China appears to be tightening supervision of foreign investments in the country amid a widening investigation of two senior commerce ministry officials, people with direct knowledge of the matter said.

Dutch-British food and cosmetics giant Unilever posted a 60-percent rise in third-quarter net profits Thursday, October 30rd in spite of the global economic downturn.

Avon Products Inc AVP.N, the world's largest direct seller of cosmetics, posted a quarterly profit that missed Wall Street expectations due to a drop in North American sales, sending shares down nearly 22 percent.

French cosmetics group L'Oreal on Thursday cut its full-year sales forecast for the second time in three months, citing tougher trading conditions, and posted third-quarter sales that came below forecasts.

Underwear maker Hanesbrands Inc posted a 59 percent fall in third-quarter profit, partly hurt by restructuring charges, and said it would raise domestic prices effective mid-first quarter of 2009.

Under Armour Inc posted a higher-than-expected third-quarter profit on Tuesday, helped by strong sales, but the athletic apparel maker lowered its full-year outlook, citing the current economic environment. Net income rose to $25.

Cosmetics maker Estee Lauder Cos Inc posted a better-than-expected quarterly profit on Tuesday on higher sales, but slashed its full-year outlook, citing a weak economy and stronger U.S. dollar.

Namibia sold more than seven tonnes of ivory for 1.1 million dollars Tuesday, October 28th in the first legal auction of elephant tusks in nearly a decade -- exclusively for Chinese and Japanese buyers.

Italian eyewear maker Luxottica cut its earnings-per-share forecast after its third-quarter net profit fell, and its chief executive said a clearer picture on the future would emerge in two to four months.

Retail sales in Spain are down around six percent and the textile industry has lost 70,000 jobs since last year, but investors can retain some hope for Spanish clothing retailer Inditex.

Liz Claiborne Inc slashed its outlook for the holiday shopping season as consumers cut spending sharply after a global financial crisis erupted in September, sending its shares down 2.9 percent.

Italian fashion group Mariella Burani has been approached by potential investors from the Middle East but has not yet had any formal offer, it said in a statement on Thursday.

Columbia Sportswear Co posted lower quarterly net income on Thursday that beat Wall Street estimates, and the company raised its profit outlook for 2008, sending its shares up 8 percent.

Shoe maker Deckers Outdoor Corp posted better-than-expected third-quarter results, driven by strong demand for its UGG footwear products and raised its 2008 outlook.

Children's clothing retailer Carter's Inc raised its full-year growth outlook and said earnings may not fall as much as expected, citing continuing strong birth rates, sending its shares up as much as 16 percent.