Market Update

Tokyo Proposes Consumption Tax Hike

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

In Tokyo trading market averages rebounded reflecting advances in the U.S. and Europe. Exporters, trading companies, and mining and metals companies led the rally. Japan retail sales in July declined 2.2% dragged by lower sales in apparel, automobiles, and machinery. Japan proposes to hike consumption tax. Mitsubishi Corp led the index stocks with a gain of 6.6% followed by Showa Shell, Nippon Mining, and NSK Ltd.

Zale Swings to Profit, Tiffany Earnings Fall

Elena
30 Aug, 2007
New York City

Jewelry retailer Zale Corp. swung to a Q4 profit from a year-earlier loss although revenue and same-store sales fell 0.5%. Zale posted profit of $1.5 million, or 3 cents a share, compared with a loss of $27.4 million, or 57 cents a year ago. Another jewelry retailer, Tiffany & Co. reported Q1 net income drop of 10% to $37 million, or 26 cents a share, down from $41.1 million, or 29 cents a share last year.

97% of S&P 500 Stocks Closed Higher

123jump.com Staff
29 Aug, 2007
New York City

It was a volatile day for the second day in New York trading. Tech stocks led the averages higher after a day when brokerages led the stocks lower. Nasdaq led three popular averages with a rise of 2.5%. Every stock in the 30 stock Dow Jones index gained today. Yesterday all stocks in the index fell. In the S&P 500 index 97% jumped higher today after 96% fell in yesterday trading. Brazil and Argentina led Latin markets.

UK Trails US Trading

123jump.com Staff
29 Aug, 2007
New York City

UK stocks recovered on the back of rising earnings, positive trading sentiment, and rising averages in other markets i Europe. Whitbred, Antofagasta, and PartGaming reported better than expected earnings. The Land Registry said that home prices rose 0.1% in July across England and Wales but rose faster in London. Average home in Londod cost 343,000 and in England 181,500 pounds. Financials and miners led the index FTSE 100 stocks.

Europe Wins on PartyGaming

Elena
29 Aug, 2007
New York City

European stock markets reversed from earlier losses to close in the positive on Wednesday. Gains followed a rebound in sentiment throughout markets as well as upbeat leisure sector results. Nokia stood out among gainers with an advance of 6.4% after announcing a new online music and games service. Meanwhile, health-care stocks Roche Holding and Merck KGaA helped limit gains. Across regional markets, the U.K. rose 0.5%, followed by France, up 0.4% and Germany which finished unchanged.

Altria Pursues Philip Morris Spinoff

Elena
29 Aug, 2007
New York City

U.S. market averages continued to post solid gains Wednesday, boosted by bargain-hunting after recent sell-off. Fed Reserve

Williams-Sonoma Tops Estimate

Elena
29 Aug, 2007
New York City

Williams-Sonoma, a household goods and decor retailer, reported better-than-expected Q2 earnings and raised its full-year profit target. The stock climbed 7.6%. Double Hull Tankers posted 11% profit increase in Q2 on strong charter rates and continued demand for its vessels. Big Lots jumped 8.5% after it said its Q2 profit rose on higher same-store sales and lower costs, beating analyst estimates. The closeout retailer also lifted its full-year profit guidance.

Tokyo Declines with Global Markets

123jump.com Staff
29 Aug, 2007
New York City

Tokyo fell 1.7% tracking the losses in the U.S. Japanese investors are worried that banks in Tokyo have unknow exposure to mortgage market and exporters are worried that incomes will decline with slowing economy in the U.S. Banks, real estate developers, and exporters led the decline in Topix and Nikkei 225 indexes. Recently appointed finance ministe showed hawkish stand ad expressed a greater desire to intervene in the foreign currency market.

Daimler Profit Slides 14%

Elena
29 Aug, 2007
New York City

Wall Street rallied at opening Wednesday, as investors took advantage of cheap buying after a heavy plunge in the previous session. The Dow Jones industrials jumped nearly 100 points. DaimlerChrysler released its first full earnings report without Chrysler. The car maker said its net income fell 14% to $2.5 billion, or $2.36 a share, with revenue down 3% to $32.24 billion. Daimler also said its financial services division produced a flat operating profit of $297 million. The stock rose 3.5%.

U.S. Stock Futures Indicate Recovery

Elena
29 Aug, 2007
New York City

U.S. stock futures pointed to recovery Wednesday after a huge sell-off in the previous session, sparked by economic growth concerns and uncertainty whether the Fed will cut interest rates to stop credit turmoil from spreading further. On Wednesday, investors turned to bargain hunting on hopes that the stock market will soon overcome its volatility. Among companies in focus, Altria Group is expected to announce a spinoff of its cigarette business, Philip Morris International.

Big Lots Profit and Forecast Up

Elena
29 Aug, 2007
New York City

The retailer reported net income rise to $23.4 million, or 22 cents per share, up from $4.3 million, or 4 cents per share a year ago. Income from continuing operations soared to $22.1 million, or 21 cents per share, from $4.7 million, or 4 cents per share. Big Lots lifted its full-year forecast for profit of continuing operations, due to the upbeat Q2 financial results and current business trends.

Stocks, Bond Yields, Metals Decline

123jump.com Staff
28 Aug, 2007
New York City

In New York trading averages declined after invesstors reviewed the text of the recent FOMC meeting. The committee members worried that economic growth may be at risk with recent turmoil in credit market jitters. Investors looking for rate cut in the next meeting were disappointed. In the afternoon trading averages fell sharply after the release of the statement. Indicators for consumer confidence and home prices showed decllines. Latin and European markets fell sharply.

Banks Lead London Losses of 1.9%

123jump.com Staff
28 Aug, 2007
New York City

FTSE 100 opened lower after a day of close and fell more. The housing worries in the U.K. and U.S. markets resurfaced. The loan volumes issued in July in UK fell 11% from a year ago and weak housing sales report in the U.S. kept traders worried. Wood Group reported 35% increase in first-half sales and earnings soared 65%. According to the National Audit Office 33% of the largest 700 companies did not pay taxes in the fiscal year 2005-06.

Barclays, BNP Paribas Push Europe Lower

Elena
28 Aug, 2007
New York City

European stock markets closed lower Tuesday, breaking a seven-session winning streak. Decliners were led by financial companies on concern the credit-market turmoil might spread into the broader economy, hurting economic growth. Barclays, Societe Generale and Deutsche Bank AG paced the retreat. France posted the sharpest decline, down 2.1%, followed by the U.K. losing 1.9% and Germany, falling only 0.7%.

Sensex Edge Lower

123jump.com Staff
28 Aug, 2007
New York City

In subdued trading in Mmumbai averages fell a fraction reflecting quiet trading across in Asia. Sensex fell 0.4% to 14,901 in a weak trading. Rupee edged lower against dollar. Of the 30 stocks in Sensex, 19 increased. Daily turnover on NSE and BSE has declined from its peak between 10% and 15%. Hindalco led the gaiers and ICICI Bank led the decliners among Sensex stocks. Communist parties and ruling coalition controlled by Congress Party look for commong platform for nuclear deal with India.