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LONDON – World stock markets surged Thursday while the dollar slid against the euro after the Federal Reserve confirmed that it will buy $600 billion in government bonds over the coming eight months in a fresh attempt to shore up the U.S. economic recovery.

In Europe, the FTSE 100 index of leading British shares was up 101.25 points, or 1.8 percent, at 5,850.22 while Germany's DAX rose 93.51 points, or 1.4 percent, at 6,711.31. The CAC-40 in France was 78.80 points, or 2.1 percent, at 3,921.74.

Wall Street was poised for further gains at the open later, after the Dow Jones industrial average closed Wednesday at its highest level since September 2008 when Lehman Brothers collapsed — Dow futures were up 55 points, or 0.5 percent, at 11,232 while the broader Standard & Poor's 500 futures rose 7.7 points, or 0.6 percent, at 1,205.

Stocks have been buoyed by the Fed's decision Wednesday to buy an additional $600 billion of assets — so-called quantitative easing aimed at creating more dollars and increasing the supply of money in the economy — that will involve it buying $75 billion in Treasury bonds per month until June next year.

The Fed said it would be regularly reviewing the pace of its purchases and the overall package in light of the prevailing economic conditions, meaning that investors will continue to keep a close watch on incoming economic data.

For now, though, the Fed's hope is that the policy will help drive down interest rates for households and businesses, giving the wider economy its source of stimulus — figures last week showed that the U.S. economy is growing at an annualized rate of 2 percent, which is not enough to get a sticky unemployment rate of around 10 percent lower.

Stocks have been buoyed in the weeks running up to the Fed statement in anticipation of another monetary boost and have responded positively to the actual announcement.

"I think it is just as well that the market enjoys this extra stimulus, as I suspect that there is no more from where that came," said David Buik, markets analyst at BGC Partners.

Though the prospect of more dollars in the financial system has been a boon to stocks over the last few weeks, the dollar has tanked. The selling, particularly against the euro gathered pace in the wake of the announcement.

By mid morning London time, the euro was 0.9 percent higher at $1.4257, its highest level since late January.

"The bottom line is that the programme of asset purchases implies more dollar supply and in turn will prevent any dollar recovery over the coming months," said Mitul Kotecha, head of global foreign exchange strategy at Credit Agricole.

Elsewhere in the currency markets, the dollar was actually holding up against the yen, partly because the Bank of Japan is widely expected to follow up with stimulus measures of its own after its meeting on Friday — the dollar was only 0.3 percent lower on the day at 80.90 yen.

Before the Bank of Japan's decision, the European Central Bank and the Bank of England announce their latest policy decisions Thursday. Neither bank is expected to announce fresh policy initiatives.

However, the relative strength of the euro at a time when Europe's debt crisis appears to be bubbling up again could well be a key point of interest at the press briefing of ECB president Jean-Claude Trichet — Ireland appears to be the focal point at the moment as the yield on its 10-year bonds have reached a new euro-era high of 7.6 percent in advance of the government's announcement of deficit-cutting plans and growth forecasts.

"Ireland may be fully-funded until April but its ability to eventually return to wholesale markets has been brought in to question just as its ability to raise revenues has become more demanding," said Neil Mellor, an analyst at Bank of New York Mellon. "If tensions across the eurozone's debt markets grow from current, elevated levels then questions may soon be directed at the EU's ability to come to the rescue once more."

Earlier in Asia, Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 stock index jumped 2.2 percent to 9,358.78 after being closed for a holiday Wednesday while South Korea's Kospi rose 0.3 percent to 1,942.50 — close to a three-year closing high — and Australia's S&P/ASX 200 gained 0.5 percent to 4,745.30.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng index climbed 1.6 percent to 24,535.63 and China's Shanghai Composite Index closed up 1.9 percent at a seven-month high of 3,086.94.

Commodity prices were big gainers from the Fed's announcement too — benchmark crude for December delivery was up $1.24 at $85.93 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

___

Associated Press Writer Pamela Sampson in Bangkok contributed to this report.

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LONDON (AFP) – Europe's main stock markets accelerated opening gains on Thursday, as investors welcomed news that the US Federal Reserve launched a second wave of quantitative easing measures overnight.

In morning trade, London's benchmark FTSE 100 index of top shares leapt 1.74 percent to 5,849.01 points, Frankfurt's DAX 30 added 1.42 percent to 6,711.69 points and in Paris the CAC 40 soared 1.99 percent to 3,919.48.

At the same time, the US dollar plunged to the lowest level against the euro for more than nine months on the back of the move.

"Although the Federal Reserve's decision to pump further funds into the US economy hardly came as a surprise, it certainly seems to have kick-started the equity market this morning," said ETX Capital trader Manoj Ladwa.

"The FTSE has smashed through the previous high of 5,800 points and with the positive momentum, 6000 seems to be the next level for traders to gun for."

Asian equities also responded positively after the Fed announced overnight that it will launch a new 600-billion-dollar (423-billion-euro) asset-buying plan, known as quantitative easing (QE), to bolster the sluggish US recovery.

Tokyo soared 2.17 percent in value and Shanghai added 1.85 percent to finish close to a seven-month peak.

The US central bank's move was slightly higher than market expectations for around 500 billion dollars of additional QE measures.

However, sentiment remained cautious in Europe ahead of interest rate announcements from the Bank of England and the European Central Bank later on Thursday.

