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Print - 2007-03-22
EFU - 75 years celebration - 2007

EFU - 75 years celebration - 2007

The EFU Group celebrates its 75th year in a very successful career of reaching out to people this year. On this occasion the Managing Director & CEO Mr. Saifuddin N. Zoomkawala, unveiled the history and the future goals of EFU which sails under his vision
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Justice Iftikhar to launch a series of addresses

Justice Iftikhar to launch a series of addresses

The defence counsel of non-functional Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry here on Wednesday demanded day-to-day open trial of presidential reference, saying that he would embark on a series of addresses to the legal fraternity across the country.
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Unilever Pakistan Limited: adding vitality to life

Unilever Pakistan Limited: adding vitality to life

Incorporated in 1948, Unilever Pakistan Limited is one of the most prominent multinationals in the country. The Company is a proud part of Pakistan's history, contributing to the economic growth of the nation and catering to the daily needs of 160 million
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Two die in British nuclear submarine accident

Two die in British nuclear submarine accident

Two British submariners were killed and a third injured in an accident Wednesday on board a nuclear submarine under the ice cap in the Arctic Ocean, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in London said.
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Corporate Excellence Awards: criteria & assessment process

Corporate Excellence Awards: criteria & assessment process

The Corporate Excellence Award was instituted by MAP in 1982 with the sole aim to recognising and honouring companies showing outstanding performance and demonstrating progressive and enlightened management practices.
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Two die in British nuclear submarine accident

Two die in British nuclear submarine accident

Two British submariners were killed and a third injured in an accident Wednesday on board a nuclear submarine under the ice cap in the Arctic Ocean, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in London said.
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
114 killed as Uzbeks and tribesmen clash rages

114 killed as Uzbeks and tribesmen clash rages

Tribesmen in South Waziristan exchanged mortar and rocket fire with foreign al Qaeda militants for a third day on Wednesday, leaving at least 114 people dead, officials said. Army troops also shelled the Uzbek militants sheltering in South Waziristan, sec
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Message from President Management Association of Pakistan

Message from President Management Association of Pakistan

I deem it my privilege to address our members on the auspicious occasion of the 24th Corporate Excellence Awards presentation ceremony. You are aware that the Management Association of Pakistan appeared on the management horizon in 1964.
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
114 killed as Uzbeks and tribesmen clash rages

114 killed as Uzbeks and tribesmen clash rages

Tribesmen in South Waziristan exchanged mortar and rocket fire with foreign al Qaeda militants for a third day on Wednesday, leaving at least 114 people dead, officials said. Army troops also shelled the Uzbek militants sheltering in South Waziristan, sec
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Chief Guest Chairman, Senate, Government of Pakistan

Chief Guest Chairman, Senate, Government of Pakistan

I am glad to know that Management Association of Pakistan is holding its 24th Corporate Excellence Award presentation ceremony on 22nd March, 2007. The Management Association of Pakistan is a premier body of professional managers and entrepreneurs.
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
$37 million deal singed for hydropower project

$37 million deal singed for hydropower project

Pakistan and Kuwait Fund signed a loan agreement amounting to $37 million for the Golan Gol hydropower project here on Wednesday. Secretary of Economic Affairs Division, M. Akram Malik signed the agreement on behalf of Pakistan government whereas Director
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
$37 million deal singed for hydropower project

$37 million deal singed for hydropower project

Pakistan and Kuwait Fund signed a loan agreement amounting to $37 million for the Golan Gol hydropower project here on Wednesday. Secretary of Economic Affairs Division, M. Akram Malik signed the agreement on behalf of Pakistan government whereas Director
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
NYBoT says cotton stocks rise

NYBoT says cotton stocks rise

Certificated cotton stocks deliverable against New York Board of Trade's (NYBOT) No 2 cotton futures contract as of March 19 totalled 597,365 (480-lb) bales, from 591,965 bales the previous session. There were 10,568 bales issued, 57,482 bales were awaiti
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
$37 million deal singed for hydropower project

$37 million deal singed for hydropower project

Pakistan and Kuwait Fund signed a loan agreement amounting to $37 million for the Golan Gol hydropower project here on Wednesday. Secretary of Economic Affairs Division, M. Akram Malik signed the agreement on behalf of Pakistan government whereas Director
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
MGE wheat ends higher in rebound from two-month low

