Afternoon odd lots

Port increases: September was another huge month at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. The number of loaded import containers was up by 11.9 percent from a year earlier, while the export container count rose by 17.3 percent. L.A. provided much of the strength, according to Jack Kyser at the Economic Development Corp.

Amgen earnings: The Thousand Oaks biotech company reports a 14 percent increase in third-quarter profits (better than analysts estimates), thanks to higher-than-expected sales of its anemia drug Aranesp.

Walmart retreating: L.A. expansion might have to wait. The Bentonville, Ark.-based retailer told analysts that it would be opening newer new stores next year, although the company still says it's committed to growth.

Baseball ratings: Fox recovered in Game 2 of the World Series Sunday night, with an average of 18.2 million viewers. Saturday's opening game, with an average 12.8 viewers, was the lowest-rated first game of a World Series ever. The guarantee of at least five games apparently has averted total ratings disaster.