CHICAGO (Reuters) - For retailers that sell everything from toilet paper to refrigerators, 2010 may be more about winning sales from competitors than about getting consumers to buy a lot more of their merchandise. Discounters like Target Corp <TGT.N> and Sears Holdings Corp's <SHLD.O> Kmart stores posted improved sales performances on Tuesday, while home ...

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Home Depot's <HD.N> quarterly results trumped estimates as demand for home renovations perked up, and the top home improvement chain forecast a fiscal-year profit above analysts' estimates. The news from the top home improvement chain came a day after rival Lowe's Cos <LOW.N> posted better-than-expected results and said sales ...

Toyota faces federal, congressional probe WASHINGTON (AP) — Facing tough questions in Congress, Toyota Motor Corp. said Monday that federal prosecutors have launched a criminal investigation into the company's safety problems and the Securities and Exchange Commission was probing what the automaker told investors. The twin developments created new challenges for Toyota officials scheduled to testify at hearings Tuesday and ...

The stock market paused from a four-day rally Monday and closed modestly lower after big consumer companies gave a cautious outlook for economic growth. The market, which has advanced on stronger economic signs, fluctuated after Lowe's Cos. and Campbell Soup Co. reported higher earnings but reminded investors that a recovery among consumers is expected to be slow. Stocks drew ...