Saturday, February 13, 2010
International Headline News
TOP STORIES as of 0900 HKT -- 14 February, 2010
OFFENSIVE AGAINST TALIBAN MAKING PROGRESS
Two coalition soldiers have died in the offensive against the
Taliban in southern Afghanistan, NATO says, but overall is off
to a promising start
> CHANGES COMING TO DEADLY LUGE TRACK
The luge track on which a Georgian athlete died during an
Olympic training run will reopen Saturday after officials found
it had no deficiencies, the Vancouver Olympic committee and
International Luge Federation said.
> PRINCESS DIANA REVEALING LETTERS ON SALE
More than 30 letters and cards written by the late Princess
Diana were up for auction Saturday in London, revealing personal
details such as how she liked to open presents early and that
she had trouble coping with media attention.
> EIGHT KILLED IN INDIA BAKERY 'BOMB' BLAST
A explosion Saturday at a bakery in the western Indian city of
Pune killed at least eight people and injured 33 others,
authorities said.
> SKI-JUMPER WINS FIRST GOLD OF OLYMPICS
Switzerland's Simon Ammann claimed the first gold medal of the
2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver when he won the opening men's
ski-jumping event on Saturday.
> TOYOTA RECALLS 8,000 TRUCKS OVER GLITCH
Toyota announced a voluntary safety recall of about 8,000
four-wheel-drive Tacoma trucks in North America, citing
potential production defects in the front drive shaft of certain
2010 models.
> SUU KYI AIDE RELEASED IN MYANMAR
A senior leader of the party of Myanmar pro-democracy leader
Aung San Suu Kyi was released Saturday night at the end of his
six-year house arrest.
> IRAQI MILITANT BLASTS UPCOMING ELECTIONS
A Sunni extremist leader has denounced the upcoming Iraqi
national elections and warned of insurgent acts against the
Shiite-led government.
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BUSINESS
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> GOOGLE 'OPTIMISTIC' IT WON'T LEAVE CHINA
Google co-founder Sergey Brin said he's optimistic that his
search engine will not have to pull out of China over hacking
and censorship issues.
> EUROZONE ECONOMIC RECOVERY FALTERS
The eurozone's economic recovery faltered late last year as a
strong performance by France failed to offset stagnation in
Germany and contraction in Italy and Spain reports Eurostat, the
European Union's statistics office.
> REPORT SLAMS EUROSTAR FOR XMAS CHAOS
An independent report out Friday slammed Eurostar for the fiasco
that saw thousands of passengers stranded before Christmas when
winter weather hit the English Channel Tunnel.
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Friday, February 12, 2010
Markets, Friday, 02/12/2010
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| Dow : 10099.14 down 45.05 | S & P : 1075.51 down 2.96
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| NASDAQ: 2183.53 up 6.12 | Bond (10Y): 3.69%, 99.44
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MARKETS:
Dow slides on China worries
Stocks retreat after China boosts bank reserves again, and European
economic growth misses forecasts. But gains earlier in the week mean
market breaks 4-week losing streak.
Stocks finish mixed, with blue chips sliding on concerns about China. Dow ends down 34 points, S&P dips 0.2%, but Nasdaq gains 0.3%.
Stocks finish mixed, with blue chips sliding on concerns about China.
Dow ends down 34 points, S&P dips 0.2%, but Nasdaq gains 0.3%.
U.S. stocks drop as China, EU spur global worries
U.S.STOCKS DROP AS CHINA, EU SPUR GLOBAL WORRIES
U.S. stocks sink Friday as concerns about global growth spread in the
wake of a report showing sluggish fourth-quarter economic growth in
the euro zone and a move by China to tighten lending.
STOCKS IN FOCUS FOR FRIDAY
Among the companies whose shares are expected to see active trade in
Friday's session are Ingersoll-Rand, Agilent and Duke Energy.
STOCKS IN EUROPE LOWER AFTER DATA, CHINA HIKE
Stocks in Europe ended lower Friday, snapping a four-session run of
gains, hit by weak data out of the euro zone and more signs that China
is acting to cool its economy.
JAPAN, CHINA STOCKS LEAD ASIA MARKETS HIGHER
Asian equity markets end mostly higher Friday after a strong finish on Wall
Street, with resource sector stocks in China, Japan and Australia lifted by a
rise in commodity prices overnight.
