Business travelers and corporate event planners say they are trying to define the limits of acceptable luxury. Read more..

By MARTHA C. WHITE - The New York Times

If the central bank let the renminbi rise faster, it would signal that Beijing is confident in the country’s economic strength and that it is committed to curbing its reliance on exports. Read more..

By EMILY KAISER | REUTERS - International Herald Tribune

Exxon Mobil struck an agreement to explore for oil in a Russian sector of the Arctic Ocean that is opening for drilling in a deal that could grow to $500 billion over time. Read more..

By ANDREW E. KRAMER - The New York Times

John Barrowman does not enjoy flying, but on flights people expect him act like Capt. Jack Harkness, the daring character he plays on the TV show “Torchwood.” Read more..

By JOHN BARROWMAN - The New York Times

As coverage of Irene went round the clock, media companies gave up millions of dollars from commercials and print ads. Read more..

By STUART ELLIOTT - The New York Times

The estate of the late former Enron chief, as well as his wife, do not owe taxes on annuities sold to Enron in 2001, a tax court judge has ruled. Read more..

By BLOOMBERG NEWS - The New York Times

The long-awaited consolidation of Greek banks started with a bang. Read more..

By GEORGE HAY and ROB CYRAN - The New York Times

A forecast by Jean-Claude Trichet, the head of Europe’s central bank, indicated that it might not be as willing to raise interest rates. Read more..

By JAMES KANTER - The New York Times

The automobile union wants to increase pay for second-tier workers, whose wages are roughly half that of full-paid workers. Read more..

By BILL VLASIC and NICK BUNKLEY - The New York Times

The Standard & Poor’s 500-stock index rose 2.8 percent, and the Dow industrials and Nasdaq also recorded strong gains as big Greek bank merger and a rebound in American consumer spending gave investors new confidence. Read more..

By REUTERS - The New York Times