DECISION 2016
Two big-money donors who have given or raised tens of thousands of dollars to Donald Trump are livid with the GOP nominee and are asking for their money back, according to emails obtained by NBC News from a bundler raising money for Trump.
Multiple hecklers shouting "Bill Clinton is a rapist" interrupted President Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton at separate rallies after a pro-Trump radio host offered a cash reward to anyone carrying out such a stunt. (NBC News)
An aide for Hillary Clinton was in touch with the Justice Department during litigation involving the former secretary of State's emails. That's according to emails that, WikiLeaks said, came from the Democratic nominee's campaign chairman, John Podesta's. (NBC News)
Podesta said the FBI is investigating Russia's possible role in hacking thousands of his personal emails released by WikiLeaks, an intrusion he said Trump's campaign may have been aware of in advance. (AP)
CORPORATE NEWS
Samsung is cutting third-quarter operating profit guidance by 33 percent to $4.66 billion, after the electronics giant permanently ended production of its recalled, fire-prone Galaxy Note 7 smartphone. (CNBC)
Samsung is sending fire-resistant packages to its customers in the U.S., as a precaution against possible fires or explosions from Galaxy Note 7s they return to retailers. (AP)
Shares of Sweden's Ericsson (ERIC) were slumping 17 percent this morning, after the telecommunications equipment giant issued a profit warning. Last week, Ericsson announced plans to cut nearly 20 percent of its domestic workforce. (CNBC)
Sprint (S) is seeking to raise cash by mortgaging off about 10 percent of its wireless airwaves. The company, whose majority owner is Japan's SoftBank Group, believes the airwaves are worth more than $14 billion and will try to raise about $3.5 billion initially. (WSJ)
Apple (AAPL) is having a rough back-to-school season in personal-computer sales, while Alphabet's (GOOGL) low-price Chromebooks were a big hit for students, according to two third-party analyses. (WSJ)
Stanley Black & Decker (SWK) is buying the tools business of Newell Brands (NWL) for nearly $2 billion in cash. Shares of Newell were surging about 20 percent in the premarket. (PR Newswire)
Amazon (AMZN) is launching a paid music service at a cost of $8 per month or $80 per year for Prime Members. Non-prime members pay $10 per month, while owners of Amazon's Echo pay just $4 per month for a version that only works on the device. (Recode)
Wal-Mart (WMT) is increasing salaries for entry-level managers by about 6 percent to nearly $48,000 per year. The announcement comes before a December rule change that extends mandatory overtime pay for more than four million U.S. workers. (Reuters)
With creepy clown sightings on the rise in the U.S. and abroad, McDonald's (MCD) said the fast food giant is mindful of the current climate … and as such "being thoughtful in respect to Ronald McDonald's participation in community events for the time being." (CNBC)
BY THE NUMBERS
Ahead of this afternoon's release of the Fed minutes, New York Fed President William Dudley and Kansas City Fed President Esther George speak this morning. Both are policy committee voters this year.
In addition to watching the Fed, investors get a read on the job market, when the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey, known as JOLTS, is issued at 10 a.m. ET this morning.
The highest interest rates in a month scared consumers away from the mortgage market. Total home loan application volume fell 6 percent, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.
Dow transports component CSX is putting out its third-quarter results after the closing bell this afternoon. The rail operator is expected to report a 13 percent drop in earnings of 45 cents per share on revenue of $2.7 billion.
STOCKS TO WATCH
Shares of Barracuda Networks (CUDA) were jumping about 10 percent in the premarket, after the IT firm's earnings and revenues topped consensus. Barracuda CEO William Jenkins joins "Squawk Box" at 8:40 a.m. ET.
Shares of Fortinet were plunging about 14 percent in premarket trading, after the cybersecurity company's preliminary results for the third quarter of its earnings and revenue were well below Wall Street targets.
Toyota and Suzuki are exploring a business partnership. The Japanese automakers said they're looking to work together in areas, including safety and information technology.
LPL Financial (LPLA) is said to be exploring a potential sale. The largest independent broker-dealer and investment advisor in the U.S. has struggled with low interest rates and higher costs of regulatory compliance.
WATERCOOLER
The Chicago Cubs clinched a ticket to the National League Championship Series. The Cubs trailed in San Francisco 2-5 in the 9th inning, but rallied with four runs against the Giants bullpen to win 6-5. (USA Today)
The Dodgers beat the Nationals 6-5 in Los Angeles, forcing a deciding NLDS Game 5 on Thursday night in Washington, D.C. The winner plays the Cubs for the National League pennant. (LA Times)