Abelson dies

Legendary financial columnist Alan Abelson, who cast a skeptical eye on US financial markets and skewered big shots during more than four decades at Barron’s magazine, died yesterday at age 87.

Priceline slide

Priceline, the largest US online-travel agent by market value, forecast second-quarter profit that missed analysts’ estimates. Shares fell 3 percent to $714 in after-hours trading.

Lease a fridge

Sears is launching a program that will allow financially strapped shoppers unable to quality for credit to lease electronics, home appliances, furniture and mattresses.

Making Waze

Facebook is in advanced talks to acquire Israeli mobile satellite navigation start-up Waze for $800 million to $1 billion. The deal would give the social-networking company a mapping service to compete with Google.

Pink slips slip

The number of Americans filing claims for jobless benefits unexpectedly dropped last week to the lowest level in more than five years.