Global Financial Markets: Investment Markets Services

Deficit grows more than expected. Reports also shows hints of economic weakness.
 Record oil prices sent the trade deficit to a 16-month high in July, according to a government report released Thursday that also showed signs of economic weakness.

The Commerce Department reported that imports exceeded exports by $62.2 billion, up from an upwardly revised $58.8 billion in June. Economists had expected a $58 billion gap, according to a consensus estimate compiled by Briefing.com. [Read more →]

Tags: Asian markets, Business, Economic news, Economy, financial asset management, financial markets, financial news, global business, international financial markets, investment markets by Financial Specialist
No Comments »

 Japan shares snap 4-day losing streak on Wall Street rally, easing oil prices

Japanese shares ended a four-day losing streak Monday, rising sharply following strong gains on Wall Street Friday and easing crude oil prices. The benchmark Nikkei 225 index rose 212.62 points, or 1.68 percent, to 12,878.66. The broader Topix index advanced 1.88 percent to 1,239.25.

Bargain-hunting investors boosted shares in nearly all sectors, with banking and rubber issues among the biggest winners of the day.

Financial names, battered recently on growing credit market concerns, sprung back to life Monday following speculation of a possible takeover of Lehman Brothers. [Read more →]

Tags: Asian markets, Economic news, Market Data, Stock Exchange, U.S. stock market, financial markets, financial review, global stock markets, international financial markets, investment markets, investors, stock markets by Financial Specialist
1 Comment »

International stocks should be a part of any diversified portfolio, but they’re not a shelter against domestic rough spots.

Question: Given the way the U.S. stock market has been behaving, what are your thoughts of buying foreign stocks versus domestic shares? —Henry, San Antonio, Texas

Answer: If you’re thinking of moving into foreign stocks because they’ll offer shelter at a time when U.S. shares are being hammered, you may end up being disappointed. Academic research has shown that when the U.S. stock market gets slammed, foreign bourses also find themselves reeling. [Read more →]

Tags: Asian markets, Economic news, Market Data, Stock Exchange, U.S. stock market, bond market, financial review, global business, global stock markets, international financial markets, investment markets, stock markets by Financial Specialist
2 Comments »

Fortune’s Sue Zesiger Callaway hops a ride on the Hawker 4000, a $21 million aircraft that boasts cutting-edge avionics. Plus: Jet etiquette.
When it comes to business jets, the holy grail has long been a reasonably priced jet with enough range to zip you across the Atlantic.
(After all, what mogul wants to refuel in Greenland en route to London?) [Read more →]

Tags: Asian markets, Bank of America, Banks, Business, Canadian Dollars, Currency, Economic news, Economy, Exchange Converter, Market Data, Stock Exchange, bond market, central banks, financial advisor, financial aid, financial asset management, financial companies, financial markets, financial news, financial planning, financial review, global business, global stock markets, international financial markets, investment markets, investors, money, overseas markets, pounds, stock markets by Financial Specialist
4 Comments »