"The Fed chose to abstain from doing harm to the markets by announcing QE2 details roughly in line with what the majority of market participants have been expecting all along," said Societe Generale analyst Vincent Chaigneau.

Wall Street won some ground on Wednesday as traders weighed the Fed's multi-billion-dollar move, alongside a Republican victory in Congress.

The blue-chip Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.24 percent to close at 11,215.13 points.

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) said Wednesday it would buy up new Treasury debt at a rate of around 75 billion dollars a month, a scale not seen since the depths of the 2008-2009 economic crisis.

While the Fed took similar measures during the crisis and has rolled over those expiring purchases, the expanded spending is unprecedented when the economy is not teetering on the edge of collapse.

The move followed Tuesday's mid-term elections in which control of the House of Representatives shifted to Republicans, who have called for less government interference in the US economy.

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By DAVID K. RANDALL, AP Business Writer David K. Randall, Ap Business Writer – 50?mins?ago

NEW YORK – Next year will be a year unlike any other for the stock market.

The Republican takeover of the House of Representatives on Tuesday means Wall Street will be contending with three situations in 2011 that drive stock prices:

? The year before a president faces re-election.

? The year after a president has lost control of Congress.

? The second year of a fragile economic expansion.

The market often behaves a certain way in each of those situations, but history isn't helpful now because investors have never faced this trifecta before. What's clear is that what happens in Washington will be watched even more closely by investors next year.

"This election is more important than the average one because of all of the economic and policy issues that remain uncertain," says Robert Doll, the chief investment strategist at BlackRock, an investing firm with $3.4 trillion in assets under management.

Any mishandling of the economy by politicians will mean that "the fragile economic recovery we have is going to be hit over the head, and we would have to think about a double-dip recession all over again," Doll says.

Here's a look at the three situations coinciding next year and how they could affect the stock market:

_THE YEAR BEFORE A PRESIDENT RUNS FOR ELECTION:

Since 1945, the Dow Jones industrial average has gained an average of 19 percent the year before a sitting president runs. That's more than double the 7.9 percent average annual gain during the same period. If you take out the 10 years when the president was running, the average gain drops to only 5.8 percent.

No one has been able to prove why this happens. One theory is that the president pushes through politically popular spending measures to help his re-election. But that doesn't explain why the market also tends to rise in the third year of a president's second term. The Dow rose 25.2 percent, for example, in 1999, the third year of President Clinton's second term. Since 1902 the Dow has gained, on average, 13.7 percent in the third year of a president's first term and 10.9 percent in the third year of a president's second term.

_THE YEAR AFTER A PRESIDENT LOSES CONTROL OF CONGRESS

Presidents whose party controlled both houses of Congress have lost at least one chamber five times in the past 80 years. Stock returns in the following year haven't followed a pattern. The Dow plunged 53 percent in 1931 and gained 34 percent in 1995. Gains in the other three years ranged from 2.2 percent to 20.8 percent. That makes it impossible to forecast what will happen this time. The change in Congress in 1931 came during the Great Depression, while the 1995 transition came during the first part of the Internet boom. The next Congress faces a fragile economic period, which could mean that the market offers another single-digit gain like this year.

Gridlock hasn't been great for stocks. Since 1945, the Standard and Poor's 500 index has gained 4 percent in years when Congress was split between parties. It increased 8 percent when Congress was controlled by one party and the White House another. When a single party was in control of Washington, the index gained an average of 11 percent.

_SLOW-GROWING ECONOMY

The economy is growing at a 2 percent annual rate, according to the latest estimate by the Commerce Department. That's slow by historical standards and shows that the end of the recession 17 months ago hasn't translated into a robust economic expansion.

Stocks have been in a bull market for 18 months, pushing the Dow up 70 percent since it hit a 12-year low in March 2009. That gain is larger than normal but isn't surprising considering that the rally followed the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. During slow recoveries like this one, bull markets typically last 30 months and bring gains of 44 percent overall, according to Ned Davis Research.

Corporate profits are improving, and wealthy consumers are starting to make some costly purchases. If the economy continues to improve, stocks will likely rise. But don't expect large gains because the economy needs to grow 3 percent or more to bring down the country's 9.6 percent unemployment rate. That's unlikely soon because residential and commercial construction remains weak, and construction fuels economic recoveries.

So what's an investor to do given this abnormal year? The best thing may be to follow your long-term plans regardless of what happens in Washington.

"There's no way to tell what's going to happen, or we would all be rich," says Paul Larson, the chief equities strategist at Morningstar.

(This version corrects typos in 9th and 13th paragraphs)

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NEW YORK – Stocks traded in a tight range Wednesday as investors turned their attention to the Federal Reserve after there were few surprises in the midterm elections.

The Dow Jones industrial average fell 26 points in midday trading, but still near its highest closing level in more than two years. Broader indexes also fell slightly.

By the end of the day, investors will likely know exactly how much the Fed plans to spend to stimulate the economy. The central bank has hinted for two months it plans to buy Treasurys to drive interest rates lower in an attempt to spark lending and spending. However, there was still plenty of debate about the size and length of the program, particularly in the past few days.

Lawrence Creatura, a portfolio manager at Federated Investors, said the market has factored in expectations that the Fed will buy $500 billion or less of Treasury bonds. A bigger program would most likely drive stocks higher, though there is a small possibility it could spook investors' views about the health of the economy, Creatura said.

