An analyst raised his price target on shares of department store operator Nordstrom Inc. on Monday, expecting sales growth to boost the company's bottom line.

Consumers borrowed less for a record eighth straight month in September amid rising unemployment and tight credit conditions.

Consumers likely reduced their borrowing for an eighth straight month in September, as layoffs continue and credit remains tight. The declines in borrowing are expected to drag on the fledgling economic recovery.

Consumers likely reduced their borrowing for an eighth straight month in September, as layoffs continue and credit remains tight. The declines in borrowing are expected to drag on the fledgling economic recovery.

How October sales at 30 chains compared with October 2008:

Shoppers opened their wallets a little more, handing the nation's stores their second consecutive monthly sales gain after more than a year of declines.

Summary of sales at stores open at least a year in October for department-store chains, with percentage increase or decrease over the same month last year.

Department store operator Nordstrom Inc. said Thursday that October sales in stores open at least one year rose 6.5 percent, ahead of analyst expectations.

Among the premarket stories for Monday, Nov. 2, from AP Financial News:

Lean inventories, contained costs and improving sales should propel profit growth at Nordstrom Inc., said a Deutsche Bank analyst Monday, upgrading the high-end department store to the firm's highest investment rating.

Victoria's Secret is hoping a new push-up bra intended to boost women's busts as much as two sizes also will enhance its bottom line this holiday season.

Most economists think the recession is over, but they say the jobless rate will keep rising until at least next summer as the economy struggles.

World stock markets and oil prices slid as worries about the U.S. consumer outlook reined in hopes about the pace of any global recovery — despite news that Japan has climbed out of recession.

Stocks skidded Friday after a disappointing report on consumer prices and as consumers' mood took a turn for the worse. The Dow finished down about 50 points on the week, snapping a four-week winning streak.That snapped the markets four-week winning streak:

Futures pointed to a lower open on Wall Street Friday after a report showed consumer prices posted their biggest year-over-year decline since 1950.