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.

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

By Alexandria Sage

Gap posted a profit that matched forecasts Thursday, though the retailer edged Wall Street's sales expectations.

Shoppers spent more money at low-price Old Navy stores in the third quarter, helping Gap Inc.'s profit climb 25 percent compared with last year, the retailer said Thursday.

Gap Inc. reports its results for the third quarter on Thursday afternoon. The following is a summary of key developments and analyst opinion related to the period.

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

Bill Fisher, son of Gap Inc. founders Doris and Don Fisher, will join the retailer's board to fill the seat left vacant when his father died in September.

Improved retail sales gave Wall Street a boost Monday but provided little hope for a robust holiday shopping season that might invigorate the economic recovery.

Retailer Gap Inc. said its sales are improving after a tough few years, and a big advertising push this holiday season could boost sales — but analysts caution that a rebound may be bumpy given the rough retail environment.

Retail sales likely rose in October with part of the strength coming from a rebound in auto sales. Even with a gain, economists worry that consumer spending, the critical ingredient for overall economic growth, could falter in the months ahead.

By Leah Schnurr