China's 1st lunar probe Chang'e-1 completed its 1st orbital transfer Thursday afternoon. It is expected to enter Earth-moon transfer orbit on Oct. 31 and arrive in the moon's orbit Nov. 5.

The Financial Times says that Australian prime minister John Howard's faltering re-election campaign was dealt a further blow on Wednesday  with the release of worse-than-expected inflation figures that make an election-eve interest rate rise a near certainty.

Economists overwhelmingly predicted a rise in Australian rates early next month ahead of the November 24 poll, an embarrassment for a government that won the last election partly by claiming its superior economic management would help keep rates low.

"Despite a deep reluctance to move in the midst of a federal election campaign, the persistence of high-core inflation leaves the Reserve Bank [of Australia] with no choice but to decide on a tightening," John Edwards, HSBC's chief economist for Australia told the FT.

At 6.5%, the benchmark cash rate is already at an 11-year high. With household debt at record levels, a further increase will reverberate in drought-stricken rural areas and in urban mortgage belts that were crucial to the centre-right coalition's success in the previous four elections.

The People's Bank of China is expected to raise its key rate from the current level of 7.29% to dampen surging economic growth. The new benchmark will be among the highest in Asia-Pacific and compares with Japan's current rate of 0.5%.

On Friday, it was reported that Japan’s core consumer prices fell in September for the eighth month in a row, but a halt to price falls in Tokyo signals that deflation might stop nationwide as early as next month.

Prices in Tokyo, considered a leading indicator for nationwide statistics, have been flat in October, after falling 0.1% in September.

The FT says that China issued a dramatic signal of expanding African ambitions on Thursday with news that Industrial and Commercial Bank of China is to buy a 20 per cent stake in South Africa’s Standard Bank.

The $5.56bn deal between Asia’s biggest lender and the biggest bank in Africa by assets is the largest foreign acquisition by a Chinese commercial bank. It also represents the biggest foreign direct investment in South Africa since the end of white rule in 1994.

BusinessWeek reports that when Minsheng Bank started scouting for opportunities outside China's borders this summer, San Francisco's UCBH Holdings seemed like a perfect fit. UCBH, which serves Chinese-Americans, needed $205 million for an acquisition. Meanwhile, China's eighth-largest bank found a potential partner with expertise in private banking and risk management. On Oct. 8, Minsheng agreed to buy a 9.9% stake in UCBH—marking the first such move by a Chinese bank on U.S. soil. "This is the best time to invest in American banks," says Hong Qi, an executive vice-president at Minsheng Bank. "It's cheaper."

Flush with cash from going public and from strong growth at home, Chinese banks are now eyeing the U.S. It's part of a broader push to become global titans offering a wide range of financial services. Top banks Industrial & Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) and China Merchants Bank applied with the Federal Reserve to open stateside branches this year but haven't been approved yet. report

The Wall Street Journal Asia reports that Beijing's chronic pollution remains a major concern ahead of next year's Olympic Games, according to a report by the United Nations.

The report, published Thursday by the U.N. Environment Program, acknowledged improvements Beijing has made, but it criticized authorities for missing opportunities to improve the city's dirty air, such as the lack of carbon-offsetting programs and the underutilization of public transportation.

"Extensive use of coal, the city's geographical location and a growing number of motor vehicles means the pace of improvement in Beijing's air quality is slow," Eric Falt, who heads the U.N. Environment Program's sports and environment project, said at a news conference.

Mr. Falt said small particulate matter -- fine particles of pollution that are harmful to human health -- were especially worrying.

Singapore Airlines' new Airbus A380 Superjumbo, made its first commercial flight to Sydney on Wednesday, Oct 24, 2007. SQ380 left Singapore at 8 a.m. with 455 passengers and 28 crew and touched down in Sydney 7 1/2 hours later. Report on A380

Over the next 20 years, India will likely grow to become the world’s fifth-largest consumer economy.

A study by the McKinsey Global Institute suggests that if India can achieve 7.3 percent annual growth—a reasonable assumption if economic reforms continue—consumer spending will quadruple, from about 17 trillion Indian rupees ($372 billion) in 2005 to 70 trillion rupees in 2025. The dramatic growth in India’s middle class, from 50 million to 583 million people, will power this surge.

