US markets rallied after a surge in retail sales and Google Inc.’s earnings

15 Oct 2011 Evaluate

The US markets rallied on Friday, marking its biggest weekly gain since July 2009 after a surge in retail sales and Google Inc.’s earnings which lifted sentiment easing concern that slumping confidence and scant hiring will derail the biggest part of the economy. The Commerce Department reported a 1.1% increase in retail sales for September, the largest growth since February, following a 0.3% gain for August, with the latter figure revised up from the prior estimate. The data offered encouraging news for the US economy. The sales increase was the fastest since February and total retail sales in the month were $395.5 billion, according to the data released by the Commerce Department.  Also, Google Inc. the world’s biggest Internet-search Company reported better-than-anticipated sales for the third quarter.

In Paris, finance ministers and central bankers from the Group of 20 started discussions on Europe’s debt trouble, with officials reportedly thinking about writing down as much as 50% on Greek bonds. Nations from China to Brazil are considering increasing the International Monetary Fund’s lending resources to help stem the European debt crisis, Group of 20 and IMF officials stated.

Besides, Standard & Poor’s lowered its credit rating on the largest French bank, BNP Paribas and issued negative outlook for five largest banks in France. In the case of BNP Paribas, the rating agency cited material exposure to Italy and stated that top five banks are suffering weak financial conditions in the face of weakening markets conditions in the near future. Separately, the Fitch rating agency stated that it will review different debt ratings of Societe Generale, BNP Paribas, Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank and Barclays.

The Dow Jones industrial average gained 166.36 points, or 1.45 percent, to 11,644.50. The Standard and Poor’s 500 closed higher by 20.92 points, or 1.74 percent, to 1,224.58, while the Nasdaq composite gained 47.61 points, or 1.82 percent, to 2,667.85.

The Indian ADRs closed mixed on Friday, Infosys Technologies was up by 1.09%, ICICI Bank was up by 0.58%, Tata Motors was up by 0.54% and Patni Computer was up 0.44%. On the flip side, Dr. Reddy’s Lab was down 0.17%.

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