Financial news on November 10th, 2007

Business and Financial news
Analysts See Merck Victory in Vioxx Settlement

While Friday’s settlement of Vioxx lawsuits at $4.85 billion seems steep, two years ago some analysts estimated that it would cost Merck as much as $25 billion. Read more..

By ALEX BERENSON - The New York Times

C.E.O. Evolution Phase 3

After eras of empire builders and repair experts, management thinkers say the current environment demands yet another kind of C.E.O.: the team builder. Read more..

By NELSON D. SCHWARTZ - The New York Times

Exports Help Shrink the Trade Deficit to Lowest Level in Two Years

A surge in export sales, fueled by the dollar’s record-low value against the euro, sent the United States trade deficit to its lowest level in more than two years. Read more..

By MICHAEL M. GRYNBAUM - The New York Times

House Backs Tax Relief Bill, but Fate in Senate Is Unsure

The tax bill would shield millions from the alternative minimum tax next year, paid for by ending tax breaks for private-equity funds and hedge funds. Read more..

By EDMUND L. ANDREWS - The New York Times

In Battery Buying, Enough Decisions to Exhaust That Bunny

Batteries are like so many products today: too many choices with too little information and too much hype. Read more..

By ALINA TUGEND - The New York Times

In Mine Bid, BHP Again Takes the Long View

BHP Billiton, the world’s largest mining company, sees demand from China fueling a long-term run in commodities prices, and intends to continue its quest to buy rival Rio Tinto. Read more..

By WAYNE ARNOLD - The New York Times

Jury Tells Mall Giant to Pay $74 Million

A jury found that a California mall owner had tried to block the Cheesecake Factory chain from opening a restaurant in a rival shopping center. Read more..

By TERRY PRISTIN - The New York Times

Letting a Stranger Do the Firing

Some firms hire consultants to help them lay off staff; five predictors of success in a career; Nasdaq offers help to firms looking for board members and more. Read more..

By PAUL B. BROWN - The New York Times

Telling Mattress Users a Lot Has Changed Since 1871

H. Thomas Bryant, C.E.O. of mattress-maker Tempur-Pedic International, talks about the market, the housing slump and the business of a good night’s sleep. Read more..

By MICKEY MEECE - The New York Times

Two Growing Markets That Start at Your Tap

With water systems aging and environmentalists attacking bottled water for defiling the planet with plastic, its a great time to be selling water filters and reusable bottles. Read more..

By CLAUDIA H. DEUTSCH - The New York Times

See what else happened on November 10th, 2007