Emerging Markets Report: Polish central bank holds rates, to wait and see on tightening

The National Bank of Poland leaves its key interest rate unchanged at 5.75% but notes that bringing inflation down to its target may require tightening rates.

Corrections: Avon Products earnings

On April 29, MarketWatch inadvertently updated an Avon Products earnings report from the previous quarter. The report on company's most recent quarterly results has been updated with correct share price data. See the updated story.

Avon profit rises 23%, led by gains in emerging markets

Avon Products Inc., the largest direct seller of beauty products, said first-quarter profit rose 23%, boosted by gains in emerging markets from Brazil and Russia to China and Turkey.

Capitol Report: High cost of homeownership argues for rental-aid plan: study

Home may be where the heart is, but it can also bleed a dweller dry. Especially in markets that experienced a significant housing bubble, homeownership costs can far exceed those for renting today, a trend that has implications for housing-rescue legislation under consideration in Congress.

Kellogg keeps outlook, ups dividend in face of profit decline

Kellogg sees its first-quarter net income nibbled down 2% from a year ago but holds onto its profit outlook and announces plans to raise its dividend.

Microsoft considers new path in Yahoo bid; may announce Wednesday

SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) - Microsoft Corp. is set to announce it next move in its bid to gobble up Yahoo Inc. sometime on Wednesday, according to media reports.

Election Notebook: Clinton creeps ahead of Obama in nationwide poll

WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- Sen. Hillary Clinton is edging out Sen. Barack Obama in a new poll, but remains in a very tight race with her Democratic rival as the fight for the party's presidential nomination drags on.