Friday

Stocks Fall on U.S. Outlook; Topix Has Worst New Year Opening on Record  - - Japanese stocks fell, sending the Topix index to its worst-ever New Year start on concern demand will slow in the U.S. and after Toyota Motor Corp. lowered its 2008 sales forecast for Asia's largest export market.

Dollar Heads for Second Weekly Loss Against Yen Before Employment Report  - - The dollar headed for a second weekly decline against the yen before a government report that economists said will show U.S. jobs growth slowed in December.

Toyota Overtakes Ford in U.S. Sales as Asian Automakers Hold Record Share  - - Toyota Motor Corp., locked in a global sales race with General Motors Corp., overtook Ford Motor Co. in the U.S. in 2007 as Asia-based carmakers strengthened their hold on the world's largest auto market.

NTT Shares Drop on Nikkei Report Operator Will Cut Fiber-Optic Leasing Fee  - - Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp., Japan's biggest phone operator, fell the most in almost eight months in Tokyo trading after the Nikkei newspaper reported the company will cut leasing fees for its fiber-optic lines.

Nissan Leads Drop in Japan Car Shares on U.S. Sales Outlook, Stronger Yen  - - Nissan Motor Co. fell the most in more than six years on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, leading Japanese automakers lower after Toyota Motor Corp. cut its forecast for U.S. sales and the yen rose against the dollar.

K-Line Leads Fall in Shipping Company Shares on Tumble in Transport Rates  - - Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd. fell to the lowest in almost a year, leading Japanese shipping lines lower as a drop in an index of prices for shipping goods added to a decline from a slump in global stocks.

Takeda Seeks U.S. Approval to Sell New Diabetes Medicine to Replace Actos  - - Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Japan's biggest drugmaker, sought U.S. approval for alogliptin, a diabetes pill it's counting on to replace the bestseller Actos.

Ten-Year Bonds Gain for Fourth Day as Stock Slide Attracts Buyers to Debt  - - Japan's 10-year bonds gained for a fourth day as a slump in global stocks attracted investors to the relative safety of government debt.

Bank of Communications Wins Approval to Acquire 10% of Changshu Rural Bank  - - Bank of Communications Ltd., part- owned by HSBC Holdings Plc, won regulatory approval to buy 10 percent of Changshu Rural Commercial Bank in China's eastern Jiangsu Province.

Wuxi, Chinese Drug Researcher, Will Pay $151 Million for U.S.-Based AppTec  - - Wuxi PharmaTech Inc., which does research for nine of the world's top 10 drugmakers, agreed to buy closely held AppTec Laboratory Services Inc. for about $151 million to bolster biotechnology production.

Shenhua Group's Sales Gained 20% in 2007 on Increased Coal Demand in China  - - Shenhua Group Corp., China's biggest coal company, said sales increased 20 percent last year as demand for the fuel increased in the world's fastest-growing major economy.

Yuan Set for Weekly Advance; Chinese Central Bank Signals Faster Increases  - - The Chinese yuan headed for a fourth weekly advance as central bank policy makers signaled they'll allow faster gains in the currency to cool the economy.

Hong Kong Stocks Rise For First Day in Three; Cnooc, Commodity Shares Gain  - - Hong Kong stocks advanced, lifting the Hang Seng Index for the first time in three days. Cnooc Ltd. led gains among commodity producers as gold and oil prices traded close to record highs.

PetroChina Is Upgraded by Goldman Sachs After Recent Declines Share Price  - - PetroChina Co. had its stock rating raised by Goldman Sachs & Co. after recent declines in Hong Kong trading increased the attractiveness of buying shares in the nation's biggest oil company.

Gold Nears Record in Asian Trading on Inflation Concern, Dollar's Weakness  - - Copper and zinc rose by the exchange- imposed daily limit in Shanghai as demand outstripped supply after overnight gains in prices on the London Metal Exchange and in other commodities such as gold and oil.

Zijin Mining Stock Price Target Raised 11% By Goldman Sachs on Gold Prices  - - Zijin Mining Group Co., owner of China's largest gold mine, rose to its highest since November in Hong Kong trading after Goldman Sachs Group Inc.'s analysts raised the stock price target 11 percent on record bullion prices.

China Looks to Coal Bed Methane - - The country wants to dramatically increase its use of the coal-mining byproduct to meet its surging energy needs

Asia Unhampered by Shaky U.S. Economy - - Stateside economic uncertainty won't prevent Asia's IT industry from powering forward, according to Springboard Research

My Other Car Is a Tata - - The soon-to-be-released $2,500 "People's Car" is a natural fit for India, but don't expect rivals to match it

Tata Motors Seeks Technology Leap From Ford's Jaguar, Land Rover Units  - - Tata Motors Ltd., the Indian automaker in talks to buy Ford Motor Co.'s Jaguar and Land Rover units, would slash years off its research and development by acquiring the luxury brands, says an investor who is buying the stock.

Asian Stocks Fall Most in Three Weeks; Nissan, Sony Drop on U.S. Concerns  - - Asian stocks fell, led by Japanese automakers and electronics manufacturers, after a decline in U.S. vehicle sales stoked concern consumer spending in the region's largest export market is faltering.

Benchmark Indian Stock Index Rises, Led by Reliance Industries, ICICI Bank  - - India's benchmark stock index, the Mumbai Stock Exchange Sensitive Index, rose 0.76 percent at 10:00 a.m.

