Market Update

U.S. Indexes Fall on China Outlook; Greek Debt Swap in Focus

Arthi Gupta
05 Mar, 2012
New York City

The U.S. indexes traded lower after China lowered its growth outlook to an eight-year low and banks in the euro zone parked most of the recent new cash with the central bank. Investors are uncertain under what conditions credit default swaps on Greek bonds may trigger.

ECB Deposits at Record High; Euro Area Private Sector Contracts

Arthi Gupta
05 Mar, 2012
New York City

Bank deposits at the European Central Bank surged to a record high. Euro area private sector contracted and the French and Italian service sector activity declined in February. Retail sales in the euro area rose unexpectedly in January.

European Indexes Lower, Salzgitter Plunges 7%

Arthi Gupta
05 Mar, 2012
New York City

European indexes fell as uncertainty reigned on the Greek debt swap deal and the credit default swap trigger. China lowered economic growth target in the current year. The euro area private sector contracted and German private sector growth eased in February. Salzgitter plunged 7%.

Weekly Advance Extends U.S. Rally; Gold, Oil Fall

Bikram Pandey
02 Mar, 2012
New York City

U.S. indexes struggled today but extended the weekly advance extending the rally of the last eight weeks. The euro weakened after Spain raised its budget deficit estimate and German retail sales declined. Japan plans to take control of troubled utility Tepco with $12 billion bailout.

Spain Lifts Estimates of Deficit, Unemployment; Greek CDS Trigger in Limbo

Devan Biswas
02 Mar, 2012
New York City

European markets fell after Spain said it will miss its deficit target and European leaders reiterated the March deadline to finalize the size of the rescue fund. Spain estimated higher than expected economic decline of 1.7% and larger than expected deficit of 5.8% and unemployment above 24%.

Wall Street Trends Lower, Oil Volatile; Kodak, Shutterfly in a Deal

Nichole Harper
02 Mar, 2012
New York City

U.S. stocks traded sideways and the Nasaq and the S&P 500 indexes are flirting at highs in several years. Oil was volatile after conflicting reports of a pipeline explosion in Saudi Arabia. Sara Lee said it plans to spin-off its coffee and tea business.

Nikkei at 7-month High; Tepco Agrees to Government Control

Nigel Thomas
02 Mar, 2012
New York City

Japanese stocks traded higher as the weaker yen lifted auto makers and electronics exporters and shipping companies advanced on the hopes of rising freight to Europe. Tepco is said to have agreed to exchange a majority stake in the company for 1 trillion yen from the government.

U.S. Movers: Big Lots, EDGAR Online, Foot Locker, Genesco, Sara Lee

Mukesh Buch
02 Mar, 2012
New York City

Big Lots fourth quarter net increased 7% to $114.7 million. Foot Locker fourth quarter net increased to $81 million. Genesco fourth quarter net increased to $41.5 million. Sara Lee subsidiary DE International files registration to spin off.

Australian Markets Await Rate Decision; Rio Tinto Wins Rail Approval

Marcus Jacob
02 Mar, 2012
New York City

The Australian index gained 0.8% in the week and the dollar eased ahead of central bank rate decision next week. Harvey Norman lowered its online sales expectations only months after its online presence.

Wall Street Gains as Auto Sales Surge; Oil Above $109

Bikram Pandey
01 Mar, 2012
New York City

U.S. stocks and commodities gained after construction spending and manufacturing indexes fell. Auto sales surged in February and same store sales at select retail chains were ahead of expectations. European ministers approved the rescue fund bond issuance.

U.S. Jobless Claims at 4-Year Low; Construction Spending Drops

Arthi Gupta
01 Mar, 2012
New York City

The U.S. indexes edged up after mixed domestic economic data and construction spending and manufacturing index fell but personal income and spending rose less than estimated. U.S. jobless claims were at their lowest level in almost four years.

U.S. Movers: Costco, Dresser-Rand, Kroger, Staples

Mukesh Buch
01 Mar, 2012
New York City

Chrysler February sales soared 40%. Costco second quarter net increased to $394 million. Dresser-Rand fourth quarter net increased to $68.7 million. Edison International fourth quarter net loss swung to $839 million. Kroger fourth quarter net loss swung to $306.9 million.

European Inflation at 2.7% and Record Unemployment

Arthi Gupta
01 Mar, 2012
New York City

European indexes rose after Spain raised

Japanese Stocks Trade Lower; Softbank Wins License

Nigel Thomas
01 Mar, 2012
New York City

Stocks in Tokyo edged lower for the second day in a row after the yen softened and capital spending rose 7.6% in the December quarter. Softbank won a new spectrum license to expand data services.

Miners Lower in Australia; Woolworths Net Falls 16%

Marcus Jacob
01 Mar, 2012
New York City

Australian indexes declined 1% after copper and gold prices declined more than 4% in international trading. Woolworths reported the sharpest fall in earnings in two decades and the smallest profit in three years.