Lord Browne announced the news as BP reported a record profit in the second quarter, the equivalent of more than $900 a second. Read more..

By HEATHER TIMMONS - The New York Times

Hanging over the deal is the investigation into Mercury Interactive’s possible involvement in the backdating of options. Read more..

By DAMON DARLIN - The New York Times

By Bloomberg News. Read more..

By BLOOMBERG NEWS - The New York Times

A variety of experts say the housing industry appears to be moving from a boom to something that is starting to look a lot like a bust. Read more..

By JEREMY W. PETERS - The New York Times

Christopher Cox told the Senate Banking Committee that the regulatory framework governing hedge funds was inadequate. Read more..

By JENNY ANDERSON - The New York Times

The two companies are continuing to add high-speed Internet customers, and Cingular is still on top and getting stronger. Read more..

By KEN BELSON - The New York Times

By Bloomberg News. Read more..

By BLOOMBERG NEWS - The New York Times

The shutting of Teen People, once a pioneer in the young adult market, could signal a contraction of an overstuffed category. Read more..

By KATHARINE Q. SEELYE - The New York Times

TiVo is starting a research division to sell data about how its 4.4 million users watch commercials — or, more often, skip them. Read more..

By SAUL HANSELL - The New York Times

Regional deals moved to the forefront after the collapse for the foreseeable future of efforts to reach a global trade pact. Read more..

By TOM WRIGHT - The New York Times