying.

Stocks advanced Wednesday as investors got some much-needed good news on the economy, including a report that showed existing-home sales — and home prices — have started to rise.

Macy's posted a second-quarter profit and beat analyst expectations even as the department store chain's results were weighed down by costs for consolidations and store closings.

Futures indicated a slightly higher open for the U.S. stock market Wednesday, following the previous day's losses of roughly 1 percent, ahead of the Federal Reserve policymakers' issuance of their latest economic pronouncements at about 2:15 p.m. New York time.

Now that housing and even unemployment are showing signs of improvement, Wall Street wants consumers to do their part to heal the economy.

Retailers reported disappointing sales in July, a sign that consumers are continuing to watch their spending carefully and hunting for the best bargains.

Shoppers remained tight-fisted in July, raising concern about the back-to-school and holiday shopping seasons as well as for the broader economic recovery.

After a century in the business, JC Penney finally made its move to Manhattan with the grand opening of a three story store in Herald Square today. While other big retailers like Macy's and Bloomingdales have been hit by the recession, Penney is relying on the struggling economy to generate its success.