The Fed is expected to announce details of its plan when it wraps up its meeting Wednesday afternoon. Treasury prices rose slightly, sending interest rates lower ahead of the announcement.

The Dow started with slight gains before drifting lower. It was down 26.41 or 0.2 percent at 11,162.31 in midday trading.

The Dow has been flirting with its highest closing level of the year, which was 11,205.03 on April 26. If it can close above that level, it would be the Dow's best finish since September 2008, just before the financial crisis peaked.

The Standard & Poor's 500 index fell 3.86, or 0.3 percent, to 1,189.71, while the Nasdaq composite index fell 12.09, or 0.5 percent, at 2,521.43.

The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note, which moves opposite its price, fell to 2.54 percent from 2.59 percent late Tuesday.

Key economic reports that would have normally affected trading are being overshadowed by the Fed's meeting.

Payroll company ADP said private employers added 43,000 jobs last month after cutting jobs in September, which usually would have driven buying in the market. The report is seen as a gauge heading into the government's monthly employment report, which is due out Friday. ADP indicating a rise in employment bodes well for the government saying private employers ramped up hiring, at least somewhat, last month.

The Institute for Supply Management said growth in the service sector accelerated last month when economists were expecting a slowdown in the pace of expansion. That too would normally have provided stocks a lift.

The ISM report is closely watched because the service sector accounts for about 80 percent of the nation's jobs. Earlier this week, ISM said the growth in the manufacturing activity also accelerated last month.

There were no major surprises in Tuesday's midterm elections that should sway trading Wednesday. Analysts said the market had largely accounted for Republicans taking control of the House of Representatives and Democrats holding onto a slim margin in the Senate.

Over the longer term, investors will want to see more clarity from Capitol Hill about taxes and the costs of health care and financial regulatory reform bills that passed through Congress earlier this year.

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TOKYO – Asian stock markets were higher Monday as lackluster U.S. growth figures reinforced expectations the Federal Reserve will pump more money into the world's biggest economy.

American gross domestic product grew just 2 percent at an annualized pace in the three months through September, slightly faster than the previous quarter but not enough to bring down unemployment, which is hovering near 10 percent.

The weak showing underlined expectations that the Fed policy meeting ending Wednesday will announce a Treasury bond buying program, known as quantative easing, to inject more liquidity into the economy.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng index was up 1.8 percent at 23,520.75, South Korea's Kospi rose 1 percent to 1,901.81, and Australia's S&P/ASX 200 gained 1 percent to 4,701.50.

China's Shanghai Composite Index added 1.7 percent to 3,029.33.

Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 stock average bucked the trend, falling 0.2 percent at 9,186.30.

Markets in Singapore, Taiwan and Indonesia were higher.

The Dow Jones industrial average on Friday rose 4.54, or 0.1 percent, to close at 11,118.49. The Standard and Poor's 500 Index fell 0.52, or 0.1 percent, to 1,183.26.

Despite the soft finishes, both U.S. indexes were up over 3 percent for the month.

In currencies, the dollar rose to 80.66 yen from 80.31 yen. The euro rose versus the dollar to $1.3981 from $1.3945.

Benchmark crude for December delivery was up 40 cents at $81.81 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract fell 75 cents to settle at $81.43 on Friday.

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NEW YORK – Future actions increased Monday as traders have been promising, a report on manufacturing activity at the United States would mirror similar data from China showed the broader sector it last month.

Term also grew in advance of the midterm elections and the Fed meets this week where the Central Bank is expected to announce a new economic stimulus program.

Economists polled by Thomson Reuters expect manufacturing supply management index slid to 54 in October of 54.4 Institute a month more t?t.Même with slight slowdown, any reading above 50 indicates the sector is expanding.Production showed more growth for the year as a recovery remains slow.

A strong report on manufacturing of China sent shares in significantly higher country of lundi.Croissance accelerated in China as infrastructure costs has led to an increase in orders new equipment.

Ahead of the average opening bell industrial Dow Jones futures increased 49 or 0.4%, 11.115. Standard & Poor 500 index future increased 6.50, or 0.6%, 1,186.20, while the Nasdaq 100 index future increased 8.00 or 0.4%, 2,130.00.

Hong Kong Hang Seng index increased by 2.4%, while the Shanghai composite index rose by 2.5 percent.

Any movement linked to manufacturing on Monday report could be fleeting although traders quickly turn their attention to the Tuesday mid-term elections and meets the US Federal Reserve, which wraps until Wednesday.

Traders have been betting that Republicans will take control of the House of representatives.That could slow program President Barack Obama, which many analysts have said is not conducive to business.

Investors were also assuming that the Fed will launch a new program for the purchase of the Treasury Board to help stimulate the economy.Stocks rose to great October because investors expect the Fed announce as early as Wednesday plans to buy government debt at lower interest rates drive in order to stimulate spending and lending.

Only in the last few days has been less off the coast in the middle of the questions about the US Federal Reserve market rally pass exactly how to buy bonds .the ' index Dow Jones rose by 3.1% in October, including a decrease of 0.1% last week.

Interest rates more low weaken returns on debt, which would make stocks and commodity investments more attractive because their return potential would be significantly higher.

The prices negotiated in a narrow range of lundi.Le note reference yield 10-year Treasury bond, which moves opposite its price remained unchanged at 2.60% compared to end Friday.

