China's benchmark Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) fell to lowest in the three-and-a-half years. PMI was at 49.4 for January as against average forecast of 49.6. The PMI was 49.7 in December 2015. The disappointed China factory output data pulled oil prices lower.
Corporations
Wall Street monitors USD, while oil price drops
Investors are concerned as the US stock index futures turned weaker. The marginal recovery in oil price amid drop in the US dollar puts the Wall Street on cautious note. On the other hand, Asian and European stocks were trading marginally higher on oil price recovery and drop in US dollar.
Takata's restructuring plan unveils in May for car makers
Takata Corp, a manufacturer of airbags used in vehicles for consumer safety, will announce its restructuring plan to automakers in May. The restructuring plan is expected to include the sharing of recall costs. The defective airbags are forcing automobile majors to recall millions of cars.
China's gold demand rises as investors seek safe haven
The gold buying demand from China is surging from last December onwards owing investors' priority to safe haven assets. The sluggish stock markets, weaker currency and lower global prices are prime reasons for the rising demand for the yellow metal. The consumption rose 3.7 percent to 985.9 metric tons in 2015.
Cheap oil benefits consumers, hits governments
The lower oil price for about 19 months is benefiting the consumers, but creating a lot of problems for the global governments and business firms. Many banks and the US government forecast oil price above $40 a barrel this year. The oil price fell to below $30 during the past 19 months from $107 a barrel.
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Brazil, the world's number one coffee grower and exporter, has been hit by El Nino from last year, affecting the coffee crops and harvests. The weather has affected prices expectations and investors moves, as demand rise and supply declines. Coffee bean prices rise has been seen in Brazil.
Nigeria requires $3.5 billion funds to fill its $15 billion budget deficit. The falling oil prices are eroding revenues for the government. The largest economy in Africa is seeking $2.5 billion loan from the World Bank and $1 billion loan from ADB.
Philippine's fourth quarter gross domestic product increased by 6.3% driven mainly by higher private consumption, government expenditure as well as an increase in economic activity.
Takata Corp is reportedly planning to meet its major clients in order to discuss its business forecasts. The US transport authorities announced a fresh recall of about 5 million vehicles subsequent to the recent death caused by the Japanese firm's airbag inflators.
Amazon India, an online market, announced a six-fold leap in sales to Rs1, 022 crores for the year ending March 31, 2015, but net loss climbed to Rs1, 723.6 crores during the year.
Four executives are reported to take a departure from the social media company as part of a major restructuring plan by the new CEO Jack Dorsey. In addition to those asked to leave, some other executives have already stepped down out of pressure.
Feeling the heat of competition in the global payments industry, American Express (AmEx) is in the process of reducing costs by $1billion by end of 2017. AmEx posted losses for the fourth quarter consecutively. The net income dropped from $1.44 billion to $873 million or 80 cents per share for the quarter. The forecast for this year disappointed investors and analysts.
The stockpiles levels in China, the biggest commodity consumer, are impacting copper prices in the global markets. Copper price is hovering at $4,400 per metric ton and is moving in consolidation phase. Chinese smelters may cut down output and stop increasing capacities this year.
The falling oil price below $30 per barrel is impacting Canadian economy, which mostly depends upon commodities. Along with oil price, Canadian currency Loonie too declined against the US dollar. The weaker Loonie has eroded the purchasing power of Canada and is making imports costlier. Canada imports vegetables from the US. The surging US dollar made vegetables prices expensive by three folds for Canadian consumers.
