"Wallstreet" Reader

"Wallstreet" Reader

U.K. Eyes a Swedish Bank Model

Posted: 22 Nov 2012 07:46 PM PST

British policy makers are looking to a little known Swedish lender and its retro business model for inspiration.

Asian Shares Up

Posted: 22 Nov 2012 06:37 PM PST

Asian markets were modestly higher in quiet trade due to U.S. and Japanese holidays, and as investors stayed cautious ahead of risk events next week. The Hang Seng added 0.4%.

Japan's Abe Urges More Spending

Posted: 22 Nov 2012 04:56 PM PST

The front-runner to become Japan's next prime minister said he would consider loosening some of Japan's fiscal-discipline policies, in defiance of warnings by credit raters to curb borrowing by the world's most indebted government.

Lenders Rev Their Engines

Posted: 22 Nov 2012 07:46 PM PST

The booming market for auto lending is causing deal makers to kick into high gear.

Startup Visas Get New Push

Posted: 22 Nov 2012 04:34 PM PST

A coalition of entrepreneurs, investors and advocacy groups is pressing its campaign for a special visa that would allow foreigners who launch companies to stay in the U.S.

Anglo American Told to Cut Costs

Posted: 22 Nov 2012 04:15 PM PST

Shareholders at Anglo American say they will push for new board members if the mining company fails to act swiftly to sell struggling mines and reduce costs.

Venues for Bonds Fight for Traders

Posted: 22 Nov 2012 07:46 PM PST

Few money managers so far are signing up for a slew of new bond-trading systems. They first want to be sure which will succeed.

Sharp Is Willing to Revise Hon Hai Deal Terms

Posted: 22 Nov 2012 02:27 PM PST

A senior Sharp executive said the Japanese electronics company is open to making concessions in its capital-alliance talks with Hon Hai Precision Industry of Taiwan.

Greek Bonds Rise on Buyback Hopes

Posted: 22 Nov 2012 06:13 PM PST

A rally in Greek government bonds picked up pace, pushing yields down to their lowest levels since a debt restructuring earlier this year, amid hopes of a buyback.

GM Fears Too Much Production in Brazil

Posted: 22 Nov 2012 12:46 PM PST

General Motors became the latest auto maker to raise concerns about investments in new plants in Brazil, saying too much domestic production could put a strain on profit.

EU Leaders Gird for Budget Brawl

Posted: 22 Nov 2012 06:13 PM PST

EU leaders brandished demands and threats as they arrived at their summit to get a deal on the bloc's budget, with the U.K. leading a pack of malcontents who talked down hopes of agreement.

Nuclear Industry Thinking Small

Posted: 22 Nov 2012 03:12 PM PST

U.S. makers of nuclear-power plants, battered by the rise of inexpensive natural gas, are turning to Washington for help bringing the next generation of reactors on line.

Barclays Leaves the LME Ring

Posted: 22 Nov 2012 12:52 PM PST

Barclays, one of the biggest traders on the London Metal Exchange, downgraded its membership in a move that will see its traders leave Europe's last open-outcry trading floor.

Fed Stands on Edge of 'Monetary Cliff'

Posted: 22 Nov 2012 11:45 AM PST

After the "fiscal cliff," we can start worrying about the "monetary cliff." Getting the Fed's growing balance sheet back to normal will provide unique challenges.

In Japan, Some Companies Thrive Despite Yen's Rise

Posted: 22 Nov 2012 01:49 PM PST

In Japan, a hardy contingent of export-dependent companies have managed to thrive despite the yen's rise, which is often blamed for the country's industrial woes.

Japan's Car Makers See Hope in China

Posted: 22 Nov 2012 06:00 PM PST

Japanese auto makers said prospects in China were finally improving, having unveiled measures to win back market share that fell amid tensions between Beijing and Tokyo.

Apple to Disclose HTC Settlement

Posted: 22 Nov 2012 09:04 AM PST

A U.S. judge Wednesday ordered Apple to disclose to Samsung Electronics Co. details of its patent settlement with Taiwanese smartphone maker HTC.

Canada Retail Sales Disappoint

Posted: 22 Nov 2012 07:16 AM PST

Consumer spending in Canada tapered off in September, advancing at a much slower pace than expected, Statistics Canada said.

AIG Plans Life Venture With PICC

Posted: 22 Nov 2012 09:17 AM PST

U.S. insurer AIG, set to put $500 million into the Hong Kong IPO of Chinese insurer PICC, will also form a joint venture in China with PICC's life-insurance arm.

BBC Names New Chief Amid Scandal

Posted: 22 Nov 2012 06:41 PM PST

The embattled BBC appointed the head of the Royal Opera House, Tony Hall, as its new director general, calling him an "outsider" who can cast a fresh eye on the broadcaster and help it recover from a scandal.