Chart from the World Bank's Nov 2007 East Asia & Pacific Update - - China's CSI 300 benchmark is valued at 43 times estimated earnings, compared with the average 29 times for Chinese companies on the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. In the U.S., home to the world's biggest stock market, the S&P 500 Index is valued at 16.5 times. Bloomberg story

The big news story for the Asia-Pacific region this week was that East Asian economies are likely to remain robust in 2008 despite growing concerns about the US subprime crisis and increasing global oil prices. The World Bank's latest East Asia & Pacific Update, says that for the first time, the number of poor people living below $2 a day in East Asia has fallen below 500 million – down from 1 billion in 1990.

The Age reports that the world's best known Australian and US citizen, News Corp chairman Rupert Murdoch is looking after his own, topping off a week in Australia with an early $US360 million ($A400 million) Christmas present for the kids.

The Murdoch Family Trust sold about 17.5 million shares of News Corp in one large transaction in New York on Thursday, the company said yesterday.

The proceeds are expected to be fairly split between the media magnate's four adult children and his two little daughters from the marriage with Wendi Deng, giving each a Christmas cheque of up to $US60 million. Mr Murdoch may also keep some of the stash for himself, US media reports suggested.

"The sale was part of the Murdoch family's normal financial planning," a spokesman for the company in Sydney said yesterday. It would "benefit the trust's beneficiaries".

With a week to go before the Australian federal election with Labor leader still ahead in the opinion polls, Alan Ramsey writes in the Sydney Morning Herald: When Kevin Rudd's pledge not to repeat John Howard's "reckless spending spree" got one of the loudest - and more genuine - bursts of applause by the invited Labor faithful at the Brisbane campaign "launch" this week, Paul Keating leaned across to Bob Hawke and said: "If we'd promised that, they would have shot us." And he added, nodding to the audience: "We've come a long way as a party."

Maybe. Perhaps all the packed hall was doing was heaving a collective sigh of relief that Rudd, so close to victory, hadn't gone rushing down another of the Prime Minister's desperate boltholes, like Alice after the White Rabbit. What was truly remarkable was how far the Hawke/Keating "relationship" had come, finally.

There's been no relationship for 16 years, not since Keating ousted his "old mate" five days before Christmas 1991 and went on to lead Labor to its fifth successive election victory 15 months later, before losing to the Coalition under Howard in March 1996. Now here the two of them were, acknowledged by an applauding crowd as honoured guests, along with Gough Whitlam, as Labor's trio of living prime ministers, and looking like they were actually enjoying it.

Chinese investment in the first 10 months rose at the fastest pace in more than a year, increasing the likelihood that the People's Bank of China will soon raise its benchmark rate from the current level of 7.29%.

Capital spending in urban areas on fixed assets such as factories and roads increased 26.9 per cent between January and October compared with the same period last year, the National Bureau of Statistics said.

It was the fastest pace since September 2006, eclipsing forecasts of a 26.3 per cent rise and the 26.4 per cent increase in the first nine months.

In its latest economic outlook, China's Ministry of Commerce warned of a possible slide in international demand with an anticipated global slowdown.

The US remained China's second largest export destination, Ministry statistics show. China's exports to the US in the first quarter of 2007 rose 20.4 percent year-on-year. However, export growth slowed to 15.6 percent in the second quarter and even further, to 12.4 percent, in the third quarter, according to the statistics.

China and Germany worsened sharply on Thursday when German finance minister Peer Steinbrück was forced to cancel a visit to Beijing because his Chinese counterpart refused to meet him.

German officials acknowledge China's annoyance with Chancellor Angela Merkel over her meeting in September in Berlin with the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader, and with what Beijing sees as a broader toughening of the chancellor’s stance towards China.

Frank-Walter Steinmeier, German foreign minister and newly named vice-chancellor, has openly attacked the Chancellor over the Dalai Lama meeting.

Steinmeier, deputy leader of the Social Democrats, Merkel’s coalition allies, accused the chancellor in a speech to an SPD congress last month of “playing to public opinion” without regard for the effectiveness of the meeting in improving political or religious rights on the ground in China.