MGE wheat ends higher in rebound from two-month low

Hard red spring wheat futures on the Minneapolis Grain Exchange closed higher on Tuesday in a light bounce from Monday's fall to two-month lows, but volume was thin, traders said. May spring wheat settled up 3-1/2 cents at $5.01-1/2 per bushel, meeting re
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Durrani invites lawyers for dialogue

Durrani invites lawyers for dialogue

The government on Wednesday formally invited the legal fraternity to a dialogue to overcome the prevailing judicial crisis. "We formally invite Bar Councils for a dialogue to find out an amicable solution of all the issues," Information Minister Muhammad
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
New York coffee settles mostly lower as specs sell

New York coffee settles mostly lower as specs sell

US arabica coffee futures mostly lower on Tuesday on speculative selling and limited buying interest as near-term ample supplies and a lack of new fundamentals weigh, dealers said.
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Durrani invites lawyers for dialogue

Durrani invites lawyers for dialogue

The government on Wednesday formally invited the legal fraternity to a dialogue to overcome the prevailing judicial crisis. "We formally invite Bar Councils for a dialogue to find out an amicable solution of all the issues," Information Minister Muhammad
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
New York cocoa closes at near four-year high

New York cocoa closes at near four-year high

US cocoa futures rocketed to close on Tuesday at a nearly four-year peak on fund buying and the medium-term outlook is for prices to head higher because of tight supplies and an increase in demand, traders said.
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Bullion rates

Bullion rates

Following are the bullion prices in major markets of the country on Wednesday.

Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
FedEx posts lower net

FedEx posts lower net

Package delivery company FedEx Corp said on Wednesday that quarterly earnings fell and warned its growth targets would be at risk if the US economy did not improve.
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Bullion rates

Bullion rates

Following are the bullion prices in major markets of the country on Wednesday.

Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
FedEx posts lower net

FedEx posts lower net

Package delivery company FedEx Corp said on Wednesday that quarterly earnings fell and warned its growth targets would be at risk if the US economy did not improve.
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Wheat export finance available up to June 15

Wheat export finance available up to June 15

The State Bank of Pakistan on Wednesday notified that export finance facility for export of wheat will be available to exporters from private sector on post-shipment basis only, against shipments made up to June 15, 2007. The SME & Micro Finance Division
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
India loses out to China in Myanmar gas race

India loses out to China in Myanmar gas race

Myanmar has decided to sell gas from its western offshore fields in the Bay of Bengal to China rather than India, a Press Trust of India news agency report said Wednesday.
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Wheat export finance available up to June 15

Wheat export finance available up to June 15

The State Bank of Pakistan on Wednesday notified that export finance facility for export of wheat will be available to exporters from private sector on post-shipment basis only, against shipments made up to June 15, 2007. The SME & Micro Finance Division
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Subprime jitters subside as funding found

Subprime jitters subside as funding found

Fears that turbulence in the high-risk mortgage market would spread eased on Wednesday after two lenders managed to secure enough money to stay afloat.
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Wheat export finance available up to June 15

Wheat export finance available up to June 15

The State Bank of Pakistan on Wednesday notified that export finance facility for export of wheat will be available to exporters from private sector on post-shipment basis only, against shipments made up to June 15, 2007. The SME & Micro Finance Division
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Subprime jitters subside as funding found

Subprime jitters subside as funding found

Fears that turbulence in the high-risk mortgage market would spread eased on Wednesday after two lenders managed to secure enough money to stay afloat.
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
US unveils Doha plan to slash fishing supports

US unveils Doha plan to slash fishing supports

The United States launched a plan on Wednesday to slash world fishing subsides by more than 50 percent in the World Trade Organisation''s Doha round of trade talks. The plan to curb nearly all government supports that encourage fishermen to harvest an uns
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
US unveils Doha plan to slash fishing supports

US unveils Doha plan to slash fishing supports

The United States launched a plan on Wednesday to slash world fishing subsides by more than 50 percent in the World Trade Organisation's Doha round of trade talks. The plan to curb nearly all government supports that encourage fishermen to harvest an unsu
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Morgan Stanley wins reversal of $1.58 billion award

