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U.S. Stocks Trim Gains; Merger Deals of $7 Billion

Bikram Pandey
05 Dec, 2011
New York City

U.S. stocks trimmed gains as European leaders prepared for a summit on Friday that may accelerate the fiscal integration in the euro zone. Italy and Ireland propose austerity measures as bond yield edge lower in the region. In merger news $7 billion of deals were announced.

U.S. Movers: Alexander & Baldwin, Dollar General, ITC, SuccessFactors

Mukesh Buch
05 Dec, 2011
New York City

Alexander & Baldwin plan to separate in to two independent publicly traded companies. Dollar General said third quarter net soared 34% to $171.2 mn. Entergy Corp. agreed to merge its electricity transmission business with ITC. SuccessFactors agreed to be acquired by SAP America, Inc. for $3.4 bn.

UK Services Growth Improves; Michael Page Plunges 10%

Arthi Gupta
05 Dec, 2011
New York City

The UK indexes climbed on euro area optimism. The UK service sector growth improved in November and manufacturing industry association lowered its estimate for the growth in the sector to 0.9% from the previous forecast of 2.2%. Aberdeen Asset Management Plc fiscal year 2011 net surged 83%.

U.S. Indexes Higher; Equity Residential Buys Stake in Archstone

Arthi Gupta
05 Dec, 2011
New York City

The U.S. indexes futures edged higher after positive developments in Europe. The Italian Parliament is expected to approve

Japan Extends Rally; Fast Retailing Up

Nigel Thomas
05 Dec, 2011
New York City

Stocks in Japan extended gains of the last week. Investors bid up export sensitive stocks on the hopes that the European leaders will have a plan to ready ahead of the summit later in the week. Fast Retailing Co jumped 4.5% after November same store sales declined 1% from a year ago.

Euro Zone Retail Sales Improve; Spanish Output Falls

Arthi Gupta
05 Dec, 2011
New York City

Euro zone retail sales rebounded but Spanish industrial production fell in October. Euro area investor sentiment weakened in December and private sector economy contracted in November. Finland said gross domestic product rose 0.9% in the third quarter.

6-day Rally in Australian Stocks; Aston, Whitehaven Coal Talk Merger

Marcus Jacob
05 Dec, 2011
New York City

Australian indexes rallied for the sixth day and lifted gain in the period to 8%. Market sentiment was positive ahead of the RBA meeting tomorrow. Aston Resources confirmed merger talks with Whitehaven Coal. Aquila Resources won approval to build a rail line to transport iron ore in Pilbara region.

Italy Unveils

Arthi Gupta
05 Dec, 2011
New York City

European indexes edged higher after the Italian Prime Minister Monti announced a

Strongest Weekly Rally in World Markets Since 2009

Bikram Pandey
02 Dec, 2011
New York City

U.S. stocks closed nearly unchanged in a week when broader indexes gained 7.4%. The unemployment rate declined to 8.6% after retailers and temporary staffing services added staff. World markets are increasingly factoring weakness in the euro zone for the next two quarters.

Japan Plans Fourth Extra Budget; Shippers Edge Lower

Nigel Thomas
02 Dec, 2011
New York City

Stocks in Tokyo trading extended gains in the week and the Nikkei index in the week added 5.9%. Shipping companies struggled for the third week in a row. Japanese government plans fourth additional budget in the current year.

U.S. Movers: Aeropostale, Costco, Guess, Movado, Synopsys, Talbots

Mukesh Buch
01 Dec, 2011
New York City

Costco net sales in November rose 11% to $7.5 billion. Guess third quarter net fell 4% to $66.3 million. Gildan Activewear third quarter net increased to $56.8 million. PVH third quarter increased rose to $112.2 million. Talbots said third quarter net loss of $22.04 million.

U.S. Movers: Big Lots, Lululemon, Ulta Salon, Royal Bank of Canada, Zumiez

Mukesh Buch
02 Dec, 2011
New York City

Big Lots third quarter net slipped to $4.2 million. Lululemon third quarter net increased to $38.8 million. Royal Bank of Canada fourth quarter net increased to $1.6 billion. Bank of Nova Scotia fourth quarter net increased to $1.24 billion.

UK Construction Slows; RBS Sells Pubs Business

Arthi Gupta
02 Dec, 2011
New York City

The UK indexes climbed more than 1% and extended nearly 9% in the last six days. The UK construction activity eased in November. SABMiller plans to acquire all of the shares in Foster''s Group.

U.S. Jobless Rate at 8.6%; Higher Chain Stores Sales

Arthi Gupta
02 Dec, 2011
New York City

The U.S. indexes traded higher after retailers reported better than expected comparable-store sales and jobless rate dropped to 8.6% in November. Rising retail sales and auto sales were yet another confirmation that consumers are ready to spend more.

Australian Banks Downgraded; Stocks in 5-day Rally

Marcus Jacob
02 Dec, 2011
New York City

Australian stocks gained for the fifth day in a row as commodities markets trade higher. Investors ignore the latest downgrade of the four largest banks in Australia. Rio Tinto plans to spend $3.3 billion to modernize its aluminum plant in British Columbia.

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