Toyota Tops Ford in U.S. Auto Sales as Asian Automakers Hold Record Share  - - Toyota Motor Corp., locked in a global sales race with General Motors Corp., overtook Ford Motor Co. in the U.S. in 2007 as Asia-based carmakers strengthened their hold on the world's largest auto market.

Government Bonds May Decline as Yields Near a Five-Month Low Deter Buyers  - - Indian government bonds may decline on speculation yields near the lowest in five months will deter investors from buying the securities.

Indian Oil, Reliance Industries May Bid to Explore, Financial Express Says  - - Indian Oil Corp. may partner Reliance Industries Ltd. to bid for 57 oil and gas areas in the nation's seventh round of auction, the Financial Express said, citing people it didn't identify.

Rupee Rises to Six-Week High on Speculation Share Sales Will Attract Funds  - - India's rupee climbed to the highest in six weeks on speculation planned share sales by local companies will attract increased investment from overseas.

Gold Trades Near Record in Asia on Concern Over Inflation, Dollar Weakness  - - Copper and zinc rose by the exchange- imposed daily limit in Shanghai as demand outstripped supply after overnight gains in prices on the London Metal Exchange and in other commodities such as gold and oil.

Thursday

China May Exceed 2007 Record for IPOs This Year as Pace Slows, PWC Says  - - First-time stock sales in China, the world's largest market for such offerings, may break last year's record in 2008 as more companies traded in Hong Kong are allowed to sell shares on the nation's bourses.

China Appoints Two New Central Bank Vice Governors; Wu Xiaoling Removed  - - China appointed Yi Gang and Ma Delun as vice governors of the central bank as the government reshuffles jobs after the twice-a-decade Communist Party congress in October.

China Eastern Says Rival Air China's Concern on Stake Sale Isn't Objective  - - China National Aviation Holding Co. will vote against a plan by China Eastern Airlines Corp. to sell a HK$7.16 billion ($916 million) stake to Singapore Airlines Ltd. and its parent.

Shanghai Port Posts $493 Million in 2007 Profit on Growing Cargo Shipments  - - Shanghai International Port (Group) Co., operator of the world's second-busiest container harbor, has reported 3.6 billion yuan ($494 million) in 2007 net income.

Yuan Reference Rate Set by China at Highest Since Dollar Peg Ended in 2005  - - The yuan rose to the strongest since a link to the dollar was scrapped in July 2005 on growing concern that the U.S. economy is losing momentum.

Shanghai Pudong Development Bank's 2007 Profit Rises 64% to $754 Million  - - Shanghai Pudong Development Bank Co., part owned by Citigroup Inc., said profit rose 64 percent last year to 5.5 billion yuan ($756 million).

Cnooc South China Sea Gas Pipeline Resumes Operation After 48-Day Shutdown  - - Cnooc Ltd., China's third-largest oil and gas producer, resumed operations of a South China Sea gas pipeline after a 48-day shutdown for repairs.

Baoji Titanium Plans to Raise $439 Million in Share Sale to Add Capacity  - - Baoji Titanium Industry Co., the Chinese supplier of the metal to Boeing Co., plans to raise as much as 3.2 billion yuan ($439 million) selling shares to build additional capacity to meet global demand.

JSW Energy Plans $1 Billion Initial Sale in India, People Familiar Say  - - JSW Energy Ltd. plans to raise as much as $1 billion to build generators, driving a record year for initial share sales by Indian power producers, two people familiar with the offer said.

Singapore's Changi Plans to Buy Stakes in Up to 15 Airports, Mainly China  - - Changi Airports International Pte, the overseas investment unit of Singapore's main airport operator, plans to buy stakes in as many as 15 airfields, about half in China, Chief Executive Officer Chow Kok Fong said.

Government May Consider Increasing Prices of Automobile Fuels Next Week  - - India's government may raise prices of auto fuels for the first time in 18 months, said M.S. Srinivasan, secretary at the oil ministry.

Sensex Is Little Changed; Oil Stocks Gain, Infosys Falls for a Sixth Day  - - India's energy shares gained, paced by state-run Oil & Natural Gas Corp., on hopes the government will raise auto fuel rates after global crude prices touched $100 a barrel. The stock benchmark swung between gains and losses.

Oil & Natural Gas to Pay More Than $5 Billion Subsidy to Indian Refiners  - - Oil & Natural Gas Corp., India's biggest explorer, will pay more than 200 billion rupees ($5 billion) in subsidies to Indian refiners in the year starting April 1, Chairman R.S. Sharma said.

Burnpur Cement More Than Doubles in Bombay Stock Exchange Trading Debut  - - India's Burnpur Cement Ltd. more than doubled on the first day of trading on the Bombay Stock Exchange as increased spending on roads, ports, bridges and other infrastructure lifts demand for the building material.

Gold Trades Near Record as Crude Oil Gains, Weak Dollar Attract Investors  - - Gold held near a record as crude oil gains and the dollar's decline against major currencies boosted demand for alternative investments.

Rupee Declines for Third Day After Crude Oil Rises to $100 for First Time  - - India's rupee fell for a third day on speculation the nation's oil refiners will buy more dollars to pay for crude oil after prices rose to a record.

Asian Stocks Fall on Concern Economic Growth Is Slowing; Posco, DBS Drop  - - Asian stocks fell, extending the fourth quarter's decline, after government reports in South Korea and Singapore showed the two countries' economies are slowing.