? 2010 The Associated rights Press.Tous réservés.Ce hardware cannot be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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SYDNEY (Reuters) – Asian stocks rebounded on Thursday after having suffered their biggest one-day fall in four months, while the yen held firm against a broadly weaker dollar, taking details of the Bank of Japan's stimulus plan in its stride.

European shares took their cue from Asia with London's FTSE 100 index (.FTSE) gaining 0.7 percent at the open and Germany's DAX (.GDAXI) climbing 0.5 percent. U.S. stock index futures were all up between 0.1 and 0.2 percent.

The BOJ said it would meet next week, bringing forward the November 15-16 policy meeting to speed up the launch of a 5 trillion yen ($61 billion) asset buying plan aimed at helping the economy cope with a strong yen.

It kept interest rates unchanged near zero as widely expected.

"What stands out is that the BOJ rescheduled its next meeting, bringing it forward, which suggests the central bank wants to make sure it can take action if needed after the FOMC," said Takeshi Minami, chief economist at Norinchukin Research Institute, referring to the U.S. central bank meeting on November 2-3.

The MSCI index of Asia Pacific stocks outside Japan rose 0.7 percent (.MIAPJ0000PUS), having slid nearly 2 percent on Wednesday to post its biggest one-day percentage fall since late June. Still, it remained close to a 28-month high hit last week.

Financial markets have been volatile this week as speculation intensifies over how much the Federal Reserve is likely to spend to pump up a faltering recovery and whether such new measures will be carried out swiftly or phased in over time.

Analysts expect choppy market action to persist in the lead up to next week's meeting.

Market participants have begun to scale back expectations of the size of any additional stimulus with The Wall Street Journal reporting on Wednesday that Fed officials wanted to avoid a "shock and awe" approach.

"I think the Fed is trying to prepare the market for incremental QE2 and this whole pre-announcement, in a way, is to cushion the impact if it comes out on November 3rd that it is only $100 billion rather than $1-$2 trillion," said V. Anantha-Nageshwaran, CIO of Julius Baer in Hong Kong.

Asian governments are worried about the impact this might have on their economy. South Korean Finance Minister Yoon Jeung-hyun said on Thursday the government needs to guard against a potential asset bubble caused by excessive liquidity. Japan's Nikkei stock average (.N225), which was spared the selloff seen in the region on Tuesday, slipped 0.2 percent to end at a six-week low, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng index (.HSI) gained 0.3 percent and Australia's S&P/ASX 200 index (.AXJO) rose 0.8 percent.

Among the top performers, shares in Canon Inc (7751.T) rallied more than 3 percent after the world's largest maker of digital cameras posted strong quarterly results and raised its full-year outlook.

In Australia, upbeat earnings helped drive ANZ shares (ANZ.AX) up about 3 percent, while bourse operator ASX (ASX.AX) climbed 1.5 percent after two days of sharp losses due to uncertainty over Singapore Exchange's (SGXL.SI) $7.9 billion bid.

The MSCI's emerging market stock benchmark (.MSCIEF) rose 0.2 percent.

The selloff in commodities also halted with copper, which dropped more than $200 a metric ton on Tuesday, its steepest decline since late June, gaining $30 to $8,330 a metric ton.

U.S. light sweet crude oil was little changed at $82.00 per barrel, while spot gold was also steady near $1,326.00 an ounce.

DOLLAR SAGS

The U.S. dollar eased against a basket of six major currencies (.DXY) after two straight days of gains helped the index climb back into positive territory for 2010.

The euro rose to $1.3833 from $1.3764 late in New York, while the dollar eased to 81.42 yen from 81.69 yen, hovering not far from a record low of 79.75 yen.

The dollar's decline also coincided with a pullback in U.S. Treasury yields, which gained sharply in the past few sessions as the market scaled back expectations of the size of Fed's likely asset purchase program.

The U.S. 10-year yield was last at 2.69 percent, down from a one-month high of 2.73 percent set on Wednesday.

"Overall, we still see the risk for the FOMC next week is going to be toward U.S. dollar strength once the dust settles," said Sue Trinh, senior currency strategist at RBC Capital Markets in Hong Kong.

"Much of the market is pretty much expecting $100 billion per month for the next six months or so. So we'll need to see asset purchases in excess of that in order to generate fresh U.S. dollar weakness."

(Additional reporting by Vikram Subhedar in Hong Kong; Editing by Nick Macfie)

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NEW YORK – Stock wavered Friday after a report on economic growth did little to reassure investors about the health of the economy.

The Dow Jones industrial average fell about 20 points in midday trading.

Gross domestic product, the broadest measure of the nation's economy, grew at a 2 percent annual pace in the third quarter. That was in line with economists' expectations and only slightly better than the 1.7 percent growth rate during the second quarter.

Signs of meager growth come as investors grow more cautious heading into next week's midterm elections and are uncertain about the size of economic stimulus measures the Federal Reserve is expected to announce next week.

Normally such slow GDP growth would have driven stocks much lower. But signs of weak economic expansion provide further support for the Fed's anticipated stimulus plan.

"Because GDP was so lackluster, we don't see the Fed pumping the brakes" on its plan, said Tony Zabiegala, a partner at Strategic Wealth Partners.

Stocks rose sharply during the first half of October as expectations mounted that the Fed would start buying Treasury bonds to drive interest rates lower. That, in turn, is supposed to spark spending and lending. In recent days, however, the size of the bond-buying program has been questioned, putting a market rally on hold.

