HSBC hopes to minimize brand damage from $1.9 billion U.S. fine.

Avon leaves South Korea and Vietnam in $400M cost-cutting move.

FedEx is accused of overcharging.

Amazon strikes sales-tax deal with Massachusetts.

Apple tests new TV designs.

Audi launches driving tech simulation game for Sony PlayStation.

Bausch & Lomb explores selling itself.

Bentley opens boutique at brand HQ.

Cinnabon reaches 1,000th bakery milestone.Continue reading...

Ace Hardware debuts first-ever paint campaign.

AIG sells $6 billion in AIA shares to help repay bailout loan.

Angie's List creates rare success with paid-content model.

Apple expected to pass 100 million iPad sales by year-end as iPad 3 is unveiled this week and excitement builds for Apple TV.

BP stock rises on proposed $17.6 billion settlement in oil spill.

Carlos Slim's America Movil reportedly starting a Netflix-like online service for Mexico.

Facebook asks advertisers for big investments in exchange for expanding fan base.

Frontier low-cost airline may be relaunched or sold.

GlaxoSmithKline expands in China.

GM struggles to make Volt a sustainable business.Continue reading...

Thank you, Mr. President. Once Barack Obama assented to deliver his important economic speech to the nation at 7 p.m. ET today — a not-so-politically convenient 4 p.m. on the West Coast — instead of later, the National Football League was pretty much free to pursue its further remake of opening day into a sort of mini-Super Bowl. And right up until game time at about 8:30 this evening, the league, NBC, the Green Bay Packers, the New Orleans Saints, big brand marketers and Belgioso Cheese are making the most of it.

The Today Show kicked things off this morning by hosting part of the proceedings from Green Bay's Lambeau Field, where the Super Bowl Champion Packers, the previous Super Bowl Champion Saints — and the hopes and dreams of dozens of major brand marketers — will launch the season. "Growing up and watching the NFL ... and John Facenda talking about the 'Frozen Tundra' of Lambeau Field ... this is fantastic!" exclaimed Today's Al Roker.Continue reading...

Grammys surprises include Esperanza Spalding (whose Wikipedia page was attacked by Justin Bieber fans) and Arcade Fire upsets, Eminem win, Lady Gaga's stage eggsit and sweep for country group Lady Antebellum. More here.

Apple is developing cheaper iPhones.

Boeing passenger jet may benefit from freighter tests.

Chili’s ramps up global growth plans, including Russia.

Chipotle holds down prices despite soaring food costs.  

Chrysler dealers aim to cash in on the Eminem Super Bowl commercial.Continue reading...