Consumer prices post modest monthly increase

WASHINGTON --Consumer prices rose by a modest 0.3 percent in February as high energy costs continued to hit the pocketbooks of drivers filling up at the pump and people heating their homes. The increase in the Consumer Price Index, the government's most closely watched inflation measure, however, marked a slowdown from the 0.5 percent jump registered in January, the Labor Department reported Wednesday. Excluding energy and food costs, "core" consumer prices rose by just 0.2 percent in February for the second month in a row.

Pentagon to withhold Halliburton payments

WASHINGTON -- The Pentagon plans to withhold about $300 million in payments to Halliburton Co. because of possible overcharging for meals served to troops in Iraq and Kuwait, defense officials said Wednesday. Starting next month, the Defense Department will begin withholding 15 percent of the money paid on a multibillion-dollar contract to provide services such as food, housing, laundry and mail to American forces in Iraq.

Microsoft strives for deal to halt EU antitrust case

BRUSSELS, Belgium -- The European Union insisted it was "on track" Wednesday to conclude its antitrust case against Microsoft Corp. next week, even as the world's biggest software company scrambled to reach a deal to avert sanctions for allegedly abusing its Windows monopoly. Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer and general counsel Brad Smith were in Brussels negotiating with the EU antitrust office, sources familiar with the case said, after arriving Tuesday.

Anheuser-Busch starts low-carb ad campaign

ST. LOUIS -- Eager to woo weight-conscious drinkers, Anheuser-Busch Cos. has brewed up a new advertising message touting light beers as a tasty, carb-friendly alternative. The world's largest brewer, maker of popular Budweiser, Bud Light and low-carb Michelob Ultra beers, has launched an ad campaign featuring four Bud Light commercials with the theme "all light beers are low in carbs. Choose on taste."

-- From wire reports