Market Update

Market to Open Slightly Up

Elena
31 May, 2007
New York City

U.S. stock futures were indicating a slightly higher opening on Thursday, reflecting mixed economic data. The Commerce Department said that Q1 GDP advanced 0.6%, lower than the 1.3% projected in April and lower than analyst estimates of 0.8%. However, the Labor Department reported positive news, saying that the number of U.S. initial jobless claims dropped last week for the sixth time in seven weeks.

China Bounces Back, Japan Gains

Ivaylo
31 May, 2007
New York City

Asian markets recovered Thursday from their declines yesterday with Japan and HK leading, while in China, the Shanghai benchmark index bounced back after plunging more than 6.5% yesterday. Indices in Tokyo and HK were supported by the strong close in New York overnight. Shares in Australia and Seoul also advanced, while markets in Thailand and Singapore were closed for public holidays.

Wachovia Buys A.G. Edwards for $6.8 B

Elena
31 May, 2007
New York City

The takeover bid values A.G. Edwards at $89.50 per share based on Wednesday''s closing prices, a 16% premium. The deal is expected to close in Q4 of 2007, whereas full integration of A.G. Edwards with Wachovia Securities is expected to be completed by early 2009.

Sensex Rallies 0.9%, GDP at 9.4%

Ivaylo
31 May, 2007
New York City

The market exhibited a volatile session Thursday with a number of large-cap stocks, mainly in the technology and banking sector, soaring and aiding the rally. Strong GDP figures for the January-March period and buying in May 2007 derivatives, which expired today also supported the rally. In the fiscal year ended March 2007, the Indian economy grew at 9.4% rate.

Europe Rallies on E.On, Iberdrola

Ivaylo
31 May, 2007
New York City

European markets surged Thursday with E.On and Iberdrola leading advancers, after investors shook off concerns on China and after reassuring comments from the Feds on U.S. economy. E.On rallied as it announced $9.4 billion shares buyback and as Belgian billionaire Albert Frere bought a stake in Iberdrola. In early trading, the German DAX Xetra 30 index added 1%, the U.K. FTSE 100 index gained 0.7%, while the French CAC-40 index advanced 0.7%.

Gold Dips on Stronger Dollar

Ivaylo
31 May, 2007
New York City

The rise of the dollar against the euro and other currencies weighed on the price of gold Wednesday and gold and silver futures declined, as well as copper futures. Crude oil gained, while gasoline fell and base metals mostly lost. Grains and bean prices surged on the Chicago Board of Trade, rebounding from the plunge Tuesday.

Fed Minutes Lift Stocks, Shanghai Scare

123jump.com Staff
30 May, 2007
New York City

U.S. averages recovered on FOMC minutes of meeting after dipping on China scare. Market averages closed at their highs in the U.S. but came under pressure in Asia, Europe and Latin America. Shanghai fell 6.5% dragging the region on Chinese government tripling trading tax. India closed above $1 trillion market cap and is likel to rise in the coming months. Mexico closed up 2.5% and Brazil gained 1.7% but Peru lost 7%. CDW agreed to be bought for $7.5 billion.

Europe Closes Off Lows

Elena
30 May, 2007
New York City

European stock markets closed in the negative after moving off earlier lows. Global markets were weak on Wednesday, as investors reacted to sharp declines in Shanghai. Among the most notable decliners, British Energy dropped 3.7%. Shares of pharmaceutical maker GlaxoSmithKline recovered in the afternoon to close down 0.54%. The U.K.

U.S. Market Attempts Recovery

Elena
30 May, 2007
New York City

U.S. market averages recovered from earlier weakness to trade mixed. Investors shrugged off a heavy sell-off in China, sparked by a tripling of taxes on stock trades. The Dow traded lower, pressured by Merck & Co., down 2%, Intel, down 1.5%, and Pfizer, falling 1%. Caterpillar helped limit losses, posting a gain of 2.9% after rival Joy Global issued an upbeat guidance. In the tech sector, IBM advanced 0.6% and Microsoft added 0.3%.

ESpeed to Acquire BGC Partners for $1.3 B

Elena
30 May, 2007
New York City

Wall Street saw a weak opening on Wednesday, pressured by steep declines in the Chinese stock market sparked by a tripling of taxes on stock trades. Investors were also awaiting the Fed Reserve''s minutes, expected to indicate a rate cut in the near term, rather than a rate hike. In corporate news, ESpeed Inc., a publicly owned electronic trading house, said it is buying BGC Partners in a $1.3 billion deal. Shares of ESpeed added 1.6%.

UK Falls on China Worries

Ivaylo
30 May, 2001
New York City

London lost 60 points by mid-session trading on Wednesday on worries of a global sell-off after a China

Chinese Stocks Hurt Pre-Opening Mood

Elena
30 May, 2007
New York City

U.S. stock futures moved sharply lower on Wednesday, reflecting a plunge in Chinese stocks and cautiousness ahead of the Fed Reserve''s release of minutes from its latest meeting. The main Shanghai Composite Index dropped 6.5% after Beijing tripled a tax on stock trading. FOMC minutes are expected to indicate a rate cut by the end of the year rather than a rate hike. In corporate news, IBM said it repurchased $12.5 billion of common stock through accelerated share-buyback agreements.

Madison Dearborn to Buy CDW for $7.3 B

Elena
30 May, 2007
New York City

CDW announced after the closing bell on Tuesday that it agreed to be acquired by private-equity firm Madison Dearborn Partners in a cash deal worth $7.3 billion. Under terms of the deal, Madison Dearborn will pay $87.75 a share for the technology products reseller. The transaction is 16.1% premium over CDW''s May 25 closing price of $75.56 a share.

China Drags Asia Down

Ivaylo
30 May, 2007
New York City

Asian markets ended mostly lower on Wednesday. The Shanghai Composite Index in China plunged after the government surprisingly tripled duties charged on stock trades, to cool speculative activity and block what is believed is a huge equity-market bubble. Other markets advanced on Wednesday, as Thailand recorded modest gains, while South Korea ended at another record close. Japan closed lower on broad-based selling.

Sensex Down 0.7%, India Surpasses $1 Trillion

Ivaylo
30 May, 2007
New York City

The benchmark index saw a highly volatile session, opening with a negative bias on weak global markets. However, buying in capital goods stocks like Larsen & Toubro and BHEL helped the market advance in afternoon trade. It was in the final hour of trading on weakness in IT stocks that sent shares sharply lower. Reliance Communications and Reliance Energy led the decline, while L&T led advancers. India became the third emerging stock market after China and Russia to exceed $1 trillion in value.