WHAT FALLING CONSUMER SENTIMENT TELLS US
This morning's report of an unexpectedly big drop in consumer
sentiment may not be something about which to jump up and down for
joy. But it's not terrible news either.
Consumer sentiment falls in February as Americans grow more pessimistic about economy
Consumer sentiment falls in February as Americans grow more
pessimistic about economy
02/12/2010 10:03:33 AM EDT
Energy: U.S. stocks sharply off on China tightening fears
U.S. stocks open sharply lower Friday, led by the materials sector as
an increase in China's deposit-reserve ratio reignites concerns about
how demand for commodities might be impacted by tightening in China.
Dow Industrials fall below 10,000 as China banking moves sparks sharp market declines
Dow Industrials fall below 10,000 as China banking moves sparks sharp
market declines
02/12/2010 09:44:14 AM EDT
Stocks open sharply lower after a move to limit growth by China's central bank rattles investors. Dow plunges 100 points.
Stocks open sharply lower after a move to limit growth by China's
central bank rattles investors. Dow plunges 100 points.
Retail sales rose 0.5% in January, U.S. says - better than economists expected.
Retail sales rose 0.5% in January, U.S. says - better than economists expected.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Markets, Thursday, 02/11/2010
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| Dow : 10144.19 up 105.81 | S & P : 1078.47 up 10.34
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| NASDAQ: 2177.41 up 29.54 | Bond (10Y): 3.72%, 99.19
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
MARKETS:
Dow gains 100 points as Greek debt fears ebb
A bigger-than-expected drop in weekly jobless claims also contributes
to Wall Street's advance.
Stocks finish higher on the EU pledge to aid Greece and a drop in jobless claims. Dow rises 107 points, Nasdaq climbs 1.4%.
Stocks finish higher on the EU pledge to aid Greece and a drop in
jobless claims. Dow rises 107 points, Nasdaq climbs 1.4%.
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Thursday's biggest gaining and declining stocks
Thursday's biggest gaining and declining stocks
:
Among the companies whose shares were seeing significant action in
Thursday's trading were Alcatel-Lucent, Boston Scientific, BT Group
and Glu Mobile.
COMMERCIAL LOAN LOSSES COULD THREATEN SYSTEM: COP
Over the next few years, a wave of commercial real-estate loan
failures couldthreaten America's financial system, and in the worst
case scenario, hundredsof additional community and midsize banks could
face insolvency, a congressional watchdog group says.
JOBLESS CLAIMS FALL BY BIGGEST AMOUNT SINCE JULY
First-time filings for state unemployment benefits drop by their
largest amountsince July, adding to evidence that the ailing labor
market may have begun to heal.
CHEVRON, REPSOL WIN ACCESS TO VENEZUELA OIL
Foreign companies will hold 40% of rights in Orinoco fields.
PHILIP MORRIS POSTS HIGHER PROFIT, SETS BUYBACK
Earnings benefit from pricing action, market-share growth.
Home prices slid another 12% during 2009, with the national median price hitting $173,200, says Realtors' group.
Home prices slid another 12% during 2009, with the national median
price hitting $173,200, says Realtors' group.
Stocks open modestly lower as investors remain jittery about global debt worries. Dow slips 11 points.
Stocks open modestly lower as investors remain jittery about global
debt worries. Dow slips 11 points.
Number of people filing for first-time unemployment benefits fell 43,000 to 440,000 last week - fewer than economists expected.
Number of people filing for first-time unemployment benefits fell
43,000 to 440,000 last week - fewer than economists expected.
Deal reached on aid package for Greece: E.U. president
Deal reached on aid package for Greece: E.U. president
02/11/2010 07:19:49 AM EDT
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
International Headline News
TOP STORIES as of 0900 HKT -- 11 February, 2010
> IRAQ ORDERS FORMER BLACKWATER CONTRACTORS OUT
Iraq has ordered former employees of the private military
contractor once known as Blackwater to leave the country within
seven days, its interior minister said.
> GREEK WORKERS STRIKE OVER CUTS
Angry Greek workers walked off the job for 24-hours Wednesday to
protest against spending cuts the government claims are vital in
tackling national debt.
> HAITI SUPERMARKET RESCUES CALLED OFF
Search-and-rescue efforts at a supermarket in Haiti's capital
have ended after teams determined no one else was alive beneath
the rubble, an official told CNN Wednesday.
> HAITIANS CANCEL CARNIVAL CELEBRATION
In the central plaza, there was once an orgy of music, street
dancing and revelry unmatched by any other nation in the
Americas, Haitians say.