Euro Trades Near Three-Week High Against Dollar Before German Jobs Report  - - The euro traded near the highest in three weeks against the dollar before a German report today that may show unemployment fell to the lowest in almost 15 years.

IHI May Be Investigated for Falsifying Statements; Faces Fine, Asahi Says  - - IHI Corp., Japan's third-largest maker of heavy machinery, may be investigated for falsifying earnings reports after it corrected financial statements last month, the Asahi newspaper reported.

Gold Jumps to Record in London, Extending Seven-Year Advance, as Oil Rises  - - Gold rose beyond $850 an ounce in London, breaching the record set more than a quarter-century ago as investors sought to hedge against accelerating inflation and the dollar's decline.

Cheapest Global Stocks Since 1974 Make Telecom, Engineering Shares Cheaper  - - The steepest yearend slump in global stocks since 2000 left equities with the cheapest valuations in more than 30 years as inflation accelerated and the U.S. economy showed signs of slowing.

GM, Ford December U.S. Sales Likely Fell, Capping Slowest Year Since 1998  - - General Motors Corp. and Ford Motor Co. will probably say December U.S. auto sales fell as consumers reined in spending, ending a year with the lowest demand for cars and trucks in a decade.

Maruti Suzuki Sales Climb for 22nd Straight Month on India Demand, Exports  - - Maruti Suzuki India Ltd., maker of half the cars sold in the country, reported a 9.7 percent increase in sales last month, helped by exports.

Asia Day Ahead: U.S. Stocks Fall; Pequot's Wien Predicts Recession in U.S.  - - U.S. stocks fell, led by banks and computer companies, after the biggest decline in manufacturing in five years sent the Dow Jones Industrial Average to its worst start since 1983. Oil reached a record $100 a barrel and gold soared to the highest ever as the dollar's slump against major currencies enhanced the appeal of raw materials as hedges against inflation.

35% of firms see economy losing steam during 2008 - - About one-third of major companies polled by Kyodo News expect the economy this year to reach a turning point in the longest period of expansion since the war.

Wednesday

Yuan Reference Rate Set at Highest by China Since Dollar Peg Ended in 2005  - - The yuan rose to the strongest since a peg to the dollar was scrapped in July 2005, after the central bank reiterated its pledge to maintain a ``tight'' monetary policy this year.

China's Key Stock Index falls on Speculation of More Belt-Tightening Moves  - - China's stock benchmark rose on the first trading day of 2008. Shanghai Pudong Development Bank Co. and Air China Ltd. gained on expectation a stronger local currency will boost demand for yuan-priced assets and cut foreign debts.

December Manufacturing Activity Accelerates in China, CLSA's Index Shows  - - Chinese manufacturing expanded at a faster pace in December and inflation pressures increased, according to a survey by CLSA Asia Pacific Markets.

China Eastern Gains as Talks Resume on Sale of Stake to Singapore Airlines  - - China Eastern Airlines Corp., set to sell a stake to Singapore Airlines Ltd., rose to its highest in more than three weeks in Hong Kong after the parent of Air China Ltd. sought to renew talks on the transaction.

China Offers 500,000 Tons of Corn From Reserves to Reduce Price Increases  - - China, the world's second-largest corn producer, sold 34,396 metric tons of the 498,884 tons of the grain it offered in a series of nationwide auctions today, part of government measures to cool rising food inflation.

Chinese Banks' 2007 Income From Wealth Management May Surpass $137 Billion  - - Chinese banks' sales of private wealth management products last year may have reached 1 trillion yuan ($137 billion) as they seek to broaden sources of revenue, the nation's banking regulator said.

Baidu Says Its Stock May Extend Declines After Death of Finance Chief Wang  - - Baidu.com Inc., owner of China's most- popular Internet search site, says the company's shares may fall in the ``short term'' after the death of former chief financial officer Shawn Wang, because of uncertainty about his replacement.

Quanta Considers Vietnam for Its First Factory Outside China to Cut Risks  - - Quanta Computer Inc., the world's biggest maker of laptop computers for other companies, is assessing locations in Vietnam and other emerging countries to build a factory, its first outside China, to ``reduce risks.''

Posco Cuts Costs by $1.1 Billion, Vows to Start Work on Indian Steel Mill  - - Posco, Asia's third-biggest steelmaker by output, reduced costs by 1 trillion won ($1.1 billion) last year in an effort to weather increased raw-material prices, according to Chief Executive Officer Lee Ku Taek.

Maruti Suzuki December Auto Sales Increase 9.7% on India Demand, Exports  - - Maruti Suzuki India Ltd., maker of half the cars sold in the country, reported a 9.7 percent increase in sales last month, helped by exports.

Benchmark Indian Stock Index Rises; Reliance Industries, ITC, Larsen Lead  - - India's benchmark stock index, the Mumbai Stock Exchange Sensitive Index, rose 0.35 percent at 10:00 a.m.

Hyundai, Kia Target 21% Increase in 2008 Sales on New Cars in China, India  - - Hyundai Motor Co. and affiliate Kia Motors Corp., South Korea's biggest automakers, aim to increase sales 21 percent this year selling new cars and sport-utility vehicles in China, India and other overseas markets.

Bonds May Advance for a Fifth Day on Speculation Cash With Banks Will Rise  - - India's 10-year bonds may gain for a fifth day on speculation spending by the government will provide banks with more cash to buy debt.

