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Print - 2013-02-06
Closing of sterling rates

Closing of sterling rates

Closing of sterling rates at 1730 GMT - on Tuesday (February 05, 2013).

Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
New York cotton

New York cotton

The following were Monday's closing prices of New York cotton in US cents/lb.

Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
New York cotton

New York cotton

The following were Monday's closing prices of New York cotton in US cents/lb.

Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
BP's profits down as oil spill trial looms

BP's profits down as oil spill trial looms

Shrinking British oil company BP Plc announced quarterly profit down a fifth from a year ago, after it sold assets in preparation for what could be its biggest oil spill payout when the case comes to trial later this month. BP, the last of the big four we
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
BP's profits down as oil spill trial looms

BP's profits down as oil spill trial looms

Shrinking British oil company BP Plc announced quarterly profit down a fifth from a year ago, after it sold assets in preparation for what could be its biggest oil spill payout when the case comes to trial later this month. BP, the last of the big four we
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Spanish banks say ready to rally after bleak year

Spanish banks say ready to rally after bleak year

Spanish banks are poised for a return to normal activity in 2013 after setting aside billions of euros last year in provisions against potential losses on real-estate loans which holed their bottom line. Combined net profit at the country's six biggest ba
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Spanish banks say ready to rally after bleak year

Spanish banks say ready to rally after bleak year

Spanish banks are poised for a return to normal activity in 2013 after setting aside billions of euros last year in provisions against potential losses on real-estate loans which holed their bottom line. Combined net profit at the country's six biggest ba
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
EU steps up measures against money laundering

EU steps up measures against money laundering

The European Commission said Tuesday it needs to step up the fight against money laundering as criminals and terrorists constantly find new ways around existing regulations. Accordingly, it plans to make it more difficult to get illicit funds through the
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
World Bank vows to help Myanmar 'turn lights on'

World Bank vows to help Myanmar 'turn lights on'

The World Bank pledged Tuesday to help Myanmar improve people's access to electricity as it hailed a "new beginning" in its relations with the former pariah state. World Bank officials visited the former army-ruled country for three days of talks with Pre
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Barclays ducks Qatar questions, takes $1.6 billion mis-selling hit

Barclays ducks Qatar questions, takes $1.6 billion mis-selling hit

Barclays bosses ducked questions on Tuesday over funding for its rescue by Qatar four years ago, as another big charge for mis-selling showed how past problems continue to dog the British bank. UK authorities have been investigating the bank's fundraising
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Dell unveils private equity buyout worth $24.4 billion

Dell unveils private equity buyout worth $24.4 billion

Dell unveiled plans Tuesday to take the former number one computer maker private in a buyout led by company founder Michael Dell worth $24.4 billion. "I believe this transaction will open an exciting new chapter for Dell, our customers and team members,"
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Dell unveils private equity buyout worth $24.4 billion

Dell unveils private equity buyout worth $24.4 billion

Dell unveiled plans Tuesday to take the former number one computer maker private in a buyout led by company founder Michael Dell worth $24.4 billion. "I believe this transaction will open an exciting new chapter for Dell, our customers and team members,"
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Taiwan banks to offer Chinese yuan services

Taiwan banks to offer Chinese yuan services

Taiwanese banks will start allowing customers to open Chinese yuan accounts and remit funds to the mainland from Wednesday, officials said, in the latest sign of warming economic ties between the former rivals. The regulations, which follow an agreement s
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Global ecommerce sales topped $1 trillion

Global ecommerce sales topped $1 trillion

Global Internet retail sales topped $1 trillion for the first time in 2012 with the United States holding the top spot but China rising fast, a market research firm said Tuesday. The report by eMarketer said ecommerce consumer sales grew 21.1 percent to j
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
UBS overhaul bearing fruit despite hefty quarterly loss

UBS overhaul bearing fruit despite hefty quarterly loss

Swiss bank UBS reported faster than expected progress in overhauling its investment bank but its flagship wealth management unit performed disappointingly, weighed down in Europe where Switzerland is under fire for helping tax cheats.
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
UBS overhaul bearing fruit despite hefty quarterly loss