John Apruzzese, a partner and portfolio manager at Evercore Wealth Management, said reaction in anticipation in the program is typical of the market.

"This is a classic situation where all the market movement is done in anticipation," Apruzzese said.

The market could be stuck in a holding pattern until the Fed wraps up its meeting Wednesday where it is expected to announce details about the bond-buying program.

A day before the Fed completes its meeting, voters will head to the polls for the midterm elections. Traders have been betting that Republicans will at least take control of the House of Representatives, which could slow government action.

Analysts say uncertainty over tax issues and potential costs from health care and financial regulation reform bills have been major reasons employers have been hesitant to start hiring new workers. The results of the election should provide more clarity about those questions.

With so many people unsure about their jobs, they have cut back on their spending, which accounts for the biggest piece of the nation's economy. While the latest GDP report showed a rise in consumer spending, its still well below pre-recession levels.

The Dow rose fell 19.19, or 0.2 percent, to 11,094.61 in midday trading.

The Standard & Poor's 500 index fell 1.99, or 0.2 percent, to 1,181.79, while the Nasdaq composite index rose 2.38, or 0.1 percent, to 2,509.75.

Bond prices rose slightly following the GDP report. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note fell to 2.62 percent from 2.66 percent late Thursday.

Another batch of earnings news came in mixed. Microsoft Corp. rose after reporting higher income late Thursday, while Merck & Co. and Chevron Corp. fell following disappointing results. Merck was hurt by disappointing revenue figures, while Chevron fell short of earnings forecast after charges tied to foreign exchange.

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LONDON – World stock markets fell Friday as investors expected the latest reading of U.S. economic growth to cement views that the Federal Reserve will provide further stimulus.

The world's largest economy is expected to have grown by 2 percent in the third quarter. While that is an improvement from the previous quarter's 1.7 percent rate, it is still well below the pace needed to create jobs and fuel a sustainable recovery.

As trading got underway in Europe, Britain's FTSE 100 index was off 0.4 percent at 5,654.73 and France's CAC-40 fell 0.6 percent to 3,811.77. Germany's DAX shed 0.2 percent to 6,580.34.

Asian markets closed lower and Wall Street was set to fall, with Dow futures down 0.5 percent to 10,998. Broader S&P futures declined 0.6 percent to 1,172.80.

The U.S. GDP figure may affect investors' views of the Fed's widely-expected stimulus measures next week.

The central bank is expected to buy Treasury bonds, known as quantitative easing, in a bid to drive interest rates lower, encourage lending and stimulate the U.S. economy.

"The market remains fixated on the size of the quantitative easing," Singapore's DBS bank said in a report.

DBS said it expects the Fed to announce initial bond purchases of between $200 billion and $300 billion while some investors are looking for a program between $500 billion and $1 trillion.

"Herein lies the fear for disappointment," DBS said.

The details of any stimulus are expected to be announced when the Fed meeting wraps up Nov. 3.

In Europe, economic data suggested the recovery is unbalanced and slow. The official inflation rate for the 16-country eurozone rose to 1.9 percent in October, according to statistics agency Eurostat. The unemployment rate, meanwhile, rose to a 12-year high of 10.1 percent in September as strength in Germany's labor market was offset by weakness elsewhere.

The focus on economic indicators comes after investors digested a raft of corporate earnings this week. The reports were mostly upbeat, though many companies warned that the outlook is difficult.

On Friday, British Airways reported its first profit in 3 years, helped by a tough cost-cutting effort and a recovery in business travel.

In Asia, the Nikkei 225 stock average closed down 1.8 percent at 9,202.45. Investor sentiment was undermined by a stronger yen, which hurts exporters as it cuts the value of their repatriated profits. The dollar slumped below 81 yen, nearing a post World War II record low of 79.75 yen set in 1995.

Adding to the gloom, Japan's industrial production fell for the fourth straight month in September, underscoring the country's fragile recovery. Factory output tumbled 1.9 percent from the previous month as makers of cars and electronic devices cut production, much worse than a 0.6 percent fall forecast by analysts.

Some analysts expect Asian policymakers will turn to capital controls to help stem a surge of cash into the region's markets that the Fed stimulus could trigger. The fear is that the wall of money will push Asian currencies even higher, hurting exports, particularly as China's yuan is effectively pegged to the dollar.

"Asia is worried about drowning in a sea of cash," HSBC said in a report. "With the Fed set to crank the pump again next week, officials are busy drawing up capital controls to fend off the tide."

South Korea's Kospi lost 1.3 percent to 1,882.95. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 fell 0.5 percent to 4,661.60.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index dropped 0.5 percent to 2,978.83 and Hong Kong's Hang Seng shed 0.5 percent to 23,096.32.

Shares in India, Taiwan and Indonesia also declined while Singapore and Malaysia gained.

In currencies, the dollar fell to 80.76 yen from 81.04 yen in New York late Thursday. The euro slipped to $1.3812 from $1.3925.

Benchmark oil for December delivery down 68 cents at $81.50 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract added 24 cents to settle at $82.18 a barrel on Thursday.

___

Associated Press writer Alex Kennedy in Singapore contributed to this report.

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Leaping Board winners in wake of Scottish & South were reaching 10.4 percent 332.2 Centrica and National Grid ticking up to 6? to 590 p.

But the utility companies failed to lift the blue-chip dull swung between gains and losses and ending almost flat.

The FTSE 100 lost 2.73 points investors 5675.16 marked time in advance of the meeting of Federal Reserve hotly awaited next week.