> HEAVY SNOW BATTERS EASTERN U.S.
Blizzard warnings are posted for the Washington metro area, New
York and other major Northeastern cities were under a blizzard
warning Wednesday morning.
> UK TOLD TO PUBLISH ALLEGED TORTURE FILE
The British government was ordered to publish previously secret
information Wednesday about the alleged torture of a former
British detainee by U.S. authorities.
> ARGENTINE DICTATOR TRIED ON 'DIRTY WAR'
Prosecutors asked Wednesday for a 25-year sentence for
Argentina's last dictator, who is on trial on charges that he
violated human rights during his 17-month rule in the early
1980s.
> OPPOSITION: VIRTUAL INFO BLOCKADE IN IRAN
Iran authorities impose an information blockade as opposition
leaders urge supporters to take to the streets on the 31st
anniversary of the founding of the Islamic Republic.
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BUSINESS
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> TOYOTA: 'WE FAILED TO CONNECT THE DOTS'
In his most complete explanation of the problems that beleaguer
Toyota, the company president said "we failed to connect the
dots" with accelerator problems in the United States and Europe.
> HONDA EXPANDS AIRBAG RECALL
Honda has expanded an airbag recall worldwide, covering 2001 and
2002 Accord, Civic, Odyssey, CR-V, and selected 2002 Acura TL
vehicles, the automaker said.
> CHINA NOW THE WORLD'S TOP EXPORTER
China overtook Germany last year to become world export
champion, official figures confirmed on Tuesday.
Markets, Wednesday, 02/10/2010
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| Dow : 10038.38 down 20.26 | S & P : 1068.13 down 2.39
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| NASDAQ: 2147.87 down 3.00 | Bond (10Y): 3.68%, 97.44
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MARKETS:
Stocks dip on Bernanke plan, Europe worries
Market trims bigger losses, but remains choppy as optimism about a
possible bailout for Greece is tempered by a rising dollar and Fed
chief tighter money outline.
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Breaking News: Former U.S. Rep. Charlie Wilson dies
LUFKIN, Texas (AP) - A hospital spokeswoman says former Rep. Charlie
Wilson of Texas, who pushed U.S. officials to arm the Afghan
mujahedeen to fight Soviet occupation forces, has died at the age of
76. Tom Hanks portrayed Wilson in the 2007 movie "Charlie Wilson's
War," which chronicled his efforts.
Senate jobs bill snagged by snow
Congressional plans to move a job-creation bill this week hit a snag
as the second major winter storm in less than a week slams the
nation's capital and shuts down the Senate.
Bernanke: Exit timing to depend on data
BERNANKE: EXIT TIMING TO DEPEND ON DATA
Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said in a statement Wednesday
the timing of the exit from the historically low interest rates would
depend on economic conditions but the Fed would be ready to do so.
DOLLAR UP AS BERNANKE HINTS AT DISCOUNT-RATE HIKE
The U.S. dollar extended gains versus the euro and reversed a loss
against the Japanese yen on Wednesday after Federal Reserve Chairman
Ben Bernanke said the central bank may raise its discount rate before
the more closely-watched target interest rate.
BERNANKE FEARS TOO LITTLE GROWTH, NOT TOO MUCH
For Fed chief Ben Bernanke, the problem is not too much growth, but not enough.
U.S. STOCKS FALL FURTHER ON BERNANKE'S EXIT PLAN
U.S. stocks deepen their losses after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben
Bernanke outlined, in written testimony, tools the central bank could
use when it decides to tighten credit.
N.Y. TIMES NET RISES; CEO IS CAUTIOUS ON ADS
The stock tumbles amid the publisher's cautious outlook about advertising
conditions.
Bernanke says economy still needs low rate policy
Bernanke says economy still needs low rate policy
02/10/2010 10:03:26 AM EDT
Bernanke: Economy still requires support, but Federal Reserve is ready to ease its policies to help bolster lending when appropriate.
Bernanke: Economy still requires support, but Federal Reserve is ready
to ease its policies to help bolster lending when appropriate.
Stocks open lower as investors await latest news on a potential rescue plan for Europe's debt-ridden nations. Dow slips 20 points.
Stocks open lower as investors await latest news on a potential rescue
plan for Europe's debt-ridden nations. Dow slips 20 points.
