Bloomberg Oil rallied to the highest since early December as US crude inventories decline more than anticipated. West Texas Intermediate futures for February delivery edged above $78 a barrel. US crude stockpiles fall 5.90 million barrels last week, according to an Energy Information Administration (EIA) report on Wednesday. Trading volumes have generally been below average this week ahead of the …

  Bloomberg Companies from Procter & Gamble Co to Walmart Inc are lagging in efforts to mitigate environmental impact from the paper products they make and sell, according to a new report from an advocacy group. Environment America assessed the progress of six companies on their use of virgin fibres and indirect greenhouse-gas emissions. The group also looked at whether …

  Bloomberg Mondelez International Inc agreed to sell its gum business in some of its major markets to European rival Perfetti Van Melle SpA. The deal values the business at about $1.35 billion, the companies announced. The sale includes brands such as Trident, Bubblicious, Chiclets, Dentyne and some European candy. Perfetti will own the portfolio in the US, Canada and …