Languish at the head of the losers league table has British Airways, which nose dived 10 to 270.7 percent despite the swinging in the dark. Panmure Gordon analysts have been sticking to their "hold" rating, saying: "Momentum has been strong in the price of shares, powered by revenues, particularly in terms of demand for premium environment improved yields, ATI approval for the transatlantic joint venture with AA and Iberia and planned with Iberia merger".

Minors were also lower with Xstrata losing ￡ 12.09? and Rio Tinto excretion 69?p 40?p to ￡ 40.36.

Having a better day was insurers with Aviva putting on 5.4 398.1 p Goldman Sachs reiterated its "buy belief" on shares.Next Tuesday, Aviva will report its results for the third quarter, which analysts believe will support the case of investment.

"In our opinion, the significance of the number of sales down played b.c market ' is understandable, because they have little bearing on the position of the group, capital dividend paying capacity and resilience in a prolonged low interest rate environment" said broker. "While the body is very focusing market better than expected sales of Aviva markets of Europe and the UK-based show some sustainability gains and that review group or the transition to the Solvency II are not disturbing the underlying transactions.?

Also benefit from a burst of Goldman Sachs was GKN, which rose 3.3% 177.3.Dans a note of the European automotive sector, the broker reiterated its "buy" rating on the manufacturer of parts for cars and planes and raised its price target to 285 p 220 p.

Travelers small caps automobile-related, was flat at 61 automotive dealer p.Le stated that he had seen a solid third quarter through its parts car combined with the increase in sales of new and used vehicles.

Earlier this week, there have been whispers of private investment capital interest in Miss, but Chief Executive, said Friday that they had received no offer.

Among second linings, Hikma Pharmaceuticals seeking particularly healthy, pulling 49? at 786 p after it struck an agreement with Baxter International, American Society of health care.

Listed on the FTSE 250 Jordan-based undertaking bought Baxter us generic injectibles unit 112 m $, double the size of Hikma US business and giving more 14pc market.

Analysts said the acquisition will position Hikma as the second largest supplier of injectibles to the United States Citigroup.

"Existing expertise Hikma injection and desire of Baxter to divest non-core assets produced an attractive and financially reasonable agreement in our opinion," said the broker who Hikma "medium risk.

Oil and gas services company, hunting, has been on the rise too, breaking 41? in 644?p .Chasse whose equipment is used in the construction and maintenance of oil, said shale drilling activity and demand for components in the West and to the Brazil he developed able top year-round market expectations.

Their "buy" rating on hunting and raised the prices kept RBS analysts 670 p 630 p.Le Broker target stated that in a context of market improvement, hunting was performing well.

But punters took their money out of the table for Partygaming, sending internet business down 10.8% 251.9 gaming.

Excitation of bidding pushed shares in resources from Berkeley to hereditary 112?p as Russian steel giant, Severstal, approached Berkeley on a possible takeover of uranium, a value on an exploration company 304 million senior dollars.Atout Berkeley is a project of uranium from Salamanca, Espagne.Severstal envisages a cash bid to $2.00 at Berkeley, appearing also in Sydney.

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NEW YORK – Vacillé Stock Friday after a report on economic growth have little to reassure investors about the health of the economy.

The Dow Jones industrial average fell to about 20 points in afternoon trade.

Gross domestic product, the extent of the nation's economy has increased to 2 annual percentage rate in the third quarter .c ' is consistent with the expectations of economists and only slightly better than the growth rate of 1.7% in the second quarter.

Signs of lean growth as investors grow a more conservative position in midterm elections next week and no are unclear of the size of the Federal Reserve economic stimulation measures should announce next week.

Normally this slow growth of GDP would have resulted more low stocks.But the signs of low economic growth further support planned stimulus plan the Fed.

"Because the GDP was so poor, we see the Fed pumping the brakes" on its plan, said Tony Zabiegala, a partner with strategic partners of wealth.

Pink stocks sharply during the first half of October as expectations that the Fed will begin to buy bonds from the Treasury Board to lower interest rates drive mounted.In turn, is supposed to stimulate spending and prêt.Ces days, however, the size of the bond purchase programme has been challenged, develop a market rally pending.

John Apruzzese, a portfolio and Evercore Wealth Management, partner Manager said reaction in anticipation of the program is typical of the market.

"This is a classic situation where all the movements of the market are carried out in anticipation," Apruzzese said.

The market may be stuck in an operating model that reserve US Federal finds its Wednesday meeting where it is expected to announce details on the program link buying.

One day before the Fed ends its meeting, lead voters to the polls for the mid-term elections.Traders have been betting that Republicans are at least take control of the House of representatives, which could slow Government action.

Analysts say the uncertainty on tax issues and fresh prospective health care and reform of the financial regulation bills were the main reasons employers have hesitated start hiring new workers.The results of the election should provide more clarity on these issues.

With so many uncertain people their jobs, they reduce their spending, which represents the largest piece of the pays.Tandis final GDP report showed an increase of expenditure, its many still below the levels exceeding consumer economy.

Pink Dow Jones index fell 19.19 or 0.2 percent, to 11,094.61 in afternoon trade.

Standard & Poor 500 index fell 1.99, or 0.2 percent, 1,181.79, while the Nasdaq composite index rose 2.38 or 0.1% of 2,509.75.

