BUSINESS BRIEFS

Next from Apple: iPad printing

Apple says the next version of the software that runs iPads and other gadgets will be available in November and will allow the printing of documents from iPads and other gadgets. The update, iOS 4.2, includes AirPrint for wireless printing over Wi-Fi.

Factory output slows in August

U.S. industrial output slowed last month and a regional measure of factory activity touched a 14-month low in September, pointing to a cooling in manufacturing as the boost from an inventory buildup fades. Industrial production rose 0.2 percent in August, Federal Reserve data showed, matching economists' forecasts for a slowdown from July when unusually strong auto manufacturing lifted output. July's gain was revised down to 0.6 percent from 1 percent. Separately, the New York Fed's "Empire State" general business conditions index slipped to 4.14 in September from 7.10 in August. September's reading marked the lowest since July 2009 and was below market expectations for 8.0.

Star building sets recalled

The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall Wednesday of about 13,500 Giant Starbuilder and Giant Stars building sets made in China and distributed by Edushape Ltd. of Deer Park because the plastic knobs on the stars can break off and pose a choking risk. There have been no reports of injuries. The toys were sold by small retail stores nationwide, and online by Target, Toys R Us and CSN through Walmart Marketplace, between January 2007 and May 2010. More details are available at 800-404-4744 or at cpsc.gov.

Stocks edge higher

Stocks overcame an early slide Wednesday and closed higher as investors tried to keep a September rally alive. The Dow Jones industrial average rose 46.24, or 0.4 percent, to close at 10,572.73. The Standard & Poor's 500 index gained 3.97, or 0.4 percent, to 1,125.07 and the Nasdaq composite rose 11.55, or 0.5 percent, to 2,301.32.

Syosset firm to pay penalty

New York officials say a Syosset software company whose products allow parents to monitor their children's online communications has agreed not to sell the information it gathers to outside companies. Attorney General Andrew Cuomo says EchoMetrix Inc. stopped offering the Pulse data-mining product to third parties after an inquiry from his office last year. The company, which will pay a $100,000 penalty under the agreement, sells software under the Sentry and FamilySafe brands.

Women sue Goldman for bias

Three women who formerly worked for Goldman Sachs & Co. are suing the Wall Street firm for what they say is rampant gender discrimination that unfairly favors men in pay and promotions. The lawsuit, which seeks class-action status, was filed Wednesday and alleges that Goldman has violated federal and New York City laws. A Goldman spokesman said the lawsuit is without merit.

From wire service reports