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07/08/2001
US productivity rise confounds predictions
Despite gloomy predictions, business productivity in the United States leapt by 2.5 per cent during the second quarter of this year.
This is the largest increase in quarterly productivity - a key measure of output per worker in US business - since the second quarter of last year.
Analysts had predicted a gain of 1.5 per cent, with the news of a larger rise helping ease fears that the US was racing towards a recession.
Some had even predicted that the US markets could have crashed, had the productivity figure been weak.
Financial markets around the world have been nervous in recent weeks, as a string of poor corporate results, especially from the high-tech sector, raised fears of a global economic slowdown.
Wall Street cheered the productivity news, although share prices were depressed by separate concerns over earnings from semiconductor companies.
Particular positive emphasis was placed on the news that unit labour costs had risen by only 2.1 per cent in the quarter, far less than analysts' expectations of 3 per cent.
(GB)
This is the largest increase in quarterly productivity - a key measure of output per worker in US business - since the second quarter of last year.
Analysts had predicted a gain of 1.5 per cent, with the news of a larger rise helping ease fears that the US was racing towards a recession.
Some had even predicted that the US markets could have crashed, had the productivity figure been weak.
Financial markets around the world have been nervous in recent weeks, as a string of poor corporate results, especially from the high-tech sector, raised fears of a global economic slowdown.
Wall Street cheered the productivity news, although share prices were depressed by separate concerns over earnings from semiconductor companies.
Particular positive emphasis was placed on the news that unit labour costs had risen by only 2.1 per cent in the quarter, far less than analysts' expectations of 3 per cent.
(GB)
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26 October 2004
'Strong trading environment' fuels huge BP profits surge
Oil giant BP, in a climate of spiralling prices, have posted a massive profits surge of $1.2 billion to top almost $4 billion for the third quarter. BP saw net profits rise by 43% to £3.9 billion for the quarter, bringing the company a total mark of $12.5 billion so far this financial year.
'Strong trading environment' fuels huge BP profits surge
Oil giant BP, in a climate of spiralling prices, have posted a massive profits surge of $1.2 billion to top almost $4 billion for the third quarter. BP saw net profits rise by 43% to £3.9 billion for the quarter, bringing the company a total mark of $12.5 billion so far this financial year.
17 April 2002
Economy has made impressive improvements says Trimble
Northern Ireland First Minister David Trimble has delivered the Annual Lecture to the Institute of Directors in London. Reviewing the prospects for the local economy in the province Mr Trimble delivered an up-beat assessment of Northern Ireland’s political prospects.
Economy has made impressive improvements says Trimble
Northern Ireland First Minister David Trimble has delivered the Annual Lecture to the Institute of Directors in London. Reviewing the prospects for the local economy in the province Mr Trimble delivered an up-beat assessment of Northern Ireland’s political prospects.
15 March 2002
London still most expensive city for office space
London remains the world's most expensive city to rent office space, with average annual occupancy costs of around £1,072 per square metre. International property consultants Healey & Baker looked at 45 countries around the world, analysing the total costs of occupying office space in 100 locations.
London still most expensive city for office space
London remains the world's most expensive city to rent office space, with average annual occupancy costs of around £1,072 per square metre. International property consultants Healey & Baker looked at 45 countries around the world, analysing the total costs of occupying office space in 100 locations.
11 October 2001
Motorola cuts a further 7,000 jobs
Mobile phone maker Motorola is set to axe a further 7,000 jobs worldwide bringing the company’s total job cuts to 39,000 since the start of the year. Motorola chief Robert Growney revealed that around 4,000 of the latest losses were associated with sold businesses, with a further 3,000 earmarked for loss through cuts and attrition.
Motorola cuts a further 7,000 jobs
Mobile phone maker Motorola is set to axe a further 7,000 jobs worldwide bringing the company’s total job cuts to 39,000 since the start of the year. Motorola chief Robert Growney revealed that around 4,000 of the latest losses were associated with sold businesses, with a further 3,000 earmarked for loss through cuts and attrition.
20 December 2001
Business success relies on effective investment
According to the Department of Trade and Industry there is a positive relationship between effective capital investment (Capex) and company performance.
Business success relies on effective investment
According to the Department of Trade and Industry there is a positive relationship between effective capital investment (Capex) and company performance.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