UBS overhaul bearing fruit despite hefty quarterly loss

Swiss bank UBS reported faster than expected progress in overhauling its investment bank but its flagship wealth management unit performed disappointingly, weighed down in Europe where Switzerland is under fire for helping tax cheats.
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Atari gets lifeline

Atari gets lifeline

Atari, the pioneering video game company mired in bankruptcy proceedings in both France and the US, said on Tuesday it had found a last minute buyer after the latest leading shareholder gave up on turning the company around. Atari SA "supports the propose
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Atari gets lifeline

Atari gets lifeline

Atari, the pioneering video game company mired in bankruptcy proceedings in both France and the US, said on Tuesday it had found a last minute buyer after the latest leading shareholder gave up on turning the company around. Atari SA "supports the propose
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Eurozone must ensure stable currency: Hollande

Eurozone must ensure stable currency: Hollande

French President Francois Hollande called on the euro zone on Tuesday to develop an exchange rate policy to protect the currency from "irrational movements". His comments came amid growing concern within his Socialist government that the euro, now trading
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Toyota banking on weak yen, better US sales for profit boost

Toyota banking on weak yen, better US sales for profit boost

Toyota Motor Corp lifted its annual profit guidance, banking on stronger sales in its key US market and a boost from a weaker yen, which put its Japanese manufacturing in the black for the first time in five years. But the world's best-selling automaker,
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Toyota banking on weak yen, better US sales for profit boost

Toyota banking on weak yen, better US sales for profit boost

Toyota Motor Corp lifted its annual profit guidance, banking on stronger sales in its key US market and a boost from a weaker yen, which put its Japanese manufacturing in the black for the first time in five years. But the world's best-selling automaker,
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
NYSE profit falls

NYSE profit falls

NYSE Euronext's focus on cutting costs amid a lacklustre trading environment helped it beat profit expectations for the fourth quarter, and the exchange operator pledged to further reduce expenses as it prepares for its proposed sale to IntercontinentalEx
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Brazil sweetens road concession terms to lure investment

Brazil sweetens road concession terms to lure investment

Brazil extended concession periods and improved financing conditions to lure private investors into multi-billion dollar road projects, in the latest bid to bolster anaemic investment in Latin America's largest economy. Finance Minister Guido Mantega said
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Egypt foreign reserves drop below 'critical minimum'

Egypt foreign reserves drop below 'critical minimum'

Egypt's foreign reserves fell by almost 10 percent to $13.6 billion in January, the Central Bank of Egypt said on Tuesday, below what it had in December described as a "critical minimum" of $15 billion. "foreign reserves fell heavily by $1.4 billion to $1
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
China okays sweeping tax reforms to tackle inequality

China okays sweeping tax reforms to tackle inequality

China unveiled sweeping tax reforms on Tuesday to make wealthy state-owned firms, property speculators and the rich pay more to narrow a yawning gap between an urban elite and hundreds of millions of rural poor. The plans approved by the State Council - C
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Nikkei snaps five-day winning run

Nikkei snaps five-day winning run

Japan's Nikkei share average fell on Tuesday, snapping a five-day winning streak as renewed worries about the euro zone crisis triggered profit-taking from recent gains, with the benchmark pulling away from a 33-month high hit the previous day. The Nikkei
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
S&P posts worst day since November; McGraw-Hill shares sink

S&P posts worst day since November; McGraw-Hill shares sink

US stocks slid on Monday, giving the S&P 500 its worst day since November, as renewed worries about the euro zone crisis caused the market to pull back from recent gains. Shares of McGraw-Hill shed 13.8 percent to $50.30, their worst daily percentage decl
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Seoul shares at two-month low

Seoul shares at two-month low

South Korean shares slipped for a fourth straight day to a two-month closing low on Tuesday, with banking and other financial shares succumbing to profit-taking amid weak expectations for earnings. Political woes in Italy and Spain dampened sentiment for
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Treasuries move up

