Stocks

Companies aim to renew dividend payments, sign of optimism worst of COVID-19 is over

The public health plight continues, but many businesses—from factories to law firms—have learned how to operate during the pandemic. Retailers, fast-food restaurants and car makers are doing better, and there is hope among executives that any new restrictions to battle the latest U.S. surge in cases won’t be as severe.

Foot Locker grows quarterly profit, sales

Foot Locker Inc. said its profit and sales rose for the third quarter, even as the back-to-school selling season started later than usual because of the coronavirus pandemic.