Bond prices rose slightly PIB.Le reference performance report after 10-year Treasury note fell to 2.62% of 2.66% late Thursday.

Another batch of new compensation came mixte.Microsoft Corp. has increased after reporting higher income end Thursday, while Merck & co. and Chevron Corp. have declined after décevants.Merck results was injured by disappointing revenue figures, while Chevron decreased earnings forecast after that the costs associated with foreign currency.

? 2010 The Associated rights Press.Tous réservés.Ce hardware cannot be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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NEW YORK – Stocks turned lower Thursday as investors have dug around a raft of income tax returns that paints a mixed picture of the economy.

The Dow Jones industrial average fell to 27 points at the end of morning market commerciaux.Le has increased steadily in the moments of the opening of exchanges for a surprise drop first unemployment benefits claims.

There is encouraging news in Eastman Kodak Co., Motorola Inc. and ExxonMobil Corp. .but reports solid results in these companies were offset by disappointments co.M 3, actions Avon Products Inc. and Colgate-Palmolive Co. Apple Inc. has also after the company warned that its profit margin could restrict the next year.

Mixed earnings in the last few days undermined energy from a recovery on the stock market, which has been on an increase of almost unbroken since early September.

Pharmaceutical companies Bayer AG, Sanofi-aventis SA and automaker Hyundai Motor Co. blow gains worldwide with optimist, sending results overseas stocks higher before the u.s. markets.

A surprise decline in unemployment insurance claims provided most encouragement .revendications economy fell to their lowest level in three months, strengthen hopes that businesses could begin to ramping up hiring bient?t.Première times claims decreased by 21,000 to is last week, then that economists expected to increase. Claims were approximately 450,000 in much of the year, which is regarded as a signal that employers do are not fired many people come but not hiring many either.

Dow Jones index fell 27.17 or 0.2 percent, to 11,099.11 in late morning trade.He was 53 points earlier in the day.

Standard & Poor 500 index fell 1.74, or 0.2 percent, to 1,180.71, while the Nasdaq composite index dropped 8.96 or 0.4%, 2,494.30.

Not even a drop of the dollar could support the market support.Stocks and commodities were very sensitive to movement of the dollar last semaines.Une the dollar makes active risky to price in the currency, such as gold, oil and domestic stocks more attractive for investors.

Back above $1.38 to the dollar, the euro has increased jeudi.Or increased 10.20 and $ 1,332.80 an ounce.

Bond price rose.Le note reference 10 years of the Treasury, which moves opposite its price, yield fell to 2.67% 2.72% late Wednesday.

? 2010 The Associated rights Press.Tous réservés.Ce hardware cannot be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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NEW YORK – Mixed earnings reports and helped dollar stock finish on where they began Tuesday.

The Dow Jones industrial average has increased by 5 points.Stocks started the lowest day after weak results of Texas Instruments Inc., US Steel Corp. and Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. shares of the Dow component that DuPont has fallen after chimique.Un consumer confidence in this month stocks gain manufacturer gains helped reduce their losses and then the top edge in afternoon trade.

"Consumer confidence numbers have been encouraging," said Bernie McSherry, vice President of strategic initiatives Cuttone and co .c ' is a sign shoppers 'may be achieved in their position portfolios in the holiday season shopping.

Ford Motor Co. and Coach Inc. are among a few bright spots in the jackpot pay other reports published Tuesday.

Drugmaker Bristol - Myers Squibb has reported a better than expected profit, but revenue fell from forecasts.

US Steel surprised analysts reporting quarterly, loss while Texas Instruments chip manufacturer said that it expects that sales to moderate in the fourth quarter due to consumer demand low.

Dow Jones index increased 5.41, 0.1% to 11,169.46.

Dow Jones index was hovering near to its highest level commercial of the year in the last few days, but he was unable to maintain the momentum towards haut.Deux times in three days the Dow Jones index exchanged briefly above to its highest level of the year, only to withdraw before the end of the day of closing.

Standard & Poor 500 index is past 0.02 to 1,185.64, while the technology Nasdaq composite index rose by 6.44, 0.3%, 2,497.29.

Shopkeepers were risky assets that renforcé.Un stronger dollar dollar makes stock and products more expensive because they are valued in dollars.The dollar rose against the Japanese yen and the euro Tuesday.

Real estate prices have slipped in the month of August, renew concerns about health estate .Quinze 20 cities in the standard & Poor s/case-Shiller home price index saw price declines.

Bond prices fell légèrement.Le note reference yield 10-year Treasury, which moves opposite its price is passed to 2.62% 2.56% late Monday.

Trade volume on the floor of the exchange of New York came to 965 billion shares.

"This is a meandering market," said Kimberly Foss, President of Empyrion Wealth Management.Elle said that it was likely to remain that way until after the midterm elections and the Federal Reserve meeting next week.

New disappointing European companies such as banking giant UBS, turbine manufacturer Vestas Wind and steel maker ArcelorMittal have led to reduced inventories overseas .FTSE 100 Great Britain fell 0.8 percent, CAC - 40 the France fell to 0.5 %.L'Allemagne DAX fell by 0.4%.

Ford pink 21 cents to $average after that beat expectations and announced its intention to accelerate the repayment of the loan.

? 2010 The Associated rights Press.Tous réservés.Ce hardware cannot be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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NEW YORK – Stocks struggling Monday one week in advance occupied compensation which should provide evidence on the question of whether corporate profits suffer stagnation of economic growth.

