New York - US stocks closed up Thursday after rules on mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were loosened.

The Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association said the government-backed lenders could sell larger loans on the broader mortgage market, sending their stocks up more than 7 per cent, Bloomberg financial news reported.

Stocks had started the day down, after the US Labor Department said inflation rose the most in 17 years in July. Consumer prices rose 5.6 per cent year-on-year.

New York  - Wal-Mart reported record earnings in the second quarter despite a weaker economy as US consumers sought bargains at the discount giant.

Net profits rose 17 per cent to 3.5 billion dollars, or 87 cents per share, from 2.95 billion dollars, or 72 cents per share, in the year-earlier period, the Bentonville, Arkansas-based company said.

Revenue rose 10 per cent to to 102.7 billion dollars.

Indian Stock markets opened weak on Thursday. NSE Nifty has touched a low of 4474 within first 30 minutes of trading session. BSE Sensex was trading 192 points lower at 10.20 am IST.

Tokyo - Tokyo stocks opened mod

New York - US markets fell Wednesday after retailers posted weaker sales as consumers hit by a weaker US economy stayed home.

The US Commerce Department said retail sales fell 0.1 per cent in July after gaining 0.3 per cent in the previous month. The news drove down retail stocks.

New York  - US markets fell Wednesday after retailers posted weaker sales as consumers hit by a weaker US economy stayed home.

The US Commerce Department said retail sales fell 0.1 per cent in July after gaining 0.3 per cent in the previous month. The news drove down retail stocks.