Morgan Stanley wins reversal of $1.58 billion award

Morgan Stanley won a major victory on Wednesday when a Florida state appeals court threw out a $1.58 billion award to billionaire financier Ronald Perelman over his 1998 sale of camping equipment company Coleman Co to Sunbeam Corp.
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
US unveils Doha plan to slash fishing supports

US unveils Doha plan to slash fishing supports

The United States launched a plan on Wednesday to slash world fishing subsides by more than 50 percent in the World Trade Organisation's Doha round of trade talks. The plan to curb nearly all government supports that encourage fishermen to harvest an unsu
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Morgan Stanley wins reversal of $1.58 billion award

Morgan Stanley wins reversal of $1.58 billion award

Morgan Stanley won a major victory on Wednesday when a Florida state appeals court threw out a $1.58 billion award to billionaire financier Ronald Perelman over his 1998 sale of camping equipment company Coleman Co to Sunbeam Corp.
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
OGDCL acquires offshore block

OGDCL acquires offshore block

Country''s state-owned largest exploration and production firm -Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) has successfully acquired a contract from federal government for oil exploration of an offshore block.
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Dell launches low-cost computer in China

Dell launches low-cost computer in China

US computer maker Dell Inc unveiled a low-cost computer Wednesday which it said was specifically designed for the Chinese market and could help large numbers of novices get online.
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
OGDCL acquires offshore block

OGDCL acquires offshore block

Country's state-owned largest exploration and production firm -Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) has successfully acquired a contract from federal government for oil exploration of an offshore block.
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Long-awaited PlayStation 3 about to hit Europe, rest of world

Long-awaited PlayStation 3 about to hit Europe, rest of world

A boat will ferry a special consignment of PlayStation 3s to the foot of the Eiffel Tower as hardcore gamers queue in the cold at special midnight openings across Europe when Sony's next-generation console hits stores on Friday.
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
OGDCL acquires offshore block

OGDCL acquires offshore block

Country's state-owned largest exploration and production firm -Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) has successfully acquired a contract from federal government for oil exploration of an offshore block.
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
EU hails G33 trade talks

EU hails G33 trade talks

The European Union's trade chief hailed a meeting of G33 developing nations on Wednesday as a chance for success in global trade talks after they appeared to make concessions on protective tariffs for farm goods.
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
People advised precautions against bird flu

People advised precautions against bird flu

Pakistan agriculture authorities on Wednesday advised several precautions to people after they confirmed another outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of bird flu, the second of the current winter. The virus was detected in two out of eight samples te
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Brown gives surprise tax cuts

Brown gives surprise tax cuts

Britain's leader-in-waiting Gordon Brown fired a budget broadside at a resurgent opposition on Wednesday by making a surprise cut in income and corporate taxes months before he expects to take over as prime minister.
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
People advised precautions against bird flu

People advised precautions against bird flu

Pakistan agriculture authorities on Wednesday advised several precautions to people after they confirmed another outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of bird flu, the second of the current winter. The virus was detected in two out of eight samples te
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Hynix and US firm forge patent cross license deal

Hynix and US firm forge patent cross license deal

South Korea's Hynix Semiconductor, the world's second largest memory chipmaker, said Wednesday it has forged a patent cross-licensing and product supply deal with SanDisk of the United States.
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
People advised precautions against bird flu

People advised precautions against bird flu

Pakistan agriculture authorities on Wednesday advised several precautions to people after they confirmed another outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of bird flu, the second of the current winter. The virus was detected in two out of eight samples te
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Bertelsmann plans buying spree after profits soar

Bertelsmann plans buying spree after profits soar

German media giant Bertelsmann said Wednesday it was planning a buying spree after its net profit soared in 2006. But the company said it would wait until 2008 to make new acquisitions in order to give itself time to absorb the cost of a share buy-back th
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Iran's UN envoy rejects double suspension option

Iran's UN envoy rejects double suspension option

Iran's UN envoy Wednesday rejected the idea of a concurrent suspension of sanctions and Tehran's uranium enrichment as a way to defuse his country's nuclear showdown with the Security Council.
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Bertelsmann plans buying spree after profits soar

Bertelsmann plans buying spree after profits soar

German media giant Bertelsmann said Wednesday it was planning a buying spree after its net profit soared in 2006. But the company said it would wait until 2008 to make new acquisitions in order to give itself time to absorb the cost of a share buy-back th
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Malaysia central bank sees slight growth increase for 2007

