MOORESVILLE, N.C.—-Lowe’s Companies, Inc. , the world’s second largest home improvement retailer, today reported net earnings of $205 million for the quarter ended January 29, 2010, a 26.5 percent increase from the same period a year ago.

CAMDEN, N.J.—-Campbell Soup Company today reported its fiscal 2010 second-quarter results.

A full recovery will likely be drawn out and fraught with uncertainty.

Stock futures rose modestly Monday as investors try to extend a market rally into a fifth straight day. Overseas markets were mixed.

Economists expect the recovery to remain “firmly on track” over the next two years though job growth is likely to remain slow, according to a new survey.

RIVERWOODS, Ill.—-America’s small business owners remained cautious about the economy in February as they expect economic conditions to largely stay the same in the coming months, according to the Discover® Small Business WatchSM, which fell less than a point to 84.9 in February from 85.5 in January.

Taiwan’s economy saw its strongest growth in five years in the fourth quarter, surging 9.2 percent with help from stimulus-fueled demand from China for the island’s high-tech exports.

Thailand’s economy bounced back in the fourth quarter, posting year-on-year growth after 12 months of contraction amid a recovery in exports, private investment and household spending.

Leading economists are upbeat about the U.S. recovery, forecasting steady growth over the next two years as businesses grow and jobs return, according to a survey released Monday.