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UK Retail Sales Flat, Accenture Falls 1%

Arthi Gupta
20 Dec, 2012
New York City

The UK indexes edged modestly higher after retail sales remained flat in November. Weir Group agreed to acquire engineering company Mathena. Accenture quarterly revenues rose 2% to $7.22 billion. HSBC subsidiary agreed to sell its entire 18% stake in Bao Viet for $340 million.

U.S. Jobless Claims Rise, Economy Grew Faster 3.1% in Q3

Arthi Gupta
20 Dec, 2012
New York City

U.S. jobless claims rose and the economy expanded at a faster rate in the third quarter than previously estimated. ARRIS agreed to buy Motorola Home business for $2.35 billion. Knight Capital agreed to be acquired by Getco for $1.4 billion.

Australian Markets Gain, Qantas-Emirate Plan Wins Preliminary Approval

Marcus Jacob
20 Dec, 2012
New York City

The benchmark index in Sydney closed higher and extended gains in the year above 12%. Qantas won a preliminary approval for its cooperation with Emirates for sharing passenger and freight transportation across their networks that could save $150 million a year.

EC Approves Four Spanish Banks Restructuring, BNP Exits Egypt

Arthi Gupta
20 Dec, 2012
New York City

The European Commission approved restructuring plans of four Spanish banks. BNP plans to sell its entire 95% stake in BNP Paribas Egypt S.A.E. to Emirates NBD for $500 million.

German Producer Prices at 4-Month Low, Retail Sales in Italy Falls 1%

Arthi Gupta
20 Dec, 2012
New York City

German producer prices eased to a four-month low in November. Swiss jobless rate rose in the third quarter. Italian retail sales fell in October.

Europe Movers: Aegon, UBS, Ericsson, Symrise, TeliaSonera, Merck

Arthi Gupta
20 Dec, 2012
New York City

Aegon formed strategic partnership with Banco Santander. UBS to face Hong Kong rate manipulation probe. TeliaSonera agreed to divest NextGenTel to Telio for NOK 601 million.

U.S. Stocks Gyrate on Budget Talks, World Markets Advance

Bikram Pandey
19 Dec, 2012
New York City

Market indexes in New York traded lower after protracted budget negotiations took a negative turn. General Motors soared 6% after it plans to repurchase 200 million shares from the U.S. government. Housing starts declined in November. Nikkei index in Tokyo surged 2.4%.

Bank of England Split on Stimulus, BP to Sell Yacheng Gas Field

Arthi Gupta
19 Dec, 2012
New York City

The UK indexes extended global markets gains. BP plc agreed to sell its interest in the Yacheng gas field for $308 million. Balfour Beatty was awarded two major National Grid gas contracts valued at

U.S. Movers: Actuant, FedEx, General Mills, Navistar Intl., Oracle

Mukesh Buch
19 Dec, 2012
New York City

Actuant first quarter net slipped 2% and FedEx second quarter net dropped 12% and reaffirmed fiscal outlook. General Mills second quarter net climbed 22% and lifted guidance. Navistar Intl. said fourth quarter net loss of $2.77 billion. Oracle second quarter net soared 18%.

Treasury to Exit General Motors; Housing Starts Decline but Permits Rise

Arthi Gupta
19 Dec, 2012
New York City

Housing starts fell in November but new building permits and indication of future construction rose. Markel agreed to acquire Alterra for $3.13 billion. Oracle profit rose 18% but FedEx earnings declined 12% in the second quarter.

Nikkei Soars 2.4% on Stimulus Talks and BoJ Expectations

Nigel Thomas
19 Dec, 2012
New York City

The Nikkei index soared 2.4% and crossed 10,000 on the expectations of stimulus budget of as much as $110 billion and the Bank of Japan starts a two-day meeting under an intense political pressure to purse easier monetary policy.

Greek Ratings Upgraded, UBS Settles Libor Probe for $1.5 B

Arthi Gupta
19 Dec, 2012
New York City

The European indexes gained after a rating agency upgraded Greek credit. UBS estimates loss in the fourth quarter on litigation and regulatory charges.

Australian Index Retain Positive Momentum

Marcus Jacob
19 Dec, 2012
New York City

Australian benchmark index closed higher on the rising international markets and improving economic outlook in the euro zone and positive undertone in the U.S. budget negotiations. Resource sector stocks gained after iron prices improved to a 3-month high.

Euro Zone Construction Declines 1.6%, German Confidence Improves

Arthi Gupta
19 Dec, 2012
New York City

Euro area construction output declined in October. German business confidence improved more than anticipated in December. The Dutch economy is set to contract this and next year.

Europe Movers: Axa, freenet, DSM, TUI, UBS, Merck, Swiss Re

Arthi Gupta
19 Dec, 2012
New York City

DSM completed its acquisition of Fortitech for

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