Malaysia central bank sees slight growth increase for 2007

Malaysia's economy will expand 6.0 percent in 2007, up from last year's 5.9 percent as overall global growth moderates, led by the United States, the central bank said Wednesday. Bank Negara said the 6.0 percent increase would be supported by stronger dom
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Malaysia relaxes foreign exchange rules to court investors

Malaysia relaxes foreign exchange rules to court investors

Malaysia further relaxed foreign exchange rules on Wednesday in a bid to woo investors, amid growing competition for investment from other Asian countries. In its annual report, the central bank also reiterated its target of 6.0 percent economic growth th
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Singapore bunker fuel prices jump

Singapore bunker fuel prices jump

Singapore bunker prices surged on Wednesday, while in Hong Kong a supply squeeze drove bunker values higher, traders said. Prices for 380-centistoke (cst) bunker fuel were pegged at $311-$313 a tonne, and its differential to fuel oil cargoes rose to $11.9
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Five soldiers killed at Afghan border

Five soldiers killed at Afghan border

Five paramilitary soldiers were killed and two others were injured Wednesday when armed men attacked them near the border with Afghanistan, officials said. The soldiers at Bramcha post in south-western Balochistan province near the frontier with Afghanist
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Activity at Karachi and Qasim ports

Activity at Karachi and Qasim ports

The Karachi Port handled 66,028 tonnes cargo including 50,582 tonnes import, 15,446` tonnes export cargo and 1,632 containers during last 24 hours ending at 0700 hours on Wednesday.
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Five soldiers killed at Afghan border

Five soldiers killed at Afghan border

Five paramilitary soldiers were killed and two others were injured Wednesday when armed men attacked them near the border with Afghanistan, officials said. The soldiers at Bramcha post in south-western Balochistan province near the frontier with Afghanist
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
HRW wheat bids hold steady in US Plains

HRW wheat bids hold steady in US Plains

US Plains hard red winter wheat basis bids held steady Wednesday amid routine business, with traders saying rains in the southern Plains were helping to boost growth of the crop.
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Fed holds interest rates steady

Fed holds interest rates steady

The US Federal Reserve held benchmark interest rates steady at 5.25 percent on Wednesday for a sixth straight meeting, while maintaining a warning on the risk of inflation.
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Brazilian copper product sales seen rising

Brazilian copper product sales seen rising

Brazilian sales of copper wires, cables and other processed products are expected to rise by 7 percent to 10 percent in volume in 2007 due to increased industrial growth, a copper industry leader said on Tuesday.
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Fed holds interest rates steady

Fed holds interest rates steady

The US Federal Reserve held benchmark interest rates steady at 5.25 percent on Wednesday for a sixth straight meeting, while maintaining a warning on the risk of inflation.
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
FOB Gulf corn and soya export premiums steady

FOB Gulf corn and soya export premiums steady

US FOB Gulf corn and soyabean export premiums held mostly steady on Tuesday but were pressured by a rally in the futures market and export demand shifting to South America, traders said.
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Fed holds interest rates steady

Fed holds interest rates steady

The US Federal Reserve held benchmark interest rates steady at 5.25 percent on Wednesday for a sixth straight meeting, while maintaining a warning on the risk of inflation.
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
US Midwest soyabean steady to firm, corn flat

US Midwest soyabean steady to firm, corn flat

Spot basis bids for soyabeans were steady to firm around the US Midwest on Tuesday while corn bids were mostly unchanged, dealers said. Cash bids for soyabeans rose by 16-1/2 cents per bushel at one location in Illinois where dealers were trying to boost
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Marginal decline in values on LSE

Marginal decline in values on LSE

As a consequence of political parties and lawyers countrywide protest calls, the local share market showed an inconsistent movement and finally ended with a marginal decline, amid sluggish trade activity. The LSE-25 index finished the session with 18.39 p
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
CBOT wheat futures up on short-covering

CBOT wheat futures up on short-covering

Soft red winter wheat futures at the Chicago Board of Trade closed higher on Tuesday on short covering after the market's recent drop to five-month lows, traders said. Also supportive was news that Egypt bought 144,000 tonnes of wheat, including 60,000 to
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Marginal decline in values on LSE

