Boston.com -- Top business news

After fall, insurers’ auto rates up again

Todd Wallack, Globe Staff — 2012-05-15T04:24:40Z

Auto insurance rates, which tumbled after Massachusetts opened the state to more competition four years ago, are marching steadily upward again.

Spain borrowing rates edge higher again

2012-05-16T07:49:25Z

The difference between the interest rates demanded by investors for Spanish and German 10-year bonds has shot past the 500 basis point barrier, reflecting mounting concerns over the future of the eurozone.

Asia software piracy cost $21B in lost sales

Youkyung Lee, AP Technology Writer — 2012-05-16T05:24:22Z

Illegal copying of computer programs in Asia cost businesses $21 billion in lost sales last year and China was on course to set a dubious new record -- overtaking the U.S. in losses caused by software piracy.

JPMorgan loss could dominate bank overhaul debate

Marcy Gordon, AP Business Writer — 2012-05-16T07:04:16Z

The $2 billion trading loss at JPMorgan Chase should feature prominently Wednesday when lawmakers debate how best to regulate banks big enough to bring down the broader financial system.

Airbus parent profits hit by A380 wing problem

2012-05-16T06:14:23Z

Airbus parent company EADS said Wednesday its first quarter earnings were hammered by a hefty (EURO)158-million ($203-million) charge to fix problematic wing parts on its flagship A380 superjumbo.

German police begin clearing Frankfurt Occupy camp

2012-05-16T07:29:17Z

Frankfurt police are preparing to clear a tent-camp of about 300 Occupy protesters from near the European Central Bank.

Monti faces renewed pressure to speed reforms

Colleen Barry and Victor L. Simpson, Associated Press — 2012-05-16T07:44:32Z

For the Italian entrepreneur whose business and marriage were falling apart, a tax bill was the last straw. Armed with a shotgun and two revolvers, Luigi Martinelli took 15 hostages at a government tax office last week, demanding only that his story be heard.

Zuckerberg's Facebook story is study in contrasts

Adam Geller, AP National Writer — 2012-05-16T07:44:32Z

When Hollywood set out to tell the story of how Mark Zuckerberg launched Facebook, it enjoyed the flexibility of portraying a man who, despite his social network's worldwide reach, was all but unknown to the public.

US consumer prices flat as gas costs fall

Christopher S. Rugaber, AP Economics Writer — 2012-05-15T13:29:20Z

U.S. consumer prices were flat last month as cheaper gas offset modest increases for food, clothing and housing. The data indicate that inflation remains in check.

Poll: Half of Americans call Facebook a fad

Tali Arbel, AP Business Writer — 2012-05-15T04:14:32Z

Half of Americans think Facebook is a passing fad, according to the results of a new Associated Press-CNBC poll. And, in the run-up to the social network's initial public offering of stock, half of Americans also say the social network's expected asking price is too high.

Study: Phone co customer satisfaction evens out

Peter Svensson, AP Technology Writer — 2012-05-15T04:14:32Z

A study of customer satisfaction at the Big 4 wireless carriers finds no significant difference between them. That's because of improvements in customer service at Sprint Nextel Corp. and AT&T Inc.

Wal-Mart offers online shoppers a "cash" option

Anne D'Innocenzio, AP Retail Writer — 2012-04-26T19:24:27Z

Wal-Mart shoppers now will be able to pay cash for online purchases. The world's largest retailer on Thursday said it will allow shoppers to buy items on Walmart.com and then pay for them with cash at all of its 3,800 U.S. stores. The discounter says it's the first major retailer to offer shoppers the opportunity to purchase online without a ...

Asia stocks fall amid political turmoil in Greece

Pamela Sampson, AP Business Writer — 2012-05-16T05:39:18Z

Asian stocks dived Wednesday after a failure by Greece's political leaders to form a coalition government set the stage for new elections next month, keeping Europe's debt crisis center stage.

Pair sentenced for medical billing scam

2011-09-09T05:52:42Z

A woman who served as executive director of two medical offices affiliated with Partners HealthCare has been sentenced, along with her husband, to spend a year in jail after they pleaded guilty in Norfolk Superior Court to stealing nearly $500,000. The attorney general’s office said Carol and Robert Peterson, formerly of Westwood, also must perform 250 hours of community service. ...