Spending patterns will shift dramatically as expenditures grow rapidly on discretionary items ranging from personal products to consumer electronics. Incumbents will have to fight to retain their market dominance, while attackers could find lucrative ways to exploit the evolving tastes of India’s massive new middle class.

Goh Tong, built a hilltop casino, near Kuala Lumpur, and turned it into Asia's biggest publicly traded gaming company. report

FINFACTS REPORTS THIS WEEK RELATED TO ASIA-PACIFIC

OECD Science, Technology and Industry Scoreboard 2007
More and more OECD governments are giving firms tax breaks to drive innovation while cutting their direct spending on business research and development (R&D), and are also encouraging public research organisations to commercialise their inventions, according to a new OECD report.

China's economy grew 11.5% in the third quarter - On track to overtake Germany as the world's third-largest
China's economy grew 11.5 percent in the third quarter, despite government efforts to dampen surging economic activity.

OECD says Government support to farmers falls slightly amid higher world food prices; Levels of support in 2006 varied from 1% of farm receipts in New Zealand to more than 60% in Iceland
Government support to farmers in OECD countries represented 27% of total farm receipts in 2006, a slight fall from the 29% share the previous year, according to a new OECD report. The drop was due mainly to rising world food prices rather than changes in policies, as less support was provided to prop up domestic prices.

International scientific panel calls for swift move away from coal and other fossil fuels to reduce CO₂ emissions; IEA says technology is available today to significantly reduce emissions from fossil fuel-fired power generation
The InterAcademy Council (IAC) released a report in Beijing on Monday that was commissioned by the governments of Brazil and China, identifying and detailing the scientific consensus framework for directing global energy development. The proliferation of coal-burning power plants around the world may pose "the single greatest challenge" to averting dangerous climate change, the international panel of scientists reported. On Tuesday, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said in Paris that it had identified proven technology that is available today to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions from fossil fuel-fired power generation.

Hong Kong Business School heads 2007 rankings of Executive MBAs for senior working managers; Dublin's Michael Smurfit School of Business plunges 40 ranks
On Monday, for the seventh year, the Financial Times published its ranking of Executive MBA programmes, part-time MBA degrees for senior working managers.

IPO activity in the Emerging Markets hits record highs despite an overall decline globally
Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) in the emerging markets hit record levels in the third quarter of 2007, according to the latest Ernst & Young quarterly Global IPO Report, despite an overall decline in IPO activity globally compared to last quarter.

Global spending on information technology will create 7.1m new jobs and 100,000 new businesses over the next 4 years; Study finds 14.7m jobs created by Microsoft and its Ecosystem
Global spending on information technology will create 7.1 million new jobs and 100,000 new businesses over the next four years, according to a new study by IDC. The research predicts that in 2007 Microsoft-related activities are responsible for 14.7 million jobs from an IT industry total of 35.2 million people — 42 percent of total IT employment globally in 2007 — and more than $514 billion in tax revenue worldwide.

Global spending on information technology will create 7.1m new jobs and 100,000 new businesses over the next 4 years; Study finds 14.7m jobs created by Microsoft and its Ecosystem
Global spending on information technology will create 7.1 million new jobs and 100,000 new businesses over the next four years, according to a new study by IDC. The research predicts that in 2007 Microsoft-related activities are responsible for 14.7 million jobs from an IT industry total of 35.2 million people — 42 percent of total IT employment globally in 2007 — and more than $514 billion in tax revenue worldwide.

World Development Report 2008: World Bank calls for renewed emphasis on Agriculture for Development
The latest World Development Report from the World Bank, calls for greater investment in agriculture in developing countries and warns that the sector must be placed at the centre of the development agenda if the goals of halving extreme poverty and hunger by 2015 are to be realised.

ACCESS TO NEW REPORTS FROM OTHER SOURCES

Friday

China Will Probably Raise Interest Rates After Economy Grows 11.5 Percent  - - China will probably increase borrowing costs for the sixth time this year to cool the stock market and inflation after the economy grew 11.5 percent in the third quarter.

