The year in tech law, from A to Z

The past 12 months in law and technology were exceptionally active, with legislative battles over privacy and copyright, near-continuous controversy at the CRTC, and an active Supreme Court of Canada docket. A look back at 2011 from A to Z:
A is for the Amazon one-click patent, which is at the centre of a long-running fight […]

First Solar cuts 2011 financial estimates

First Solar Inc. on Wednesday cut its earnings and revenue estimates for 2011 due to weather delays and other unspecified issues with some company projects.
The Tempe, Ariz. solar manufacturer said it expects to earn between $5.75 and $6 per share on revenue of $2.8 billion to $2.9 billion in 2011. That’s down from an already […]

Egypt stocks extend gains after elections

Egypt’s benchmark stock index is extending its gains for the third consecutive day, after landmark parliamentary elections eased investor sentiment about the country’s political instability.
The Egyptian Exchange’s EGX30 index was up about 1.25 percent by 1:15 p.m. local time on Thursday, climbing to 4,070 points. The index posted gains slightly under 1 percent on Wednesday […]

Portugal

LISBON, PORTUGAL

Hazardous waste found at former Didion foundry site in St. Peters

ST. PETERS

Some critics raise concerns about layaway programs

Not everyone is happy about the return of layaway.
I wrote a story that appeared in today’s paper about how more retailers have been bringing back or expanding their layaway programs this holiday shopping season.
But some critics note that consumers could end up spending more on layaway fees than they would through the rates on their […]

Black Friday will be midnight affair this year

Black Friday is shaping up to be a midnight affair this year.
Macy’s and Target have already announced that they will open at midnight this year instead of at 4 a.m. on the day after Thanksgiving as they did last year. Kohl’s will also open at midnight and not at 3 a.m. as it did last […]

Incomes stall as interest on savings dwindles

Americans’ incomes have stagnated for three straight months. Yet they boosted their spending in September 0.6 percent _ three times the increase in August.
Under normal circumstances, that would be a troubling sign for the economy.
But a closer look at Friday’s report from the Commerce Department on September income and spending suggests another possibility: Many people […]

Groupon’s fall to earth swifter than its fast rise

Online coupon seller Groupon Inc. is discounting its expectations for its first stock offering.
The Chicago-based company, which offers consumers daily discounts targeted toward their city and preferences, now expects net proceeds of about $478.8 million from its initial public offering of 30 million shares. In June, it said it hoped to raise up to $750 […]

Some stocks are prospering in volatile market year

Not all stocks perform poorly during a tough year for the market. Some that you might consider yawners in more robust times actually hang in there and prosper.
For example, stock for the global health and hygiene company Kimberly-Clark Corp. (KMB) and the Georgia-based electric utility Southern Co. (SO) have each posted price gains in the […]