Business Briefs

Investors wrestle with mixed news

NEW YORK -- Stocks ended an erratic day with a modest loss Thursday as investors tried to reconcile another batch of conflicting economic signals.

Thursday's trading fit with the market's months-long pattern. Investors are torn between upbeat earnings and reports that point to an uncertain recovery. That was clear as stocks rose on strong earnings at Southwest Airlines, ExxonMobil and other companies, then fell on disappointment over a slight drop in first-time claims for unemployment benefits.

Traders also were uneasy ahead of the first reading on U.S. gross domestic product for the April-June quarter, to be released today.

Expenses nudge Scana profit lower

COLUMBIA -- Scana Corp. said Thursday that its second-quarter profit edged lower in part because of higher property taxes, interest and operating and maintenance expenses.

The natural gas and electric company earned $54 million, or 43 cents a share, down from a profit of $55 million, or 45 cents a share, in the same period a year earlier. Revenue rose 7 percent to $939 million.

Analysts, on average, expected profit of 45 cents a share on revenue of $900 million, according to a poll.

The company, which owns South Carolina Electric & Gas, narrowed its full-year earnings guidance to a range of $2.90 to $3.05 a share. Analysts project income of $3.05 a share.

Harbor-deepening measure advances

Deepening the Charleston Harbor shipping channel has moved a bit closer to happening. The U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on Thursday approved language calling for expedited studies of the next harbor deepening project in Charleston.

The language, added by U.S. Rep. Henry Brown, R-S.C., was included in the Water Resources Development Act of 2010. The House and the Senate still must approve it.

The harbor shipping channel is 45 feet deep, but the S.C. State Ports Authority wants a deeper channel to handle larger ships that will call once the Panama Canal is expanded.

Brooks Brothers to sell Levi's for men

NEW YORK -- Two iconic American brands are getting hitched. Brooks Brothers and Levi Strauss & Co.'s Levi's brand announced Thursday that they have created a new collection of men's jeans selling at the clothier's stores and online.

The pants come in a variety of finishes and sell for $148. Brooks Brothers has a store in downtown Charleston.

Free employment workshops offered

Goodwill Industries of Lower South Carolina and Berkeley Adult Education are offering free employment workshops starting Monday.

The three-day sessions will be held Monday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Moncks Corner Goodwill Job Link Center at 136 Rembert C. Dennis Blvd. A new workshop will start each Monday.

Participants can learn employability skills, including interviewing tips and choosing the appropriate attire, as well as basic computer help, resume preparation and job search techniques. Each participant also will receive a career assessment. To register, call 899-2100.