Broad economic reports were dictated deals in recent months, driving stocks almost in unison, however this week movements of stocks could become widespread because there are dozens of large corporations, income statement and only some economic reports.

Economic growth slowed throughout the year, leaving the rhythm of the récupération.Mais uncertain merchants, businesses have largely not suffered a slowdown encore.Ils greatly improved efficiency of operations during the recession, which is expected to continue to help generate relatively strong results.

Citigroup Inc., IBM Corp. and Apple Inc. all release results Monday.

Citigroup report must indicate if the borrowers are in a better position to pay.Failures of loans remain a major problem for the banques.Ils show consumers are still struggling with high unemployment rates.

Results from IBM, meanwhile, must indicate whether companies are spending more to upgrade the technology and computers. Signs that companies are ramping up technology spending would be a good indication that expect business to pick up over the next few quarters. It adds to efficiency can improve profitability.

The results of Apple should show how much of an appetite consumers have new gadgets.The iPod and iPad were incredibly popular in the year, even if many buyers cutting back elsewhere.

Citigroup pink $5 cents to 4.00 sharing in pre-opening trade.IBM shares fell 26 cents to $140.80.Apple share rose from $2.37 $317.11 .Actions Apple surged above the level of $300 for the first time last week.

Bond prices rose légèrement.Le performance note 10-year Treasury Board, which moves opposite its prices, fell to 2.55% of 2.57% end vendredi.Son performance is often used as a reference to set the interest rates on mortgages and other loans loans.

? 2010 The Associated rights Press.Tous réservés.Ce hardware cannot be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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DTPI -Diamond Management & Technology Consultants IncFMCN -Focus Media Holding Limited

Unusual High volume stocks

SCOK -SinoCoking Coal and Coke Chemical Industries Inc

SAFM -Sanderson Farms Inc

CALM -Cal-Maine Foods Inc

ISLN -Isilon Systems Inc

CVLT -CommVault Systems Inc

WCRX -Warner Chilcott plc

INFA -Informatica Corporation

AIRM -Air Methods Corporation

KNSY -Kensey Nash Corporation

CHKP -Check Point Software Technologies Ltd

PWRD -Perfect World Co Ltd

BCSI -Blue Coat Systems Inc

IPCM -IPC The Hospitalist Company Inc

OPEN -OpenTable Inc

ICLR -ICON plc

CISG -CNinsure Inc

ENOC -EnerNOC Inc

MWIV -MWI Veterinary Supply Inc

SVVS -SAVVIS Inc

AHCI - ?Allied HealthCare International Inc ALTH - ?Allos Therapeutics Inc ADPI - ?American Dental Partners Inc AMWD - American Woodmark Corporation ATLO - ?Ames National Corporation APOG - ?Apogee Enterprises Inc ARTG - ?Art Technology Group Inc ASTI - ?Ascent Solar Technologies Inc ABCD - ?Cambium Learning Group Inc CCBG - ?Capital City Bank Group CHFC - ?Chemical Financial Corporation CIIC - China Infrastructure Investment Corporation

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Best stocks to buy on 09/17 are listed below

IAAC -International Assets HoldingFrom today we will keep you posted on best stocks to buy on a daily basis as far as possible. Thanks for your loyalty.

Other stocks to watch today

Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD)

Allied Irish Banks plc (AIB)

Altair Nanotechnologies, Inc. (ALTI)

American Intl Group, Inc. (AIG)

Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ARNA)

Baidu, Inc. (BIDU)

Cell Therapeutics, Inc. (CTIC)

Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO)

Cyclacel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (CYCC)

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (GS)

Hyperdynamics Corporation (HDY)

Las Vegas Sands Corp. (LVS)

Netflix, Inc. (NFLX)

Oracle Corp. (ORCL)

Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan, Inc. (POT)

Research In Motion Ltd. (RIMM)

Sirius XM Radio (SIRI)

Somaxon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (SOMX)

YRC Worldwide Inc. (YRCW)

View the original article here

DTPI -Diamond Management & Technology Consultants IncFMCN -Focus Media Holding Limited

Unusual High volume stocks

SCOK -SinoCoking Coal and Coke Chemical Industries Inc

SAFM -Sanderson Farms Inc

CALM -Cal-Maine Foods Inc

ISLN -Isilon Systems Inc

CVLT -CommVault Systems Inc

WCRX -Warner Chilcott plc

INFA -Informatica Corporation

AIRM -Air Methods Corporation

KNSY -Kensey Nash Corporation

CHKP -Check Point Software Technologies Ltd

PWRD -Perfect World Co Ltd

BCSI -Blue Coat Systems Inc

IPCM -IPC The Hospitalist Company Inc

OPEN -OpenTable Inc

ICLR -ICON plc

CISG -CNinsure Inc

ENOC -EnerNOC Inc

MWIV -MWI Veterinary Supply Inc

SVVS -SAVVIS Inc

AHCI - ?Allied HealthCare International Inc ALTH - ?Allos Therapeutics Inc ADPI - ?American Dental Partners Inc AMWD - American Woodmark Corporation ATLO - ?Ames National Corporation APOG - ?Apogee Enterprises Inc ARTG - ?Art Technology Group Inc ASTI - ?Ascent Solar Technologies Inc ABCD - ?Cambium Learning Group Inc CCBG - ?Capital City Bank Group CHFC - ?Chemical Financial Corporation CIIC - China Infrastructure Investment Corporation

View the original article here