AP Top Business News At 2:36 a.m. EST

BP says settlement near on US penalties

Foreclosure starts down on annual basis in October

German growth slows to 0.2 pct in 3rd quarter

France avoids recession; GDP up 0.2 pct in Q3

KPN sells German assets for $500 million

Obama presses GOP on taxing rich to avert 'cliff'

World gold demand slips 11 percent in 3Q

Sandy, careful consumers lower US retail sales

Asia stocks fall as talks on US budget deal stall

NY's National Toy Hall of Fame to reveal inductees