Baidu Net Income More Than Doubles on Market Share Gains; Revenue Advances  - - Baidu.com Inc., operator of China's most-used search Web site, reported that third-quarter profit more than doubled after the company won market share from rivals such as Yahoo! Inc. and Sohu.com Inc.

Datang Power May Sell $401 Million Bonds to Repay Debt, Increase Capital  - - Datang International Power Generation Co., the biggest Chinese power producer listed in Hong Kong, said it plans to raise 3 billion yuan ($401 million) selling bonds.

Chinese Banks Head for the U.S. - - American banks are a bargain these days—and Chinese financial firms with big plans are buying

China, EU to cement quality controls - - China will cooperate more with the European Union (EU) to develop safety and security criteria for products, a leading official from the top product quality supervision authority said Wednesday.

China's CPI up 4.1% in 1st 9 months - - China's consumer price index, a key inflation indicator, rose by 4.1 percent in the first nine months over the same period last year, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) announced on Thursday.

Chinese shares slump 4.8% - - Chinese stocks tumbled 4.8 percent on Thursday as the latest macroeconomic figures sparked market concerns over tightening policies to curb the economy from overheating.

India Curbs Foreign Buying of Stocks as Record Inflows May Threaten Growth  - - India, home to Asia's oldest stock exchange, erected barriers to overseas investment in shares on concern record inflows are a threat to economic growth.

Market Regulator Plans Stock Exchange for Small, Medium-Sized Companies  - - India's capital markets regulator plans to set up a stock exchange for small and medium-sized enterprises to help channel record investment to more companies.

Benchmark Sensitive Index Rises; Tata Steel Gains as Dr. Reddy's Declines  - - India's Sensitive Index rose for the fourth day. Tata Steel Ltd., the world's sixth-largest maker of the alloy, gained on the expectation it will report an increase in quarterly profit, buoyed by sales to carmakers and construction companies.

Rupee Gains Before Capital Market Regulator's Decision on Overseas Flows  - - India's rupee gained as the nation's capital markets regulator prepared to detail its proposed curbs on overseas investment in local stocks.

Cairn India May Spend $2 Billion to Develop Oil, Gas Areas to Meet Demand  - - Cairn India Ltd., a unit of Cairn Energy Plc, may spend as much as $2 billion in India by 2009 to develop oil and gas areas and meet demand in the world's second- fastest growing economy.

 Japan's Stocks Climb After Oil Rises, Earnings Gain; Sony, Honda Advance  - - Japanese stocks rose for the first time in three days, led by commodity-related companies such as Mitsui & Co., after crude oil surged to a record and prices of copper and gold climbed.

Dollar Trades Near Record Low Against Euro on U.S. Interest Rate Outlook  - - The dollar traded near a record low against the euro on speculation signs of a slowing U.S. economy will prompt the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates.

Nomura Shares Rise as Writeoffs Ease Concern Over Widening Subprime Losses  - - Nomura Holdings Inc., Japan's largest securities firm, rose for the first time in a week in Tokyo trading after its second-quarter earnings report eased investor concern losses on investments in subprime loans may widen.

Honda Shares Gain Most in Two Months After Forecast Raised on Weaker Yen  - - Honda Motor Co., Japan's second- largest automaker, gained the most in two months after it raised its full-year profit forecast on a weaker yen and higher sales of fuel-efficient models. Shares of other automakers also rose.

Shinsei Drops to One-Month Low as Earnings Miss Forecast on Consumer Loans  - - Shinsei Bank Ltd. fell to a one-month low in Tokyo trading after saying first-half profit missed its own forecast because of losses at a consumer lending affiliate and wrong-way bets on U.S. mortgage-backed securities.

Sony Struggles as Nintendo Soars - - Sony's money-losing video game business was a drag on first-half earnings, while Nintendo's profits in the period nearly tripled from the previous year

Sony profit up fourfold despite PS3 woes - - Despite continuing to sustain heavy losses in its game business, Sony Corp.'s group net profit increased fourfold to ¥140.2 billion in the six months through September compared with the same period last year, thanks to vigorous sales of digital cameras and computers.

