Briefcase

Skype recovers most of its service

Internet calling and messaging service Skype SA mostly recovered Thursday from an outage caused by an undisclosed glitch, but problems lingered for its worldwide user base.

The service went down for almost all of its users starting at midday Wednesday. By Thursday afternoon, things had improved to the point where about 21 million users were logged in, said CEO Tony Bates. That was 10 percent less than the usual traffic for the time of day, as some people still could not log on.

Speaking through a computer running Skype, Bates declined to say what caused the software on individual users’ computers to crash, which in turn caused network issues.

Associated Press

GM returns to deal with Montana mine

Billings – General Motors Co. is renewing ties with a Montana mining company that provides precious metals for emission-reducing catalytic converters, according to documents filed Thursday with federal regulators.

The deal restores a decade-long relationship that turned sour after GM filed for bankruptcy protection and abruptly dropped its supply agreement with Stillwater Mining Co.

That move in July 2009 drew a sharp backlash from Montana’s congressional delegation and its Democratic governor, Brian Schweitzer.

They criticized the Detroit automaker – then majority owned by the U.S. government – for abandoning an American company in favor of cheaper foreign suppliers.

Stillwater operates the only platinum and palladium mines in the U.S., southwest of Billings in the Beartooth Mountains. Both metals are used in catalytic converters.

Associated Press

Rates fall slightly for fixed mortgages

New York – Rates on fixed mortgages dipped after rising for five weeks in a row.

Still, they remain more than a half-point higher than last month.

Freddie Mac said Thursday the average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage slipped to 4.81 percent from 4.83 percent in the previous week. Last month, the rate reached a 40-year low of 4.17 percent, but has since been edging higher.

The average rate on the 15-year loan, a popular refinance option, also fell to 4.15 percent from 4.17 percent. It hit 3.57 percent in November, the lowest level on records starting in 1991.

Associated Press

GM recalling 100,000 vehicles

New York – General Motors Co. is recalling almost 100,000 vehicles to fix two problems that could cause the rear axle to lock and the passenger-side airbag not to work.

GM says in postings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that the airbag recall affects almost 96,000 2005 to 2007 model year versions of the Cadillac CTS.

The axle recall affects almost 1,300 2011 model year versions of the Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 and Silverado 1500, as well as the GMC Sierra 1500.

Associated Press