Wal-Mart weary despite record profits

Asda owner Wal-Mart today posted record first-half profits but warned higher fuel prices were taking their toll on customers.

The American retail giant said net sales rose 9.8% to $147.7bn (€119.9bn) in the six months to July 31, while net profits lifted 9.3% to $5.3bn (€4.3bn).