Honda first-half profit, sales set record - - Honda Motor Co. said Thursday both its group net profit and sales for the April-September first half of business 2007 hit record highs for the seventh straight year on a semiannual basis, driven by upbeat demand for its vehicles overseas.

Motorola walks Razr-thin line as sales slump - - Its market share figures have dropped to No. 3 worldwide, its stock has plummeted 20 percent since last fall, a Facebook group calls itself "My Motorola makes a better coaster than a phone," which leaves the American cell phone manufacturer banking heavily on its new Razr2 to pump up sales.

Thursday

GSM Industry Lectures the Chinese on 3G - - GSM Assn. Chairman Craig Ehrich preached the virtues of scale, mobility, and openness at a Beijing handset conference

China's Growth Exceeds 11 Percent Again, Adding Pressure on Yuan, Rates  - - China's economy, the biggest contributor to global growth, grew 11.5 percent in the third quarter, adding pressure for faster currency appreciation and higher borrowing costs to curb inflation and asset bubbles.

Hong Kong's Export Gains Probably Accelerated on Demand Fueled by China  - - Hong Kong's export growth probably accelerated in September as the city shipped more goods to China.

China Stocks Fall on Buffett Comments; Baoshan Steel, Merchants Bank Drop  - - China's stocks fell after billionaire Warren Buffett said investors should be ``cautious'' about the country's shares. Baoshan Iron & Steel Co. and China Merchants Bank Co. led declines among the nation's most valuable companies.

ICBC Will Pay $5.5 Billion for Stake in Africa's Standard Bank, FT Reports  - - Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd. will pay $5.5 billion for a 20 percent stake in Standard Bank Group Ltd., Africa's largest bank, the Financial Times reported, citing an unidentified banker close to the deal.

Corn-Seed Provider Agria and an Owner May Raise $283 Million in U.S. IPO  - - Agria Corp., a Chinese provider of corn seeds, sheep breeding and tree seedlings, and an owner may raise as much as $283 million from a New York Stock Exchange initial public offering, according to a regulatory filing.

Scotland-China education conference held in Scotland - - The Scotland-China Education Network (SCEN) Conference was held at the Edinburgh International Conference Center here Wednesday with the theme of Bridging Education and Culture.

Chinese yuan breaks 7.5 mark against USD - - China's Renminbi (RMB) broke the 7.5 mark to reach a new central parity rate of 7.4938 yuan to one U.S. dollar on Wednesday, according to the Chinese Foreign Exchange Trading System.

Foreign Inflows May Slow as India's Government Tackles Shares `Bubble'  - - Record overseas purchases that have stoked a ``bubble'' in Indian stocks may slow under new rules planned by regulators, investors and analysts say.

Asian Commodity Stocks Rise on Higher Oil Price; Canon Drops on Strong Yen  - - Asian commodity-related stocks gained, led by Mitsui & Co. and Woodside Petroleum Ltd., after the crude-oil price rose and on speculation the Federal Reserve will cut borrowing costs after U.S. existing home sales plunged.

Cipla, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Maytas, TVS Motor: India's Equity Preview  - - The following stocks may rise or fall in Mumbai today. Prices refer to yesterday's close. The preview includes news that broke after markets shut. Stock symbols are in brackets after company names.

Gold, Silver Are Little Changed in Asia After Dollar's Gains Versus Euro  - - Gold was little changed in Asia after a two-day rally as the U.S. dollar's gain against the euro reduced the precious metal's appeal as an alternative asset. Silver was also little changed.

Crude Oil Rises a Second Day After Unexpected Decline in U.S. Inventories  - - Crude oil rose to $88 a barrel in New York after a U.S. government report showed that the biggest drop in imports since March caused an unexpected decline in inventories.

IT exports to touch $80 bn by 2011: Govt - - The Indian government on Wednesday said it expects IT exports to touch 80 billion dollars by 2011, growing at an average rate of 30 per cent annum.

