 The planemaker on July 7th agreed in principle to plead guilty to a criminal fraud conspiracy charge. Macy's has scrapped talks with an investor group comprising Ark House Management and Brigade Capital that had offered to acquire the department store chain for $6.9 billion. Back-to-school spending this year is expected to be flat or lower in the United States as shoppers dial down on expensive electronics, things like laptops and personal computers. For the Wall Street Business Report, I'm Bill Alexander in Washington.