The New York Stock Exchange today released its weekly program-trading data submitted by its member firms. The report includes trading in all markets as reported to the NYSE for Dec. 11-15.
With only ten days to go before Slovenia adopts the euro, the final practical changeover preparations are well under way and everybody, from the banks to the retail sector and consumers themselves, seems to be ready. Commercial banks and retailers have received, or are about to, euro banknotes and coins and since last week households have also been able to procure themselves 'mini-kits' to familiarise themselves with the euro.
Europe's rural areas must exploit their potential or risk falling further behind urban areas in meeting Lisbon employment targets, particularly in the remotest and most agricultural areas, according to a Commission Communication published today.
Between 2000 and 2005 the average price of textile imports fell by 21% while the price of clothing imports declined by 24%. In 2005, however, the price falls moderated to only 1.2% in textiles and a mere 0.1% in clothing.
Due to huge consumer demand in the personal care industry, Chinese personal care ingredients (PCI) industry is considered to have considerable growth potential. Though the hike in crude oil prices is likely to block its advance to some extent, a shrewd marketing policy focusing on service and innovation is possible to help suppliers overcome difficulty and expand their market share.
Financial professionals are cautiously optimistic about economic growth in 2007, according to a new survey conducted by the Association for Financial Professionals (AFP). Forecasting modest growth for the year ahead, survey respondents expect their organizations to expand their U.S.-based workforces in the coming year. However, financial professionals also cite factors including volatile energy costs, the declining value of the U.S. dollar and rising health care costs as issues of concern.
CSM Worldwide is predicting another lackluster year of auto sales in the United States. The sales forecasting group at the global automotive forecasting and advisory firm is projecting sales to descend to a nine-year low of 16.2 million units in 2007.
The East Asian economy (excluding Japan) is projected to grow by 7.4% in 2006, according to a report released today by the Institute of Developing Economies, Japan External Trade Organization.
The majority of foreign-affiliated firms* operating in Japan have a favorable view of their business performance in the country, according to the results of a survey released today by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). A total of 936 firms replied to the survey, or 32.0% of the 2,929 firms sent questionnaires.
Global Insight today released its findings showing that the healthcare, consumer staples, and select components of the financial sector hold the most promise for U.S. stock market investors in 2007. The worst sectors for investing are predicted to be energy, consumer discretionary, industrials, and real estate, according to Global Insight's latest stock sector rotation strategy advisory.
