Microsoft beats targets with sales gain

MARKETWATCH FRONT PAGE

Software giant tops forecasts, cuts operating expense outlook for the year. Investors awaiting launch of Windows 8 operating system later this year. See full story.

Steve Jobs gets revenge in Oracle vs. Google

With Oracle�s lawsuit against Google alleging that Android infringes on some of its Java patents, CEO Larry Ellison has become an unwitting avenger for Steve Jobs, who vowed to spend every penny of Apple�s cash fighting Android. See full story.

Verizon, Nokia results show iPhone strength

Quarterly results from Verizon and Nokia show how Apple�s iPhone continues to dominate the smartphone market. Verizon�s CFO says a strong �third ecosystem� is needed, voicing support for Windows Phone. See full story.

Tumi, the latest retail darling, surges in IPO

Proving investors still have a healthy appetite for a branded retail stock with potential for growth, the luxury-luggage and travel-goods maker�s shares jump almost 50% in their initial public offering. See full story.

Splunk IPO highlights buzz over �big data�

Blockbuster debut for data-analysis firm shows the increasing importance of companies that offer the ability to quickly go through massive amounts of information. See full story.

MARKETWATCH COMMENTARY

Instead of acknowledging that banks have become a part of government, we keep pretending they are private institutions, writes David Weidner. See full story.

MARKETWATCH PERSONAL FINANCE

A few years ago, experts warned Americans against counting on the equity in their home to fund their expenses in retirement. But six years later, some are telling retirees and pre-retirees they should consider many tactics, including reverse mortgages. See full story.