China would like to work with Singapore to promote the relations to a new height to benefit the two peoples and the region, said Chinese President Hu Jintao on Friday. Hu told visiting Singaporean Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew that Sino-Singaporean relations had further developed since the two countries forged diplomatic ties 17 years ago. The two countries had increased political trust and economic and trade cooperation, and maintained coordination in the international and regional affairs, he added. Hu expressed gratitude for the adherence of Singapore to the one-China policy, and its opposition to "Taiwan's Independence" as well as its support to China's reunification cause. Lee Kuan Yew declared Singapore's independence from the Malaysian Federation in 1965. The majority of Singapore's population are ethnic Chinese.

The Wall Street Journal Asia reports that China raised ex-factory natural-gas prices for some industrial users by about 50% to curb growing demand by chemical companies and power generators for the clean fuel, the country's two largest gas producers said Thursday.

The rise in the prices that producers charge buyers of natural gas is in line with government efforts to prioritize use of limited supplies of the gas in order to reduce urban pollution.

It also reflects government efforts to narrow the gap between relatively low domestic gas prices and much higher external gas prices, a task driven by China's growing use of imported liquefied natural gas.

Mercer’s latest New Zealand remuneration review shows that organisations have been spending up to keep top talent in their existing workforce, with the median increase in fixed packages at 5.2 per cent.

However, this largesse was not distributed equally, with professionals receiving a 5.3 per cent pay rise, management 5.6 per cent, and executives five per cent. Staff at lower levels fared more modestly, with a 3.8 per cent increase.

The survey also revealed those who move jobs may not be attracted by money alone: when new employees are included in the sample the pay increases are not as high. The median increase was 3.4 per cent, but again, this was spread amongst the ranks, with Professionals receiving a 2.9 per cent rise, Management 3.1 per cent and Executives 3.4 per cent. The exception was for general staff, where the inclusion of new hires actually saw a slightly higher increase of 4.1 per cent.

According to Martin Turner, Principal at Mercer, one of the most worrying findings for employers is that the extra money paid to employees did little to stem the tide of voluntary turnover, which hit a record high of 18.5 per cent.

“The labour market squeeze is worsening at the same time as business confidence increases. If we look back to September 2006 when confidence in the NZ economy was shaky, people were nervous about changing jobs and voluntary turnover took a dive. Now that things are looking up, people are leaving their jobs because they’re confident they’ll find a new one,” Turner said.

The country’s culture ministry took the step after confronting a sharp fall in the rupee value of its dollar ticket sales.

“Keeping in view international practices and also to avoid any anomaly on account of falling exchange rates of the US dollar vis-à-vis rupee and consequent fall in revenues, the government has decided to denominate the entry fee for the foreigners for all the monuments in Indian rupees only,” the ministry said.

FINFACTS REPORTS THIS WEEK RELATED TO ASIA-PACIFIC

China fears exporters will be devastated by a US slowdown
China's Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday that the first ten months of 2007, Sino-US and Sino-EU bilateral trade value both topped $200 bn. China’s trade with Japan, ASEAN (Association of South-East Asian Nations), Hong Kong and other countries / regions also continued to grow. However, the Ministry warned in a report of the potential negative impact from a US slowdown.

Growth in Emerging East Asia expected to exceed 8% in 2007 for second year in succession; Slight moderation forecast for 2008
East Asian economies are likely to remain robust in 2008 despite growing concerns about the US sub-prime crisis and increasing global oil prices, says the World Bank's latest East Asia & Pacific Update. Highlighting this, the report finds that for the first time, the number of poor people living below $2 a day in East Asia has fallen below 500 million – down from 1 billion in 1990.

US maths and science students perform well against counterparts in foreign countries but Asian countries remain best performers
Students in most US states are performing as well as or better than most students in  foreign countries in maths (or math)   and science, but the highest achieving states are still significantly below the highest achieving countries, according to a new study by the American Institutes for Research (AIR).

Bank of America announces subprime-related writedown of $3 billion but gains more than $30 billion from stake in China Construction Bank
Bank of America, the biggest US banking group by market value, on Tuesday estimated that it has incurred an additional loss of $3 billion in subprime-related collateralized debt obligations (CDO) but the losses are a fraction of its gain from an investment in the China Construction Bank.

International Energy Agency cuts fourth quarter oil demand forecast
The International Energy Agency, the energy adviser to 26 industrialised countries including Ireland, has cut its forecast for global demand for the rest of this year and 2008 as prices near $100 a barrel slow consumption in the US, Europe and Japan.

