Ford CEO Mulally says he's staying put

Alan Mulally is staying at Ford. The CEO, who was rumored to be in the running to become Microsoft's next leader, told the Associated Press that he won't leave the Dearborn, Mich., automaker before the end of 2014. "I would like to end the Microsoft speculation because I have no other plans to do anything other than serve Ford," Mulally said in an interview. When asked if this should end investor concern about his departure, Mulally said, "You don't have to worry about me leaving." Mulally said he will stick with his plan to stay at Ford through at least the end of 2014.

Exports push U.S. trade deficit to 4-year low

U.S. exports rose to a record high in November, helping to shrink the nation's trade deficit to the lowest in four years. The surprisingly positive trade report adds to the upbeat outlook for the economy. With net exports stronger than expected, analysts revised higher their economic growth forecast for the fourth quarter, saying it will likely come in at a solid annual rate of about 3 percent. The Commerce Department said the U.S. trade deficit in goods and services with the rest of the world totaled $34.3 billion in November. That was the lowest since fall 2009 and a steep drop from a trade gap of $39.3 billion in October, seasonally adjusted. U.S. exports of goods and services reached $194.9 billion in November, up 1 percent from $193.1 billion in October. American imports saw a sharper change but in the other direction, falling to $229.1 billion in November from $232.5 billion in the prior month. The 1.5 percent decline was mostly because of a big drop in purchased crude oil.

Velveeta supplies running short, Kraft says

Playoff parties may have one fewer dip option this year. Kraft Foods said some customers may not be able to find Velveeta cheese over the next few weeks. A representative for the company, Jody Moore, didn't give any reasons for the apparent shortage, saying only that they happen from time to time given the "nature of manufacturing." Moore says it should be a short-term situation and that Kraft hasn't yet heard from any customers who are having problem finding the products.

Crystal Sugar executive stepping down

The American Crystal Sugar Co. executive who led company negotiations in the first labor dispute with union workers in 30 years is resigning, company officials said. The last day for Chief Operating Officer Joe Talley will be Jan. 17, company spokesman Jeff Schweitzer said. No reason was given.

T-Mobile's Legere pays a visit to AT&T party

T-Mobile US Chief Executive John Legere was kicked out of a trade-show party hosted by AT&T, adding fuel to a commercial rivalry that is getting personal. Legere, who is positioning his company as the "un-carrier" upending the mobile-phone industry, showed up at the AT&T-sponsored event in Las Vegas on Monday night for attendees of the International Consumer Electronics Show. Shortly after appearing in a Twitter photo posted by CNET reporter Roger Cheng, Legere was shown the door. "Some security guards escorted him out. It was crazy," Cheng wrote in a Twitter message.

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