Treasuries move up

US Treasuries prices rose on Monday as higher yields attracted buyers and stock market losses and political news from Europe fed a bid for safe-haven US debt. Wall Street stocks pulled back from five-year highs while benchmark Treasury yields eased back b
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Treasuries move up

Treasuries move up

US Treasuries prices rose on Monday as higher yields attracted buyers and stock market losses and political news from Europe fed a bid for safe-haven US debt. Wall Street stocks pulled back from five-year highs while benchmark Treasury yields eased back b
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Eurozone worries drag Saudi bourse to two-week low; other markets gain

Eurozone worries drag Saudi bourse to two-week low; other markets gain

Renewed worries about the eurozone's debt crisis dragged Saudi Arabia's bourse to a two-week low, while other Middle East markets rallied on Tuesday to extend early-year gains. The Kingdom's large-caps declined, including Al Rajhi Bank and telecom operato
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Hong Kong shares suffer worst day in three months; China outshines Asia

Hong Kong shares suffer worst day in three months; China outshines Asia

Hong Kong shares posted their worst loss in three months on Tuesday, unmoved by onshore China's reversal of midday losses and weighed down by a 6.5 percent slide in China Petroleum and Chemical Corp (Sinopec) after a $3.1 billion new share placement.
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
European shares recover

European shares recover

European stocks rose on Tuesday as signs of economic recovery in the euro zone helped soothe investor worries a day after the return of political risks in Spain and Italy sparked a sell-off. Dutch telecom operator KPN bucked the trend, sinking 16 percent
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Southeast Asian markets mostly lower

Southeast Asian markets mostly lower

Southeast Asian stock markets ended mostly lower on Tuesday as weaknesses in broader Asia prompted profit-taking, with Singapore falling to a one-week low while Indonesia ending off record high after weaker-than-expected fourth quarter GDP data.
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Indian shares remain down

Indian shares remain down

Indian shares fell on Tuesday for the fifth session in the last six sessions as renewed worries about the euro zone hit global markets, spurring continued profit-taking in recent outperformers such as ITC Ltd and ICICI Bank. Domestic shares have struggled
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Upbeat earnings drive FTSE higher as eurozone worries recede

Upbeat earnings drive FTSE higher as eurozone worries recede

Britain's top share index rebounded on Tuesday from a steep fall in the previous session, with investors encouraged by forecast-beating earnings and improving economic data from the euro zone. The FTSE 100 closed 0.6 percent, or 35.92 points, higher at 6,
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Sterling hits 5-1/2 month low against dollar

Sterling hits 5-1/2 month low against dollar

Sterling hit a 5-1/2 month low against the dollar on Tuesday as caution before a Bank of England meeting and testimony from incoming governor Mark Carney later in the week offset better-than-expected UK services data. The pound dropped 0.6 percent on the
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Indian rupee at 3-1/2 months high; more gains seen

Indian rupee at 3-1/2 months high; more gains seen

The Indian rupee strengthened to its highest closing level in three-and-a-half months on Tuesday, helped by foreign inflows ahead of the government stake sale in state-run power producer NPTC, although weak domestic shares and demand for the greenback fro
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Euro extends losses in Asia

Euro extends losses in Asia

The euro extended losses on Tuesday as political uncertainty in Italy and Spain prompted traders to take profits on the currency's stellar gains so far this year, after it hit a 14-month high last week. That also helped to ease selling pressure on the yen
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Aussie dollar fades on dovish RBA, kiwi off peak

Aussie dollar fades on dovish RBA, kiwi off peak

The Aussie dollar eased on Tuesday after the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) held rates unchanged, but left the door wide open for further easing if necessary to support an economy battling a strong currency. The Australian dollar fell half a cent to $1.0
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Euro rises across the board in London

