Market Update

Nikkei in Japan Drops 1.6%, Thailand Lowers Growth Outlook

Nigel Thomas
18 Oct, 2011
New York City

Stocks in Japan declined after rising to a 6-week high on the cautious outlook for the euro zone ahead of the weekend summit. Chinese slower economic expansion also contributed to market jitters and Thai floods wreak more havoc in the central Thailand as water rushes down to Bangkok.

Australian Markets Fall 2%; Telstra Shareholders Approve Handover

Marcus Jacob
18 Oct, 2011
New York City

Australian stocks were caught in cross currents weak Chinese economic growth data and ongoing worries in the euro zone. The benchmark indexes declined more than 2% and Qantas cancelled 80 additional flights. Telstra shareholders approve handover of fixed line monopoly to NBN.

Wall Street Down 1.7%; Investors Recalibrate Euro Zone Optimism

Bikram Pandey
17 Oct, 2011
New York City

U.S. stocks declined after European officials played down market expectations of a quick solution to the euro zone debt crisis. Financials and resources stocks led the decliners in New York and European trading. Latest earnings from Wells Fargo and Citigroup showed weak revenue outlook.

Merger Monday: $28 Billion Deals; Wells Fargo Drops 6%

Nichole Harper
17 Oct, 2011
New York City

Market indexes in New York opened lower and declined more than 1% after three deals of $28 billion were announced. Wells Fargo fell as much as 6% after quarterly revenues declined. Citigroup quarterly revenues were flat. Home improvement retailer Lowe

U.S. Movers: AmeriGas, Citigroup, Gannett, Hasbro, Sun Life, Wells Fargo

Mukesh Buch
17 Oct, 2011
New York City

AmeriGas agreed to acquire Energy Transfer Partners for $2.9 billion. Citigroup third quarter net earnings surged 74% to $3.8 billion. Sun Life expects to report third quarter loss of $621 million. Wells Fargo third quarter net earnings soared 21% to $4.1 billion.

Germany Lowers Expectations; Statoil Offered $4.4 B for Brigham Exploration

Devan Biswas
17 Oct, 2011
New York City

European markets turned volatile after comments from German finance minister and spokesman for German Chancellor played down expectations of comprehensive solution on the weekend summit. Statoil ASA agreed to acquire Brigham Exploration for $4.4 billion.

Nikkei Trades at 6-week High; Olympus Plunges 24%

Nigel Thomas
17 Oct, 2011
New York City

Stocks in Japan closed higher following gains in the international markets and a rise in commodities prices. Thailand flood claim one more industrial estate and another is in direct path of the flood waters north of Bangkok. Olympus plunged 24% on the worries of a regulatory scrutiny.

Australian Index Up 1.6%; Fortescue Production Increases 5.4%

Marcus Jacob
17 Oct, 2011
New York City

Stocks in Sydney closed higher after metals prices gained in international markets. Qantas continue to struggle with its flight schedule after engineers strike grounded five planes and forced 16 domestic flights cancellation. Super Retail Group agreed to acquire sports goods retailer Rebel Group.

Kinder Morgan to Acquire El Paso for $21 Billion

Arjun Dave
16 Oct, 2011
New York City

Kinder Morgan, Inc agreed to acquire El Paso Pipeline Partners, LP in a deal that valued the company at $20.7 billion and including debt at $37 billion. The combined company is going to be one of the largest transporters of crude oil, natural gas and CO2.

U.S. Stocks Extend 14% Rally; Google Revenues Surge 33%

Nichole Harper
14 Oct, 2011
New York City

U.S. stocks extended gains and the recent rally in place since October 4 lifted the S&P 500 index by 14%. The index is still caught in a narrow trading range. Google earnings and revenue growth exceeded 30% and J.B. Hunt Transport Services quarterly net increased 6%.

U.S. Movers: Apple, Google, Mattel, Microchip, Gap, Valmont

Mukesh Buch
14 Oct, 2011
New York City

Google third quarter net income increased 30% to $2.73 billion. Mattel third quarter net income rose to $300.8 million. Valmont third quarter net earnings soared 53% to $42.1 million.

S&P 500 Index at 2-month High; European Banks in Another Downgrade

Bikram Pandey
14 Oct, 2011
New York City

U.S. indexes extended gains and completed third weekly rise. Crude oil, copper and gold gained. European banks faced another round downgrade after a rating agency lowered its views on French banks. G20 finance officials struggle to convince European leaders to accelerate bank recapitalization plan.

Spain's Rating Lowered, Berlusconi Survives; Clariant , Syngenta Rise

Devan Biswas
14 Oct, 2011
New York City

European markets advanced as G20 leaders urge European leaders to expedite the bank recapitalization plan. A credit rating agency lowered its views on the Spanish debt and lowered the rating for the third time in three years. Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi won a confidence vote.

Canon, Toyota, Nikon Suffer Production Delays On Thai Floods

Nigel Thomas
14 Oct, 2011
New York City

Stocks in Japan declined as more companies curtail production after Bangkok industrial area suffer one of the worst flood damages in the recent years. Toyota Motor extended production halts at three factories in Thailand. Olympus fired its British born chief executive.

Australian Stocks Turn Lower; Qantas Faces More Strikes

Marcus Jacob
14 Oct, 2011
New York City

Australian indexes declined nearly 1% and caught in a trading range in the last two days after a 3-day rally. Banks were lower on the global banking system worries. Qantas faces more flight disruptions after engineers prepare to walk out tomorrow.