MORE FROM Markets

Prices for copper and other metals fell after discouraging reports about jobs and factory production renewed worries that demand could weaken for a wide variety of manufactured goods.

markets

Manufacturing unexpectedly expanded in April at the fastest pace in 10 months, driven by gains in orders and production that signal the US remains a source of strength for the global economy.

markets

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Airlines in the Asia Pacific region posted a lower combined net profit of $4.8 billion in 2011, down 47 percent from a year ago due to higher oil prices and a weak cargo market, an industry group said Wednesday.

markets

LONDON - European shares fell back on Wednesday, hurt by banking stocks, after weak euro zone data threw the region’s debt problems into focus, offsetting upbeat corporate earnings news ahead of a European Central Bank meeting on Thursday.

markets

LONDON - Copper slipped on Wednesday after a contraction in the manufacturing sectors in Europe and China raised fresh concerns about economic slowdown and prospects for demand, and as the euro fell.

markets

DUBAI - Egypt needs to do more to secure a $3.2 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund, including gathering broad political support and identifying other sources to finance its funding gap of up to $12 billion, an IMF official said on Wednesday.

markets

NEW DELHI — Factory activity picked up pace in Asia with China showing stronger momentum and India also gathering steam, according to business surveys released on Wednesday, buoying recovery hopes in the region.

markets

NEW YORK - U.S. stocks were set for a lower open on Wednesday as a weaker euro zone report sparked new concerns about the region¡¯s fiscal health and new data on the U.S. labor market missed forecasts.

markets

NEW YORK — MasterCard’s first-quarter profit rose 25 percent on a big spike in card use overseas.

markets