Market Update

Europe Closes Higher

Elena
05 May, 2006
Frankfurt

European markets ended sharply higher, lifted by weaker-than-expected U.S. economic data and merger-and-acquisition news. Banking group Alliance & Leicester rose 7% and Dutch media company VNU gained 5% on bid speculations. The German DAX 30 surged 1.2%, the French CAC 40 climbed 1%, and London FTSE 100 advanced 0.9%.

Dow Rallies

Elena
05 May, 2006
New York City

Weaker-than-anticipated employment data and cooling oil prices sent U.S. stocks sharply higher, with the Dow reaching a new six-year high. Toll Brothers rose 2.2%%, despite reporting a 29% decline in the value of signed contracts and cut its delivery estimate for the year by 200 homes. El Paso surged 9% on Q1 threefold earnings rise, beating forecasts. Warner Music rose 1.6%, despite reporting a narrower-than-expected loss.

Volatile Indian Market

Elena
05 May, 2006
Mumbai

The index started stable on a strong buying impulse and strong global markets and then soared in the trading. Moody

Medco Health Net Falls 66%

Elena
05 May, 2006
New York City

Stocks surged at opening on weaker-than-expected employment data which helped to offset worries about interest rate increases. The Labor Department said the U.S. economy added 138,000 jobs in April, compared with a forecast of 200,000. In earnings news, El Paso reported Q1 net income rise to $346 million or 49 cents per share. Sanofi-Aventis reported Q1 net income advanced 54% on 9.6% sales rise. Medco Health Solutions posted a 66% slide in Q1 profit, hurt by a $100 million charge.

Weaker Job Growth

Elena
05 May, 2006
New York City

The Labor Department said that non-farm payroll employment increased by 138,000 in April following a downwardly revised increase of 200,000 in March. Economists had expected an increase of 200,000 jobs. The report showed that notable job growth was shown by the financial, health care, and manufacturing industries. The Labor Department added that the unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.7%.

Mergers Lead Europe up

Elena
05 May, 2006
Frankfurt

European markets advanced at mid-day, lifted by strong U.S. markets close Thursday, merger-and-acquisition news, and oil prices below $70 a barrel. Investors were somewhat cautious ahead of key U.S. economic data. The German DAX 30 rose 0.4%, the French CAC 40 climbed 0.6%, and London FTSE 100 advanced 0.6%.

Commodities Power Australia

Ivaylo
05 May, 2006
New York City

The Australian benchmark was fueled by a rally in metal prices, ignited by BHP Billiton in the wake of their comment about copper market. In Taiwan the strong tech stock, together with the financial shares, boosted the Taiwan Weighted Index to a five-year high. Gold and oil prices advanced as well, the bullion spot prices struck a new high in Australian trading.

Expeditors, Starbucks and Whole Foods Shine

123jump.com Staff
04 May, 2006
New York City

Market averages gained on business productivity data, April same-store retail sales and corporate earnings. Market kept advancing and retained a positive bias at close. Wal-Mart reported April same-store sales rise of 6.8%. Teenage apparel retailer advanced the most. Oil fell and then rose at close. Whole Foods, Starbucks, Expeditors International and Cognizant report stronger than expected earnings. Market anticipates strong non-farm payroll data of 200,000 on Friday.

Rising Wages, Productivity and Markets

123jump.com Staff
04 May, 2001
New York City

Market averages traded higher and maintained upward bias in late afternoon trading. April same-store sales rose better-than expected for teenage and discount retailers. Jobless claims rose to a six-month high as reported at the end of the last week. Gains in productivity helped companies to off-set rise in hourly wages. Microsot Chairman claims to be ready to take on Google. Crude oil and precious metals traded near reord levels. Whole Foods up 13% and Chicos down 18%.

Oil Majors Lift Europe

Elena
04 May, 2006
Frankfurt

European markets extended early gains to close up, boosted by major oil companies, record-high copper prices and strong performance of U.S. markets. The Bank of England and the European Central Bank kept interest rates steady as expected. The German DAX 30 rose 1.2%, the French CAC 40 gained 0.8%, and London FTSE 100 added 0.5%.

Eastman Kodak down 5%

Elena
04 May, 2006
New York City

Stocks traded firmly in the positive, boosted by upbeat worker productivity data, strong retail sales, and retreating oil. The Dow hit a six-year high, supported by transportation stocks which advanced on sharply lower oil prices. Some disk drive stocks like Iomega, M-Systems, and SanDisk also posted notable gains. Among retailers, Abercrombie & Fitch said same-store sales rose 17% in April, beating estimates of 7.9% increase. Eastman Kodak fell 5% on wider Q1 net loss.

Volatile Session in Indian Market

Elena
04 May, 2006
Mumbai

In a second day of volatility, the Sensex soared another 100 points in afternoon trade to suddenly drop after a sell-off. Reliance Industries followed the trading gyration and rose sharply only to drop off its earlier level later in the session. Stocks in banks, cement and auto sector led trading volume.

Strong Retail Sales

Elena
04 May, 2006
New York City

Stocks opened higher, supported by strong April retail sales and positive earnings. Tyco International Ltd. reported higher-than-expected Q1 net income and announced a $2 billion buyback. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. reported 6.8% rise in same-store sales, above estimates. Costco Wholesale Corp. posted 7% same-store sales growth, beating estimates. Pacific Sunwear of California beat expectations with 14% same-store sales increase. Limited same-store sales rise of 9% also exceeded analyst expectations.

Unit Labor Costs Rise

Elena
04 May, 2006
New York City

Stock futures indicated a higher start, supported by data showing stronger-than-expected rise in Q1 unit labor costs, falling oil, and positive earnings. Tyco International Ltd. reported higher-than-expected Q1 net income and announced a $2 billion buyback. Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Costco Wholesale Corp., Pacific Sunwear of California Inc. and Limited Brands Inc. released stronger-than-expected April sales.

Europe Gains on Earnings

Elena
04 May, 2006
Frankfurt

European markets advanced at mid-day trading, boosted by gains in oil and chemicals companies like Royal Dutch Shell, Total, and BASF. Markets also awaited interest-rate decisions by the Bank of England and the European Central Bank. The German DAX 30 rose 0.6%, the French CAC 40 gained 0.3%, and London FTSE 100 added 0.2%.