TSE, Vietnam bourses to collaborate - - Tokyo Stock Exchange Group Inc. and Vietnam's Hochiminh Stock Exchange signed a memorandum of understanding Wednesday to explore collaboration, including listing of the two countries' stocks on each other's bourses and other cross-border securities trades, the TSE said.

Tokyo Motor Show offers peek at future - - With oil prices hitting new highs, producing eco-friendly and fuel-efficient cars has become the norm for most carmakers.

Nissan tests its limits with GT-R - - Nissan Motor Co. unveiled its much-anticipated GT-R supercar Wednesday at the Tokyo Motor Show in Chiba, hoping to win the hearts of serious drivers in and outside Japan.

Japanese businesses setting up virtual shop in Second Life - - For a year, blue-chip corporations in the West have been setting up shop on Second Life, the online, 3-D alternate reality that is redefining Internet communication.

Japan's Automakers Show Their Mojo - - Nissan's GT-R speedster is unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show as local carmakers roll out performance models to liven up a lackluster image

Yen Rises as U.S. Housing Slump Dulls Appeal of Higher-Yielding Currencies  - - The yen rose against all 16 of the world's most-actively traded currencies as a deepening U.S. housing slump prompted investors to cut purchases of higher- yielding assets funded by loans in Japan.

Japan Financial, Exporter Shares Slide on U.S. Economic Outlook, Yen Gain  - - Japanese financial and exporter stocks slid after Merrill Lynch & Co. reported a record quarterly loss and U.S. existing home sales plunged, adding to evidence that the world's biggest economy is slowing.

Tokyo Electric Plans Record LNG Imports After Earthquake Shut Power Plant  - - Tokyo Electric Power Co., Asia's biggest electricity producer, plans to increase imports of liquefied natural gas to a record next business year after an earthquake in July closed its largest nuclear plant.

Yahoo Japan Shares Fall on Stock Recommendation Cuts, Decline in Profit  - - Yahoo Japan Corp., operator of the nation's most visited Web site, plunged the most in 21 months in Tokyo trading after its first quarterly profit decline prompted at least four analysts to downgrade the stock.

Wednesday

Yuan Strengthens Past 7.5 Against U.S. Dollar; Traders Target 7 by 2008  - - China's yuan rose past 7.5 to the dollar for the first time since a fixed exchange rate was scrapped in 2005, in the week after the Group of Seven called for ``accelerated appreciation.''

Jim Rogers Is Shifting All His Assets Out of Dollar to Buy Chinese Yuan  - - Jim Rogers, chairman of Beeland Interests Inc., said he is shifting all his assets out of the dollar and buying Chinese yuan because the Federal Reserve has eroded the value of the U.S. currency.

Nickel Producer Jinchuan May Raise $4 Billion in Shanghai IPO, People Say  - - Jinchuan Group Co., Asia's biggest nickel producer, plans to raise about 30 billion yuan ($4 billion) in an initial public offering in Shanghai to fund acquisitions and expansion, two people involved in the sale said.

China Southern Air Agrees to Pay $1.8 Billion for 10 Airbus A330 Aircraft  - - China Southern Airlines Co., the country's biggest carrier by fleet size, agreed to buy 10 Airbus SAS A330-200 aircraft as it adds more overseas routes.

MTR May Get $774 Million Government Subsidy to Build New Hong Kong Subway  - - MTR Corp., the operator of Hong Kong's subway system, may get a HK$6 billion ($774 million) subsidy to build a new railway line.

A Slam Dunk for the NBA in China - - Along with eager sponsors and partners, the league looks to capitalize further on its mainland popularity with a recent exhibition tour and other initiatives

China, Wikipedia, and Censorship's Perils - - The mainland Chinese lost a key tool for communication and debate when censors blocked Wikipedia. Search engines aren't immune, either

Asia IT Managers Among the Lowest Paid - - Hong Kong and Australia are the only high-paying Asian countries, according to a new global IT salary study by Mercer

India sees free trade pact with EU next yr - - Commerce Minister Kamal Nath said that the country expected to finalise a free trade agreement with the European Union by the end of 2008.

