Market Update

Verizon Profit Declines

Elena
01 Aug, 2006
New York City

Verizon reported Q2 earnings of $1.6 billion, or 55 cents a share, down from $2.1 billion, or 75 cents a share last year, citing charges and merger integration costs. Eastman Kodak said Q2 loss widened to $282 million, or 98 cents per share from $155 million, or 54 cents per share a year ago on restructuring charges and rising silver prices.

Northwest Flight Attendants Reject Contract

Elena
01 Aug, 2006
New York City

That move is likely to lead the bankrupt airline to unilaterally impose a new, cost-cutting contract on the union, but the airline''s 9,300 flight attendants warned that any attempt by the airline to enforce new work rules will lead to random mini-strikes aimed at hampering the carrier''s operations.

Asia Ends Down on Profit-Taking

Ivaylo
01 Aug, 2006
New York City

The Nikkei 225 Average of Japan shed 0.04%, as traders sold blue chip electronics. Sony and Canon were among the main decliners. The Hang Seng Index of Hong Kong fell 0.35% on falls in China-related companies. The Korea Composite Stock Price Index, or Kospi, eased 0.8%, as profit taking in banks and shipbuilders erased gains in technology shares.

Europe Shakes Off Early Weakness

Ivaylo
01 Aug, 2006
Frankfurt

European stocks turned higher on Tuesday, as broadly satisfying results from the likes of Allied Irish Banks and KPN offset weakness caused earlier by Deutsche Bank and Ryanair. The U.K. FTSE 100 index notched 0.2% up and the French CAC-40 index gained 0.1%, with only the German DAX Xetra 30 index slipping 0.1%.

Gold Slips Slightly

Ivaylo
01 Aug, 2006
Metals

Despite the nearly flat close on the day, gold is building a base to move higher amid concerns about North Korea, Iran, Venezuela and the fighting in the Middle East, which have built a premium into the market. Silver, platinum and palladium edged up, while searing heat in North America sent natural gas prices surging.

Dow and Nasdaq Close Lower

123jump.com Staff
31 Jul, 2006
New York City

Natural gas and crude oil futures jumped more than one dollar. The heat wave in the Midwest and uncertainty driven by Israel and U.N. Security Council resolution asking Iran to suspend nuclear enrichment by the end of August kept oil rebounding. Crude oil closed at $74.40 per barrel and natural gas at $8.21 per mBTU. Tyson reported wider than expected loss. Valero LP reported lower earnings and forecasted similar profit in the current quarter.

Weak European Close

Elena
31 Jul, 2006
New York City

European markets closed lower, pulling back from last-week highs, despite well-received earnings reports from major companies. Advancers included media and publishing group Pearson, up 1%, Dutch delivery-services group TNT, up 3.5%, and ASM International, up 6.5%. The German DAX 30 fell 0.4%, the French CAC 40 lost 0.4%, while London FTSE 100 dropped 0.8%.

Sandisk to Buy M-Flash for $1.3 B

Elena
31 Jul, 2006
New York City

Stocks traded mixed to lower late Monday morning as investors locked in recent gains. Avon Products dropped over 8% after reporting 54% decline in earnings to 33 cents per share from 69 per share last year on restructuring charges. Among other movers, Blue Nile fell 5% on quarterly earnings, while shares of 51Job Inc. climbed 10% on brokerage upgrade.

Sensex in India, Rally on Earnings

Elena
31 Jul, 2006
New York City

Sensex in India gained for the fourth day in a row. The index gained 0.60%. IT, auto, bank and cement companies led the gainers. A parade of rising earnings improved investor sentiment. Jagran Prakashan rose 20% on 1:5 stock split and earnings gain of four-fold. Hindustan Lever declared Rs 3 dividend. Welspun Gujarat rose 11% on 66% rise in earnings. Fall in global oil price supported a rise in local auto stocks.

Market Opens Lower

Elena
31 Jul, 2006
New York City

Humana Inc said Q2 net income advanced to 53 cents a share from 49 cents a share a year on 53% revenue growth, beating expectations. HSBC Holdings, banking services company, reported that first-half net profit advanced 15% to $8.73 billion as total operating income jumped 15% to $34.33 billion. Tyson dropped 8.4% on disappointing Q3 profit and lowered forecasts.

Apple Gains on Upgrade

Elena
31 Jul, 2006
New York City

U.S. stock futures declined early Monday as investors were cautious due to the ongoing violent conflict in the Middle East. Shares of Apple Computer rose 2% on Inet after Banc of America Securities upgraded it to buy from neutral and raised its price target to $79 from $68, citing strong demand for MacBooks and iPod digital music players.

Japanese Car Output Grows Overseas

Elena
31 Jul, 2006
New York City

The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association said that for the first time the Japanese automakers produced more vehicles overseas than they did at home. Japanese automakers have been boosting market share in the U.S. and other key global regions as soaring oil prices make their fuel-efficient models more attractive to consumers.

Upbeat Earnings Boost Asia

Ivaylo
31 Jul, 2006
New York City

The agenda this week will once again be dominated by earnings reports. Among major companies, Toshiba and Toyota Motor are due to report. The Nikkei 225 Average ended higher, in what is the benchmark third straight gain, as corporate results have been encouraging. Other indexes across the region also finished higher.

Mixed Earnings Weigh Europe Down

Ivaylo
31 Jul, 2006
Frankfurt

Dutch bank ABN Amro reported record-breaking second-quarter earnings, while Statoil fell, posting disappointing results and its stock slipped. By mid morning, London FTSE 100 shed 0.3%, while Frankfurt Xetra Dax lost 0.2%, and in Paris, the CAC 40 dropped 0.2%.

Gold Closes Modestly Higher

Ivaylo
31 Jul, 2006
Metals

Last week moves support the view that gold is building a strong base above $600 an ounce and the violence between Israel and Hezbollah continues to nurture some safe-haven buying. Participants in the gold market were aslo following the moves of crude oil, slipping at one point below the $73 a barrel mark amid talk of a cease-fire in the Middle East.