Tag Archive
Iron Ore Ships As Steel Shapes Up – US-FOREX.US
Concerns about speculative buying continues to temper optimism regarding strengthening base metal prices as the market seeks to differentiate real metal demand from stockpiling and other conjectural buying. According to a recent report, one sector boasting solid demand is steel.Metal demand from China during the first half of the year bolstered steel demand, likely accounting… »
Soda Sales Float – US-FOREX.US
The sluggish economy saw cash-strapped consumers downing more soda than pricey teas and other bottled beverages. The trend floated sales of Dr Pepper Snapple Group ‘s Dr. Pepper, Crush and Hawaiian Punch drinks higher but Snapple sales have sunk. During 2009′s first quarter, improved carbonated beverage and value juice trends were offset by ongoing weakness… »
BHPs Upturn Plans – US-FOREX.US
Cost consciousness is paying off at BHP Billiton. While the mining industry is still licking the wounds from an up to 90% tumble in some metal prices and faltering growth in commodity-gobbling China, the Anglo-Aussie company is keeping its eyes peeled for acquisition opportunities. While investment in forthcoming projects would be its priority, “we do… »
Oils Bleak Outlook – US-FOREX.US
Are the oil bulls vindicated? The Paris-based International Energy Agency was the latest barrel counter to raise global demand forecasts for 2009 and 2010 on Wednesday, to 83.9 million barrels a day this year and 85.3 million barrels a day next year. Although these followed more bearish predictions for 2009 from the United States’ Energy… »
BHPReady For The Upturn – US-FOREX.US
The past twelve months were never going to be pleasant for miners, with spot prices for metals falling by up to 90%, and commodity-gobbler China witnessing faltering economic growth this year, but all in all, BHP Billiton seems to have coped as well as it could have under the circumstances.Profits at the Anglo Australian firm… »
Sara Lee Sees Meaty Growth – US-FOREX.US
Commodity costs have been a huge boon to packaged food companies, along with favorable dining trends as consumers prepare more meals at home to conserve cash. Sales of cheap, quick and satisfying meal options are heating up in the current environment, leading Sara Lee to focus on packaged meat product lines like Hillshire Farm and… »
Stake Sale Would Help Xstrata – US-FOREX.US
Has Xstrata gone far enough to slash its debt burden? The copper-focused miner raised 5.9 billion from shareholders in March, most of which went towards paying down debt, but the company is still carrying a 13 billion debt pile in an uncertain trading environment. This could explain why Xstrata is currently considering asset sales to… »
PGs Shaving Operations – US-FOREX.US
During a time in which consumers haven’t been buying as much-and seeking out cheaper store brands when they do-even companies selling consumer staples, like Procter & Gamble, are streamlining.Having a portfolio of popular brands is a mixed blessing in the current economic environment, since consumers often associate well-known labels with higher prices. Although some expect… »
Can Grocers Serve Up Profits – US-FOREX.US
Commodity costs are much cheaper than a year ago, so you’d think the food sector would have an easier time pleasing the Street with higher profits. But it’s not that simple: Consumers remain a challenge as companies vie for a bigger portion of their limited spending. Whole Foods Market has seen its number of shoppers… »
Anglo Makes Its Case – US-FOREX.US
Cynthia Carroll has much to prove. The chief executive of Anglo American has rebuffed a no-premium, merger of equals proposal from rival Xstrata and is fighting back against shareholder criticism that she’s not doing enough to cut costs after a string of acquisitions during the commodities boom. Anglo now seems to be making a strong… »