Market Update

Tokyo Stocks Drop on Nomura $3 Billion Plan

123jump.com Staff
24 Feb, 2009
New York City

Japan stocks fell 1.5% as investors were unsettled by news that Nomura Holdings will issue shares at a premium in order to boost its balance sheet. However, losses were trimmed by a falling yen, which slumped the most in three months against the dollar to 95.85 yen from 94.61 yen yesterday.

Stocks In Hong Kong Fall Ahead of Budget

123jump.com Staff
24 Feb, 2009
New York City

Ahead of the budget speech in Hong Kong, the benchmark index of stocks declined 2.9%. Consumer price index in January rose at 3.1% compared to a year ago. HSBC, China Life and Manulife declined on the weakness in financial stocks.

Markets In Europe, Asia Fall

123jump.com Staff
24 Feb, 2009
New York City

European markets close lower as earnings worries and weak banks drag investors sentiment lower. Business confidence in Germany falls to 25-year low. Markets in Asia close sharply lower as investors see no sign of the end of the current financial crisis. Nomura plans to raise $3 billion.

Australian Stocks Fall; Suncorp, Net Drops

Darlington Musarurwa
24 Feb, 2009
New York City

Australian stocks fell. Suncorp reported today that its net profit after tax in the six months ended December 31 dropped 33% to A$258 million. The company also replaced its chief executive. Aristrocrat Leisure, the second largest slot machine maker reported second half net dropped 75%.

Lockheed Martin Q4 Earnings Call Transcript

123jump.com Staff
24 Feb, 2009
New York City

The military contractor net sales rose 3% to $11.1 billion. Quarterly net earnings increased 3% to $823 million. Earnings per share rose to $2.05 from $1.89 last year. The company generated a record $4.4 billion in cash from operations in fiscal 2008.

PepsiCo Q4 Earnings Call Transcript

123jump.com Staff
24 Feb, 2009
New York City

The snacks and beverage manufacturer quarterly revenue increased 3% to $12.73 billion. Net earnings dipped 43% to $719 million in the quarter. Earnings per share declined to 46 cents from 77 cents a year ago quarter. The company plans to generate savings of $350 to $400 million in fiscal 2009.

Earnings Worries, U.S. Indexes 11-Year Low

123jump.com Staff
24 Feb, 2009
New York City

U.S. stocks fell sharply despite a surge in banks. The ongoing discussion between Citigroup and the U.S. Treasury only highlights the fragile nature of the U.S. banking system. The Treasury action, though welcome is not likely to solve the problem of distressed loans.

McAfee Q4 Earnings Call Transcript

123jump.com Staff
23 Feb, 2009
New York City

Security software maker quarterly revenues increased 19% to $424 million and net income surged 273% to $45 million in the quarter. Earnings per share rose to 29 cents from 7 cents a year ago quarter. The company estimates earnings between 20 cents and 24 cents a share in the first quarter of 2009.

XL Capital Q4 Earnings Call Transcript

123jump.com Staff
23 Feb, 2009
New York City

XL fourth quarter net loss increased 17.2% to $1.43 billion on operating income of $189.5 million. Earnings per share declined to $4.36 from $6.88 in the quarter a year ago. The company took a goodwill charge of $990 million of which $975 million was related to Mid Ocean acquisition.

European Bank Worries, Renault Downgrade

123jump.com Staff
23 Feb, 2009
New York City

European market indexes closed lower despite an attempt by financial stocks to rally failed to lift indexes and sector stocks. Banks and auto led the decliners in Germany and France. Renault debt rating was lowered. France will invest capital to support the merger of two largest savings banks.

Northern Rock Loss, RBS to Split

123jump.com Staff
23 Feb, 2009
New York City

Stocks in UK and in Europe declined as persistent worries related banking sector remain on top of investors list. Northern Rock reports a loss of

Fifth Third, Citi Rise; ArcelorMittal Falls

123jump.com Staff
23 Feb, 2009
New York City

Fifth Third Bancorp led gainers in the S&P 500 index with a rise of 41.5%. Campbell Soup Company second quarter profits fall 15%. Developers Diversified Realty Corporation slips to loss in fourth quarter. Broker views lifted Motorola and Expedia but ArcelorMittal falls.

HK Stocks Rise, Macao Gambling Revenues Fall

123jump.com Staff
23 Feb, 2009
New York City

Stocks in Hong Kong closed higher on the speculation that the U.S. may increase its stake in the troubled lender Citigroup. The benchmark index in jumped 3.8% and in Shanghai increased 3.4%. Macao gambling revenues in January declined 5.3%. Gold in the region traded above $1,000 price.

Convenience Store Sales in Japan Rise

123jump.com Staff
23 Feb, 2009
New York City

Stocks in Tokyo declined on active trading after SFCG filed for bankruptcy, the largest bankruptcy by a publicly traded company in seven years. In Tokyo trading Nikkei 225 index fell 0.5%. The convenience store sales increased 7% in January on rising sales of tobacco.

Australian Stocks Fall on Earnings Worries

123jump.com Staff
23 Feb, 2009
New York City

Stocks in Australia dropped on negative earnings outlook from Fairfax Media and a loss estimate from BlueScope Steel. In Sydney, ASX 200 index lost 1.5%. The mining giant, BHP Billiton reduced its headquarter count as the demand and prices of metals decline but operating costs remain high.