Gold demand rose 10 percent in the third quarter from the previous three months in tonnage terms, as the record-breaking metal won support from its safe-haven status, the World Gold Council said.
Belgian luxury lingerie retailer Van de Velde said revenues would grow up to 4 percent in 2009 from last year's 133 million euros ($198 million) and continue to grow year on year in the first half of 2010.
Women's apparel chain New York & Co Inc posted weaker-than-expected third-quarter results, but said it expects to be profitable in the holiday quarter.
Off-price retailer Ross Stores Inc posted an in-line quarterly profit, helped by better margins, but the company maintained its fourth-quarter earnings forecast which was below market expectations, sending its shares down 4 percent.
Colgate-Palmolive Co shares hit a new year high after a report suggested that the toothpaste maker could be close to linking up with Lysol manufacturer Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc.
Phillips-Van Heusen posted higher quarterly net income, citing improved business trends and royalties from its Calvin Klein brand, and the clothing maker raised its 2009 profit outlook.
Limited Brands, owner of the Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works chains, posted a higher than expected quarterly profit and raised its full-year earnings view.
Promotions and tighter cost controls helped Children's Place Retail Stores Inc beat market estimates by a penny, even as the company brought in more merchandise to prepare for the holiday selling season.
French fashion house Lanvin has found a minority investor to take a 12.5 percent stake, after a lengthy search for a financial partner to help it develop, the company said.
Brown Shoe Co Inc posted preliminary quarterly revenue above market estimates and forecast better-than-expected earnings for the period, helped in part by the success of its Famous Footwear line.
Women's clothing and accessories retailer Chico's FAS Inc posted a much larger-than-expected quarterly profit amid higher margins, better sales, and controlled promotions.
Perry Ellis International Inc posted a quarterly profit that blew past market estimates, benefiting from tighter cost controls, and the clothing maker raised its fiscal 2010 earnings forecast.
Shares in South Korea's No.2 cosmetics company LG Household & Health leapt by their daily limit to a record high on expectations for its possible purchase of a smaller domestic rival.
The offer by Hal Holding on the bond of Italian eyewear maker Safilo SpA's has met with acceptances that are well below the threshold needed, a source close to the deal said.
Teen-clothing retailer Pacific Sunwear of California Inc posted a strong third quarter, but saw demand fall off a cliff in recent weeks, sending the stock tumbling 20 percent in trading after the bell.
