Employers hired far fewer workers than expected in May and the jobless rate rose to 9.1 percent as high energy prices and the effects of Japan's earthquake bogged down the economy.
Microsoft Corp showed off a version of its next operating system at technology conferences in Palos Verdes and Taipei.
Wall Street ended a four-day rally with its worst session since August on Wednesday and could suffer more losses in coming days as investors faced more signs the economic recovery is fading.
Apple Inc CEO Steve Jobs leaps back into the spotlight next week to showcase the iPad maker's latest software.
Google Inc tried to partner with Facebook but was rebuffed, Google Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt said.
Corporate sponsors Coca-Cola Co and German sportswear maker Adidas expressed concern about allegations of corruption within FIFA, soccer's governing body
Influential hedge fund manager David Einhorn has called for Microsoft Corp Chief Executive Steve Ballmer to step down, saying the world's largest software company's leader is stuck in the past.
Google Inc will take the wraps off a mobile payment system on Thursday that lets consumers pay at checkout with phones instead of cards, a source said, hoping to beat Visa and others to the punch.
Microsoft Corp. on Tuesday officially unveiled the latest version of its mobile operating system, touting new features that differentiate itself from competitors.
Ford sees a big chance in coming months to snatch buyers away from the Japanese automakers that are battling production delays caused by the March earthquake and tsunami.
The US fiscal problems are "so pressing" that they "threaten to undermine the foundation of our future economic strength," said US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner on Tuesday.
Wal-Mart Stores Inc posted a bigger-than-expected jump in quarterly profit on Tuesday, as strength overseas mitigated the continued pressure it felt in the United States.