The UK government and Office for National Statistics (ONS) have decided to enhance data quality. Taking central bank Governor Charlie Bean's suggestions into consideration, the British government has earmarked GBP 17 million ($24 million) investment for creating new centers of excellence.
Sectors
Samsonite Sales Reach Record at £1.6 billion With £136 million Profit as China Sales Soar
Samsonite saw strong sales in Asia, particularly China, in 2015. The company is not sure about 2016 outlook due to potential challenges, as it moves forward to boost presence in Asian markets.
Morgan Stanley lowers Gap's stock to underweight
Morgan Stanley lowered Gap's stock to an "underweight" rating from "equal-weight", citing key weakness in the company's business. Analyst at Morgan Stanley fixed an objective price of $26 for Gap's stock, down 11% from the present level.
India's New Jewelry Tax Poses Major Threat To Gold Market, Sparks Protest From Jewellers
India’s gold market is threatened as the government revealed a new jewelry tax regulation, requiring a 1 percent sales tax on gold jewelry. Import taxes has not been changed, even though jewellers have expected the government to eliminate the 10 percent import duty.
No More 'Shamu' Shows for SeaWorld, Ceases Orca Breeding
San Diego SeaWorld announced that it will no longer offer theatrical shows for orcas but instead it will be replaced by an educational show about the killer whale itself. The theme park's declining number of visitors and with the left and right criticism it received from animal activists made them change their tarnished image. However, orcas born and raised in captivity cannot be released to the wild as they could not fend for themselves and might perish.
Latest News
Citing drop in revenues, Moody's Investors Service has lowered Houston's $3 billion of general obligation debt by one level to Aa4. Lower oil prices and restrictions on raising taxes are keeping further pressure on Houston's economy.
A huge slump in Valeant Pharmaceutical stocks on Tuesday made Pershing Capital to lose more than $1 billion in one day. Meanwhile Bill Ackman planned to take more active role in the drugmaker.
FedEx said in a statement that “a new entity competing” with the company will have to spend tens of billions of dollars to replicate its current extensive network. The statement, referring to Amazon’s new plan to get into the logistic business, also assured that FedEx’s relationship with Amazon remain strong.
McKesson is terminating 1,600 staffs from its US division in an effort to trim expenses after some important customers left the company.
Shareholders of two U.S. prominent banks will vote later this year regarding the breakup plans for the banks. However shareholders are predicted to decline the plan submitted by liberal lobby activist.
Optus at last revealed on how Aussie football fans will be able to watch their favorite game via live stream. It will team up with SBS to broadcast live streaming of their favorite team and players from around the world provided that the viewers are Optus subscribers.
In fear of Brexit, economists predicted British central bank will keep its interest rate low. While Bank of England Governor Mark Carney warned that Brexit will damage British financial stability.
Ctrip reported a 50% increase in its net revenues for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2015, as demand for online ticketing increases.
Celator Pharmaceuticals shares jumped more than 400% in Tuesday trading. Meanwhile, hedge fund manager Steve Cohen unvelied his 8.3% shares of the company.
