mexico

Cheesecake Factory Results Weaker Than Expected

Cheesecake Factory shares may be under pressure Thursday following the restaurant chain's weaker-than-expected fiscal fourth-quarter performance. The company earned $22.1 million, or 40 cents per share, for the period ended Jan. 1, down from $29.9 million, or 54 cents per share, a year earlier.

4 Surprising Nations That Minted 6 New Forbes Billionaires

When the next Forbes billionaires list is released, 32 new names will be on it. And while most hail from the sort of countries you'd expect -- the United States, China, EU nations -- a half dozen made their fortunes in more surprising places.

Top 10 Business Stories of 2012

This would be the year when the global economy finally regained its vigor. At least that's what many had hoped. It didn't happen. So what were the top ten business stories of 2012?

A Look at Back at Bank Scandals Since the Financial Crisis

Even before the LIBOR scandal hit, the financial industry's image was already badly tarnished by its leading role in causing the global financial crisis and recession. Here's a look at some of the low points for banking and bankers since the start of the financial crisis.

Walmart Used Bribes to Open 19 Mexico Stores: NY Times

In the new report published on its web site, the Times detailed specific instances in which Walmex allegedly paid off officials to expand in Mexico. The alleged payoffs often related to zoning laws and environmental permits that would have otherwise prevented Walmex's opening of new stores.

HSBC to Pay $1.9 Billion to Settle Money-Laundering Case

HSBC agreed Tuesday to pay $1.9 billion to settle a U.S. money-laundering probe. Europe's largest bank will pay the biggest penalty ever imposed on a bank after facing accusations it transferred funds through the U.S. from Mexican drug cartels and on behalf of nations such as Iran that are under international sanctions.

Life After a Ponzi Scheme: Victim Turns Huge Loss into Literature

In 2008, R.P. McCabe saw a $1 million investment in real estate disappear, not due to the recession, but a Ponzi scheme that robbed around 700 investors of $100 million. First he got mad. Then he got depressed. Next, he got curious. And then he wrote a novel based on the experiences of his fellow victims: "Betrayed."

Walmart's Bribery Probe Widens to China, Brazil and India

Walmart announced Thursday that an internal investigation into bribery accusations involving its subsidiary in Mexico has broadened to include operations in Brazil, China and India. The disclosure came in a SEC filing tied to third-quarter financial results, which were downbeat.

Walmart's Profits Jump 5.7% in Q2 as Frugal Customers Return

Walmart's second-quarter net income rose 5.7% as the world's largest retailer wooed back frugal shoppers by doubling down on low prices. But quarterly revenue that came in short of expectations disappointed investors, who sent the company's stock down in premarket trading.

How the (Finally Ended) Corn Ethanol Subsidy Made Us Fat

America's food chain has lately produced a bumper crop of scary news, but the worst food-related threat to our health was being caused by U.S. energy policy: Here's how the corn ethanol subsidy was making us fatter, and why to be glad that Congress finally killed it.

Remember to Thank Canada for Your Thanksgiving Dinner

When it comes to eating locally, it's hard to beat the original Thanksgiving dinner. Today's holiday diners have far more options than the Pilgrims, and the string beans, sweet potatoes, cranberries and such on your table may come from abroad -- but they probably didn't have to come too far.

America's 10 Poorest Cities

America's road to economic recovery has been long and slow -- and uneven. Some parts of the country are doing a lot worse than others. It's a pattern that shows up in the jobs numbers, poverty rates, foreclosures. But if you want a quick, simple gauge of how any part of the U.S. is doing economically, just look at its median household income.

Will Latinos Drive the Housing Recovery?

More than any other demographic, Latino homeowners were slammed by the mortgage crisis: Two-thirds of total Hispanic wealth in the U.S. evaporated from 2005 to 2009. But as the fastest growing demographic in the nation, they are also well positioned to power the housing rebound.

Mexico's Drug War Spurs a P.R. Battle Over Spring Break

Escalating violence related to the cross-border drug trade has caused Texas authorities to advise spring break revelers to avoid Mexico. The Mexico Tourism Board countered that traveling south of the border remains safe. At stake is a big chunk of the $12 billion that tourists spend in Mexico each year.

Surprising Facts About the U.S. and Oil

You probably have heard that the U.S. is the world's largest consumer of oil. But did you know that we're also the third-largest producer of oil? And yes, the U.S. imports more than half its oil. But our two biggest suppliers are our nearest neighbors.

In Juarez, Housing Crisis Is a Symptom of the Drug Wars

In the U.S., a real estate crisis has left some neighborhoods virtually abandoned. But in the border towns of Mexico, most notably Ciudad Juarez, a different disease is causing the same symptoms: the brutal escalation of the war among drug traffickers.

To Topple Toyota, Volkswagen Must Accelerate in the U.S.

VW has set a hefty goal for itself: to displace Toyota as the world's No. 1 car company. The German automaker is actually within reach, thanks mainly to its huge lead in China. To overtake Toyota, however, VW will need to really ramp up sales in the American market.

Will Toyota Build a Second Mexico Plant as Yen Surges?

Toyota may build another factory in Mexico to produce small cars as the world's largest automaker shifts more capacity outside Japan to remain competitive. The yen's strength on world markets is said to be prompting the move.

Will the Export Economy Spark a Currency War?

Countries from Japan to Brazil and Mexico to Malaysia are trying to intervene in currency markets to alter the value of their currency. The widespread dependence on exports is the prime reason for these moves, which can be tricky and even backfire.

Mexican Coca-Cola Is Finding Sweet Success in the U.S.

The Mexican version of Coke -- made with cane sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup and served in glass bottles rather than plastic -- is making great inroads in the U.S. market. And it's not just Hispanic consumers who are buying.