Berkshire owns over one-fourth of USG Corp after crisis-era bet
(Reuters) – Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc has converted much of its debt in building products company USG Corp into more than $600 million of common stock in a successful investment made in the wake of the financial crisis.
U.S. construction spending highest in nearly five years
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. construction spending rose to its highest level in nearly five years in November as a surge in private construction projects offset a drop in public outlays.
Euro zone factories end 2013 on a high, but France a worry: PMIs
LONDON (Reuters) – Euro zone manufacturing grew at the fastest rate since mid-2011 in December on brisk business in Germany and Italy, setting the stage for a solid start to the year after a tumultuous 2013, a survey showed on Thursday.
Manufacturing growth hits 11-month high: Markit
NEW YORK (Reuters) – U.S. manufacturing ended the year on a high note, growing in December at its fastest pace in 11 months, while the rate of job growth was the swiftest since March, an industry report showed on Thursday.
Lufthansa faces weekend strike at Paris airport
FRANKFURT (Reuters) – French unions have called on Lufthansa workers at Charles de Gaulle airport, Paris, to strike from Friday morning to Sunday evening in a dispute over outsourcing ground operations, which could cause flights delays and cancellation…
Slow start to 2014 for shares, China disappoints
LONDON (Reuters) – World share markets made a soft start to 2014 on Thursday in the wake of disappointing data on Chinese manufacturing, while investors showed renewed appetite for commodities and the dollar as the new year got underway.
Asia’s manufacturers buoyant at end 2013, China a question mark
BEIJING/SEOUL (Reuters) – Asia’s manufacturing sector ended 2013 on a strong note, with expansion hitting multi-year highs in export-driven Japan and Taiwan, but signs of moderation in China raises concerns about the outlook for the new year.
Wal-Mart recalls donkey product in China after fox meat scandal
SHANGHAI (Reuters) – Wal-Mart Stores Inc, the world’s largest retailer, has recalled donkey meat sold at some outlets in China after tests showed the product contained the DNA of other animals, the U.S. company said.
Hyundai, Kia face fading growth as currency tides buoy Japan rivals
SEOUL (Reuters) – The man who led South Korea’s auto industry on a tear through the last decade said Hyundai Motor Co and Kia Motors Corp expect what will be their lowest annual sales growth since 2003 as the weak yen fires up Japanese rivals.
Debenhams finance chief quits days after profit warning
LONDON (Reuters) – Debenhams said on Thursday its Finance Director Simon Herrick had quit, two days after the British retailer issued a sharp profit warning due to poor Christmas trading.
