Market Update

Weaker Yen Presses Japan Lower

Ivaylo
11 Oct, 2006
New York City

Asian markets traded mixed on Wednesday, with the Nikkei Average in Japan edging slightly lower as falls in steelmakers and internet shares erased gains in exporters Canon Inc. and Sony Corp after the yen dipped to a multi-month low against the dollar. Energy-related stocks were also mixed after crude-oil prices slid below the $59 per-barrel-level in U.S. trading. Stocks in Japan ended lower still reeling by North Korea nuclear weapon test.

European Stocks Decline

Ivaylo
11 Oct, 2006
New York City

European markets eased on Wednesday morning, after Alcoa kicked off the U.S. earnings season by missing analyst forecasts, putting mining shares under pressure and offsetting lower crude-oil prices. Other Europeanstocks were also lower as uncertainty about North Korea nuclear-testing plans still existed. By mid morning, the FTSE 100 in London shed 0.2%, while Frankfurt Xetra Dax slipped 0.4%, and the CAC 40 in Paris lost 0.6%.

Dollar and Gold Rise, Oil Fall

Ivaylo
11 Oct, 2006
New York City

As marketmen observed a soaring dollar and retreating crude-oil prices, the realization set in that it may perhaps become difficult to achieve even a $600 price for the gold contract for 2006. The almost complete lack of emotional reactive power to the unfolding North Korean nuclear drama cast a dark shadow on gold as a safe haven. Traders are beginning to wonder just what it is that gold will react to anymore.

Alcoa Reports Lower Net

123jump.com Staff
10 Oct, 2006
New York City

Popular averages traded in a tight range as investos awaited earnings season to start. Alcoa reported third quarter operating earnings of 66 cents a share on revenue of $7.63 billion. Analysts had expected earnings of 77 cents and revenue of $7.75 billion. Stock fell 8% in the after hours trading. European markets closed higherled by mining, technology and banking stocks.

EADS, Vodafone Lead Europe Up

Elena
10 Oct, 2006
New York City

European markets advanced Tuesday on subsiding interest rate concerns and well-received management changes at EADS and Vodafone Group. The French CAC 40 gained 0.4%, boosted by 3.9% gain at aerospace operator EADS, while London FTSE 100 closed up 0.4%, with Vodafone Group leading the index higher. The German DAX 30 rose 0.5%, supported by shares of automaker Volkswagen.

D.R. Horton Orders Drop 25%

Elena
10 Oct, 2006
New York City

Stocks turned lower after oil prices slipped and an economic report showed a larger-than-expected rise in wholesale inventories. The Commerce Department said that businesses'' inventories and sales rose by 1.1% each, keeping the inventory to sales ratio at 1.15. The report exceeded economists'' expectations of 0.6% increase by wholesale inventories.

Infosys Earnings, Sensex Cautious

Elena
10 Oct, 2006
New York City

Investors displayed cautious attitude ahead of upcoming earnings season. Largest 100 companies are expected to deliver earnings growth between 15% and 25%. In trading, banking, energy, power and telecom sectors declined. IT and cement shares edged higher. Hindustan Lever and Tata Steel led the decliners in the trading today, while NTPC, HDFC, and Tata Motors led the advancers. The Finance Ministry is likely to cap foreign direct investment in stock exchanges.

CVS Lifts Profit Guidance

Elena
10 Oct, 2006
New York City

Stock markets opened slightly higher. The early strength was partly due to gains by housing stocks, boosted by positive comments from J.P. Morgan. Google stood out as an early riser, up 2%, as investors cheered its agreement to acquire privately held YouTube for $1.65 billion. CVS Corp. rose 2.8% after the drugstore chain posted higher same-store sales and raised its earnings forecasts.

Merger Activities Lift FTSE

Ivaylo
10 Oct, 2006
New York City

Brambles, Man Group and First Choice were the leading gainers in London. Investors bought shares in Vodafone Group in midday trading on Tuesday as well after an article outlined some potentially positive aspects of the company. Brambles is still in the focus of General Electric and a potential bid is likely to surface soon. By late morning, the FTSE 100 advanced 0.2%.

Futures Gain Before Earnings

Elena
10 Oct, 2006
New York City

U.S. stock futures seemed poised for a positive market opening, with investors looking forward to the third-quarter earnings season. Dow component Alcoa will be first to release quarterly results, expected to earn 77 cents a share on revenue of $7.75 billion. The stock was up nearly 2% in pre-open trading.

Google Acquires YouTube for $1.65 B

Elena
10 Oct, 2006
New York City

The acquisition of the No. 1 Internet video-sharing site on the Web is the biggest deal for Google, giving the online search engine a leading role in the Internet''s online-video marketplace. The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter. Shares of Google rose 2% to $429, and were up as much as $4 a share in after-hours trading.

Asia Shakes off N.Korea Scare

Ivaylo
10 Oct, 2006
New York City

The Japanese government said it was weighing a variety of responses, including expanded financial and other sanctions that could be enforced by military action. Otherwise, blue chips Canon Inc., Toyota Motor Corp. and resource company BHP Billiton were in focus. Energy-related shares gained after crude-oil prices advanced in the U.S. South Korea Composite Stock Price Index, or Kospi recovered from a slump in the previous session.

Europe Overcomes Fears

Ivaylo
10 Oct, 2006
New York City

European stocks traded higher on Tuesday morning as investors took their cue from U.S. relief on the direction of future interest rates and as the market backed recent management changes at aerospace group EADS and mobile operator Vodafone Group. London FTSE 100 gained 0.3%, Frankfurt Xetra Dax added 0.5% to 6,111.41, and the CAC 40 in Paris climbed 0.4%.

Gold Higher, Off Highs

Ivaylo
10 Oct, 2006
New York City

Despite the seasonal factor, despite oil now over $60, and despite North Korean nuclear test, gold appears to have a negative mindset. It fell into this predicament due to the ease with which it collapsed during what should have been a time of strength last week. Gold rallied early in the session, in synchrony with crude futures after OPEC officials said there is now agreement that cartel members should reduce production by 1 million barrels a day.

Quiet Trading on Merger Monday

123jump.com Staff
09 Oct, 2006
New York City

With the bond market closed for a holiday and no economic data to focus on, investors looked ahead to the coming earnings season. Expectations for another quarter of double digit earnings season are prevalent in among traders. Steel stocks rose as wave of consolidation in the industry is expected to continue. Volatile oil closed higher but energy stocks closed lower. Monster Worldwide CEO resigned on stock option investigation.