The global effect of climate change is devastating, prompting countries and giant companies to take action in addressing the changes in climate. On Wednesday, nine major companies are expected to take part in a global coalition of firms intent on transitioning to renewable energy. New members include Johnson & Johnson, Procter & Gamble, Starbucks, Walmart, and Goldman Sachs. Couples of companies had already reached the target of 100% while others do not expect to do so for several decades but are generally setting assertive interval targets, according to The New York Times.

The chief executive of Henkel & Co KGaA AG (HNKG_p.DE) poured cold water on speculation the consumer goods maker was preparing to buy hair care firm Wella from Procter & Gamble Co (PG.N), saying his company didn't need big acquisitions to grow.

U.S. business investment spending plans fell for a sixth straight month in February, likely weighed down by a strong dollar and weak global demand, leading economists to further lower their first-quarter growth estimates.

Foreign exchange swings cost North American corporates $18.66 billion in revenue in the fourth quarter, according to a report by currency risk management consulting firm FiREapps.

Venezuela's deepening economic troubles, and in particular the weakness of the bolivar and restrictive currency controls, have hurt U.S. corporate profits for the fourth quarter of 2014 and are set to inflict further pain this year.

Two of three global industry groups vying to establish a dominant standard for wireless charging technology have agreed to merge, bringing consumers a small step closer to throwing away their smartphone power cords.

German consumer goods and industrial glue maker Henkel wants to expand in the area of consumer branded goods and hair care and could consider a large acquisition, the company's chairwoman told German newspaper Welt am Sonntag.

Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc (BRKa.N) on Friday said it was buying oil industry logistics provider Charter Brokerage from private equity firm Arsenal Capital Partners.

Amazon.com's launch of its own private label brand of consumer goods, starting with diapers and baby wipes, underscores the website's maturity as a grocery retailer and the migration of grocery shopping online.

Procter & Gamble Co (PG.N) said it would exit its Duracell battery business, likely through a splitoff into a separate company, as it looks to focus on faster-growing brands.