Briefs

Purchasing index rises for Chicago

CHICAGO -- U.S. business activity held at a level in August that suggests companies continue to expand, though at a less rapid rate, a private report showed Friday. The National Association of Purchasing Management-Chicago said its business barometer rose to 53.8, from 53.4 in July. Readings greater than 50 signal growth.

Money reported missing at Sentinel

CHICAGO -- Regulators looking into alleged fraud at Northbrook-based Sentinel Management Group Inc. are unable to account for $505 million in securities that appear on the company's books, a regulatory group official was reported as saying Friday. The National Futures Association is investigating the shortfall along with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the other regulator, according to Crain's Chicago Business.

NBC Universal ends iTunes deal

NEW YORK -- NBC Universal has decided not to renew its contract to sell television shows on iTunes. Apple said that NBC had sought to more than double the wholesale rate for each show, which Apple said would have forced its iTunes online store to raise what it charged consumers to $4.99 per TV show episode from $1.99. NBC Universal disputed Apple's claim. It is the No. 1 supplier of digital video to iTunes.

FBI investigates Ohio bomb threats

CLEVELAND -- The FBI is looking overseas for suspects who have phoned bomb threats to more than 24 grocery stores, banks and discount stores in 15 states, including at least six new cases Friday in Ohio. Store workers have been so frightened in at least five cases that they've wired thousands of dollars to the caller.

China recall system now in place

BEIJING -- China's first nationwide recall systems for unsafe food and toys came into effect Friday in one of the strongest steps taken by Beijing to clean up the country's scandal-hit manufacturing industry.