Euro rises across the board in London

The euro rebounded on Tuesday, helped by better-than-expected euro zone data, though analysts said it could be vulnerable to losses before a European Central Bank meeting later in the week. Analysts said the euro had regained some ground from Monday's sha
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Midday trade in New York: euro rises versus dollar; yen tumbles broadly

Midday trade in New York: euro rises versus dollar; yen tumbles broadly

The euro rallied strongly against the dollar and yen on Tuesday as better-than-expected euro zone data bolstered expectations the European Central Bank will keep policy steady when it meets this week. The rally in the single currency gained momentum durin
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Swiss franc down versus dollar

Swiss franc down versus dollar

The Swiss franc fell in tandem with the euro against the dollar on Tuesday as the single currency retreated from recent highs as concerns resurfaced around the outlook for the euro zone. "Caution will prevail in the near term as markets begin to question
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Inflows lift ringgit, baht; foreign bond demand aids won, rupiah

Inflows lift ringgit, baht; foreign bond demand aids won, rupiah

The Malaysian ringgit had the biggest gains among emerging Asian currencies on Tuesday as foreign investors bought the country's bonds, while the baht enjoyed fresh inflows as investors continued to take upbeat views of the region's long-term prospects.
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Cech wins player award for sixth time

Cech wins player award for sixth time

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech was named Czech Republic player for 2012 on Monday winning the award for the sixth time. The 30-year-old 98-times capped goalkeeper - who won the Champions League last season in a penalty shootout win over Bayern Munich - beat
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Maze wins world super-G gold, Vonn crashes

Maze wins world super-G gold, Vonn crashes

Slovenia's Tina Maze won super-G gold here Tuesday in an opening world championship race that came close to being cancelled due to fog and was overshadowed by a bad crash involving US ski star Lindsey Vonn. Current World Cup leader Maze finished with a ti
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Draws for U-13 Regional Football Festival announced

Draws for U-13 Regional Football Festival announced

Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has announced the draws for the National U-13 Regional Football Festival-2013 Qualification Round which will commence simultaneously at four cities of Pakistan from Wednesday (today). The venues selected for hosting the
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Messi agility's all in the mind: scientists

Messi agility's all in the mind: scientists

Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi may owe his trademark feints and body swerves to the fact his brain is busier than that of a less gifted player, according to a study into a footballers' minds. Researchers at Britain's Brunel University found that highly
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Turkey vows to help tackle global match-fixing

Turkey vows to help tackle global match-fixing

Turkey's football federation chief vowed on Tuesday to work with FIFA after European police unearthed a global criminal network fixing hundreds of matches, including in the Champions League and World Cup qualifiers. "We are told of 79 fixed matches monito
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Asif and Salman fight spot-fixing bans

Asif and Salman fight spot-fixing bans

Pakistan cricketers Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif left for Switzerland Tuesday to fight to overturn bans imposed two years ago for spot-fixing. Captain Butt and fast bowlers Asif and Mohammad Aamer were banned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) fo
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Formula One: Marussia unveil new car, driver for 2013

Formula One: Marussia unveil new car, driver for 2013

Russian outfit Marussia on Tuesday unveiled their new MR02 car for the 2013 season, and a new driver, during testing at the Jerez circuit in southern Spain. The Cosworth-powered car boasts KERS, the kinetic energy recovery system that was missing from las
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Ronaldinho surprised by Brazil recall

Ronaldinho surprised by Brazil recall

Ronaldinho admits he did not expect to be recalled by Brazil, but says he believes the squad he has returned to possesses sufficient quality to win the 2014 World Cup on home soil. After a year in the international wilderness, the 32-year-old forward is e
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Chile marks new start for Nadal

Chile marks new start for Nadal

Rafael Nadal's return to action after a seven-month injury layoff will be the focus of attention in tennis in Chile this week. The 11-time Grand Slam champion has been on the sidelines since he was beaten in the second round at Wimbledon by Czech journeym
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Broad's hat-trick helps England win tour warm-up