Bank of Japan keeps key interest rate at 0.50%; Economic growth recovers in third quarter
The Bank of Japan decided at its monthly meeting today to keep its key interest rate unchanged at 0.5%. In a statement, the central bank said that the economy is expanding moderately.

China's consumer price index rose to 6.5% in October; Trade surplus of $273 billion forecast for 2007 - up almost $100 billion from 2006
China's consumer price index (CPI), rose by 6.5 percent in October compared with the same period of last year, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said on Tuesday.

R&D Scorecard 2007: US firms account for 40% of Research and Development spending by the top Global 1,250 companies
The UK Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills published its Annual R&D Scorecard on Monday, ranking spending by 1,250 global companies and 850 UK companies.

ACCESS TO NEW REPORTS FROM OTHER SOURCES

Friday

Europe's Trade Gap With China Surges, Adding to Pressure for Stronger Yuan  - - Europe's trade deficit with China surged 25 percent in the eight months through August, giving European and U.S. officials more reason to pressure China to let its currency trade freely.

Paulson Pushes Africa to Emulate China, India in Promoting Economic Growth  - - U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson challenged Africa's leaders to follow China and India, the world's fastest-growing major economies, in adopting market- based policies to lift incomes for almost a billion people.

King Joins Trichet, Paulson in Demanding China Defuse `Currency Tensions'  - - Bank of England Governor Mervyn King is joining Jean-Claude Trichet and Henry Paulson to demand that China allow the yuan to strengthen at a faster pace.

China Power to Buy 600 MW Electricity Plant in Northeast for $127 Million  - - China Power International Development Ltd., the Hong Kong-listed Chinese electricity producer, will buy a not-yet-completed power plant in China's northeast from its parent for 944.6 million yuan ($127 million).

Factory Spending Surges 26.9 Percent, Increasing Pressure to Boost Rates  - - China's growth in factory and property spending unexpectedly accelerated, stoking speculation the central bank will raise interest rates for a sixth time this year to cool the world's fastest-growing major economy.

WB: China economy to grow 10.8% next year - - East Asian economies are likely to remain healthy next year despite the impact of the widening subprime lending crisis in the U.S. and the renewed increase in crude oil prices, the World Bank said Thursday. The region's rapid growth is also reducing poverty, although income inequality is expanding.

Strong advertising sales boost Sina income - - Strong advertising sales boosted Chinese portal Sina.com's third quarter earnings 61 percent which helped offset a decline in wireless services revenue.

HK economy grows in 3rd quarter, GDP up 6.2% - - Hong Kong's economy continued to grow in the third quarter with its GDP rising 6.2 percent in real terms over the same period last year, Acting Government Economist Helen Chan said Friday.

Chinese airline in elite club - - China Southern Airlines has become the first Chinese carrier to join one of the three global airline alliances in an effort to better participate in international competition.

India's Essar Oil Plans $6 Billion Expansion to Triple Refining Capacity  - - Essar Oil Ltd., India's newest refiner, will spend about $6 billion to more than triple plant capacity to benefit from a global shortage that helped crude oil prices surge to a record.

Paulson Pushes Africa to Emulate China, India in Promoting Economic Growth  - - U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson challenged Africa's leaders to follow China and India, the world's fastest-growing major economies, in adopting market- based policies to lift incomes for almost a billion people.

Record Stock Rally May End on Overseas Capital Controls, CLSA's Wood Says  - - India's record stock market rally may falter if the government slaps controls on overseas buying in an attempt to stem gains in the rupee, CLSA Ltd. said.

Rupee Ends Two-day Climb; Capital Inflows May Slow as Asian Stocks Decline  - - India's rupee fell, ending a two-day climb, on speculation a slide in Asian stocks will prompt global funds to reduce investment in the region.

Bombay Stock Exchange's Sensitive Index Falls, Led by Larsen, ICICI Bank  - - India's Sensitive Index fell, paced by Larsen & Toubro Ltd. and ICICI Bank Ltd., as investors shifted focus to small and medium-sized companies from larger ones.

Shares Slide in Tokyo, Led by Toyota, Mizuho on Strong Yen, U.S. Concern  - - Japanese stocks fell, led by Toyota Motor Corp. and Mizuho Financial Group Inc., after the yen rose against the dollar and Wells Fargo & Co. said the U.S. housing market is the worst since the Great Depression.

