Business and Finance
EXXON'S plea bargain in the Valdez oil spill was rejected by a federal judge who said the proposed fines were inadequate. The move could unravel attempts to settle litigation stemming from the incident. Separately, Exxon reported a 75% jump in first-quarter earnings.</br></br>EXXON'S plea bargain in the Valdez oil spill was rejected by a federal judge who said the proposed fines were inadequate. The move could unravel attempts to settle litigation stemming from the incident. Separately, Exxon reported a 75% jump in first-quarter earnings.</br></br>Sales of U.S.-built cars and trucks declined 11.7% in mid-April from already depressed year-earlier levels, indicating that an economic recovery led by consumers may not be near.</br></br>Sales of U.S.-built cars and trucks declined 11.7% in mid-April from already depressed year-earlier levels, indicating that an economic recovery led by consumers may not be near.</br></br>---</br></br>---</br></br>Stocks and bonds climbed as weak car sales data raised hopes for a cut in interest rates. The Dow Jones in dustrials rose 19.06 points to 2949.51. Treasury bonds gained 5/8 point.</br></br>Stocks and bonds climbed as weak car sales data raised hopes for a cut in interest rates. The Dow Jones in dustrials rose 19.06 points to 2949.51. Treasury bonds gained 5/8 point.</br></br>---</br></br>---