Broad's hat-trick helps England win tour warm-up

Stuart Broad claimed a hat-trick Tuesday as he led England to a comfortable 46-run win over a New Zealand XI in the visitors' first hit-out of their two-month tour. England made an imposing total of 186 for three after losing the toss and being sent in to
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
South Africa comfortable at number one

South Africa comfortable at number one

South Africa's cricketers are increasingly comfortable as they look down on the rest of the cricketing world from their number one spot in the Test rankings. A 211-run win in the first Test against Pakistan at the Wanderers Stadium was their fourth win in
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Italian front-runner vows to continue Monti reforms

Italian front-runner vows to continue Monti reforms

Pier Luigi Bersani, the man polls show is likely to become Italian prime minister after this month's elections, vowed Tuesday to continue economic reforms credited with restoring his country's credibility. Speaking at the German Council on Foreign Relatio
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
US memo gives broad legal rationale for targeted killings

US memo gives broad legal rationale for targeted killings

A newly revealed Justice Department memo finds that US citizens believed to be senior al Qaeda operators may lawfully be killed, even if no intelligence shows they are actively plotting an attack. The disclosure by NBC News, which posted a link to the whi
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Ghana extradites former military chief to Ivory Coast

Ghana extradites former military chief to Ivory Coast

Ghana has arrested and extradited Major Jean-Noel Abehi, a key figure in Ivory Coast's security services under ousted president Laurent Gbagbo, an Ivorian security official said Tuesday. Abehi, together with Jean-Yves Dibopieu, who used to head a pro-Gbag
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Kuwait court jails three opposition former MPs

Kuwait court jails three opposition former MPs

A Kuwaiti court on Tuesday sentenced three former opposition MPs to three years in jail for insulting the emir in public, their lawyer and an official of a rights group said. "The verdict against Khaled al-Tahus, Falah al-Sawwagh and Bader al-Dahum is thr
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Richard III's face revealed for first time in 500 years

Richard III's face revealed for first time in 500 years

The face of England's much-maligned king Richard III was revealed on Tuesday for the first time in 500 years on Tuesday following a reconstruction of his skeleton which was found buried underneath a car park. The three-dimensional plastic model is based o
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Parliament backs gay marriage in initial vote

Parliament backs gay marriage in initial vote

British lawmakers on Tuesday backed legalising gay marriage in the first of several votes on the issue after a debate which split Prime Minister David Cameron's ruling Conservative party in two. The draft law, which proposes legalising same-sex marriage i
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Britain's Prime Minister faces gay marriage revolt as plots swirl

Britain's Prime Minister faces gay marriage revolt as plots swirl

British Prime Minister David Cameron's ruling Conservative party split in two on Tuesday over his plans to legalise gay marriage, a move that many of his own lawmakers said was wrong, not a priority for the public, and unnecessarily divisive. Many Conserv
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
France arrests suspects in Mali rebels probe

France arrests suspects in Mali rebels probe

French police arrested four suspected Islamist militants near Paris on Tuesday as part of an investigation into the recruitment of volunteers by al Qaeda insurgents in Mali, Interior Minister Manuel Valls said. France's intervention in Mali to rid its for
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Former wife of former British minister goes on trial

Former wife of former British minister goes on trial

The ex-wife of former British minister Chris Huhne went on trial on Tuesday accused of taking speeding points for him, a day after Huhne was warned he faced jail over the incident. Vicky Pryce, a Greek-born economist, denies a charge of perverting the cou
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Two German states to challenge 'Robin Hood' scheme

Two German states to challenge 'Robin Hood' scheme

Two German states decided on Tuesday to lodge a complaint with the country's top court against a programme under which they and other wealthy regions transfer funds to poorer ones. Officials in the western state of Hesse, home of the financial capital Fra
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Mali urges world to join fight against extremists

Mali urges world to join fight against extremists

Mali urged the international community to stand by its side to drive out Islamist extremists as the United Nations, African Union and other global players met in Brussels on Tuesday. "The threat concerns all civilised countries," Mali's Foreign Minister T
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Georgia Prime Minister optimistic on restoring Russia ties