Yen Heads for Weekly Gain as Credit Losses Reduce Appeal of Higher Yields  - - The yen headed for a second weekly gain against the euro and the dollar after financial companies reported more credit-market losses, prompting investors to cut holdings of higher-yielding assets funded with loans in Japan.

Aflac Rises After Exclusive Cancer Insurance Deal With Japan Post Network  - - Aflac Inc., the world's largest seller of supplemental health insurance, rose the most in three months in New York trading after announcing an exclusive distribution deal in Japan, its biggest market.

Muto, Favorite for Fukui Job, Says Japan May Suffer From U.S. Credit Woes  - - Bank of Japan Deputy Governor Toshiro Muto said the U.S. housing recession and financial- market turmoil could hurt Japan's economy, making it ``difficult'' to decide when to raise interest rates.

Government Bonds Rise as Central Bank Warns Global Turmoil May Hurt Japan  - - Japanese government bonds rose for a third week, pushing 10-year yields to the lowest in 21 months, as central bank Deputy Governor Toshiro Muto said global financial market turmoil may hurt the nation's economy.

Air India's IPO only after integration - - National carrier Air India is unlikely to launch an initial public offer before 2009 until full integration of the two merged state-run airlines, but it may give stock options to employees ahead of the issue.

Good Times for Asia's Young Entrepreneurs - - Thanks to an improved business climate and a wave of funding from U.S. venture capitalists, the region's entrepreneurs are finding success right at home

Thursday

China Factory Spending May Climb 26.2 Percent as Economy Risks Overheating  - - China's factory and property spending may have climbed 26.2 percent in the first 10 months of this year, underscoring government concern that the world's fastest-growing major economy is at risk of overheating.

EU to Tell China Yuan Stance Risks `Protectionist Tendencies,' Draft Says  - - European finance chiefs will tell China this month to allow faster gains in its currency or risk ``triggering protectionist tendencies,'' according to the draft of a confidential briefing document.

Wonson to Buy Jianxi Jianzhou Shipyard for $499 Million on Vessel Demand  - - Wonson International Holdings Ltd., a Hong Kong metals and securities trader, will buy a Chinese shipyard for HK$3.5 billion ($449 million) to broaden its revenue base.

Yuan Appreciation Pace Is `Fine,' China Central Bank Official Yi Gang Says  - - Yi Gang, assistant governor of People's Bank of China, said he's content with the pace of appreciation in the nation's currency and that foreign-exchange reform will continue.

Dollar Will Remain Main Currency in China's Reserves, PBOC Official Says  - - The U.S. dollar will remain the ``main currency'' in China's $1.43 trillion foreign reserves, said Yi Gang, assistant governor of the People's Bank of China.

China pledges more efforts to stabilize prices - - China will take further measures to stabilize the general price level to maintain market and social stability, according to an executive meeting of the State Council on Wednesday.

China to phase out tax breaks for most foreign companies - - China has drafted executive regulations for a new corporate income tax law that will harmonize the domestic and foreign rates, and the final draft has been submitted to the State Council for approval, the China Securities Journal reported on Wednesday, citing an expert close to the issue.

Benchmark Indian Stock Index Rises Most in Three Weeks, Led by Reliance  - - India's benchmark stock index rose the most in three weeks, paced by Reliance Industries Ltd. and lenders, as global stocks rallied.

Indian Winter Oilseed Output Set to Decline, Boosting Prices for Palm Oil  - - India's oilseed output may decline this year as dry weather in the state of Rajasthan, the nation's biggest mustard-grower curbs winter plantings, further boosting purchases of alternatives such as palm oil.

Asian Stocks Rise Most in Eight Weeks; Toyota, Canon Gain as Yen Weakens  - - Asian stocks rose the most in eight weeks, extending a global rally. Toyota Motor Corp. and Canon Inc. climbed after the yen weakened against the dollar and Wal-Mart Stores Inc.'s profit beat estimates, boosting confidence U.S. consumers will keep spending.

Rupee Rises on Speculation Global Funds Will Increase Purchases of Stocks  - - India's rupee rose, ending two days of losses, as a rally in the benchmark share index stoked optimism overseas investors will buy more local equities.

CLSA to Raise Private Equity Investments in Asia by 67 Percent for Buyouts  - - CLSA Ltd., the Asian securities unit of France's Credit Agricole SA, plans to increase private equity investments in the continent by 67 percent as it seeks buyout opportunities in countries such as India and China.