Singapore's Economy Unexpectedly Shrinks as Manufacturing, Exports Slow  - - Singapore's economy unexpectedly contracted last quarter as factory output slowed, suggesting Asia's export-dependent markets may face increased risks from slower global growth.

Rupee May Rise as Overseas Investors Increase Purchases of Indian Equities  - - India's rupee may gain as overseas investors increase purchases of local equities to benefit from a rally in the nation's benchmark share index.

Dollar Falls as Report May Show December U.S. Manufacturing Growth Slowed  - - The dollar fell against 10 of the 16 most-actively traded currencies before a U.S. report that may show manufacturing grew at the slowest pace in 11 months, suggesting a housing slump is spreading.

Asia Day Ahead: PHH Scraps $1.8 Billion Sale to Blackstone as Lenders Balk  - - U.S. and European stocks and bonds were closed for a public holiday yesterday.

Nissan to Use Materials Technology to Trim Vehicle Weight 16%, Nikkei Says  - - Nissan Motor Co. will use more magnesium alloys and fiberglass compounds to lower automobile weights and improve fuel efficiency by 2015, Nikkei English News reported, without saying where it got the information.

Cheapest Global Stocks Since 1974 Make Telecom, Engineering Shares Cheaper  - - The steepest yearend slump in global stocks since 2000 left equities with the cheapest valuations in more than 30 years as inflation accelerated and the U.S. economy showed signs of slowing.

Gold Trades Near Highest in Almost 28 Years on Oil Gains, Tumbling Dollar  - - Gold held near a 28-year high in London, heading for a seventh straight annual gain, boosted by the dollar's decline and civil unrest in Pakistan after the assassination of Benazir Bhutto.

Sony, Toshiba DVD Format Rivalry Continues to Divide Buyers, NYT Reports  - - Sony Corp.'s and Toshiba Corp.'s rival and incompatible formats for high-definition DVD players, introduced by 18 months ago, continue to divide buyers, the New York Times reported.

Asian Stocks Gain for Fifth Year; Sun Hung Kai Climbs on U.S. Rate Outlook  - - Asian stocks rose, helping a key index cap its fifth year of gains, amid speculation the U.S. Federal Reserve will cut rates next year to boost growth in the world's largest economy.

Week-ending Dec 28th

Friday

Yuan Heads for Biggest Weekly Gain Since China Ended Peg to Dollar in 2005   - - The yuan headed for the biggest weekly gain since China ended its fixed exchange rate in 2005 as strategists raised their forecasts after the central bank signaled faster appreciation.

China Blocks Microsoft's Plan to Buy Stake in TV Maker Sichuan Changhong  - - China's securities regulator blocked a plan by Sichuan Changhong Electric Co., the country's second- biggest television maker, to sell shares at a discount to investors including Microsoft Corp.

Baoshan Steel Names Xu as Chairman After Ai Becomes Vice Mayor of Shanghai  - - Xu Lejiang, chairman of Baosteel Group Corp., China's biggest steelmaker, was elected as the chairman of its publicly traded unit after Ai Baojun was appointed as Shanghai's vice mayor.

Copper Declines in Asia on Renewed Concerns About Slowdown in U.S. Economy  - - Copper prices declined in Asia on renewed concerns about an economic slowdown in the U.S., the world's second-largest consumer of the metal.

China Regulator Denies It Will Freeze Foreign Banks' Loan Growth Next Year  - - China's banking regulator rejected a newspaper report that it has widened restrictions on loan growth to include foreign banks for the first time.

PetroChina Increases Tarim Gas Output 50% This Year as Nation Seeks Energy  - - PetroChina Co., the country's largest oil company, increased gas output from the Tarim field in the northwest by more than 50 percent this year as demand for cleaner-burning fuel rises.

India Bond Funds Double Holdings With Asia's Best Investment-Grade Gains  - - Bond funds doubled their holdings of Indian debt, Asia's best-performing investment-grade market in 2007, predicting currency gains will stop commodity prices from fueling inflation.

Pakistan's Finances May Be `Undermined' by Instability, Moody's Byrne Says  - - Pakistan's fiscal position and external balance of payments may be `undermined' if political stability is not restored, said Thomas Byrne, credit analyst for Moody's Investors Service.

Suzuki May Cut Price of Its Cheapest Car in India to Counter $2,500 Tata  - - Suzuki Motor Corp., facing growing threats to its 50 percent share of India's car market, may cut the price of its cheapest car in the country to counter Tata Motors Ltd.'s proposed 100,000 rupee ($2,500) car.

Pakistan Bond-Default Risk Rises to One-Month High on Bhutto Assassination  - - The perceived risk of Pakistan defaulting on its debt rose to the highest in a month as the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto threatened efforts to restore democratic rule.

Benchmark Sensitive Index Rises; Reliance Industries, Larsen Pace Gains  - - India's benchmark stock index, the Mumbai Stock Exchange Sensitive Index, rose 0.17 percent at 10:00 a.m.

Rupee Falls on Concern Global Funds to Slow Investments in Indian Stocks  - - India's rupee fell for the first time in five days on speculation global funds will slow investments into South Asia after Pakistan's former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was assassinated yesterday.

Gold Will Reach Record in 2008 on Increased Inflation Concern, Survey Says  - - Gold will rise to a record in 2008, increasing for an unprecedented eighth consecutive year, as investors seek protection from accelerating inflation, metals analysts say.

