WASHINGTON -- Rates on 30-year mortgages edged up slightly this week, posting the 10th consecutive increase and keeping rates at the highest level in more than two years.

WASHINGTON -- Senate Republicans fought Democratic attempts Thursday to use a $60 billion tax bill to pinch oil and energy companies that have been reporting record profits while consumers pay high gasoline prices.

SAN FRANCISCO -- Gap Inc.'s third-quarter profit plunged 20 percent as the clothing retailer stumbled through its worst sales slump in more than three years.

DETROIT -- General Motors Corp. Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner told employees Thursday that the world's largest automaker has no plans to file for bankruptcy despite heavy losses in its North American division and the threat of a strike at Delphi Corp., its major supplier. GM shares climbed more than 6 percent, bouncing back from their lowest level in 18 years.

Dear Len & Rosie,

A group of Napa Valley winegrape producers are taking their expertise to China.