MINNEAPOLIS—-Tri-Continental Corporation today declared a fourth quarter distribution of $0.044 per share of Common Stock and $0.625 per share of Preferred Stock. Dividends on Common Stock will be paid on December 21, 2009 to Common Stockholders of record on December 14, 2009, and dividends on Preferred Stock will be paid on January 4, 2010 to Preferred Stockholders of record on December 14, 2009.

General Electric Co. has promised to buy at least $345 million in advertising from NBC Universal over five years after selling a controlling stake in the entertainment company to Comcast Corp., according to a regulatory filing Friday.

Shares plunged in Finisar Corp. after the networking-components maker reported lower-than-expected profit margins and fell short of expectations for the second quarter.

The following stocks were among those that moved substantially or traded heavily Friday on the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq Stock Market:

A surprising drop in the unemployment rate and far fewer job losses last month raised hopes Friday for a sustained economic recovery.

Global exchange operator NYSE Euronext said it will maintain a dividend of 30 cents in the first quarter of 2010. The dividend is payable March 31 to shareholders of record as of March 15.

U.S. stocks advanced on Friday as data showed the economy shed far fewer jobs than expected last month, brightening the outlook for the economy and profits.

Shares plunged in Finisar Corp. on Friday after the networking-components maker reported lower-than-expected profit margins and fell short of expectations for the second quarter.

MONDAY, Dec. 7 WASHINTGON — Federal Reserve releases consumer credit data for October, 3 p.m. WASHINGTON — Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke speaks at the Economic Club of Washington.

Shares of Web video delivery company Akamai Technologies Inc. rose Friday after two analysts upgraded the stock based on an upbeat outlook for online commerce.