India's Video Game Market Grows Up - - Just 5% of India's 42 million Internet users are active gamers, but the cybercafé craze is catching on, particularly among teenagers

Does Your Sushi Bar Make the Cut? - - Tokyo ponders a rating system to reward authentic Japanese restaurants worldwide, but skeptics argue it's just a way to spice up food exports

Consumer Prices Rise at Fastest Pace Since 1998; Factory Production Falls  - - Japan's inflation rose at the fastest pace in more than nine years in November and industrial production and household spending declined, signaling rising oil costs may derail the economy's longest postwar expansion.

Shares Slump; Nikkei 225, Topix Have First Annual Decline in Five Years  - - Japanese stocks slumped, with both benchmark indexes having the first annual decline in five years, after Goldman, Sachs & Co. predicted more writedowns on subprime-linked securities losses.

Samurai Bond Sales Triple to 2.2 Trillion Yen as Citigroup Leads Issuance  - - Citigroup Inc., Bank of America Corp. and 30 other issuers from Iceland to Australia drove yen- denominated bond sales in Japan to a seven-year high as they took advantage of the lowest rates in the industrialized world.

Yen Rises as Falling Global Stocks May Spur Investors to Trim Carry Trades  - - The yen advanced against all 16 of the most-actively traded currencies on speculation a slide in global stocks will spur investors to reduce holdings of higher- yielding assets funded by loans from Japan.

Japan's 10-Year Government Bonds Gain as Stock Slide Lures Buyers to Debt  - - Japanese bonds posted their biggest annual gain in five years on signs the world's second-biggest economy will be slowed by a U.S. housing slump and global credit-market losses.

Mitsubishi Motors Signs Production Incentive Pact With Russia Government  - - Mitsubishi Motors Corp., Japan's fastest-growing car exporter, signed an agreement with the Russian government granting it incentives to assemble vehicles in the country, where economic growth is boosting auto demand.

Japan Airlines' Shares Fall Most in Seven Weeks on Fund Raising Report  - - Japan Airlines Corp., Asia's largest carrier by sales, fell the most in seven weeks in Tokyo trading following a report it may sell preferred shares as part of an effort to raise as much as 150 billion yen ($1.32 billion).

Housing starts decrease 27% - - Japanese housing starts fell for a fifth month in November, the land ministry said Thursday, in an indication that stricter rules for obtaining building permits may remain a drag on economic growth in the first quarter of 2008.

Thursday

Yuan Climbs Most Since End of Dollar Link as China Seeks to Curb Inflation  - - The yuan rose the most since China ended its fixed-exchange rate to the dollar in 2005 as the government signaled faster gains to cool economic growth and curb inflation.

Hong Kong's Tourist Arrivals Increase to Record After Local Dollar Drops  - - Hong Kong's visitor arrivals rose 18 percent to 2.45 million last month, a record for November, bringing tourist numbers so far this year to more than the whole of 2006, a city government agency said today.

China's Industrial Companies 11-Month Profit Increase Accelerates to 36.7%  - - Chinese industrial companies' profits rose 36.7 percent in the first 11 months, outpacing the gain a year earlier and making it harder for the government to tame investment and prevent economic overheating.

Copper Rises to Three-Week High in Asia After China Removed Import Tariffs  - - Copper futures on the London Metal Exchange surged to a three-week high in Asia on speculation demand will rise in China after the world's largest consumer of the metal said it would eliminate an import tax.

Hong Kong November New Mortgages Rise 76% to 10-Year High on Growth, Rates  - - The value of new mortgages in Hong Kong rose 76 percent from a year ago to the most since July 1997, as economic growth and low interest rates fueled demand for loans.

Semiconductor Manufacturing Rises in Hong Kong Trading on License From IBM  - - Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp., China's biggest chipmaker, jumped the most in almost a year in Hong Kong trading after acquiring a technology license from International Business Machines Corp.

Malaysia pays Iran $16 bln to develop 2 gas fields - - Iran and Malaysia signed a 16 billion U.S. dollar agreement to develop two Iranian gas fields, state-run television reported Wednesday.

Suzuki recalls 175 Grand Vitara cars in China - - Japanese automaker Suzuki was recalling 175 cars sold in China for fuel pipe flaws, China's quality watchdog said here on Wednesday.

Asian Stocks Advance for Fifth Straight Day, Led By Oil Producers, Miners  - - Asian stocks rose for a fifth day, the longest winning streak in three months, led by energy companies and miners after prices of crude oil and metals jumped.

Benchmark Sensitive Index Has Longest Winning Run in 2 Months; ONGC Gains  - - India's Sensitive Index rose for a fifth day, its longest winning streak in two months. Oil & Natural Gas Corp., the country's largest explorer, and Hindalco Industries Ltd. gained after prices of crude and metals climbed.

India's Steel Output to Rise 12 Percent to 55.5 Million Tons in 2007-08  - - India's production of finished steel in the year ending in March will rise 12 percent, aided by increased output at steelmakers including Steel Authority of India Ltd., the nation's biggest state-run producer.

India May Ease Terms for Oil Drilling Targets as Rig Shortage Delays Work  - - India may ease oil and gas drilling targets for companies such as Reliance Industries Ltd. and Oil & Natural Gas Corp. after a rig shortage delayed exploration, the industry regulator said.

