China Life investor lawsuit dismissed
A New York court dismisses a class-action lawsuit against China Life by its U.S. investors, who had argued the firm failed to disclose sensitive information during its 2003 listing.

Asia Markets: Hang Seng below 20,000, as regional stocks sell off
Asian markets fall sharply, with stocks taking a hit across the board after fresh worries about the health of the U.S. economy lead to a sell-off on Wall Street.

Samsung Electronics considering buying SanDisk
Samsung says it's considering buying U.S. chipmaker SanDisk but adds that a decision has not yet been made.

Thailand's leader promises referendum on his rule
Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej pledges to hold a national referendum on whether he should step down.

McCain claims long-coveted nomination; vows a shake-up
John McCain, the Arizona senator and former prisoner of war who has bucked the Republican Party on issues including immigration and campaign finance, formally claims the GOP?s nomination for president and vows to shake up Washington.

Jon Friedman's Media Web: Katie Couric, two years later
An attractive, feisty, 40-something American woman dares to take on a big job that has almost always been the province of a man. The whole world is watching, and she gets trashed relentlessly for her trouble. Sarah Palin's story? Think again.

Mark Hulbert: Stock market may already be voting in Presidential race
Has the stock market already voted by absentee ballot in this November's Presidential race? It may very well be in the process of doing just that.

MarketWatch First Take: McCain emphasizes service, country, character
In an election that was supposed to be all about the issues of a stagnant economy and an unending war, McCain made the case that the choice will come down to which party has the highest ideals and the candidate with the unbending character.

Text of John McCain's speech
Here is the prepared text of Sen. John McCain?s speech accepting the Republican nomination for president, as released by the party.

Thomas Kostigen's Ethics Monitor: Why is everyone pickin' on T. Boone's alternative-energy plan?
T. Boone Pickens is being accused by some environmentalists of using his multimillion-dollar investments in alternative energy -- celebrated as the Pickens Plan -- as a Trojan Horse for other business goals.