Market Update

Insurers, Automakers Lift China Indexes

123jump.com Staff
16 Dec, 2008
New York City

Hong Kong stocks edged up on the hopes that China will provide more incentives for insurance sectors and lower taxes for vehicle purchase. China Cosco, ocean freight company reported hedging loss of Rmb4 billion. Automakers and insurance companies led the gainers in trading.

Weak Industrial Production; Builders Plunge

123jump.com Staff
15 Dec, 2008
New York City

U.S. stocks fell after weak industrial production data in November. Home buidlers dropped sharply after a rating agency lowered debt ratings of nine companies. Business conditions in Japan decline the most in 34 years. Chinese industrial production rises at the slowest pace in seven years.

United Natural Foods Q1 Earnings Call Transcript

123jump.com Staff
15 Dec, 2008
New York City

United Natural reported quarterly net sales increased 17.4% to $864.2 million. Income declined to $13.25 million or $0.31 per share, compared to $13.56 million or $0.32 a share year ago. United expects fiscal earnings per share between $1.30 and $1.38.

Gap Q3 Earnings Call Transcript

123jump.com Staff
15 Dec, 2008
New York City

The apparel retailer, Gap Inc reported net earnings of $246 million in the quarter or $0.35 per share compared to $0.30 last year. Third quarter net sales declined 8% to $3.56 billion and comp store sales dropped 12% in the quarter compared to a decline of 5% in the quarter year ago.

Australia Lowers Commodities Exports Target

123jump.com Staff
15 Dec, 2008
New York City

Stocks in Sydney rose on the expectations that U.S. auto industry bailout will spur exports of raw materials. However, Australian government agency cut its forecast of commodities exports forecast by 10% to A$192 billion. One Australian dollar fetched 66.48 U.S. cents.

Tokyo Stocks Surge; Business Conditions Decline

123jump.com Staff
15 Dec, 2008
New York City

Japan business conditions decline in the latest three months ending in December. The sharp decline in 34 years is likely to hit the hardest small and medium size businesses and exporters. However, yen rose against the dollar and stock indexes surged on the U.S. auto bailout prospects.

Industrial Production Rise in China Slows

123jump.com Staff
15 Dec, 2008
New York City

Chinese industrial production in November rises at the slowest pace in seven years. The sharp fall in global economies has dragged exports and domestic economy. Stocks in Hong Kong and Shanghai rose after China indicated that 3G telecom licenses will issued by the end of the year.

UK Home Prices Fall; Miners, Energy Stocks Gain

123jump.com Staff
15 Dec, 2008
New York City

UK home prices dropped in December and are likely to fall further in the next year, according to a private survey conducted by Rightmove. The survey estimates rising distressed sales in the next twelve months. In trading, stocks edge higher on a rebound in metal and oil futures.

Mumbai Stocks Edge Higher; Shippers Rise

123jump.com Staff
15 Dec, 2008
New York City

Stocks in Mumbai rose on the expectations of another round of economic stimulus. Weak financial markets dragged merchant banking fees by 36% in the first eleven months of the year. Shipping industry stocks rose on the expectations of interest rate subsidy from the government.

Coldwater Creek Q3 Earnings Call Transcript

123jump.com Staff
13 Dec, 2008
New York City

Coldwater Creek, an apparel and accessories retailer reported net sales in the third quarter decreased 15.7% to $228.5 million and net loss was $1.3 million or $0.01 per share. Comp store traffic declined 21% and cash flow from operations dropped to $6.2 million.

Benihana Q2 Earnings Call Transcript

123jump.com Staff
12 Dec, 2008
New York City

Japanese food restaurant chain revenues in the quarter rose 4.5% to $70 million from a year ago quarter and earnings declined to $2 million or 11 cents a share compared to $2.5 million or 15 cents a share. For the fiscal 2009 the company expects sales between $303 million and $308 million.

Tech Stocks Rise; TARP Funds for Autos

123jump.com Staff
12 Dec, 2008
New York City

U.S. may use TARP funds to bail out auto industry. Tech stocks surged on government stimulus plan to spend on technology research. November retail sales in China rose 21% and consumer prices rose at a slower pace. Troubled UK mortgage lender HBOS reported larger than expected loan loss.

Australia Plans Infrastructure Spending

123jump.com Staff
12 Dec, 2008
New York City

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd today unveiled a $A4.7 billion infrastructure spending program on critical infrastructure in transport, rail, education to stimulate growth and create 32,000 jobs and boost economic growth between 0.25% and 0.50%.

China Retail Sales Up 21%, CPI Up 2.4%

123jump.com Staff
12 Dec, 2008
New York City

November retail sales in China surged at 21%, but at a slower pace than in October and September. Year to date retail sales increased at 22%. Consumer prices in China rose at 2.4% rate in the month and year to date prices increased 6.3% from a year ago period. Stocks in Hong Kong dropped 5.5%.

HBOS

123jump.com Staff
12 Dec, 2008
New York City

Stocks in London dropped 2.6% after mortgage lender HBOS reported larger than expected loss in the interim period. Majority shareholders approved merger of the troubled lender with Lloyds TBS Group. UK is likely to provide second stimulus package as reluctant banks are not increasing lending.