Rupee Ends Three-Day Gain; Importers May Sell Currency to Pay for Goods  - - India's rupee ended three days of gains on speculation importers will sell the currency to raise dollars required to pay for shipments from abroad.

Oil Futures Decline, Erasing Earlier Gains, to Trade at $95.70 in New York  - - Oil futures erased earlier gains as the U.S. dollar recovered against the euro, making crude less attractive as a hedging tool.

Palm Oil Extends Record Gains on Soybean Rally, Demand for Vegetable Oils  - - Palm oil futures in Malaysia, the global benchmark, rose to a record on concern world inventories of vegetable oils may not be sufficient to meet demand.

Gold Little Changed in Asian Trading After Increasing to One-Month High  - - Gold traded little changed in Asia after rallying to a one-month high yesterday boosted by crude oil gains and the dollar's decline against the euro.

Stocks Drop, Led by Banks, After U.S. Home Prices Drop Most in Six Years  - - Japanese stocks fell for the first time in five days after U.S. home prices slumped by the most in at least six years, sparking concern the worsening housing recession will lead to more losses on mortgage-backed securities.

Dollar Trades Near Two-Week Low Against Euro on Speculation Rates to Fall  - - The dollar fell for a fifth day against the euro, its longest losing streak since October, on speculation U.S. reports on consumer confidence and home sales will spur the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates.

Housing Starts Slide for Fifth Month as Rule Change Slows Economic Growth  - - Japan's housing starts fell for a fifth month in November, indicating that stricter rules for obtaining building permits may remain a drag on economic growth in the first quarter of 2008.

Toyota, Nissan Lead Gain in Japan's November Auto Output on Higher Exports  - - Toyota Motor Corp. and Nissan Motor Co., Japan's largest and third-largest carmakers, led a fourth monthly gain in domestic vehicle production because of higher overseas demand.

Dollar Strategists Forecast End of Bear Market, 3% Gain Versus Euro in '08  - - The dollar is poised to end a two- year slide against the euro in 2008 as government-backed funds in Asia and the Middle East purchase U.S. assets, currency strategists say.

Takashimaya Profit Rises 33% on Lower Department-Store Rent, Labor Costs  - - Takashimaya Co., Japan's second biggest department-store operator, posted a 34 percent gain in third-quarter profit after cutting rent and advertising costs.

Japan Tobacco Spends $893 Million to Increase Stake in Katokichi to 93.9%  - - Japan Tobacco Inc., the nation's biggest cigarette company, said it spent 102 billion yen ($893 million) to boost its stake in frozen-food maker Katokichi Co. to 93.9 percent.

Twenty-Year Government Bonds Fall on Speculation Demand for Safety to Wane  - - Japan's 20-year government bonds fell after a slump in U.S. Treasury bills signaled declining demand for the relative safety of government securities.

Toyota Prius Turns 10 - - Since Toyota introduced it 10 years ago, more than 900,000 of the Prius hybrid have been sold worldwide

Motorola's Pain Is Samsung's Gain - - The Korean electronics giant has replaced its U.S. rival as the world's No. 2 handset maker and expects more sizzling growth next year

Honda touts Clarity as latest, greatest fuel-cell car - - The red car humming quietly along this four-lane suburban road looks pretty much like your average four-door sedan.

Wednesday

China Plans to Increase Crude Oil Purchases Through Long-Term Contracts  - - China, the world's second-biggest energy consumer, said it plans to increase crude oil imports through long-term contracts and cut spot purchases of the fuel to cushion against price and supply fluctuations.

Shanghai Auto to Buy Nanjing's Car Operations as Government Pushes Mergers  - - Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. (Group), China's largest automaker, agreed to buy Nanjing Automobile Group Corp.'s auto-assembly and component-making businesses as China urges its carmakers to consolidate.

Chinese Insurers' 11-Month Equity Investments Soar 60% on Overseas Stake  - - Investments by Chinese insurers in stocks and debt jumped 60.1 percent in the first 11 months from a year earlier, after the industry watchdog extended licenses to invest abroad.

China Studies Proposal to Set Up Government Body to Oversee Energy Issues  - - China, the world's biggest oil user after the U.S., is studying a proposal to set up a government agency to boost efficiency in the management and production in its energy industry.

Copper Gains in Shanghai as Investors Speculate on Sustained China Demand  - - Copper rose in Shanghai as investors speculated that demand would continue to rise in China, the world's largest user of the industrial metal.

Ping An, Singapore's UOB May Form China Fund Venture, Business News Says  - - Ping An Insurance (Group) Co. and the asset management arm of United Overseas Bank Ltd. may soon apply to open a fund joint venture in China, China Business News reported, without disclosing where it got the information.

Sole Satellite Operator in China Begins After Merger of State-Owned Assets  - - China Direct Broadcast Satellite Co., the only satellite operator in the country, started operations yesterday after being created by merging the assets of three state-owned companies.

China Will Keep 33% Ceiling on Brokerage Ventures, Business News Reports  - - China will keep a 33 percent ceiling on foreign investment in joint-venture securities brokerages under a new regulation, the China Business News reported, citing an ``authoritative'' person it didn't identify.

Sri Lanka Keeps Key Rate Unchanged at 10.5 Percent, Highest Level in Asia  - - Sri Lanka's central bank kept its benchmark interest rate at the highest level in Asia, saying pressure on the island's 20 percent inflation rate is easing.

