Market Update

Nikkei in Tokyo Trim Gains; Trade Balance Swung to Surplus

Nigel Thomas
22 Mar, 2012
New York City

Stocks in Tokyo faced selling in the final hour after Chinese manufacturing declined for the fifth month in a row. Japan exports declined less than expected and trade balance swung to a surplus in February.

Australian Banks Lift Broader Indexes; RBA Defense Sound Hollow

Marcus Jacob
22 Mar, 2012
New York City

Australian stocks traded higher and banks rallied on the hopes of lower interest rate in the next few months after a private survey indicated another monthly slowdown in manufacturing in China.

Weak European Indexes; Hermes Hikes Dividend

Arthi Gupta
22 Mar, 2012
New York City

European indexes declined after euro area private sector activity worsened and Chinese manufacturing output fell in March. The UK retail sales dropped more than estimated in February. Hermes proposed a special dividend of

U.S. Sparked World Rally Struggles; Oil, Gold, Copper Higher

Bikram Pandey
21 Mar, 2012
New York City

U.S. stocks struggled after indexes faced a worry wall as investors digest latest housing data. Existing home sales struggled in February and inventory of unsold homes edged lower. Crude oil, copper and gold headed higher.

U.S. Movers: Actuant, Cintas, FRED

Mukesh Buch
21 Mar, 2012
New York City

Actuant second quarter net soared $32.2 million on sales growth. General Mills third quarter international sale soared 51%. Jabil Circuit second quarter net surged 76% to $97.7 million. Krispy Kreme lifted third quarter outlook. Oracle reported record operating margin and third quarter net rose 18%.

February Home Sales Declined 0.9%; U.S. Stocks Struggle

Nichole Harper
21 Mar, 2012
New York City

U.S. stock indexes edged lower and existing home sales declined 0.9% in February. Median home price inched up 0.3% and inventory of unsold homes rose 4.3% to 2.43 million units, 19.3% from a year ago level.

Nikkei Declines 0.6% in Tokyo

Nigel Thomas
21 Mar, 2012
New York City

The Nikkei index in Tokyo edged lower for the first time in six days and declined from a 34-week high. Crude oil edged up and China linked stocks were under pressure on the first day of trading after a national holiday.

Australian Stocks Fall on Weak Retailers, David Jones Net Drops 20%

Marcus Jacob
21 Mar, 2012
New York City

Australian stocks traded lower for the second day in a row after retailer reported weaker than expected profits and resources stocks fell on cautious views from BHP. David Jones estimated full year net income to fall as much as 40% and Kathmandu first half income declined 43%.

European Indexes Rise; Glencore Acquires Viterra for C$6.1 B

Arthi Gupta
21 Mar, 2012
New York City

European indexes gained. German yield rose and Portuguese yields fell after successful bond auctions today. The UK policymakers split on quantitative easing but were unanimous in holding interest rates. Glencore agreed to acquire Canada-based Viterra for C$6.1 billion.

World Markets Pull Back, U.S. Indexes Ease; Oil Down 1%

Bikram Pandey
20 Mar, 2012
New York City

World markets eased as global economic jitters returned after weak economic signals from China and weaker than expected home starts in the U.S. Crude oil fell after Saudi Arabia pledged to increase supply.

U.S. Movers: Amazon.com, Adobe Systems, DSW, Jefferies, Tiffany

Mukesh Buch
20 Mar, 2012
New York City

Amazon.com agreed to acquire Kiva Systems for $775 million in cash. Adobe Systems first quarter net declined 21% to $185.2 million. DSW fourth quarter net soared 173% to $19.4 million. Tiffany fourth quarter net decreased to $178.4 million.

China Worries Drag European Indexes; Spain Sells

Arthi Gupta
20 Mar, 2012
New York City

European indexes fell after economic slowdown in China begins to register in latest data. Greece received the first tranche of new bailout aid. Spain raised

World Markets Edge Lower; U.S. Home Starts Fall

Nichole Harper
20 Mar, 2012
New York City

U.S indexes weakened after world markets indexes declined on the rising concerns about China

BHP, Rio Cautious on Chinese Iron Ore Demand; Australian Stocks Weak

Marcus Jacob
20 Mar, 2012
New York City

Australian stocks edged lower and five-month old rally in stocks appears to be losing steam. Resource stocks were weak after cautious comments at from BHP and Rio Tinto at an industry conference.

S&P 500 at 4-year High; Apple Soars to a New Peak

Bikram Pandey
19 Mar, 2012
New York City

U.S. indexes extend five-month rally and the S&P 500 index closed at a 4-year high. Crude oil, gold and copper traded higher. Apple Inc gained 2% to a new high and announced plans to distribute $45 billion over the next three years.