Marginal decline in values on LSE

As a consequence of political parties and lawyers countrywide protest calls, the local share market showed an inconsistent movement and finally ended with a marginal decline, amid sluggish trade activity. The LSE-25 index finished the session with 18.39 p
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Indonesian palm oil rises on demand, tight supply

Indonesian palm oil rises on demand, tight supply

Indonesian crude palm oil prices extended gains on Wednesday supported by strong local demand and tight supplies, traders said. At the state marketing centre's tender in Jakarta, which sells palm oil from state plantation, crude palm oil traded higher at
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Hamas and Fatah fighters clash in Gaza, one killed

Hamas and Fatah fighters clash in Gaza, one killed

A militant loyal to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah faction was killed and four were wounded on Wednesday in the first deadly clash between Fatah and Hamas since a unity government was formed four days ago.
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Vietnam rice trade hit by export price restrictions

Vietnam rice trade hit by export price restrictions

A key rice crop harvest in southern Vietnam is at its peak, but industry restrictions on export prices aimed at ensuring supply to Indonesia and the Philippines have stopped deals with other buyers, traders said.
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
CBOT corn futures higher on technical bounce

CBOT corn futures higher on technical bounce

Corn futures at the Chicago Board of Trade closed mostly higher on Tuesday, led by old-crop contracts amid firmer cash markets and a technical recovery, traders said. Fund buying, estimated at 6,000 lots, led the way up, the traders said.
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Oil cake market rates

Oil cake market rates

The March vaida was unchanged and the May vaida was lower on the forward cottonseed oilcake market on Wednesday as buyers were little interested in the new deals, dealers said. The March vaida was inert at Rs 660.00 and closing was seen at the same level,
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Modest trading seen on cotton market

Modest trading seen on cotton market

Modest trading was witnessed on the cotton market on Wednesday as some mills made urgent buying to meet their urgent requirement, dealers said. The Karachi Cotton Association (KCA) official spot was unchanged at Rs 2600, without upcountry expenses.
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Moong and masoor sharply up on grain market

Moong and masoor sharply up on grain market

Upward trend persisted on the grain market on Wednesday as buyers covered their urgent needs, dealers said. On the cereal side moong from Punjab gained Rs 100 to Rs 3750, masoor from Australia followed suit and rose by Rs 300 to Rs 3300, masoor Canada gai
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
World rubber market may stay tight

World rubber market may stay tight

The global rubber market is likely to remain tight at least until 2012 as suppliers struggle to raise output despite high prices, a senior industry official said.
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
West Africa trims cotton hopes as WTO, dollar weigh

West Africa trims cotton hopes as WTO, dollar weigh

West African cotton producers are trimming forecasts as low world prices, a weak dollar and administrative woes dull farmers' enthusiasm for "white gold". Output from the region's main producers is seen dropping to 2.47 million tonnes in 2006/07, from ove
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
US gold ends up on physical demand, buying by funds

US gold ends up on physical demand, buying by funds

Physical demand and buying by funds drove US gold futures to end higher for a fourth straight day on Tuesday, as a weaker dollar also helped lift the precious metal contracts to a two-week high. Silver and platinum also followed gold to hit new peaks.
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Gold off two-week high, eyes Fed meeting

Gold off two-week high, eyes Fed meeting

Gold was within sight of its highest level in two weeks on Wednesday but gains were capped as investors looked ahead to the end of a two-day Federal Reserve meeting for further direction.
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
US copper settles at yearly high on demand growth

US copper settles at yearly high on demand growth

Despite a late bout of profit-taking, copper futures in New York closed at a new high for the year on Tuesday with prospects of stronger demand growth overseas fuelling the buying interest, traders said.
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Oil rebounds toward $60, awaiting fuel stock draw

Oil rebounds toward $60, awaiting fuel stock draw

Oil prices bounced back toward $60 a barrel on Wednesday, reversing losses as dealers braced for a likely draw in US fuel stocks amid robust demand growth from the world's biggest consumer. US light, sweet crude for May delivery was trading up 41 cents at
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Kenyan tea prices close mixed

Kenyan tea prices close mixed

Prices of Kenyan top tea grades were mixed at this week's auction following quality, market players said on Wednesday.
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Shanghai copper down

