Sprint Nextel’s fourth-quarter profit slips
KANSAS CITY (AP) - Sprint Nextel Corp. reported yesterday a 55 percent drop in fourth-quarter income, dragged down largely by expenses related to the merger last year that created the company.

Core inflation, oil price reports help stocks
NEW YORK (AP) - A combination of moderate inflation and falling oil prices energized Wall Street yesterday, sending stocks higher as investors grew optimistic about an end to the Federal Reserve’s interest rate hikes.

Lender’s ex-execs take heat
WASHINGTON (AP) - An extensive investigation of embattled Fannie Mae points to its former finance chief and controller as mainly responsible for the accounting failures at the mortgage giant now struggling to emerge from an $11 billion scandal, said a report released today.

Fed’s No. 2 leaving board in April
WASHINGTON (AP) - Federal Reserve Governor Roger Ferguson, who played a key role in shepherding the nation’s financial system through the 2001 terror attacks, announced yesterday that he will leave the central bank near the end of April.

Makers found liable for lead paint
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Three former makers of lead paint are liable for a product that has poisoned Rhode Island children for years, a jury ruled in a verdict that could result in the companies paying millions in cleanup costs.

FDA approves generic version of Flonase
WASHINGTON (AP) - Regulators approved the first generic version of Flonase yesterday, touting the move in a rare news release and conference call as one that should provide users of the allergy drug a cheaper alternative.

Greenies maker to change packaging after complaints
KANSAS CITY (AP) - The maker of Greenies, the country’s best-selling dog treat, said yesterday it plans to change its packaging in response to complaints from some pet owners and veterinarians that the treat could pose a health hazard to some dogs.

Average inflation-adjusted family incomes dip
WASHINGTON (AP) - The average income of American families, after adjusting for inflation, declined by 2.3 percent in 2004 compared to 2001 while their net worth rose but at a slower pace.