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European Markets Advance 1%; Aegon, Fraport, Lafarge in Focus

Devan Biswas
17 Feb, 2012
New York City

European markets gained on the optimism that ministers will approve the entire bailout at the next meeting. Indexes in Germany, France and Italy led the region and gained for the third week in a row. Aegon earnings plunged on restructuring charges. Frankfurt airport strike disrupts regional traffic.

U.S. Movers: Applied Materials, Campbell Soup, Enbridge, Heinz, Nordstrom

Mukesh Buch
17 Feb, 2012
New York City

Applied Materials first quarter net slumped to $117 million. Campbell Soup second quarter net slipped to $205 million. H. J. Heinz third quarter net increased to $284.7 million. Nordstrom fourth quarter net increased to $236 million.

Nikkei Jumps 1.6%; Uny Proposes Circle K Buyout

Nigel Thomas
17 Feb, 2012
New York City

Stocks in Tokyo closed higher and extended rally in the benchmark indexes to double digits in the year. The Nikkei index gained 1.6% today and closed up 11% in the year. Uny offered to acquire the rest of Circle K Sunkus Co shares for nearly $1 billion.

ANZ Declares Record Profit; Pacific Brands Loss Widens

Marcus Jacob
17 Feb, 2012
New York City

Australian stocks closed lower for the third week in a row. In trading today, banks gained after ANZ reported cash profit of $1.48 billion and net profit and the bank refused to lower mortgage rates. Pacific Brands reported higher loss.

Nasdaq at 10-Year High; S&P Races Ahead

Bikram Pandey
16 Feb, 2012
New York City

U.S. stocks advanced and popular indexes reached near highs of the decade after the latest data on manufacturing, housing and jobless claims stoked enthusiasm. Investors also noted willingness of the European Central Bank and Germany to push through Greek bailout at the next meeting next week.

Wall Street Higher on Stronger Housing Starts, Lower Jobless Claims

Nichole Harper
16 Feb, 2012
New York City

U.S. stocks traded higher after investors focused on domestic economic data and overlooked gathering storms in Europe. Banks faced another round of downgrade. General Motors reported large annual income but quarterly profits were hurt by European operations.

Banks Lead European Indexes Lower; ABB Falls on Earnings

Devan Biswas
16 Feb, 2012
New York City

European markets eased on the renewed worries linked to Greek bailout and fresh downward view on European banks from a credit opinion firm. Fraport AG, the operator of Frankfurt airport faces a union strike that may cancel 10% of flights as early as today.

U.S. Movers: Apache, ABB, Devon Energy, GM, NetApp, J. M. Smucker

Mukesh Buch
16 Feb, 2012
New York City

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Nikkei Struggles in Japan; Olympus Executives Arrested

Nigel Thomas
16 Feb, 2012
New York City

The Nikkei index in Japan closed lower as Greek negotiations drag on and oil prices rise. However, metals and other commodities edged lower. Three former executives of Olympus were arrested by Tokyo police for the accounting scandal.

Australian Index Falls 1.7%; Westpac, Wesfarmers Down on Earnings

Marcus Jacob
16 Feb, 2012
New York City

Australian stocks faced selling pressure after Westpac Bank reported weaker than anticipated earnings. Investors took the latest monthly decline in unemployment in stride. Weak copper prices also dragged resource sector. Wesfarmers reported flat net income growth.

Heightened Greek Rhetoric; Oil Spikes on Iran, Israel Duel

Bikram Pandey
15 Feb, 2012
New York City

Markets in U.S. and Europe traded lower after euro zone ministers delayed the decision on Greek bailout. The European Central Bank is prepared to distribute its profit on Greek bonds to facilitate debt swap. Iran and Israel are locked in deadly embrace that holds hostage oil prices.

Wall Street Declines, Factory Production Rises

Nichole Harper
15 Feb, 2012
New York City

U.S indexes traded sideways after industrial production was unchanged. Factory production increased 0.7% and mining and utility output declined in January. Regional survey of New York indicated expanding manufacturing.

European Markets Await Greek Decision; Heineken Net Falls

Devan Biswas
15 Feb, 2012
New York City

European markets traded sideways as Greek bailout decision got delayed one more time. European leaders urged China to participate in the euro zone bailout funds along with Russia and other oil rich nations. Heineken 2011 earnings fall.

U.S. Movers: Comcast, Deere, Kellogg, MetLife, Scana

Mukesh Buch
15 Feb, 2012
New York City

Comcast fourth quarter net increased 26% to $1.29 billion. Deere & Co. first quarter net increased 4% to $533 million. Kellogg agreed to acquire Pringles business of P&G for $2.7 billion. MetLife fourth quarter net surged to $1.13 billion.

Topix in Japan at 6-month High; Yen at 14-week Low

Nigel Thomas
15 Feb, 2012
New York City

Stocks in Tokyo closed higher for the second row in a row following the expanded asset purchase program by the Bank of Japan. The yen dropped to a 16-week low and export sensitive companies traded higher. Tokio Marine soared 6% after it retained its annual net income outlook.

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