Indian Telcos Turn to Countryside for Growth - - Rural areas are expected to drive the next wave of telecom growth and have the potential to add at least 150 million new subscribers

Asian Shares Rise on Higher Profit, Metals Prices; Takeda and BHP Gain  - - Asian stocks advanced, led by Japanese drugmakers and mining companies, after Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. reported higher profit and metals prices rose.

National Aluminium Net Income Declines for a Third Quarter as Rupee Gains  - - National Aluminium Co., India's largest alumina producer, reported a decline in profit for a third quarter because a stronger currency reduced gains from exporting the aluminum-making raw material.

India's Key Stock Index Has Biggest Gain in 16 Months on Investment Rules  - - India's Sensitive Index posted its biggest gain in more than a year, led by Reliance Industries Ltd., after the markets regulator dropped a proposed ban on registered brokers using offshore derivatives to buy stocks.

Crude Oil Falls for a Fourth Day on Expected Increase in U.S. Stockpiles  - - Crude oil fell for a fourth day in New York on expectations that a U.S. government report today will show an increase in oil and gasoline stockpiles.

Japan's Exports Grow at Slowest Pace in Two Years as U.S. Shipments Slump  - - Japan's exports grew at the slowest pace in two years in September as shipments to the U.S. fell, a signal that the nation's economic expansion may cool because of waning demand in its largest market.

Stocks Advance in Tokyo on Outlook for Global Growth; Nippon Steel Climbs  - - Japanese stocks advanced, led by steel producers and other companies whose profits are dependent on an expanding global economy after earnings at some U.S. companies bolstered confidence that growth will continue.

Consumer Prices, Factory Production Probably Declined as Deflation Lingers  - - Japan's consumer prices probably fell for an eighth month in September, a sign that deflation lingers in the world's second-largest economy.

KDDI May Miss Target for Internet Customer Additions, Financial Chief Says  - - KDDI Corp., Japan's second-largest mobile-phone company, expects to add fewer customers than targeted at its most expensive fixed-line service, undermining a plan to diversify sales.

Yen Declines as Australian Inflation Data Spurs Increase in Carry Trades  - - The yen fell against the Australian dollar after a measure of the southern hemisphere nation's consumer prices rose more than expected, fueling speculation the central bank will raise interest rates.

Toyota group eyes Sendai factory - - Toyota subsidiary Central Motor Co. said Tuesday it will build a factory to assemble automobiles north of Sendai.

Hitachi exits household computer business - - Hitachi Ltd. is pulling out of the household computer business in the latest shift among Japanese electronics makers to refocus their sprawling operations.

Tuesday

Bear Stearns, China's CITIC strike alliance - - Bear Stearns, the U.S. investment bank battered by slumping mortgage markets, and China's CITIC Securities have agreed to swap stakes in each other and form a broad alliance, the firms said on Monday.

China Economy May Grow 11.5 Percent With 4.3 Percent Inflation, NDRC Says  - - China's economy may expand 11.5 percent and the inflation rate will be 4.3 percent this year, said Wang Xiaoguang, an economist at the National Development and Reform Commission.

Hedge Fund Manager RAB May Double Assets in Asia to $2 Billion in a Year  - - RAB Capital Plc, the hedge fund manager best known for its natural resources investments, may double Asian assets to $2 billion within a year, said Rod Barker, director of business development and distribution.

Citigroup to Open Rural China Lending Arm Under Pilot Plan, Regulator Says  - - Citigroup Inc., the biggest U.S. bank, plans to set up a loan company in rural China to gain a foothold serving the nation's 800 million farmers.

China Mobile Shares Soar to Record After Quarterly Profit Beat Estimates  - - China Mobile Ltd., the world's largest wireless-phone carrier by users, rose the most in more than a week in Hong Kong trading after the company reported profit that beat analysts' estimates and added record users.

China's Stock Indexes Climb; Lenders, Merchants Bank Increase on Earnings  - - China's stocks rose for the first time in five days. Lenders gained after China Merchants Bank Co. and Shenzhen Development Bank Co. reported higher third-quarter earnings.

