Dow -44 at 12832, S&P -.54at 1403, nasdaq +7 at 2495, N225 +165 at 14118, HK -209 at 25344, AUS +60 at 5872;
US:equities put in a mixed performance which saw markets end with energy related & tech outperforming at the expense of most financials. Sectors : energy stocks +1.1%, industrials +0.6%, on the downside broker/dealers -1.8%, financials -1.4% & homebuilders -1.3%. Better macro pre-open had markets start in the positive but cautious Bernanke comments on financials, worrying Wal-Mart guidance & rising energy commodity prices kept markets in check. Bernanke - financial markets remain unsettled & the FED will increase its auctions of cash to the banks as needed. Both FED presidents Koenig & Fisher said inflation is still too high. Financials hit also as Oppenheimer cut numbers on Morgan Stanley -2.2%, Lehman -3.6%, Merrill -1.8% & Goldmans -1%. Bank of America -2.2% said they expect higher losses on home equity loans. Moody's says MBIA -5.4% & AMBAC -7.6% losses elevate Aaa rating concerns. Techs outperform: Yahoo +5% as CNBC says Carl Icahn is mulling a proxy fight. Wal-Mart -2.4% after numbers better but guidance less than most expectations. Hewlett-Packard -5% as confirms $13.2bn aquisition of Electronic data. Other movers were TJX -4.65%, Barrons also positive on Constellation Brands +11.69%, Thomas & Betts +4.76%, Chicago Bridge +5.22% and Apache +3.92%. Oil +1.3% at $125.80. USD was higher versus the Euro and Yen. Lots of numbers today with MBA mortgage apps at noon, then main CPI at 13.30. Today US numbers coming from Agilent, Deere, Federated and Freddie Mac. US After hours - Whole Foods -8% and Applied Materials +1.4% on numbers.
Arcelor Mittal guidance looks good, stock has had good run, but +1%.
BNP in line, to slightly better, investment bank pre tax € 318m v's € 1.172bn.
Market saying that Credit Agricole by raising capital when it did not need to do reminds investors that could restart at any point it's acquisitions ( risk of overpaying).
BHP +5.2% in Australia, speculation that Chinalco may be preparing to buy a stake.
Asian markets mixed, Australian stocks led higher on BHP, Chinese stocks rebounded , following 2 days of declines, Financials hit hard on back of Bernanke's comments.HK -.55%, AUS +1.03%,China +2.73%, India +.29%, Korea +.05%, Taiwan +.32%.
Vinci Q1 sales in line, guidance for above 10% sales growth maintained, order intake +12%.
Anglo Irish ex div 7.8c.
Bradford & Bingley surprises market with £300m rights issue, at 82p, stock -6%.
Deutsche Post misses on revenues, ebt and net income.Stock off 1%.
Telekom Austria Q1 numbers better, reiterates guidance.
Banks preparing to sell £9bn of debt in Alliance Boots, the private equity owned pharmacy chain.
ABN lower target price on Allianec & Leicester to £3.70. Stock weak, -4% at £4.36 on B&B announcement.
EADS Q1 better, Airbus up, relief rally, stock +5%.
Taylor Nelson rejects revised WPP offer valued at 241.5p.Stock +1% at 250p.
RBS rules out offer from private equity for insurance division.
Credit Suisse research says Deutsche Telekom unlikely to bid for Sprint.
Japan +1.18%, telcos lead, NTT +11% on dividend hike and stock split.
Compass strong H1 results, stock +1%.
Markets better, +.5%,EADS, BHP, renewable energy names better.