Indian stock market rockets 893 points - - The Indian stock benchmark Sensex Wednesday rocketed 893.58 points to close the day at 19,929.06 points, up 4.69 percent over Tuesday's close of 19,035.48 points.

India to be a major economic powerhouse - - India would be one of the three major economic powerhouses in the world in the next two decades, London Mayor Ken Livingstone has said.

Topix Advances; Mitsui & Co. Climbs on Oil, Copper Rally, Honda Declines  - - Japan's Topix index advanced, led by commodity-related shares such as Mitsui & Co. after the price of oil had its biggest gain in two weeks and copper rose the most in 16 months.

Service Demand Falls at Fastest Pace in Six Months as Factory Output Slows  - - Japan's demand for services declined at the fastest pace in six months in September as factory production slowed.

Yen Falls on Speculation New Japanese Mutual Funds Buying Overseas Assets  - - The yen declined against 15 of the 16 most-actively traded currencies on speculation Japanese mutual funds are buying overseas assets in search of higher yields.

Government 10-Year Bonds Advance After U.S. Stock Slump Spurs Debt Demand  - - Japanese government bonds rose after U.S. stocks resumed a weeklong slide, reviving demand for debt.

Nikko Shares Rise as Citigroup Drops Limit on Swap Terms to Shareholders  - - Nikko Cordial Corp., Citigroup Inc.'s Japanese brokerage, rose in Tokyo trading after the U.S. bank dropped a limit on the share-swap terms it's offering to buy out minority shareholders.

Japan, China progress little on gas dispute - - Japan and China failed Wednesday to resolve their dispute over gas fields in the East China Sea at senior working-level talks in Tokyo.

Pump price tops ¥150 for record high - - The average retail price of regular gasoline surged to a record high of ¥150.1 per liter on Monday on the back of rising crude oil prices, the Oil Information Center said Wednesday.

NEC cuts net loss on rebound in semiconductors - - NEC Corp. reported Wednesday a smaller group net loss for the April-September period than a year earlier, backed by a pickup in the semiconductor business and cost-saving efforts.

Samsung Bribery Charges Rock Korea Poll - - A probe of possible bribery and wrongdoing at the icon of Korean corporate success is emerging as a red-hot issue in the country's presidential election

Wednesday

Yahoo Agrees to Help Families of Jailed Chinese Dissidents to Settle Suit  - - Yahoo! Inc. agreed to provide legal, humanitarian and financial support to the families of two jailed Chinese dissidents to settle claims it committed human rights abuses when it gave China information that led to the men's arrests.

HSBC's U.S. Bad Debts May Have Doubled as Higher Rates Triggered Defaults  - - HSBC Holdings Plc, Europe's biggest bank by market value, may say third-quarter bad loans in the U.S. almost doubled as higher interest rates triggered defaults on adjustable-rate mortgages.

Asian Stocks Rally in U.S. on Growth Optimism; Toyota, China Mobile Climb  - - Asian stocks trading in the U.S. rose the most in almost six years after better-than-expected Japanese economic growth and Wal-Mart Stores Inc.'s profit bolstered optimism consumer spending in the world's two largest economies will boost earnings.

China Development Bank May Buy Less Than 1 Percent of Rio Tinto, HB Says  - - China Development Bank, which funds public works projects, plans to take a stake in mining company Rio Tinto Group on behalf of a commercial company, Handelsblatt reported, citing unidentified CDB executives.

McDonald's Hong Kong Director Lau Charged With Taking Bribes From Supplier  - - McDonald's Corp.'s managing director of its Hong Kong unit, Lau Si-sing, has been charged with allegedly accepting bribes from a corn supplier.

Baidu's Censored Answer to Wikipedia - - The Chinese search engine's Baike online encyclopedia blocks politically sensitive entries; some say it condones plagiarism and copyright abuse

Is the iPhone Going to China? - - China Mobile's CEO, Wang Jianzhou, confirms the company is in talks with Apple to bring the iPhone to the mainland

EU-China Summit to finalize key projects - - The upcoming European Union-China Summit in Beijing will discuss some major cooperation projects, from multi-million-euro loans to fighting climate change and possibly a clean-energy research center, EU ambassador to China Serge Abou said Monday.

Infosys Plans to Buy European Software Makers to Add Consulting, Clients  - - Infosys Technologies Ltd., India's second-largest software services provider, plans to acquire smaller competitors in Europe to add customers and expand its consulting business.

