The Reuters/University of Michigan survey fell to a reading of 61.7 in August, compared with 61.2 in June.
U.S. industrial production increased 0.2% in July following a 0.4% jump in June, according to the Fed.
Missouri securities regulators spearheaded the investigation into the firm's role in the market's February collapse.
The dollar continued its rise, gaining ground against the euro and rising to a nearly two-year high against the British pound.
The firm is accused of misleading an issuer of student loans in that state by urging it to buy auction rate securities.
Over the past 12 months, the annual inflation rate has risen 5.6%, marking the largest increase since January 1991.
The firms will buy back a total of about $7 billion of auction rate securities from retail investors.
In an unexpected move, the nation's trade imbalance in June fell to $56.8 billion, a 4.1% decline.
Walter A. Bell, Alabama’s insurance commissioner, announced that he will step down at the end of the month.
Conseco said that it plans to transfer Conseco Senior Health Insurance, its long-term care unit, to an independent trust.
H&R Block's more than 900 brokers and advisers will be added to Ameriprise's employee platform.
ING Groep recorded a 25% decline in profits as it dealt with weak financial markets and write-downs from subprime mortgages.
July retail sales dipped 0.1% after rising 0.3% in June, with the drop attributed to a 2.4% decline in the automotive industry.
The amount of money that employees paid in to their defined contribution plans in the first half of 2008 increased.
The bank will separate its investment banking, global asset management and wealth management units.
Raymond James' two primary broker-dealers are being scrutinized over ARS sales.
Many are cutting back on medical care to cope with rising costs and a worsening economy, according to NAIC.
Qualifying investors will have the option of getting their claims heard by a three-person panel of arbitrators.
LPL Financial will increase its outgoing account transfer fees for retail accounts and termination fees by $20.
Banc of America Investment Services allegedly sullied brokers' reputations, damaged potential relationships with clients.
