Market Update

Greece Wins Full Second Bailout at Lower Rates

Arthi Gupta
21 Feb, 2012
New York City

European leaders, the IMF and the ECB approved the second large bailout to Greece that will increase the losses to private bond holders, force Greece to cut more spending and offer loans at lower rates. European markets edged lower from the seven-month high.

UK Home Prices Rise; Bank of Ireland Swings to Profit

Arthi Gupta
20 Feb, 2012
New York City

The UK indexes advanced after China eased bank reserves and trading sentiment was positive on the prospect of Greek bailout agreement today. The UK home prices rose in February and mortgage lending gained in January. The Bank of Ireland swung to profit in fiscal year 2011.

Nikkei in Tokyo Rises 1.1% After China Easing

Nigel Thomas
20 Feb, 2012
New York City

Japanese stocks gained on the improved sentiment ahead of the euro zone ministers meeting in Brussels today. Trading sentiment was stronger in the morning after China lowered its bank reserve ratio to stimulate more lending.

German Economic Outlook Improved; French Sentiment Stable

Arthi Gupta
20 Feb, 2012
New York City

The Bundesbank lifted German economic outlook. French business confidence remained unchanged in February. Italian and Greek industrial orders fell in December and Inflation in Finland rose in January.

Australian Index Rebounds 1.4%; Amcor, Billabong, BlueScope in Focus

Marcus Jacob
20 Feb, 2012
New York City

Australian stocks gained after commodities gained and earnings release from several companies. Amcor said its first half core earnings increased 13.9%. BlueScope reported ten-fold increase in first half to December. Billabong jumped 8% after a leveraged buyout group made a highly conditional offer.

Australian Stocks in 3-day Rally; Borat, Downer, Monadelphous Rise

Marcus Jacob
21 Feb, 2012
New York City

Australian stocks closed higher for the third day in a row as resource stocks led the gainers. Strong earnings from Downer EDI, Monadelphous Group, iiNet Limited and Borat Longyear lifted the confidence.

European Indexes Higher Ahead of Greek Decision; TNT Rejects UPS Bid

Arthi Gupta
20 Feb, 2012
New York City

European indexes gained on optimism that euro area leaders will sanction the entire

Emerging Markets Lead World Rally

Bikram Pandey
17 Feb, 2012
New York City

World markets continued their weekly advance after markets in Europe joined the rising markets in Americas and in Asia. For the year so far, emerging markets have attracted $19 billion in new capital. For the year the S&P index is up 8% and markets in Asia advance double digits.

U.S. Markets Hold Firm; Greek Negotiations in View

Nichole Harper
17 Feb, 2012
New York City

U.S. stocks struggled and investors focused on the progress on the Greek bailout negotiations. Consumer price index increased 0.2% in January matching the gain in December. H.J. Heinz and Campbell Soup gained on better than expected quarterly results.

European Markets Advance 1%; Aegon, Fraport, Lafarge in Focus

Devan Biswas
17 Feb, 2012
New York City

European markets gained on the optimism that ministers will approve the entire bailout at the next meeting. Indexes in Germany, France and Italy led the region and gained for the third week in a row. Aegon earnings plunged on restructuring charges. Frankfurt airport strike disrupts regional traffic.

U.S. Movers: Applied Materials, Campbell Soup, Enbridge, Heinz, Nordstrom

Mukesh Buch
17 Feb, 2012
New York City

Applied Materials first quarter net slumped to $117 million. Campbell Soup second quarter net slipped to $205 million. H. J. Heinz third quarter net increased to $284.7 million. Nordstrom fourth quarter net increased to $236 million.

Nikkei Jumps 1.6%; Uny Proposes Circle K Buyout

Nigel Thomas
17 Feb, 2012
New York City

Stocks in Tokyo closed higher and extended rally in the benchmark indexes to double digits in the year. The Nikkei index gained 1.6% today and closed up 11% in the year. Uny offered to acquire the rest of Circle K Sunkus Co shares for nearly $1 billion.

ANZ Declares Record Profit; Pacific Brands Loss Widens

Marcus Jacob
17 Feb, 2012
New York City

Australian stocks closed lower for the third week in a row. In trading today, banks gained after ANZ reported cash profit of $1.48 billion and net profit and the bank refused to lower mortgage rates. Pacific Brands reported higher loss.

Nasdaq at 10-Year High; S&P Races Ahead

Bikram Pandey
16 Feb, 2012
New York City

U.S. stocks advanced and popular indexes reached near highs of the decade after the latest data on manufacturing, housing and jobless claims stoked enthusiasm. Investors also noted willingness of the European Central Bank and Germany to push through Greek bailout at the next meeting next week.

Wall Street Higher on Stronger Housing Starts, Lower Jobless Claims

Nichole Harper
16 Feb, 2012
New York City

U.S. stocks traded higher after investors focused on domestic economic data and overlooked gathering storms in Europe. Banks faced another round of downgrade. General Motors reported large annual income but quarterly profits were hurt by European operations.