Market Update

Pfizer Cuts 20% Sales Force

Elena
29 Nov, 2006
New York City

The cuts are most likely to affect sales representatives as well as management and support staff. Pfizer said its sales force cuts won''t effect its ability to market its major products including cholesterol-lowering drug Lipitor and new drugs such as cancer treatment Sutent.

Asia Rallies as Tokyo Surges

Ivaylo
29 Nov, 2006
New York City

Asian stocks recovered Wednesday, led by Nikkei 225 stock average after surprisingly strong industrial output data sparked buying in large-caps. The stronger data revived expectations the Bank of Japan will boost interest rates as early as December, spurring a rally in the yen against the U.S. dollar and the euro. Major markets across the region were broadly higher, tracking gains in the U.S. and riding gains in the energy sector after crude-oil prices rebounded.

Europe Gains on Stronger Dollar

Ivaylo
29 Nov, 2001
New York City

European indexes have been under pressure in recent sessions as shares in exporters were hit by a weaker dollar. European shares broke a five-session losing streak on Wednesday, after comments from Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke calmed down recent concerns about the strength of the U.S economy and as drug stocks got a boost from Pfizer. The U.K. FTSE 100 index rose 0.52%, the German DAX Xetra 30 index rose 0.47%, and the French CAC-40 index increased 0.54%.

Gold Declines on Profit-Booking

Ivaylo
29 Nov, 2006
New York City

While the dollar has been weaker, some selling of gold may have begun as the U.S. currency showed at least some signs of stabilizing after morning comments from the Treasury Secretary. A strong dollar is clearly in the interest of the US. The complexion of Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke statements may have contributed to the tendency to take profits.The Fed chief did not appear to be overly worried about the slowdown in the economy.

Home Sales Revive Averages

123jump.com Staff
28 Nov, 2006
New York City

A sharp fall in October durable goods orders and latest decline in consumer confidence index kept averages lower for the second day in a row. Percieved positive comments on economy from Fed Chairman and a rise in existing home sales revived averages in the afternoon trading. Asian and European markets closed lower. Oil rose on approaching winter weather and contiinued violence in occupied Iraq. Banks, brokerage and financial services stocks led the gainers.

Dollar-Sensitive Stocks Depress Europe

Elena
28 Nov, 2006
New York City

European stock markets finished down Tuesday for a fifth straight trading session, as weakness in the U.S dollar continued to weigh on world markets. Dollar-sensitive stocks like automakers and tech stocks were the most notable decliners. The German DAX 30 dropped 0.3%, the French CAC 40 lost 0.1%, while London FTSE 100 slipped 0.4%.

Home Sales Cheer Market

Elena
28 Nov, 2006
New York City

Stocks turned flat as data, showing the first gain in existing home sales in eight months, managed to offset losses generated by a sharp decline in durable goods. The report showed that existing home sales rose 0.5% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 6.24 million units in October. Investors paid little attention to an unexpected drop in the consumer confidence. The Conference Board reported that the figure for November fell to 102.9 from a revised reading of 105.1 in October.

Asian Sell-Off, India Down 1.25%

Elena
28 Nov, 2006
New York City

Asian markets closed sharply lower across the region, led by 2.9% loss in Hong Kong and 2% fall in Singapore. Japan lost 0.2%. Other Asian markets closed lower as well. India lost 1.25% ahead of futures expiry and lower closing of ADRs of software companies. Infosys, Satyam, and Dr Reddy led the decline. Rupee rose against dollar. Auto stocks finished higher led by Hero Honda.

Upgrade Drives Apple Higher

Elena
28 Nov, 2006
New York City

Stock markets opened in the red for a third consecutive session, following weaker-than-expected durable goods data in October. Shares of oil companies rose as crude oil prices climbed above $60 a barrel. Exxon Mobil shares rose 0.7%, while shares of Chevron gained almost 1%. Shares of lawn care service provider ServiceMaster jumped 6.7% after the company said it plans to explore strategic alternatives, including a possible sale.

London Lower at Mid-day

Ivaylo
28 Nov, 2006
New York City

London markets opened to a volatile session on Tuesday due to continued concern about the weak dollar and the effect on the US economy. ITV is the best performer following the shock arrival of Michael Grade as its new executive chairman. The appointment is seen as a major coup for the commercial broadcaster. Scottish Power was flat despite agreeing a deal with Iberdrola of Spain. By late morning, the FTSE 100 was down 14 points, or 0.2%, to 6,036.1.

Durable Goods Demand Plunges 8.3%

Elena
28 Nov, 2006
New York City

U.S. stock market futures were sent lower by data, showing a larger-than-expected decline in demand for durable goods orders. As another sign of a slowing economy, the Commerce Department reported durable goods orders fell 8.3% to a seasonally adjusted $210 billion, reflecting a big drop in demand for commercial airplanes. The 8.3% drop was the largest one-month decline since a 14% plunge in July 2000.

Berlin Air Orders Boeing Planes for $5.7 B

Elena
28 Nov, 2006
New York City

Europe''s third-largest budget airline will receive a total of 85 new Boeing planes worth $5.7 billion at list price between 2007 and 2011, including an earlier order for 25 jets. The airline also issued a detailed Q3 profit report, showing that earnings advanced 26%. Company

Asia Finishes Sharply Lower

Ivaylo
28 Nov, 2006
New York City

Asia was sharply lower Tuesday, with share indexes in Australia and Japan leading the regional decline as investors neglected export shares such as Honda Motor and Matsushita Electric due to worries over the U.S. economic outlook and a sharp decline on New York stock exchange. Hong Kong stocks plummeted, with the blue-chip Hang Seng Index suffering its biggest one-day point and percentage decline in five years.

Techs, Autos Pressure Europe

Ivaylo
28 Nov, 2006
New York City

Dollar weakness continued to concern markets as such as automakers and technology companies continued to lose ground as both the euro and pound held their ground against the dollar. A weaker dollar is usually negative for companies that export to the U.S. because they receive less revenue and become less competitive. The U.K. FTSE 100 index lost 0.48%, the German DAX Xetra 30 index declined 0.43%, while the French CAC-40 index lost 0.64%.

Dollar Weakness Leads Gold, Silver Higher

Ivaylo
28 Nov, 2006
New York City

The dollar and in turn gold appear be taking a brief pause from their big moves late last week ahead of a speech on Tuesday by Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke. The possibility of further dollar weakness should continue to support buying of gold. Copper futures closed higher Monday after catching up to gains seen in the London market at the end of last week. Platinum and palladium settled lower.