Among the earnings stories for Wednesday, May 7, from AP Financial News:

Shares of Blue Nile Inc. rose Wednesday, after the online jewelry retailer beat first-quarter expectations.

Online jewelry retailer Blue Nile Inc. said Tuesday it has appointed Marc Stolzman as chief financial officer, succeeding Robin Easton, who resigned in March.

Stocks closed lower Friday after a profit warning from J.C. Penney, which renewed fears about slower consumer spending. Financials and techs caved in after earlier attempts to rally.

Stocks advanced Friday, boosted by benign inflation data and an upgrade on Lehman Brothers.

Stocks rose at the opening bell as the market weighed benign inflation data with a weak outlook from J.C. Penney.

With stocks sharply lower today, shareholders need to protect their portfolios. So what are some of the best defensive stock picks? CNBC asked the experts.

Five-star fund managers are looking past this week's market gyrations and offering investors some promising stock opportunities.

Retailers are hoping last week's strong start to the holiday shopping season at malls and stores translates into a busy buying season online, which officially begins Monday. A number of retailers are hosting one-day sales or special offers for the occasion. Internet research firm comScore estimated online sales may exceed $700 million.

For those who opted to stay at home on Black Friday, rather than brave the crowds, there’s good news: there will be plenty of bargains online this year.

Online diamond retailer Blue Nile reported higher third-quarter net profit on Tuesday, above Wall Street estimates, and the company raised its 2007 earnings and sales outlook, sending shares up 11 percent after hours.

Among the earnings stories for Tuesday, Nov. 6, from AP Financial News:

Among the earnings projection stories for Tuesday, Nov. 6, from AP Financial News: