Market News News Page 10

As reported by the BBC, carmaker Volkswagen has announced that 2012 could be yet another record year, as sales are anticipated to surpass last year’s net total of 8.3 million vehicles. The firm also stated that 2012 profits may match 2011’s, when profits hit 15.8 billion euros ($21.2 billion; £13.4 billion), double its 2010...

According to Reuters, stocks that looked like they would shrink this week, to the surprise of many analysts, did not. With more signs of a growing economy, stocks may be running higher during the upcoming week. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index saw another positive week last Friday, defying once again calls for a turnaround in five...

As reported by the BBC, Air France-KLM experienced a loss of 353 million euros in 2011, after a 28-million-euro profit in 2010. It also reported that a soaring fuel expenditure, which went up by 16.3% to 6.4 billion euros, would affect its profits for 2012. A spokesperson said the economic outlook remained uncertain as the fuel prices...

As reported by the BBC, stock markets have dropped sharply with concerns of an impending deadline to secure Greece's financial future in the euro. Investors now have until Thursday to agree to exchange Greek government bonds for debt paying a lower rate, a deal which has helped secure another bailout. Greece would likely default on its...

As reported by Reuters, market shares in BP increased less than many analysts had expected after the oil giant finalised a settlement worth around $7.8 billion with firms and individuals hit by the oil spill on the Gulf of Mexico. Investors said the legal settlement was generally lived up to expectations, but the reduced legal...

As reported by the BBC, the Indian government's efforts to sell a 5 per cent share in the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation slightly missed the set target amid fears that stakes were over-priced. It put up for sale 428 million shares at 290 rupees each, expecting to raise 124 billion rupees ($2.5bn; £1.6bn). However, it received offers for...

As reported by the BBC, shares in clothing company Gap went up 7% after reporting strong sales for February. Abnormally warm weather has persuaded American shoppers and the company said its spring items have been selling very well. With sales growing 12%, the firm’s Banana Republic chain also had a particularly strong month. After a...

As reported by the BBC, Apple's stock market value finished above $500 billion for the first time, solidifying its position as the globe’s most valuable company. Only six American firms have ever reached a value of over $500 billion. In 2007, oil giant Exxon was worth this much, while Microsoft was temporarily worth $600 billion in...

As reported by the BBC, India's Essar Energy shares have dropped by over 10% following the company’s reports of a post-tax loss for 2011. The firm saw a loss of $568 million for the calendar year, in comparison to its 2010 profit of $248 million. The company said 2011 had seen many challenges, with weaker refining margins and a lower...

As reported by the BBC, carmaker Volkswagen’s annual profits have doubled after the firm sold a record amount of vehicles in 2011. The company announced a net profit of 15.8 billion euros for 2011, compared with 2010’s figure of 7.2 billion euros. The firm delivered over 8.2 million vehicles, a rise of almost 15% from 2010. Volkswagen...