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World Markets Fall in 2011; Brazil, China, India and Russia Lead Decliners

Bikram Pandey
30 Dec, 2011
New York City

The U.S. indexes struggled to hold slim gains in 2011 and the S&P 500 closed flat and the Nasdaq fell 1.9%. The Dow, considered too narrow for most investors, gained 5.5%. Emerging markets led the global decline with India down 25%, Brazil and Russia dropping 18% and China falling 22%.

Nikkei Plunged 17% in 2011

Nigel Thomas
30 Dec, 2011
New York City

Stocks in Japan suffered from multiple forces driving the market lower for the second year in a row. The Nikkei declined 17.3% in the year after falling 3% in 2010. Freight shippers led the decliners with more than 50% fall and machinery makers and electronics exporters suffered as the yen gained.

UK Home Prices Drop 0.2%; FTSE 100 Declined 6% in 2011

Arthi Gupta
30 Dec, 2011
New York City

The UK indexes gained but for the year plummeted 6%. The UK home prices dropped 0.2% on a monthly basis in December and housing equity injections slowed in the third quarter.

U.S. Indexes Struggle to Hold Slim Yearly Gains

Arthi Gupta
30 Dec, 2011
New York City

The U.S. indexes rose after German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble expressed confidence that the euro area debt crisis would be under control by the end of 2012. Eaton completed acquisition of E.A. Pedersen.

Retailers, Resources Led Australian Index Loss of 15%

Marcus Jacob
30 Dec, 2011
New York City

Stocks in Australia declined for the third day in a row. For the year the ASX 200 index fell 15% with the sharpest drops in retailers, materials and energy linked companies. Billabong plunged 78%, Harvey Norman dropped 38% and David Jones declined 47%.

Yearly Losses: DAX in Germany Down 15%, CAC in Paris Falls 18%

Arthi Gupta
30 Dec, 2011
New York City

European markets edged higher after German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble ruled out a breakup of the euro area. France planned to raise between

U.S. Indexes Up on Jobs, Housing Data; Gold in 6-day Decline

Bikram Pandey
29 Dec, 2011
New York City

U.S. stocks traded higher after jobless claims rose but stayed below 400,000 level for the fourth week in a row. In addition, the pending home sales increased in November to a 19-month high. European markets focused on the stubborn long term Italian bond yield near 7%.

Japan and India Agree on $15 Billion Swap Line

Nigel Thomas
29 Dec, 2011
New York City

Stocks in Tokyo edged lower in thin trading and resources linked stocks led the decliners. Japan agreed to offer swap line to India of $15 billion and agreed to lend $5 billion for a rail line.

UK Indexes Sideways; Braveheart Plunged 8%

Arthi Gupta
29 Dec, 2011
New York City

The UK indexes pared gains after Italy sold long term debt at an auction today. The indexes swung as the Italian yields declined less than expected and metals and oil diverged. The euro declined to a 10-year low against the yen.

U.S. Weekly Jobless Claims Rise; Alexion to Acquire Enobia Pharma

Arthi Gupta
29 Dec, 2011
New York City

The U.S. indexes traded higher after weekly jobless claims rose 15,000 to 381,000. Chesapeake Midstream agreed to acquire Appalachia Midstream for $865 million. Mosaic declined after the phosphate maker said it will cut output by 250,000 tons.

Australian Index in Yearly Fall of 14%; BHP Down 23%, Rio Drops 30%

Marcus Jacob
29 Dec, 2011
New York City

Australian stocks edged lower in thin trading as metals and oil declined on the renewed jitters in international markets. Gold fell to a 3-month low. The Australian benchmark index declined 14% in the year and second yearly loss in a row and for the year BHP declined 23% and Rio Tinto dropped 30%.

Italy Auctions

Arthi Gupta
29 Dec, 2011
New York City

European markets climbed after Italy sold

U.S. Retail Sales Jump 4.5%; Stocks Drift Down 1.3%

Bikram Pandey
28 Dec, 2011
New York City

U.S. indexes halted a rally of five days after financials and resources linked stocks led the decline of more than 1%. The euro dropped to a 10-year low against the yen ahead of the last auction of Italian bonds tomorrow as yields perked up to 7% level.

Discounts Drive Boxing Day Store Visits, UK Stocks Rise

Arthi Gupta
28 Dec, 2011
New York City

The UK indexes climbed in thin trading and a private think tank estimated UK jobless rate to rise to 8.8% in 2012. Thomas Cook slumped 3.3%. UK retail sales in the holiday period to Boxing Day are estimated to increase at least 4%. Boxing Day sales are estimated flat.

U.S. Indexes Turn Lower on Euro Worries

Arthi Gupta
28 Dec, 2011
New York City

The U.S. indexes fell on the worries that the euro zone may need more help from politicians and the central bank. Italy successfully completed bond auction at a sharply lower borrowing costs. Morgan Stanley plans to cut 580 jobs in New York City.

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