Toyota, Honda's November Auto Production Rises on Higher Overseas Demand  - - Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co., Japan's two largest automakers, increased production in November on higher overseas demand.

India's Rupee May Rise for a Third Day After Asian Stock Markets Advance  - - India's rupee rose for a third day on speculation a rally in the nation's stocks will attract investment from overseas fund managers.

Oil Rises for a Third Day on Report of Turkey's Attacks on Rebels in Iraq  - - Crude oil rose for a third day in New York on concern shipments from Iraq may be disrupted after the Turkish military attacked bases of Kurdish rebels in northern Iraq.

Gold Rises in Asia as Crude Oil's Gain Boosts Appeal as Inflation Hedge  - - Gold rose in Asia after a gain in crude oil boosted the appeal of the precious metal as a hedge against accelerating consumer prices.

Government Bonds May Gain on Speculation Pension Funds to Buy Indian Debt  - - India's bonds may gain for a sixth day on speculation pension funds will buy more debt once they receive annual interest payments from a state-run deposit plan next week.

Consumer-Price Inflation Probably Quickened as Energy Costs Rose to Record  - - Japan's consumer-price inflation probably accelerated in November, matching the fastest pace in almost a decade, as oil costs surged.

Japan's Stocks Rise for Fourth Day; Toyota Leads Gain on Higher Forecast  - - Japanese stocks advanced for a fourth day, led by Toyota Motor Corp., after the carmaker increased its 2008 sales forecast on growing demand in emerging markets.

Sanyo Electric Drops as Stock Placed on Delisting Watch by Tokyo Exchange  - - Sanyo Electric Co., the Japanese electronics maker that's restating six years of earnings, fell the most in 10 months in Tokyo trading after the country's main stock exchange said the shares may be delisted.

Yen Trades Near Seven-Week Low as Bank of Japan Cites Global Growth Risk  - - The yen traded near a seven-week low against the dollar on speculation the Bank of Japan will refrain from raising interest rates after policy makers said risks to global economic growth are increasing.

Economic Growth Is Slowing, Corporate Costs Rising, BOJ's Kamezaki Says  - - Japan's economic growth is slowing and policy makers need to carefully examine ensuing data, oil prices and financial markets before deciding interest rates, said Hidetoshi Kamezaki, a Bank of Japan board member.

Toyota, Honda's November Auto Production Rises on Higher Overseas Demand  - - Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co., Japan's two largest automakers, increased production in November on higher overseas demand.

Ten-Year Government Bonds Rise as Yields Near Seven-Week High Lure Buyers  - - Japanese 10-year government bonds rose as the Bank of Japan signaled it will refrain from raising interest rates and yields near a seven-week high lured buyers.

Central Japan Railway Plunges on Plan to Spend $45 Billion on Maglev Train  - - Central Japan Railway Co., the nation's largest bullet-train operator, plunged the most in 10 years on the Tokyo Stock Exchange after announcing a 5.1 trillion yen ($45 billion) plan to build a maglev train link.

Canon, Nikon want 'friendly rivalry' to spur camera market - - Canon Inc. and Nikon Corp. want to move their digital single-lens reflex camera businesses onto a path of higher sustained growth through friendly rivalry, despite their neck-and-neck race for No. 1 in the world ahead of next year's Beijing Olympics, the companies' presidents said in recent interviews.

Toyota aims to rout GM in 2008 sales race - - NAGOYA (AP) Toyota, in a race that could dethrone General Motors as the world's top automaker this year, said Tuesday it plans to sell 9.85 million vehicles globally in 2008.

Tuesday

China Pacific Insurance Shares Surge 61% in First-Time Trading in Shanghai  - - China Pacific Insurance (Group) Co., the nation's third-largest insurer, surged 61 percent on its debut in Shanghai as investors pile into initial public offerings after slides in the broader market.

Yuan Rises to Highest Against U.S. Dollar in China Since Peg Ended in 2005  - - China's yuan rose to the strongest since the end of its U.S. dollar peg in July 2005 for a third straight day on speculation the regulator will widen the currency's daily trading band.

Copper Futures Decline in Shanghai as Investors Deem Gains Were Overdone  - - Copper futures declined in Shanghai, as some investors deemed a rally as overdone, even as they remained positive on the outlook for Chinese demand.

China's $200 Billion Investment Fund Denies It's Bought Stake in ANZ Bank  - - China Investment Corp., the $200 billion wealth fund that last week invested $5 billion in Morgan Stanley, has denied it bought a stake in the Australia & New Zealand Banking Group.

Huaxia Bank Plans to Establish Fund-Management Venture to Broaden Revenue  - - Huaxia Bank Co., part owned by Deutsche Bank AG, plans to set up a fund-management unit to diversify revenue by tapping local investors' growing appetite for shares.

China Re May Sell a Strategic Stake to Overseas Investors, Regulator Says  - - China Reinsurance Co., the nation's largest reinsurer, is in talks with overseas investors about selling a strategic stake, the regulator said.

Chinese State Grid Sells Eight Power Plants to Huaneng, Datang, Huadian  - - State Grid Corp. of China, the nation's biggest electricity distributor, said it sold eight thermal power plants to raise money to expand its overburdened network.

China earmarks 15.2 bln yuan to ensure pork supplies - - China has earmarked 15.2 billion yuan (2.05 billion U.S. dollars) so far this year to support pig breeders, in an effort to ensure adequate pork supplies, said Zeng Xiao'an, a senior official with the Ministry of Finance, on Monday.