Georgia Prime Minister optimistic on restoring Russia ties

Georgia's Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili on Tuesday expressed optimism about restoring ties with arch-foe Russia while pledging to keep up the ex-Soviet state's pro-Western course. At a press conference convened to sum up his 100 days in power since t
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Scotland hopes for 2016 independence day

Scotland hopes for 2016 independence day

Scotland would declare independence within a year and a half of a 'yes' vote in next year's referendum, the government said on Tuesday as it revealed its hopes for a transition to a new nation. The proposed Scotland Independence Day would take place on Ma
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
'Falklands will be ours in 20 years': Argentina

'Falklands will be ours in 20 years': Argentina

Argentina expects to have control of the British-held Falkland Islands within 20 years, the country's foreign minister said in comments published on Tuesday. During a visit to London, Hector Timerman said in a joint interview with The Independent and The
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
UN calls on Iran to stop arresting journalists

UN calls on Iran to stop arresting journalists

UN human rights experts on Tuesday urged Iran to stop arresting journalists after a wave of detentions that it said was a "flagrant" violation of international law. "The recent wave of arrests of journalists solely for carrying out their professional acti
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Obama urges clean Kenyan vote after 2007 'turmoil'

Obama urges clean Kenyan vote after 2007 'turmoil'

US President Barack Obama urged Kenyans on Tuesday to hold a peaceful, free and fair election next month, urging them not to repeat the violence that overshadowed voting last time round. In a message released by the US Embassy in Nairobi, Obama, whose lat
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
10 Chinese jailed for detaining petitioners

10 Chinese jailed for detaining petitioners

Ten people who detained citizens trying to lodge complaints against Chinese authorities have been sent to prison, state media said Tuesday, in a rare gesture towards upholding petitioners' rights. The defendants, all from Henan, held the petitioners - fro
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Islamic summit to urge Syria transition

Islamic summit to urge Syria transition

Leaders of Islamic nations will call for a dialogue between the Syrian opposition and government officials "not involved in oppression" to end two years of civil war, a draft communique seen by Reuters on Tuesday said. The declaration, due to be issued af
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Somalia jails alleged rape victim, journalist for one year

Somalia jails alleged rape victim, journalist for one year

Somalia on Tuesday jailed for one year a woman who said she was raped by security forces and a journalist who interviewed her, saying they were guilty of insulting the state in a case that has alarmed rights groups. "We sentence her for offending state in
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Salafist leader says Tunisia 'obeying' West

Salafist leader says Tunisia 'obeying' West

A Tunisian Salafist leader wanted for deadly violence said the government is in thrall to Western powers, according to an interview banned by the authorities but posted Tuesday on the Internet. Abu Iyadh, who heads the radical Islamist group Ansar al-Shar
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
China frigate locked radar on Japan navy: minister

China frigate locked radar on Japan navy: minister

A Chinese military frigate locked weapons-targeting radar on a Japanese navy vessel, Tokyo's defence minister said Tuesday, in an apparent upping of the stakes in a bitter territorial row. The move, described by the minister and a Japanese analyst as "dan
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Europe calls on Turkey to improve on freedom of speech

Europe calls on Turkey to improve on freedom of speech

The head of a pan-European rights body on Tuesday called on EU hopeful Turkey, which has more jailed journalists than any other country in the world, to improve its dismal record on freedom of expression. "There are still 450 cases pending against Turkey
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
UN aims to feed 2.5 million Syrians

UN aims to feed 2.5 million Syrians

The UN food agency said Tuesday it will dramatically expand its aid operation in Syria to reach one million more people amid growing alarm over the humanitarian situation in the war-torn country. "In February, we hope to scale up our operations and reach
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Shanghai copper slips

Shanghai copper slips

The most-traded May copper contract on the Shanghai Futures Exchange pulled back 0.50 percent to close at 59,750 yuan ($9,600) a tonne on Tuesday having hit 60,270 on Monday, which was its loftiest since September 20.
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Copper prices slip