India May Stop Purchasing More Wheat as Supplies Rise, Minister Pawar Says  - - India, the world's third-biggest wheat importer last year, may refrain from purchasing more of the grain because it expects to have sufficient supplies when the new crop arrives in March.

Benchmark Sensitive Index Halts Six-Day Drop; Larsen, ICICI Bank Advance  - - India's Sensitive Index snapped a six-day losing streak after the ruling coalition's communist allies said they may allow the government to negotiate safeguards for a civilian nuclear agreement with the U.S.

Rupee Falls to Two-Week Low on Speculation Importers Sold it for Dollars  - - India's rupee weakened to the lowest in more than two weeks on speculation companies sold the currency for dollars to pay for imports.

Pakistan's Inflation Rate Accelerates to 9.3 Percent on Higher Food Prices  - - Pakistan's inflation accelerated to a 29-month high in October due to rising food prices, adding support to the central bank's July decision to increase its benchmark interest rate.

Yahoo Expands Mobile Search in Asia - - It announced new partnerships with nine mobile operators across the region, including India's Aircel and BPL

Shares Climb in Tokyo, Snapping Eight-Day Slide; Canon Leads Gains on Yen  - - Japanese stocks climbed for the first time in nine days after the yen weakened. Canon Inc. led gains by exporters, rebounding from a 15-month low, after earnings at Wal-Mart Stores Inc. boosted confidence in the outlook for the U.S. economy.

Yen Falls Against Euro as Stock Gains Spur Shift to High-Yield Purchases  - - The yen fell for a second day against the euro as Asian stocks rose, giving traders confidence to buy high-yielding assets with loans in Japan.

Japan's 10-Year Bond Futures Fall as Stock Gains Decrease Demand for Debt  - - Japan's 10-year government bond futures declined after higher-than-forecast U.S. corporate earnings cut demand for the relative safety of debt.

Shinsei Shares Rise as First-Half Provisions Leave Bank Less Vulnerable  - - Shinsei Bank Ltd., the Japanese bank with the worst stock performance this year, rose in Tokyo trading on speculation disclosure of first-half provisions leaves it less vulnerable than competitors to further losses on U.S. home loans.

Taiheiyo Cement Shares Drop on Lower Earnings Forecast, Price Target Cut  - - Taiheiyo Cement Corp. fell to the lowest in more than two years in Tokyo after Asia's biggest producer of the building material cut its full-year profit forecast. Merrill Lynch Japan Securities Co. lowered its target price on the stock.

Canon eyes majority stake in 'organic' Tokki - - Canon Inc. said Tuesday it will try to acquire a majority stake in Tokki Corp. in an attempt to strengthen its development of displays employing organic light-emitting diode technology.

Tuesday

European Finance Ministers Pressure China to Allow Currency to Strengthen  - - European finance ministers pressed China to let its currency strengthen so their economy no longer bears the brunt of the drop in the U.S. dollar.

China Will Get Stake in Kazakhstan Uranium Mine in Exchange for Processing  - - China will get a stake in a 2,000- ton-a-year uranium mine in Kazakhstan in exchange for its share in a uranium-processing business, state-owned Kazatomprom said.

Goldman Wins Approval to Buy Stake in China Toolmaker Chengdu Yangzhiguang  - - Goldman Sachs Group Inc. received conditional approval to buy 12.08 percent of Chengdu Yangzhiguang Industrial Co. after China's regulator blocked two other planned investments by the U.S. firm during the past four months.

Sino-Forest Says Profit Rises 49 Percent After Selling More Trees in China  - - Sino-Forest Corp., the top-performing forest-products company this year, said third-quarter profit rose 49 percent as it sold more standing trees in China. The shares fell the most in 10 months after earnings missed some estimates.

Tyson Plans to Increase Sales 67 Percent by Expanding in China and Brazil  - - Tyson Foods Inc., the biggest U.S. meat processor, said the company will expand its poultry operations in Brazil and China in a bid to boost international sales 67 percent by 2010.

China: Conservation is in the Details - - Beijing has big plans to save its environment, but whether these grand strategies pay off may depend on whether workmen are trained to install energy-efficient windows

India's September Industrial Production Grows at Slowest Pace in 11 Months  - - India's industrial production grew at the slowest pace in 11 months in September as decade-high interest rates crimped consumer demand and a stronger currency made exports less competitive.

