Market Update

UK Confidence Drops and Auto Production Rises 5.8%

Arthi Gupta
19 Jan, 2012
New York City

The UK indexes climbed ahead of earnings in financial sector and consumer confidence fell and Irish inflation eased in December. The UK auto production rose 5.8% in 2011. Lloyds is expected to cut 700 jobs in the UK.

U.S. Indexes Rise on Economic Data; BofA Swings to Profit

Arthi Gupta
19 Jan, 2012
New York City

The U.S. indexes traded higher on upbeat economic data but housing starts fell to annual rate of 657,000 and consumer prices remained unchanged in December. Weekly jobless claims fell to 352,000. Morgan Stanley swung to loss.

Euro Area Deficit Narrows; German Economic Outlook Bleak

Arthi Gupta
19 Jan, 2012
New York City

Euro area deficit narrowed in November and the German economy estimated to expand 1% in 2012. Dutch confidence remained flat in January and Norwegian banks tightened credit standards for businesses and consumers in the fourth quarter of 2011.

Spain Raises

Arthi Gupta
19 Jan, 2012
New York City

European markets rose after yields fell at a French bond auction and Spain raised

Australia Struggled to Add New Jobs in 2011

Marcus Jacob
19 Jan, 2012
New York City

Australian economy struggled to add new jobs in 2011, its worst annual performance in nearly two decades. The unemployment rate was flat at 5.2% in December after employers cut net 29,300 jobs. Insurance stocks led the decliners in trading today.

Markets Edge Higher on IMF Hopes, World Bank Cautious

Bikram Pandey
18 Jan, 2012
New York City

U.S. stocks traded higher on the hopes that earnings from industrial and financial services companies will exceed expectations. The World Bank lowered its assessment of global economic outlook and the IMF plans to ask between $500 billion and $1 trillion to combat debt contagion in Europe.

Nikkei Rebounds 1%; Machine Tools Orders Soar 15%

Nigel Thomas
18 Jan, 2012
New York City

Stocks in Tokyo gained after factory equipment orders increased 15% in November. Tokyo Electric Power said it will increase rates for business customers by 17%.

UK Unemployment at 16-Year High; Tullow Plunges 5%

Arthi Gupta
18 Jan, 2012
New York City

The UK indexes climbed. The UK jobless rate surged to a record high since 1995. Irish surplus increased in November. BHP Billiton reported record quarterly iron ore output.

U.S. Movers: Amphenol, Fastenal, Goldman Sachs, Schwab, U.S. Bancorp

Mukesh Buch
18 Jan, 2012
New York City

Fastenal fourth quarter net soared 34.2% to $87.5 million. Goldman Sachs fourth quarter net declined 56% to $978 million. Charles Schwab fourth quarter net soared 30% to $163 million. U.S. Bancorp fourth quarter net soared 38.6% to $1.3 billion.

U.S. Producer Prices Drop 0.1%; Goldman Sachs Net Falls 58%

Arthi Gupta
18 Jan, 2012
New York City

The U.S. indexes gained after Goldman Sachs quarterly profit exceeded estimates. U.S. mortgage applications soared 23% last week and producer prices declined 0.1% in December. Jerry Yang, co-founder of Yahoo resigned from its board.

Germany Lowers Growth Estimate to 0.7%; Swiss Sentiment Improves

Arthi Gupta
18 Jan, 2012
New York City

Construction production in the euro area recovered and Italian trade deficit narrowed in November. Germany lowered its 2012 growth outlook and Swiss sentiment improved to a seven-month high in January.

Australian Stocks Extend Gains; BHP Iron Ore Out Put Up 23%

Marcus Jacob
18 Jan, 2012
New York City

Australian stocks extended gains and traded at a 5-week high for the second day in a row. BHP Billiton said iron ore production in the half year to December increased 23% to 80.6 million tons.

IMF Plans $1 Trillion Boost; Yields Drop in German, Portugal Auctions

Arthi Gupta
18 Jan, 2012
New York City

European markets edged higher and Greece is set to demand cuts from private lenders. Germany sold

World Markets Trade Higher; Gold Gains 1.4%

Bikram Pandey
17 Jan, 2012
New York City

U.S. stocks traded higher but financials were volatile after Citigroup reported a decline in earnings net income and Wells Fargo posted record profit on mortgage lending. Market sentiment in Europe was bolstered after demand for European debt was stronger than anticipated despite ratings downgrades.

Construction Stocks Surge in Tokyo Trading; Nikkei Up 1.1%

Nigel Thomas
17 Jan, 2012
New York City

Stocks in Tokyo trading gained and the Nikkei index increased 1.1% on the strong surge in building contractors. Japan may approve additional budget of 2.5 trillion to expand rebuilding of earthquake stricken areas.