China's Alibaba Unveils Its IPO - - Shares of the e-commerce company partly owned by Yahoo! will begin trading on Nov. 6 in an offering to be co-managed by Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley

China: New Leaders, Old Problems - - A new generation may be more open to reform than the old guard, but making real changes, especially in the countryside, won't be easy

Asian Shares Rally, Led by Mitsubishi UFJ, National Australia Bank, Posco  - - Asian stocks rose, with the regional benchmark rebounding from its biggest drop in two months, after China's Citic Securities Co. agreed to buy a stake in Bear Stearns Cos.

India's Role in Burma's Crisis - - New Delhi has sympathy for the troubled nation, but energy needs and relations with China are complicating the equationd

India Rupee to Fall 5 Percent by Year-End on Investment Curbs, Calyon Says  - - India's rupee will fall more than 5 percent against the dollar by year-end as the nation curbs capital entering the stock market, Calyon predicts.

Oil Falls a Third Day After Turkey Says Diplomacy May Avert Action in Iraq  - - Crude oil fell for a third day after Turkey signaled negotiations may help avert military action against Kurdish rebels in northern Iraq.

Gold Rises in Asia After Biggest Drop in Almost Three Weeks; Silver Gains  - - Gold rose in Asia after the biggest decline in almost three weeks was seen as overdone by some investors. Silver gained.

Government Ten-Year Bonds Advance After Central Bank Reduces Debt Sales  - - India's 10-year bonds rose the most in more than a month after the central bank said it will sell fewer bonds this week to absorb surplus cash.

Stocks Rise in Tokyo as Bear Stearns Alliance Eases U.S. Mortgage Concerns  - - Japanese stocks advanced, led by lenders, after China's Citic Securities Co. agreed to buy a stake in Bear Stearns Cos., shoring up confidence in financial institutions hurt by the U.S. mortgage crisis.

Dollar May Decline Before U.S. Housing, Regional Manufacturing Reports  - - The dollar may decline on speculation U.S. reports this week will add to evidence a housing recession is slowing economic growth in the world's biggest economy.

Toyota Cuts Car Weight With Carbon Fiber to Win Sales as Fuel Prices Rise  - - Toyota Motor Corp., the world's second-biggest automaker, and Mitsubishi Motors Corp. are using carbon fiber and aluminum in experimental vehicles as they develop lightweight cars with high gasoline mileage to win sales.

Nidec Shares Rise Most in 3 Months After Subsidiaries Beat Profit Forecast  - - Nidec Corp., the world's biggest maker of motors for hard-disk drives, rose the most in three months in Osaka trading after five of its subsidiaries beat their first-half profit forecasts.

All Nippon Air to Cut Fares 15 Percent for Some Domestic Flights Next Year  - - All Nippon Airways Co., Japan's largest domestic carrier, will cut fares by up to 15 percent for some flights linking cities through major hubs, compared with current fares for direct flights that are being canceled.

Wal-Mart set to pay ¥100 billion to take over ailing Seiyu - - U.S. retail giant Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said Monday it will launch a ¥100 billion takeover bid to make its struggling Japan unit Seiyu Ltd. a wholly owned subsidiary and speed up its turnaround drive.

Carmakers look to emerging India to drive sales - - With the 40th Tokyo Motor Show officially opening Saturday, Japanese automakers are hoping the biennial event will encourage visitors to buy new cars and help curb the domestic sales slump.

Toyota loses sales race to GM in third quarter - - Toyota said Monday it sold 2.34 million vehicles globally in the July-September quarter, fewer than General Motors' tally, as its U.S. rival regained the lead in the race to be the world's top automaker.

Sanyo Abandons Semiconductor Sale - - The Japanese company is holding on to the unit after the private equity buyer allegedly couldn't raise the money. Investors aren't pleased

When Good Cars Sell Badly - - For every Camry, there is an Avalon. Most automakers have a model that fails to catch on with buyers despite strong reviews

Monday

China-ASEAN trade speeds up - - China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have seen fast growth in bilateral trade with the volume being expected to reach 190 billion U.S. dollars this year.

