Thursday, February 21, 2008
U.S. stocks finish with losses on downbeat economic data
U.S. stocks finish with losses on downbeat economic data
U.S. stocks finish lower, with the major indexes each chalking up losses
of more than 1%, after data highlighting the nation's economic slowdown
sinks early momentum sparked by technology issues.
Metals Stocks: Gold, platinum futures soar to new record highs
Gold futures closed with gains after soaring to a new record high of
$958.40 an ounce Thursday, boosted by weakness in the U.S. dollar and
the metal's appeal as a hedge against inflation.
Crude drops 1.5% as U.S. inventories rise more than expected
Crude-oil futures dropped on Thursday for the first time in six days,
down 1.5% to close near the $98-a-barrel mark, as government data showed
U.S. crude inventories have risen more than expected.
Nestle posts 16% increase in annual profit after raising prices
LONDON
Nestle reports a 16% improvement in 2007 profit as it reaped the
benefits of its increased focus on healthier foods and managed to pass
off higher commodity costs to consumers.
