Business Briefly
Published 9:00 pm Thursday, February 10, 2005
Microsoft Corp. is investigating a malicious program that attempts to turn off the company’s newly released anti-spyware software for Windows computers. Stephen Toulouse, a Microsoft security program manager, said the program, known as “Bankash-A Trojan,” could attempt to disable or delete the spyware removal tool and suppress warning messages. It also may try to steal online banking passwords or other personal information by tracking a user’s keystrokes.
Verizon submits bid to buy MCI Corp.
Verizon Communications Inc. has reportedly floated an informal counterbid to buy MCI Corp., offering about the same for the long-distance phone company as Qwest Communications Inc. in hopes that MCI management and investors would prefer a deal with a stronger company. The potential offer, reported Thursday by The Wall Street Journal, marks another twist in a two-week frenzy of merger speculation prompted by SBC Communication Inc.’s deal to acquire AT&T Corp., and an almost year-long effort by MCI to sell itself.
Dell profits fall as earnings grow
Helped by big increases in sales overseas and to U.S. businesses, personal computer giant Dell Inc. set a fourth-quarter record for revenue but saw its profit fall because of a tax charge. Dell said Thursday it earned $667 million, or 26 cents per share, in the quarter ended Jan. 28, compared with $749 million, or 29 cents per share, a year earlier.
2004 trade deficit sets new record
The U.S. trade deficit ballooned to an all-time high of $617.7 billion last year, pushed by soaring oil prices and Americans’ insatiable appetite for everything foreign, from cars to toys and food. The Commerce Department reported Thursday that the 2004 imbalance rose 24.4 percent from the previous year and marked the third year in a row that the deficit had set a record. The imbalance with China swelled by 30.5 percent to $162 billion, the highest ever with any country.
Safety defects prompt GM recall
General Motors Corp. is recalling nearly 200,000 vehicles because of safety defects with brakes, gas pedals and windshields, federal regulators said Thursday. The largest recall is of 155,465 pickups, vans and sport utility vehicles because of possible brake malfunctions. The recall covers a wide range of vehicles including the Hummer H2, Chevrolet Silverado and Suburban; and the GMC Yukon XL. All of the affected vehicles are from the 2004 and 2005 model years.
From Herald staff
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