China's Growth Probably Exceeded 11 Percent, Raising Odds of Rate Increase  - - China's economy probably expanded more than 11 percent for a third straight quarter, raising the likelihood of more interest-rate increases to prevent a flood of export cash from fueling asset bubbles.

Alibaba Increases Hong Kong IPO Price, May Raise $1.5 Billion, People Say  - - Alibaba.com Ltd. will raise as much as HK$11.6 billion ($1.5 billion) after increasing the price of stock in the biggest initial public offering by a Chinese Internet company, people familiar with the matter said.

China's CSI 300 Stock Index Declines on Concern Lending Rates May Increase  - - China's stock index fell for a fourth day, the longest losing streak in 14 months. Baoshan Iron & Steel Co. led a decline among steelmakers on concern the supply of steel products will exceed demand.

CVC Wins Approval to Buy Stake in No.1 Chinese Bottlemaker Zhuhai Zhongfu  - - CVC Capital Partners, Europe's second-biggest buyout firm, said it won approval from China's Ministry of Commerce to buy 29 percent of the nation's biggest plastic bottle maker.

Hong Kong Inflation Rate Was Probably Highest in Six Months on Food Costs  - - Hong Kong's consumer prices probably rose at the fastest pace in six months in September as food costs surged.

BCG report: Marketing diversification significant for boosting consumer growth in China - - China is likely to become the world's second largest consumer market by 2015, said a report released by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG).

Mainland-Taiwan trade up in first nine months - - Trade between China's mainland and Taiwan reached 89.69 billion U.S. dollars in the first nine months, up 13.8 percent from the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

Asian Stocks Fall, Led by Banks on Concern Earnings to Drop; BHP Declines  - - Asian stocks fell the most in two months, extending a global rout, on concern credit-market losses will slow economic growth. U.S. stock futures dropped.

Sri Lanka's Cabraal Says Interest Rates Sufficient to Contain Inflation  - - Sri Lanka's interest rates, the highest in Asia, are sufficient to contain inflation and spur growth, Governor Nivard Cabraal said, suggesting the central bank will keep borrowing costs unchanged at a meeting this week.

Benchmark Sensex Falls on U.S. Growth Concerns; Tata Consultancy Declines  - - Indian stocks fell for a fifth day after concern that U.S. subprime mortgage losses are curbing company earnings and slowing growth in the world's largest economy sent shares in New York to their biggest decline in two months. Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. declined.

Indian Rupee Weakens as Planned Investment Rules May Curb Capital Inflows  - - India's rupee, Asia's best performer this year, fell on concern overseas investment rules to be set this week will curb record capital inflows into stocks.

Bond Risk Increases in Asia-Pacific, According to Credit-Default Swaps  - - The perceived risk of owning bonds in the Asia-Pacific region increased, according to traders of credit-default swaps.

Stocks Drop in Tokyo on Mounting U.S. Subprime Crisis, Yen; Nintendo Falls  - - Japanese stocks slid to the lowest in a month on mounting evidence the U.S. subprime mortgage crisis is slowing growth in the world's biggest economy and on gains in the yen.

Yen Strengthens to Six-Week High as G-7 Shows Concern About Global Growth  - - The yen rose to a six-week high against the dollar as Asian stocks slumped after the Group of Seven nations said a housing slowdown in the U.S. will damp global growth.

Bonds Rise for Fifth Day After Stock Losses Spur Demand for Fixed Income  - - Japan's 10-year bonds rose for a fifth day, the longest rally in three months, after a slide in stocks boosted demand for government debt.

Permira Agrees to $2.2 Billion Acquisition of Arysta in First Japan Deal  - - Permira Advisers LLP, Europe's biggest buyout firm, will purchase Arysta LifeScience Corp. for about 250 billion yen ($2.2 billion) in its first acquisition in Japan.

Toyota Falls to One-Year Low as Yen Rises to Six-Week High Against Dollar  - - Toyota Motor Corp., Japan's biggest carmaker, fell to a 52-week low in Tokyo trading as a decline in the dollar eroded the value of sales in its most profitable market.