Ideas

Milwaukee based ManpowerGroup reported third quarter net earnings of $63.1 million, or 79 cents per share, down from $79.6 million, or 97 cents per share, in the same period a year ago.

BMO Financial Group announced it has completed the integration of the personal, commercial and wealth operating systems of Harris Bank and M&I Bank.

Bank Mutual Corp. reported third quarter net income of $2.0 million, or 4 cents per share, up from $1.3 million, or 3 cents per share, in the same period a year ago.

Green Bay-based Associated Banc-Corp reported third quarter net income of $45 million, or 26 cents per share, up from $34 million, or 20 cents per share, in the same period a year ago.

Despite posting a record third quarter with a 49-percent increase in earnings, Caterpillar Inc. lowered its outlook for 2013.

Over the past five years most observers would agree there has been little to cheer about in the broader economy. The recession of 2008-09 negatively impacted many economic metrics; from gross domestic product to income to employment to investment spending.

The Metropolitan Milwaukee Fair Housing Council today filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development alleging housing discrimination by Bank of America.

Johnson Controls Inc. has released details of the restructuring activities it has planned for the fourth quarter.

Wauwatosa-based Briggs & Stratton Corp. is advising owners of outdoor power equipment be aware of a new fuel with a higher level of ethanol that could harm small engines.

Glendale-based Johnson Controls Inc. has entered into an agreement to purchase the automotive business assets of A123 Systems Inc., a Waltham, Mass., company that filed for bankruptcy protection.