Business

Business Eurozone recession extends into 6th quarter

By PAN PYLAS and SARAH DiLORENZO, Associated Press Published: May 15, 2013 at 8:01 AM PDT Last Updated: May 15, 2013 at 8:01 AM PDT

The recession across the economy of the 17 European Union countries that use the euro extended into its sixth quarter - longer than the calamitous slump that hit the region in the financial crisis of 2008-9.

Business Oregon's unemployment rate falls to 8 percent

By Associated Press Published: May 14, 2013 at 12:58 PM PDT Last Updated: May 14, 2013 at 12:58 PM PDT

Oregon's unemployment rate has edged down again, hitting 8.0 percent last month.

Business Airbus sales drive 1st quarter profits at parent company

By Associated Press Published: May 14, 2013 at 7:58 AM PDT Last Updated: May 14, 2013 at 7:58 AM PDT

European aerospace company EADS said strong deliveries by airplane maker Airbus helped drive higher earnings in the first quarter and laid out the hope that the new A350 long-range aircraft should make its first flight this summer.

Business Small business owners slightly more upbeat

By Associated Press Published: May 14, 2013 at 7:52 AM PDT Last Updated: May 14, 2013 at 7:52 AM PDT

Small business owners were a little more optimistic during April but are generally still cautious.

Business Idaho spud giant bets on biotech potatoes

By JOHN MILLER, Associated Press Published: May 14, 2013 at 7:49 AM PDT Last Updated: May 14, 2013 at 7:49 AM PDT

A dozen years after a customer revolt forced Monsanto to ditch its genetically engineered potato, an Idaho company aims to resurrect high-tech spuds.

Business Prices paid by U.S. importers fell 0.5 percent

By MARTIN CRUTSINGER, AP Economics Writer Published: May 14, 2013 at 7:46 AM PDT Last Updated: May 14, 2013 at 7:46 AM PDT

Prices paid by U.S. importers fell in April for the second straight month, pushed lower by another decline in imported petroleum. Falling import prices help keep inflation in check.

Business Amazon workers in Germany stage strike

By Associated Press Published: May 14, 2013 at 7:43 AM PDT Last Updated: May 14, 2013 at 7:43 AM PDT

A union representing workers at Amazon in Germany says members are striking in a push for higher wages from the online retailer.

Business PSU launches new business program focused on athletics and outdoors

By KATU.com Staff Published: May 13, 2013 at 4:03 PM PDT Last Updated: May 13, 2013 at 4:07 PM PDT

Those looking for a career path in the athletic and outdoor industries can now get some formal education to prepare them for the type of work they're seeking.

Business Walmart stores still provoke uncommon opposition

By Wendy Culverwell, Portland Business Journal Published: May 13, 2013 at 11:38 AM PDT Last Updated: May 13, 2013 at 11:38 AM PDT

Even as Walmart stores become commonplace in Oregon, the big box retailer from Bentonville, Ark., still stirs uncommon opposition.

Business Natural gas export plans stir debate

By MATTHEW DALY, Associated Press Published: May 13, 2013 at 8:19 AM PDT Last Updated: May 13, 2013 at 8:19 AM PDT

A domestic natural gas boom already has lowered U.S. energy prices while stoking fears of environmental disaster. Now U.S. producers are poised to ship vast quantities of gas overseas.

Business High court rules for Monsanto in patent case

By Associated Press Published: May 13, 2013 at 8:12 AM PDT Last Updated: May 13, 2013 at 8:12 AM PDT

The Supreme Court has sustained Monsanto Co.'s claim that an Indiana farmer violated the company's patents on soybean seeds that are resistant to its weed-killer.

Business U.S. retail sales rise in April on cars, clothing

By MARTIN CRUTSINGER, AP Economics Writer Published: May 13, 2013 at 8:08 AM PDT Last Updated: May 13, 2013 at 10:34 AM PDT

Americans increased their spending in April at retail businesses, buying more cars and clothes while paying less for gas. The rebound from a weak March suggests consumers may help boost economic growth again this spring.

Business U.S. business stockpiles flat in March, sales fall

By MARTIN CRUTSINGER, AP Economics Writer Published: May 13, 2013 at 8:04 AM PDT Last Updated: May 13, 2013 at 8:04 AM PDT

U.S. businesses left their stockpiles unchanged in March for a second straight month while their sales fell sharply.

Business Starbucks sees Myanmar entry in couple of years

By PAMELA SAMPSON, AP Business Writer Published: May 13, 2013 at 8:29 AM PDT Last Updated: May 13, 2013 at 8:29 AM PDT

Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz said Monday the coffee chain's first stores in India and Vietnam have been received positively and it might soon be time to give Myanmar a shot too.

Business Euro finance ministers to discuss Italy, Portugal

By Associated Press Published: May 13, 2013 at 8:01 AM PDT Last Updated: May 13, 2013 at 8:01 AM PDT

European finance ministers are set to discuss on Monday the economic plans of Italy's new government and assess the outlook for bailed-out countries like Portugal, Greece and Cyprus.