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UK Retail Sales Growth at 8-month Low; Centrica Net Surges

Arthi Gupta
24 Feb, 2011
New York City

The UK indexes rose on surging oil prices as an aftermath of the crisis brewing in Libya. The BoE policy maker David Miles urged restraint in hiking key interest rate. The UK retail sales growth decelerated in February and RBS swung to profit.

European Markets Drift Lower; Aegon, Allianz, RWE Slump

Arthi Gupta
24 Feb, 2011
New York City

The European indexes declined after unabated protests in Libya. Euro area economic sentiment improved in February and German economy expanded in the fourth quarter. French consumer confidence remained unchanged in February. Italy retail sales rose in December.

Libya Split Lifts Oil Again; U.S. Durable Goods Increased 2.7%

Arthi Gupta
24 Feb, 2011
New York City

World indexes fell after violence in Libya continued and crude oil price surged 21% in thirty days and rose to 30-month peak. Weekly jobless claims decline 22,000 and durable goods orders increased 2.7%.

Sensex in India Plunges 2.8% on Inflation Worries

Devan Biswas
24 Feb, 2011
New York City

Stocks in Mumbai plunged sharply after the latest data showed a stubborn inflation. International markets also declined after crude oil prices touched $100 a barrel, 30-month high. The Sensex dropped 2.8% and automakers, banks and capital goods makers led decliners.

Hang Seng in 4-day Slide; Shanghai Gains; Refiners, Shippers Fall

Devan Biswas
24 Feb, 2011
New York City

Stocks in Hong Kong declined for the fourth day in a row and in Shanghai rose. Shipping and port related companies traded lower in Hong Kong and oil refiners declined after crude oil surged to 30-month high. Hong Kong dollar gained. Suning Appliance Co surged 6% on 370 store openings in the year.

Nikkei in Japan Drops 1.2%; Tobu Plunges 12%

Nigel Thomas
24 Feb, 2011
New York City

Japan benchmark index declined for the third day in a row and nearly wiped out half the gains of the year as crude oil reached 30-month high. Overseas investors added Japan stocks for the 16th week in a row. Tobu, railroad operator plunged after it announced a plan to raise $1.1 billion.

Australian Dollar Edges Up, Investments to Expand 32%; Origin Energy Down

Marcus Jacob
24 Feb, 2011
New York City

Australian stocks closed lower tracking markets in Asia but the Australian dollar edged up after businesses investment is expected to increase 32% in the next financial year. Origin Energy declined after it lowered outlook. Pacific Brands fell 15% after it reported a loss.

Australian Stock Exchange Halted; QBE Net Declined 17%

Marcus Jacob
28 Feb, 2011
New York City

Australian stocks decreased and markets were halted in the last hour of trading on a computer glitch. QBE Insurance said full-year net decreased 17% and underlying profit margin declined to 15%. QR National swung to a first-half net profit of $278 million. Downer EDI plans to raise capital.

World Markets Stabilize; U.S. GDP Revised Lower

Bikram Pandey
25 Feb, 2011
New York City

U.S. indexes rebounded and European markets closed mixed after crude oil prices stayed near 30-month high. U.S. lowered fourth quarter economic growth to 2.8% from 3.2% and consumer confidence rose in February.

U.S. Movers: Chesapeake, General Mills, HP, Lowe's, Toll Brothers

Mukesh Buch
23 Feb, 2011
New York City

Chesapeake Energy reported fourth quarter net income of $180 million. DIRECTV said net income in the quarter of $618 million. HP first quarter net income soared 16% to $2.6 billion. Lowe''s fourth quarter net earnings surged 39% to $285 million. Westlake Chemical quarterly net rose to five-fold.

BoE Split Widens; Centrica Inks

Arthi Gupta
23 Feb, 2011
New York City

The UK indexes plunged after escalating turmoil in Libya weighed on investor sentiment. The Bank of England policy members were split on key rate hike and UK mortgage approvals rose in January. Irish trade surplus dropped in December. Centrica signed

French Inflation Flat, Spanish Home Loans Fall; Accor Falls, M

Arthi Gupta
23 Feb, 2011
New York City

The European indexes slid after unrest in Libya continued. Euro-zone industrial orders grew in December. Merkel hinted on an extension of Greece repayment period. French inflation index stays flat in January. Spanish mortgage approvals slumped in December. Accor and Commerzbank swing to profit.

World Markets Focused on Libya, Bahrain; HP Slides

Arthi Gupta
23 Feb, 2011
New York City

World markets edged lower as protests continue in Libya and Bahrain. Gaddafi vowed to stay in power. Libya supplies 1.5 million barrels a day of oil to Europe and y one third to Italy. Forest Labs agreed to buy Clinical Data for $1.2 billion. Hewlett Packard falls on lower than expected outlook.

Sensex In India Falls 0.7%; Reliance Infra, Goodyear India, Bata Soar

Devan Biswas
23 Feb, 2011
New York City

Stocks in Mumbai declined in the final hour of trading as crude oil price increase sparked fears of another bout of inflation. Goodyear India and Bata India reported sharply higher earnings. Reliance Infra soared after it commenced metro link to airport in New Delhi.

Hong Kong Economy Expands 6.8%; Shanghai Gold Miners Rise

Devan Biswas
23 Feb, 2011
New York City

Stocks in China closed up but in Hong Kong fell on the weakness in property stocks. Hong Kong economy expanded at a faster than expected pace of 6.8% in 2010 and the government estimated economy to grow between 4% and 5% in 2011. Gold miners surge in Shanghai and Hong Kong property developers fell.

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