Business news from The International Herald Tribune, the world's daily newspaper online.
Putin's comments drive a company's stock down
With a few comments, the Russian prime minister sends the stock market value of one of the nation's leading steel companies, Mechel, plunging $6 billion.
2 more U.S. banks fail
Federal regulators closed two small Western banks, bringing to seven the number of U.S. banks that have failed this year.
Troubled world trade talks show signs of progress
In a sudden turnaround suggesting that a week of deadlock was finally breaking, ministers began to talk of a possible success at the World Trade Organization talks.
U.S. home sales stronger than expected
The number of properties on the market dropped by the most in four decades indicating builders are making some headway in clearing out inventories.
Amgen drug succeeds in clinical trial
An experimental bone drug, widely considered to be crucial to the company's future, has succeeded in its most important clinical trial, sending the company's shares up sharply.
British economy grows at weakest pace in three years
The Office for National Statistics said gross domestic product rose 0.2 percent in the quarter ended June 30, bringing the annual rate down to 1.6 percent from 2.3 percent in the first quarter.
Steve Jobs tells me, but not investors
Steve Jobs needs to treat his shareholders with at least a modicum of respect - and telling them whether or not he is sick would be a good place to start.
U.S. stocks rose Friday on growing speculation that the worst of the economic slowdown was over after better-than-expected reports on durable goods orders, consumer confidence and new-home sales.