The World Is Watching Vietnam's Big IPO - - Hopes are riding high, but lackluster interest in Vietcombank's privatization means there could be trouble ahead

Tough Times for Taiwan's Intel Wannabe - - Via Technologies' plans to join the CPU big leagues have fallen flat, but it has managed to strike a deal with cellular player China Unicom

A Mix for New Hong Kong Listings - - Of three new IPOs trading recently, Sinoma was up 35%, BYD Electronic was up slightly, and a Vietnamese motorbike maker fell below its opening price

Chinese yuan climbs to new high against USD - - China's Renminbi (RMB) climbed 54 basis points to break the 7.33 mark on Tuesday, with the central parity rate at 7.3261 yuan against one U.S. dollar, according to the Chinese Foreign Exchange Trading System.

Tata Steel, Rivals May Raise Prices Next Month, Financial Express Reports  - - Tata Steel Ltd., Steel Authority of India Ltd., JSW Steel Ltd. and other producers of the metal may raise prices next month, the Financial Express reported, citing sources it didn't identify.

Maruti Suzuki to Raise Car Prices Next Month, Press Trust of India Says  - - Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. may raise car prices by as much as 12,000 rupees ($304) starting next month, the Press Trust of India reported, citing sources it didn't identify.

Oil & Natural Gets Trinidad and Tobago Rights, Press Trust of India Says  - - Oil & Natural Gas Corp. won rights to explore in two areas in Trinidad and Tobago, the Press Trust of India reported, citing sources it didn't identify.

New Year's Eve Expensive Bubbly That Won't Break the Bank: John Mariani  - - I sometimes wonder how much expensive Champagne is wasted on New Year's Eve by revelers who mishandle the popping of the cork. (Turn the bottle, not the cork, easing it open for a little pop, not a gusher.)

Where to Find Authentic Chicken Tikka Masala in London: Richard Vines  - - You may think it's easy to get Indian food in London. Walk down almost any street and you're likely to see at least one venue promising dishes such as chicken tikka masala. The difficulty is in finding authentic cuisine.

Weekend Surge May Not Rescue U.S. Retailers From Holiday Shopping Slump  - - A surge in spending during the weekend before Christmas may not have been enough to rescue Target Corp., Sears Holdings Corp. and Macy's Inc. from the slowest holiday spending season in five years.

Oh BlackBerry! FCC Carolers Poke Fun at Spectrum of Issues: Cindy Skrzycki  - - The Singing Regulators aren't likely to get their own network television reality show. Still, about a dozen U.S. Federal Communications Commission staff members have developed a growing audience for their annual holiday version of telecom-style Christmas carols.

Japanese Stocks Rise for Third Day; Mitsubishi UFJ Leads Advance by Banks  - - Japanese stocks rose for a third day, led by financial shares, after a decline in interbank borrowing costs signaled a global credit-market slump is easing.

Sanyo May Face Tokyo Share Delisting After Understating Losses for 6 Years  - - Sanyo Electric Co., the Japanese electronics maker targeting its first profit in four years, may have its shares removed from the Tokyo Stock Exchange after misstating six years of financial results.

Toyota Aims to Widen Lead Over General Motors With Record Output Next Year  - - Toyota Motor Corp. raised its sales forecast for 2008 to 9.85 million vehicles, cementing the company's lead as the world's most profitable carmaker.

Yen Trades Close to Six-Week Low as Investors Seek Higher-Yielding Assets  - - The yen traded near a six-week low against the dollar as a rally in global stocks and a decline in borrowing costs increased demand for higher-yielding assets funded by loans from Japan.

Mizuho to Spend $206 Million Tomorrow to Increase Stake in Credit Saison  - - Mizuho Financial Group Inc., Japan's second-largest bank, will increase its stake in Credit Saison Co. by 4.1 percent as part of a strategic alliance agreed on three years ago with the consumer credit provider.

Matsushita May Buy Control of Hitachi Unit to Expand LCD Television Sales  - - Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., the world's largest maker of plasma televisions, may buy control of a Hitachi Ltd. unit to increase sales of faster-growing liquid-crystal display sets.

Japan's 10-Year Bonds Decline for Third Day as Rally in Stocks Cuts Demand  - - Japanese bonds declined for a third day as a rally in global stocks reduced demand for the relative security of government debt.

Big Manufacturers Remain Optimistic as Asia, Europe Exports Offset U.S.  - - Most large Japanese manufacturers said business conditions improved from three months ago, as exports to Asia and Europe made up for waning U.S. demand.

Japan's major mobile phone operator to tie up with Google - - Japan's largest mobile phone operator NTT DoCoMo Inc. will tie up with U.S. Internet search engine Google Inc. to promote its Internet service for mobile phone users, Kyodo News said Tuesday.

Toyota Aims to Widen Lead Over General Motors With Record Output Next Year  - - Toyota Motor Corp. raised its sales forecast for 2008 to 9.85 million vehicles, cementing the company's lead as the world's most profitable carmaker.

Hitachi, Canon, Matsushita tie up in LCD panel business - - Japan's Hitachi Ltd., Canon Inc. and Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Tuesday said they agreed to form a comprehensive alliance to promote liquid crystal display (LCD) panel business.

Sharp and Toshiba: Big TV Tieup - - The deal, where Toshiba supplies TV chips in exchange for Sharp LCD sets, begins a "long-term" alliance between the two tech giants