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HONG KONG (AP) — World stock markets are down today after news of a big buildup in U.S. oil stockpiles depressed crude prices and shares of energy companies. Stocks are down in Britain and Germany in early trading. France's CAC 40 is flat. Most Asian stocks closed lower, but Japan's Nikkei climbed 0.3 percent. Dow futures are flat and broader S&P 500 futures are up less than 0.1 percent.
FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Troubled electronics retailer RadioShack has filed for bankruptcy for the second time in just over two years. The company says it's closing about 200 stores and evaluating options on the remaining 1,300. Chief Executive Officer Dene Rogers says it made progress in stabilizing operations since filing for bankruptcy in 2015. But Rogers says, several reasons, including a partnership with wireless carrier Sprint that proved not to be as profitable as expected, prompted the latest bankruptcy filing.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The IRS says the number of identity theft victims plummeted last year after agents struggled for years to combat what has become a multibillion-dollar industry. The tax agency says the number of identity theft victims dropped by 46 percent, to 376,000. The victims had their identities stolen by criminals who used their Social Security numbers and birthdates to obtain fraudulent tax refunds.
LONDON (AP) — Royal Dutch Shell has agreed to sell most of its interests in Canadian oil sands in two deals that will net $7.25 billion for the Anglo-Dutch company as it adjusts to a period of lower energy prices. Shell CEO Ben van Beurden says the deals are "a significant step in re-shaping Shell's portfolio in line with our long-term strategy."
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Samsung lawyers have denied all charges brought against Lee Jae-yong, the billionaire heir to Samsung, in a massive corruption scandal that has ensnared South Korea's president. Lee's lawyers told a court today that prosecutors are unfairly trying to create an impression Lee is guilty. Prosecutors believe Lee and his aides used Samsung corporate funds to bribe South Korean President Park Geun-hye (goon-hay) and one of her close friends in exchange for supporting a smooth leadership transition at Samsung.
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