Asian Stocks Decline on Widening U.S. Subprime Losses, Strengthening Yen  - - Asian stocks tumbled, sending a regional index to its biggest drop in three months, on speculation HSBC Holdings Plc and other banks will report increased losses related to U.S. subprime mortgages.

Indians Need to Buy More to Spur Industrial Growth, Finance Ministry Says  - - Indians need to buy more televisions refrigerators, and other consumer products to push industrial output growth above 10 percent, the finance ministry said.

Indian Commodity Market Regulator Urges Lifting Wheat Futures Trading Ban  - - India's commodity markets regulator said bans on trading wheat, rice and lentils should be lifted after inflation slowed to a five-year low.

Benchmark Sensitive Index Has Longest Six-Day Slide in Almost Five Years  - - India's Sensitive Index declined, posting its longest losing run in almost five years.

Virtual Protests in Pakistan - - With the media muzzled, citizens are blogging and using sites like Facebook to spread news and organize "flash" protests against Musharraf's emergency rule

India leading exporter of students to the US - - India remains the leading exporter of students to the US for the seventh year in a row, followed by China and South Korea.

Economy Rebounded in Third Quarter on Rising Exports, Consumer Spending  - - Japan's economy grew faster than economists forecast in the third quarter as an unexpected increase in consumer spending countered a drop in housing construction.

Yen Declines on Speculation Bank of Japan Will Signal Rates to Remain Low  - - The yen dropped against all 16 of the most-active currencies on speculation Bank of Japan Governor Toshihiko Fukui will signal plans to leave interest rates unchanged to support economic growth.

Stocks Snap Seven-Day Losing Run on Rising Consumer Spending; Banks Gain  - - Japanese stocks rose, snapping a seven-day slide after the government's quarterly report on growth showed consumer spending unexpectedly climbed.

Casio Shares Rise Most in Three Years After Merrill Raises Rating to 'Buy'  - - Casio Computer Co., the maker of G- Shock watches and Exilim mobile phones, climbed the most three years after Merrill Lynch & Co. raised its investment rating on the stock, citing the handset business's profitability.

Japan's 10-Year Bonds Gain; Yield Declines to Lowest Since February 2006  - -Japanese bonds gained, pushing 10- year yields to the lowest since February 2006, on speculation central bank Governor Toshihiko Fukui will signal plans to keep borrowing costs unchanged in coming months.

Challenges for Sony Ericsson's New Chief - - After one week on the job, Hideki Komiyama is painfully aware of competition from the iPhone, Google's mobile plans, and Nokia's new wireless offerings

Disney Plans to Launch Mobile Phone Service in Japan - - Disney will partner with Softbank Mobile to develop and sell handsets and to accept subscriptions through the Japanese phone operator's national network

Disney, Softbank tie up on mobile phone service - - Walt Disney Co. said Monday it will launch mobile phone services in Japan next spring using Softbank Mobile Corp.'s telecommunications network.

Sekimoto, led NEC to No. 1 in Japan in PCs, dead at 80 - - Former NEC Corp. President and Chairman Tadahiro Sekimoto, credited for turning the company into a global computer giant during his 18-year tenure in the two top posts, died of a stroke Sunday at a Tokyo hospital, the company said. He was 80.

Monday

China Trade Surplus Climbs to Record $27 Billion, Adding Tension Over Yuan  - - China's trade surplus rose to a record $27.05 billion in October, adding fuel to U.S. complaints the yuan is undervalued as Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson prepares for an economic summit in Beijing next month.

Currency Controls Return as Korea, India, Colombia Fight Dollar's Freefall  - - Central banks from Bogota to Mumbai are imposing foreign-exchange curbs to take control of their soaring currencies from traders dumping the dollar.

Inflation Probably Quickened on Food Prices, Raising Odds of Rate Increase  - - China's inflation probably quickened in October as food prices climbed, adding pressure for the nation's sixth interest-rate increase this year.

Sinotruk of China May Raise $1.2 Billion in Hong Kong Offering, People Say  - - Sinotruk (Hong Kong) Ltd., China's largest maker of heavy trucks, may raise as much as HK$9 billion ($1.2 billion) in a Hong Kong initial public offering, said three people familiar with the sale.

Hong Kong Stocks Drop to Lowest in a Month; ICBC and HSBC Shares Decline  - - Hong Kong's stocks fell to a one- month low after Credit Suisse Group said China will ``delay'' a plan to allow mainland citizens to buy the city's shares, and China's government required banks to set aside more reserves.

