BUSINESS BRIEFS.(TO THE POINT)

RETAIL

Wal-Mart gains market share

The discount retailer may have taken it from drug stores and grocery stores since Sept. 11. Wal-Mart said it's getting more customers, but they're buying less. It said customers aren't feeling confident, but they still have cash. Wal-Mart expects to meet Q3 profit views of 33 cents, up 6%. It sees 48 cents in Q4, a penny shy and up 7%. Oct. same-store sales likely rose 4%-6%.

McDonald's U.S. marketing chief R.J. Milano resigned for personal reasons, the firm said. Another senior marketing official, Kim Poston, also left.

TECHNOLOGY

Chip sales dropped 3% in Sept.

Sales fell to $10.2 bil from Aug., the Semiconductor Industry Association said. Japan and the Americas were hit most, with sales off more than 6% in both regions. European sales fell less than 1%, while Asia Pacific saw a 3% rise. Chip sales dived 44% from a year ago. SIA sees sales improving in Q4 from Q3.