| 1st day of Thai anti-govt protests pass peacefully A day of anti-government protests around Thailand passed peacefully Friday, though concerns remained about possible violence when demonstrators converge in the country's capital for a 'million man march' on Sunday.  Retail sales rise unexpectedly in February Retail sales posted a surprising increase in February as consumers did not let major snowstorms stop them from storming the malls. The advance, the biggest since November, provided hope that the recovery from the Great Recession is gaining momentum. Nokia revises 2009 market share down to 34 pct Nokia Corp. on Friday revised its global market share estimate for mobile phones in 2009 to 34 percent, from an earlier 38 percent, and said it expected no growth this year. Business inventories flat in January Business inventories were basically flat in January even though sales rose for an eighth consecutive month. Greece says deficit goals on target so far Greece said Friday it exceeded its deficit-cutting targets in January and February, ahead of a key fiscal assessment next week by the European Commission. CF seals $4.7 billion deal for Terra After more than a year of bids and counterbids, CF Industries landed Terra Industries on Friday for $4.7 billion, creating a giant fertilizer company. Vonn wins 3rd straight overall World Cup title Standing atop the mountain, Lindsey Vonn already knew she was the best skier in the world for the third year in a row. Newsom declares candidacy for Calif. lt. governor After dropping out of the gubernatorial race last year, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom is now running for lieutenant governor. Michelle Obama plans to visit Mexico in April Michelle Obama will make her first solo trip abroad as first lady next month when she visits Mexico. Stocks turn lower after weaker inventories report Stocks are erasing an early advance after the government said that business inventories were essentially flat in January. News Wizard |