Market News

US services sector accelerated in January to its highest level in a year
Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:48:08 GMT
Growth in the US services sector accelerated in January to its highest level in nearly a year, according to an industry report issued on Friday. The Institute for Supply Management said its services index rose to 56.8 last month from a revised 53.0 in December. It was the highest level since February 2011.
[read more]

US added 243,000 jobs in January; Unemployment rate falls to February 2009 level
Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:12:13 GMT
Total nonfarm US payroll employment rose by 243,000 in January, and the unemployment rate decreased to 8.3% - - the lowest since February 2009, President Obama's first full month in office - - the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Jobs growth was widespread in the private sector, with large employment gains in professional and business services, leisure and hospitality, and manufacturing. Government employment changed little over the month.
[read more]

Markets: Ryanair warns Aer Lingus on covering €400m deficit in staff pension fund
Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:33:47 GMT
Markets news on stocks, currencies and commodities; Ryanair warns Aer Lingus on covering €400m deficit in staff pension fund.
[read more]

Eurozone service sector stabilises in January as growth in France and Germany offsets declines in Spain and Italy
Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:55:16 GMT
Business activity in the Eurozone service sector stabilised in January, with a marginal expansion ending a four-month period of contraction. Underlying conditions in the sector nonetheless remained lacklustre overall, as inflows of new business fell further and job losses were recorded for the first time since April 2010.  Growth in France and Germany offset declines in Spain and Italy.
[read more]

Irish pension funds increased 3.7% in January following a 2.4% drop in 2011
Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:34:56 GMT
Aon Hewitt Ireland, a unit of Aon Corporation of the US, says Irish pension funds increased 3.7% in January following a 2.4% drop in 2011.
[read more]

Irish services sector activity falls for second straight month in January; Rate of decline in new business slows
Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:24:12 GMT
Irish services sector activity fell for a second straight month in January 2012 but the rate of decline in new business slowed according to a report issued today.
[read more]