Reuters - Warren Buffett%27s Berkshire Hathaway Inc (BRKa.N)(BRKb.N) said on Friday second-quarter profit fell 40 percent, as declining stock prices depressed the value of his derivative contracts.

AFP - Christina Romer, a key economic advisor to President Barack Obama who championed the use of stimulus programs to pull the US economy out of recession, will step down next month, the White House said Thursday.

Reuters - Christina Romer, one of President Barack Obama%27s top economic advisers, said on Thursday she was stepping down, an exit that comes as the White House struggles to keep the recovery on track with congressional elections looming in November.

Investor%27s Business Daily - The office supply retailer swung to a Q2 profit of 12 cents a share, beating views of a break-even quarter, helped by lower costs. Revenue edged down 0.3% to $1.65 bil, missing views of $1.67 bil. Same-store sales fell 0.3%. OfficeMax sees Q3 sales below prior-year sales of $1.83 bil, vs. views of $1.86 bil. The company also sees full-year sales at or below 2009%27s $7.21 bil vs. views of $7.29 bil. Shares dived 12.7%.