Copper prices slip

Copper prices slipped on Tuesday as concerns about political stability in Italy and Spain prompted caution among investors, but falls were kept in check by a strong euro and growing confidence in the outlook for global economic growth. Benchmark copper on
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
AOG in limelight

AOG in limelight

Addax & Oryx Group (AOG) plans to invest $400 million in Africa's energy sector over the next five years, its Chief Executive said, in a strategic U-turn after sales talks collapsed last year. AOG's focus on the African downstream will pit the privately-o
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Oil prices resume three-week rally

Oil prices resume three-week rally

Oil prices resumed their three-week rally on Tuesday, boosted by positive economic data in Europe that reignited the upward momentum in stock markets. Economic news was positive as purchasing managers' indices in Europe and data on the US services sector
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
New York cotton pulls back from highs

New York cotton pulls back from highs

Cotton prices pulled back from recent highs on Monday as the US dollar gained, certified stocks rose and speculative buying that has driven fibre's longest bull run in two years waned. The most-active March contract on ICE Futures US fell 1.24 cents, or 1
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Tokyo rubber futures down

Tokyo rubber futures down

Benchmark Tokyo rubber futures on Tuesday dropped from a 10-month high hit the day before, with investors taking profits in shares and other riskier assets after recent rallies. But ongoing monetary easing from major central banks continued to underpin se
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Soya rises to seven-week high

Soya rises to seven-week high

US soyabeans rose 1 percent on Monday to a seven-week high on steady export demand and as unfavourable weather in South America slowed the harvest in northern Brazil and threatened crops in Argentina. Corn fell for a second consecutive session on concerns
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Palm oil down

Palm oil down

Malaysian palm oil futures eased on Tuesday on profit-taking after four straight sessions of gains, but hopes of better-than-expected inventory and export data next week limited losses. Persistent concerns over dry weather in South America and its impact
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
ICE cocoa climbs

ICE cocoa climbs

Cocoa futures on ICE climbed to a two-week high on Tuesday and notched the largest one-day gain since mid-November, spurred by technical buying and supply concerns in top-grower Ivory Coast. Robusta coffee futures on Liffe jumped to a three-month high, wh
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Platinum climbs in New York

Platinum climbs in New York

Platinum hit a four-month high on Monday, extending its outperformance to gold after roaring US car sales boosted demand for the key ingredient used in purifying automotive emissions. The spot price of platinum jumped 0.8 percent on the day, reaching abov
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Platinum, palladium fall in Asia

Platinum, palladium fall in Asia

Platinum and palladium fell on Tuesday from multi-month highs hit in the previous session, as traders sold into the rally to lock in profits, while gold stayed listless. Spot palladium dropped $3.25 to $751.97 an ounce by 0809 GMT, heading for its biggest
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Platinum and palladium consolidate gains

Platinum and palladium consolidate gains

Platinum held steady on Tuesday, consolidating the previous session's run to a four-high, with dealers expecting further gains in coming months as macro-economic data brightens. An improving global economic outlook and persistent supply disruptions in Sou
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
US MIDDAY: soya up

US MIDDAY: soya up

US soyabean futures edged up early on Tuesday, approaching the prior session's seven-week peak, buoyed by concerns about unfavourable weather in South America, although the advance is likely to face stiff resistance around $15 a bushel. Corn and wheat pri
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
US MIDDAY: gold lower

US MIDDAY: gold lower

Gold turned lower early on Tuesday, retreating from an initial rally, as solid gains in US equities and an improving economic outlook weighed on the metal's safe-haven appeal. Palladium and platinum rose on better demand expectations after data showed the
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am
Flexible rules for setting up business chambers demanded

Flexible rules for setting up business chambers demanded

The Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) on Tuesday said new rules framed to create chambers for women, small traders and cottage industry should be flexible enough to attract the business community. Some clauses in the Trade Organisation Bill 2013 approved by th
Published 06 Feb, 2013 12:00am