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Markets,Tuesday, 02/9/2010
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| Dow : 10058.64 up 150.25 | S & P : 1070.52 up 13.78
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| NASDAQ: 2150.87 up 24.82 | Bond (10Y): 3.64%, 97.78
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MARKETS:
Stocks rally on Greek bailout hopes
Wall Street charges ahead as investors bet European officials will
take steps to help the nation cut its debt.
Dow ends up 150 points, biggest gain in more than a month and topping 10,000, amid talk of resolving Greek debt crisis.
Dow ends up 150 points, biggest gain in more than a month and topping
10,000, amid talk of resolving Greek debt crisis.
Touting jobs, green lobbies push for federal help
The alternative-energy business is poised to continue growing in 2010
and add thousands of new jobs if Washington policy-makers broaden
government-support programs, lobbyists say.
Dow industrials surge more than 220 points as Wall Street rally accelerates on renewed optimism. Nasdaq, S&P 500 jump 2%.
Dow industrials surge more than 220 points as Wall Street rally
accelerates on renewed optimism. Nasdaq, S&P 500 jump 2%.
Energy: Canadian stocks rise led by metals, energy
Toronto's S&P/TSX composite index gains 0.8% as commodity prices
rise amid hopes that the European Union will come to the rescue of
Greece.
Markets extend rally after report of German aid to Greece
Markets extend rally after report of German aid to Greece
02/09/2010 12:09:59 PM EDT
U.S. stocks surge on possibility of Greek rescue
U.S. STOCKS SURGE ON POSSIBILITY OF GREEK RESCUE
U.S. stocks rally broadly Tuesday on mounting hopes that the European
Union might be considering a rescue package for Greece.
TOYOTA RECALLS ANOTHER 400,000 VEHICLES WORLDWIDE
Toyota Motor Corp. announces another recall involving about 400,000
vehicles worldwide -- most of them Prius hybrids -- due to potential
safety issues related to their braking systems.
YOUR CAR COMPUTER MAY KILL YOU
As more research is done into the recall of certain Toyota vehicles,
the more likely it is that the sudden-acceleration phenomenon may
actually be a software glitch.
ECB FLIGHT CHANGE BOOSTS GREEK RESCUE SPECULATION
Analysts say news Tuesday that the European Central Bank president
will return early from Australia to attend a meeting of European Union
leaders in Brussels is providing the euro and financial markets with a
lift.
Dow surges more than 100 points at the open as global debt worries ease. Nasdaq jumps more than 1%, S&P 500 edges higher.
Dow surges more than 100 points at the open as global debt worries
ease. Nasdaq jumps more than 1%, S&P 500 edges higher.
Monday, February 08, 2010
Markets, Monday, 02/8/2010
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| Dow : 9908.39 down 103.84 | S & P : 1056.74 down 9.45 |
| NASDAQ: 2126.05 down 15.07 | Bond (10Y): 3.56%, 98.44
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MARKETS:
Debt fears drag Dow below 10,000
Wall Street struggles on continued worries about European debt and the
economic outlook.
Dow ends below 10,000 for the first time in more than 3 months, down 103 points on continued worries about the global economy.
Dow ends below 10,000 for the first time in more than 3 months, down
103 points on continued worries about the global economy.
Fashioning rescue not easy for euro zone
FASHIONIING RESCUE NOT EASY FOR EURO ZONE
Investors are pressing for a bailout of Greece and possibly other debt-burdened
southern European nations, but big questions still surround how policymakers
might go about fashioning any such rescue plan, economists said.
CONSUMERS CAUTIOUS, BUT SPENDING
Big businesses are expanding, but will smaller companies follow?
JOB MARKET SHOWS SIGNS OF LIFE -- SORT OF
Cisco says it plans to hire 2,000 to 3,000 people. Wells Fargo will hire 1,400
brokers. General Dollar is creating about 5,000 new jobs. CarMax has 600 store
positions available. Are these the signs of a job market on the rebound? A very
cautious maybe.
EUROPEAN UNION MAY INTERVENE IN GREECE
Greece and the other members of Economic and Monetary Union stand at a perilous
crossroads,
STOCKS IN FOCUS FOR MONDAY
Among the companies whose shares are likely to see active tradfing Monday are
Electronic Arts, CVS Caremark and Hasbro.
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Stocks open lower as investors remain jittery about the state of the global economy. Dow slips 21 points.
Stocks open lower as investors remain jittery about the state of the
global economy. Dow slips 21 points.