Chinese stocks plummet 3.69% on tightening measure - - Chinese share prices plummeted 3.69 percent on Monday with the Shanghai Composite Index, which covers both A and B shares, closed at 5,119.49 points at the end of morning session.

ICBC report: Chinese banks' reserve ratio to reach 15% in 2008 - - The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), the country's biggest lender, is predicting in a recent report that China's reserve ratio requirement for commercial banks will probably reach 15 percent in 2008.

China Eastern to begin Shanghai-Brisbane flights - - China Eastern Airlines, the country's third-largest carrier, has said it will begin semiweekly fights from Shanghai to Brisbane, Australia on Nov. 21.

Beijing increases subsidy to taxi drivers - - The Beijing municipal government has decided to subsidize taxi drivers an additional 110 yuan (14.6 U.S. dollars) a month, following last week's 10-percent price hike for gasoline, diesel oil and aviation kerosene.

BOC aims to draw 1,000 private customers in 2 years - - The Bank of China's private banking clients will mushroom from several hundred to more than 1,000 in upcoming two years, Dr. Huang Jinlao, Marketing Director of Personal Banking Department of Bank of China (BOC), said here recently.

China creates 10 million jobs for urbanites - - China has created more than 10 million urban jobs in the first ten months, meeting the target for the entire year two months before, a senior official said.

Currency Controls Return as Korea, India, Colombia Fight Dollar's Freefall  - - Central banks from Bogota to Mumbai are imposing foreign-exchange curbs to take control of their soaring currencies from traders dumping the dollar.

Asian Stocks Decline on Widening U.S. Subprime Losses, Strengthening Yen  - - Asian stocks tumbled, sending a regional index to its biggest drop in three months, on speculation HSBC Holdings Plc and other banks will report increased losses related to U.S. subprime mortgages.

Rupee Falls on Concern Asia Stock Slide to Spur Overseas Capital Outflows  - - India's rupee fell for a second day as the nation's benchmark share index slid the most in more than three weeks, stoking concerns overseas funds will reduce investments in local equities.

Benchmark Sensitive Index Falls; Reliance Industries, ICICI Lead Declines  - - India's benchmark stock index, the Mumbai Stock Exchange Sensitive Index, fell 1.91 percent at 10:00 a.m.

Government Bonds Fall for Seventh Day as Reserve Requirements Reduce Funds  - - India's 10-year government bonds fell for a seventh day as increases in bank reserve requirements drained funds from the financial system.

India Stocks: When Will the Party End? - - New rules affecting foreign investors spooked the market in October, but the Sensex resumed its relentless climb, raising fears of a correction

Indian automakers close in on Jag and Land Rover - - Ratan Tata, Chairman of Tata Motors and Anand Mahindra, vice chairman of the Mahindra Group

Topix Index Drops to a Two-Year Low; Canon, Nintendo, Banks Lead Decline  - - Japanese stocks dropped, driving the Topix index to the lowest in more than two years, after reports of subprime losses at U.S. banks sent the dollar tumbling, clouding the profit outlook for companies including Canon Inc.

Wholesale Inflation Accelerates to 2.4 Percent as Oil Nears $100 a Barrel - - Japan's wholesale inflation accelerated in October, adding to signs consumer prices may soon resume rising in the world's second-largest economy.

Yen Rises to Higher Than 110 Per Dollar; First Time in Two and Half Years  - - The yen strengthened beyond 110 against the dollar for the first time in 1 1/2-years as credit market losses prompted investors to cut holdings of higher- yielding assets bought with money borrowed in Japan.

Isuzu First-Half Profit Falls as Overseas Sales Tempered by Slump in Japan  - - Isuzu Motors Ltd., Japan's biggest maker of light trucks, said first-half profit fell 33 percent as it didn't repeat a one-time gain a year earlier and domestic demand slumped.

Japan's Consumer Confidence Slumps to Three-Year Low as Job Market Worsens  - - Japanese household sentiment fell in October to a three-year low as wages slumped, the job market weakened and gas prices surged.

Disney to launch mobile phone service in Japan - - U.S. entertainment giant Walt Disney Co. plans to launch mobile phone service in Japan next spring using Softbank Mobile Corp.'s telecommunications network, sources familiar with the matter said Sunday.