Shanghai copper down

Shanghai copper prices fell 1.2 percent on Wednesday, under pressure from expectations of continuing Chinese imports and weakness in London futures. The most-traded June contract on the Shanghai Futures Exchange was at 60,570 yuan ($7,828) a tonne at midd
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
China edible oil imports surge

China edible oil imports surge

China, one of the world's top edible oils consumers, is set to buy 15-20 percent more foreign oils this year as farmers plant more grains instead of oilseeds due to Beijing's policies and higher prices.
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
New York sugar closes up as market seen adrift

New York sugar closes up as market seen adrift

Raw sugar futures finished with slight gains on Tuesday on buying by small speculators in very subdued business and the dearth of leads may keep the sweetener in a narrow band this week, brokers said.
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Soya closes firm, strength in November 2008 supports

Soya closes firm, strength in November 2008 supports

Soyabean futures at the Chicago Board of Trade rose on Tuesday on the back of the November 2008 contract as the struggle to secure bean acres for next year began this week, traders said.
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
CBOT rice closes mostly lower in thin trade

CBOT rice closes mostly lower in thin trade

Chicago Board of Trade rough rice futures closed mostly lower on Tuesday after a lacklustre session that was thinly traded, floor traders said. There was little news to stir much trade interest, which kept volume light. May contract settled 1 cent up at $
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Chinese rubber planters expand in Southeast Asia

Chinese rubber planters expand in Southeast Asia

Rubber firms from China, the world's top rubber consumer, plan to invest in more plantations in neighbouring countries of Southeast Asia as domestic production falls short of its growing demand.
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Malaysian palm oil ends mixed

Malaysian palm oil ends mixed

Malaysian palm oil futures ended slightly down on Wednesday, though the market had a firm tone, supported by gains in rival soyabean oil, dealers said. The benchmark third-month June contract on the Bursar Malaysia Derivatives Exchange fell 2 ringgit to 1
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Taiwan stocks close at three-week high

Taiwan stocks close at three-week high

Taiwan shares ended up 0.27 percent to a 3-week closing high on Wednesday, with stocks such as TSMC leading the index, but BenQ continued to drop after it announced its fifth straight quarterly loss.
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Malaysian shares rally

Malaysian shares rally

Malaysian share prices closed 0.34 percent higher on Wednesday, extending gains after a positive close on Wall Street overnight, dealers said. However sentiment remained cautious ahead of the outcome of the US Federal Open Market Committee meeting later W
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Hong Kong shares gain on China Mobile, Hutchison

Hong Kong shares gain on China Mobile, Hutchison

Hong Kong blue chips rose for a third straight day on Wednesday as Hutchison Whampoa and Cheung Kong shot up on the eve of their earnings reports, triggering buying in other blue chips.
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
US stocks finish firmer on M&A action

US stocks finish firmer on M&A action

US stocks rose on Tuesday as take-over activity in the technology sector reassured investors about equity valuations and offset apprehension about a monetary policy meeting beginning at the Federal Reserve.
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Philippines shares jump

Philippines shares jump

Philippines shares closed 1.68 percent higher on Wednesday as investors snapped up bargains following a two-day decline, dealers said. However, the thin turnover suggests many investors opted to stay on the sidelines until the US Federal Reserve concludes
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
US Treasury prices surge

US Treasury prices surge

US Treasury prices edged up on Tuesday after a report showing some pockets of weakness in the housing sector, while trading was cautious as the Federal Reserve began a two-day meeting which investors hope will offer clues on policy.
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
US Treasury prices surge

US Treasury prices surge

US Treasury prices edged up on Tuesday after a report showing some pockets of weakness in the housing sector, while trading was cautious as the Federal Reserve began a two-day meeting which investors hope will offer clues on policy.
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Jakarta stocks soar

Jakarta stocks soar

Indonesian share prices closed 0.21 percent higher on Wednesday but the gains were checked by losses in heavyweight Telkom and the miners after tin and nickel prices fell overnight, dealers said. They said investors were largely content to await news from
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
Thai share prices sag

Thai share prices sag

Thai share prices closed 0.33 percent lower on Wednesday, despite gains in other regional markets, as investors awaited a decision on US interest rates, dealers said. They said a significant rise in January exports failed to boost sentiment as the Thai ba
Published 22 Mar, 2007 12:00am
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