Market Update

U.S. Weekly Jobless Claims Drop; Productivity Up

Arthi Gupta
02 Jun, 2011
New York City

U.S. indexes gained after weekly jobless claims fell 6,000 to 422,000 and worker productivity increased more than estimated in the first quarter. Marathon Oil acquired Hilcorp

Greek Debt Rated Junk, Spain Raises

Arthi Gupta
02 Jun, 2011
New York City

The European indexes slumped after a ratings agency cut credit rating of Greece to junk status with a negative outlook. Spain sold

Spain's Jobless Rate Falls 1.9%; German Exports Up 18.8%

Arthi Gupta
02 Jun, 2011
New York City

The unemployment in Spain declined at a faster pace in May. German exports increased 18.8% in the first quarter. Romanian producer price inflation eased to 9.6% in April. The Hungarian trade surplus improved in March.

Sensex in India Falls 0.6%; Hero Honda Sales Up 15%

Devan Biswas
02 Jun, 2011
New York City

Stocks in Mumbai trading closed lower following a weakness in Asian markers. The global economic slowdown worries dragged Asian markets between 1.2% and 2.3%. In addition, the latest read on wholesale inflation did not show any significant improvements.

Nikkei in Tokyo Falls 1.7%; Political Worries Add to Global Uncertainties

Nigel Thomas
02 Jun, 2011
New York City

Stocks in Tokyo plunged tracking a market route in Asia. Global economic worries compounded the ongoing political uncertainties in Japan. Prime Minister Naoto Kan survived no-confidence motion only after he offered to resign after nuclear disaster is under control.

Australian Index Drops 2.3%, April Retail Sales Up 1.1%

Marcus Jacob
02 Jun, 2011
New York City

Australian benchmark index plunged following a weakness in Asia and tracking losses in overnight trading in New York. Markets in Asia dropped between 1% and 2%. Global economic slowdown worries trumped the ongoing euro-zone debt worries. April retail sales in Australia increased 1.1%.

U.S. Indexes Down 2% on Global Economic Slowdown

Bikram Pandey
01 Jun, 2011
New York City

U.S. indexes declined after a string weak economic data. The S&P 500 index, the Dow and the Nasdaq fell more than 2%. General Motors auto sales in May declined 1.2% and Ford sales dropped 2.4%. Global markets face slowing growth in Asia, uneven recovery in the U.S. and weak economies in Europe.

U.S. Movers: Dollar General, EnerSys, Phillips-Van Heusen, Sealed Air

Mukesh Buch
01 Jun, 2011
New York City

Dollar General first quarter net income increased 15% to $157 million. EnerSys fourth quarter net earnings grew to $30.1 million. Phillips-Van Heusen first quarter net income was $57.7 million. VimpelCom first quarter net income surged 55% to $589.7 million.

UK Mortgage Approvals at 4-Month Low; Manufacturing Index Falls

Arthi Gupta
01 Jun, 2011
New York City

The UK mortgage approvals fell, gross lending improved and M4 money supply declined in April. Manufacturing index fell more than estimated in May. Kennedy Wilson Holdings surged 4.1% after acquisition of Bank of Ireland Real Estate Investment Management.

Sensex in India Up; Auto Sales Rise, Exports Soar 34%

Devan Biswas
01 Jun, 2011
New York City

Stocks in Mumbai trading closed higher after the release of auto sales. The sales at Tata Motors, Maruti Suzuki and TVS Motor increased less than expected. April exports increased 34% and imports rose 14% and deficit in the month declined 18%.

U.S. Stocks Lower on Weak Private Jobs, Manufacturing Growth

Arthi Gupta
01 Jun, 2011
New York City

U.S. indexes traded lower after private sector added 38,000 jobs in May, less than estimated. U.S. manufacturing expansion decelerated at the fastest pace in 27 years and construction spending highlighted the ongoing drag on the economy. Sealed Air agreed to buy Diversey Holdings for $4.3 billion.

Nikkei Index Extends Gains; Solar Energy Linked Stocks Up

Nigel Thomas
01 Jun, 2011
New York City

Stocks extended gains for the second day in a row but the gains were muted. Resources linked stocks closed higher on a rise in commodities and metals prices. Automakers led the gainers. Solar energy linked stocks gained on the prospect of higher government commitment.

Australian GDP Shrinks 1.2% on Weather; Fortescue Chief Resigns

Marcus Jacob
01 Jun, 2011
New York City

Devastating weather dragged the economy in the first quarter. The GDP shrank 1.2%, first decline since the fourth quarter of 2008 and exports plunged 8.7%, the largest fall in 37 years. The dollar gained. Fortescue Metals chief executive Andrew Forrest resigned.

European Indexes Lower; Schneider Offers $2 Billion for Telvent

Arthi Gupta
01 Jun, 2011
New York City

European indexes slid after manufacturing growth in China slowed. Greece remained in focus. France-based Schneider Electric agreed to acquire Telvent for $2 billion. Intact Financial offered C$2.6 billion for AXA Canada. Lenovo agreed to buy Germany''s Medion for

Euro Area Manufacturing Growth Falls; French Unemployment Falls

Arthi Gupta
01 Jun, 2011
New York City

Manufacturing sector growth declined in the euro area with the growth in Germany slumping to a seven-month low in May. Swiss retail turnover growth accelerated in April. French unemployment fell in the first quarter.