Greenspan foresees upswing in hiring

WASHINGTON - Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan said Wednesday extra-low interest rates "must rise at some point" now that the economy is hitting its stride. Greenspan, testifying before Congress' Joint Economic Committee, delivered one of his most upbeat takes on the economy's health. Companies also appear more willing to step up hiring, Greenspan said.

Dayton P&L settles bias allegations

DAYTON, Ohio - The Dayton Power & Light Co. has reached a settlement with the U.S. Department of Labor over allegations of hiring discrimination against minorities. The utility performed credit checks to determine if meter-reader applicants had paid their electric bills.

The agency said the credit checks had "a disparate impact on otherwise qualified minority applicants."

As part of the settlement, DP&L will distribute $150,288 in back pay to 123 applicants.

Fast food fattens Yum!'s bottom line

LOUISVILLE - Fast-food giant Yum! Brands Inc. said Wednesday that first-quarter earnings rose 21 percent. The parent of Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and KFC also raised its earnings-per-share projection for the year.

Correction: Lower profit; no loss

Convergys Corp. and First Financial Bancorp reported first-quarter earnings Tuesday that showed profits lower than in the first quarter of 2003; they did not report losses. A headline in Wednesday's Business section was incorrect.