Analysis: After Web stocks boom, investors wary but rout unlikely
SAN FRANCISCO/NEW YORK (Reuters) – For investors in internet stocks, it was a banner year: shares of many companies doubled as revenue climbed and on forecasts for rip-roaring growth in earnings. But the gains haven’t been anxiety-free, thanks to uncom…
Japan auto makers to boost domestic output before sales tax hike: media
TOKYO (Reuters) – Japanese automakers will ramp up production early next year because they expect a big increase in car purchases before a sales tax hike in April, media reported on Sunday.
Japan’s top business lobby agrees to raise base pay next year: media
TOKYO (Reuters) – Japan’s most influential business lobby has agreed to raise workers’ base pay for the first time in six years as the economy gains momentum and corporate earnings improve, the Asahi newspaper reported on Sunday.
Sony to give up on sale of its battery unit: media
TOKYO (Reuters) – Japan’s Sony Corp has decided not to sell its lithium-ion battery unit, media reported on Sunday, in a gamble that it can turn the business around with a weak yen and growing demand for smart phone batteries.
Monte Paschi shareholders delay cash call, top executives may quit
SIENA, Italy (Reuters) – Italy’s third-biggest bank Monte dei Paschi di Siena was forced to delay a vital 3 billion euro ($4.1 billion) share sale to raise capital until mid-2014 because of shareholder opposition, plunging its turnaround plan into unce…
Monte Paschi chairman to decide in January on possible resignation
SIENA, Italy (Reuters) – Alessandro Profumo, chairman of troubled Italian lender Monte dei Paschi di Siena , said on Saturday he would decide whether to step down in January.
Big year ends with Wall Street hopeful for 2014
NEW YORK (Reuters) – As Wall Street’s best year in more than 15 draws to a close, few are expecting a repeat performance in 2014, though traders have plenty of reasons to feel optimistic.
U.S. bank watchdogs to consider Volcker rule tweak
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. bank regulators said on Friday they would consider allowing banks to hold on to certain complex securities despite a new rule limiting risky investments.
Apple CEO’s 2013 pay steady but sees part of stock award shrink
SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) – Apple Inc CEO Tim Cook earned roughly the same in 2013 as in 2012, but lost part of his performance-based stock award during a year in which intense competition and margin pressure bludgeoned the iPhone maker’s stock.
Abbott Labs settles with U.S. over kickback claims
(Reuters) – Abbott Laboratories has agreed to pay the United States $5.48 million to resolve allegations that it paid improper kickbacks to induce doctors to use some of its products, the U.S. Department of Justice said on Friday.
