UK Home Prices Drop 2.4%, Rentokil Plummets 5%
The UK indexes slumped after home prices dropped more than estimated and new car registrations rose in April. Irish output fell for the second straight month in March. Warner Chilcott swung to quarterly profit.
U.S. Jobless Rate at 8.1%, Net New Jobs Additions Slows to 115,000
U.S. indexes fell after employers added less jobs than estimated in April as the weather played a key role in altering hiring pattern and the unemployment rate declined. Affymetrix and eBioscience amended merger agreement. LinkedIn agreed to acquire Sl...
Euro Area Economic Outlook Weakens, French Service Sector Shrinks
Euro area retail sales rebounded in March but service sector activity disappointed in April with a contraction in France and Spain. Spanish jobless rate declined in April.
European Service Sector Slumps, Swiss Re Swings to Profit
The European indexes edged lower ahead of regional elections this weekend and weaker-than-estimated service sector growth. Mixed earnings did not lift investor sentiment either despite Linde and BNP Paribas reporting better than expected results.
UK Home Prices Drop, BG Sells Comgas Stake for $1.8 Billion
The UK indexes advanced and the economic growth outlook was cut for the current year. The UK home prices fell unexpectedly and service sector activity eased in April. BG Group signed a memorandum of understanding to sell Comgás stake for $1.8 billion.
U.S. Jobless Claims Fall 27,000, Productivity Drops 0.5%
U.S. indexes gained after initial weekly jobless claims fell 27,000 to 365,000 and worker productivity decreased in the first quarter. Novartis agreed to acquire Fougera Pharmaceuticals for $1.525 billion. General Motors quarterly earnings plummeted 69...
French, Spanish Bond Auctions Diverge, BMW Net Up 18%
The European indexes gained and Spain completed bond auction at a higher borrowing cost and on strong earnings reports. Novartis agreed to acquire U.S.-based Fougera Pharmaceuticals for $1.525 billion. BMW quarterly net rose 18% on strong Asia sales.
Euro Area Producer Prices Climb, Hungarian Surplus Revised Up
The euro area producer price index rose less than estimated in March. Hungarian trade surplus increased in February and Belgian economy expanded in the first quarter.
UK Mortgage Approvals Rise, Home Retail Plunges 11%
The UK indexes dropped after mortgage approvals rose in March. UK construction activity eased but Irish jobless rate remained flat in April. BSkyB said nine month revenues and profit rose and distanced its self from Murdoch family. Home Retail plunged ...
U.S. Private Sector Adds 119,000 Jobs, MasterCard Net Rises 21%
U.S. indexes edged lower after private employment rose less than estimated in April and March estimate was lowered. Wolverine and private equity firms agreed to acquire the parent of Payless ShoeSource for $2 billion. Ascena Retail agreed to buy Charmi...
European Indexes Higher, UBS Net Plunges 54%
The European market indexes advanced despite the rise in unemployment across the region and manufacturing activity shrank. UBS quarterly net plunged 54% but TNT swung to profit.
Euro Area Unemployment at 10.9%, German Manufacturing at 33-Month Low
Jobless rate rose in the euro area and Italy in March and manufacturing activity declined in the euro-zone in April. Hungarian industrial producer price index rose from a year ago in March.
