Such a merger would create not just a larger drug chain, but a new health care provider with considerable purchasing clout in the pharmaceuticals marketplace.

In the midst of plans for a controversial mega-merger with one of its chief competitors, Anthem Inc. is doing even better than expected. The health insurance giant reported a 4 percent profit increase in the third quarter, exceeding what industry analysts anticipated.

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority has ordered 5 firms to pay more than $18 million in restitution to customers.

According to the 2015 Mid-Year Economic Report, published by the National Small Business Association (NSBA), small businesses have a less positive outlook on the overall economy than they did six months ago, despite the fact that the economy, overall, remains strong. "Small businesses continue to struggle with hiring and garnering...