Wholesale prices fall 0.3 percent last month

WASHINGTON -- Wholesale prices retreated by 0.3 percent in November, pulled down by falling costs for gasoline, beef and cars, suggesting that the economy's resurgence isn't fanning inflation. The decline in the Producer Price Index, which measures prices before they reach store shelves, came after prices rose by 0.8 percent in October, the Labor Department reported Friday.

Deficit grows, but less than November last year

WASHINGTON -- The deficit swelled to nearly $43 billion in November, giving the country its second straight monthly red-ink ledger. At the start of the new budget year in October, the government was $69.5 billion in the hole as spending grew faster than revenue. In November, the Treasury Department reported Friday, spending totaled $161.2 billion and revenue came to $118.2 billion, thus producing the shortfall. Still, November's deficit was $15.9 billion less than the $58.9 billion deficit posted for the same month last year.

U.S. dollar continues to weaken internationally

NEW YORK -- The U.S. dollar hit a new record low against the euro Friday, spurred by comments from U.S. Treasury Secretary John Snow that the market should set the value of the dollar and he wasn't concerned about its decline. The dollar traded at $1.2297 against the euro in afternoon trading in New York. The 12-nation currency has climbed 16.8 percent higher against the dollar this year.

Coca-Cola grows but lags in expectations overseas

ATLANTA -- The Coca-Cola Co. is well-positioned for continued earnings growth in 2004, but must do a better job on its initiatives in some key markets around the world, including Brazil and North America, chief executive Doug Daft said Friday. Daft said the world's largest beverage maker expects 11 percent to 12 percent earnings growth over the long-term.

-- From wire reports