The September Bloomberg Eurozone Retail Purchasing Managers' Index ("PMI(R)"), a monthly survey indicating economic conditions in the euro area retail sector one month ahead of government issued figures, recorded 52.4 in September, up from 52.3 in August. The latest reading signaled month-on-month growth in sales for the sixth consecutive month and a marginal upturn in the rate of increase, though it remained below the highs registered in the second quarter. Rising sales were linked to higher customer counts as underlying economic conditions improved, and were boosted by promotional efforts.
Despite growing interest in the asset class, less than a quarter of pension schemes that invest in funds of hedge funds are satisfied with their investment returns, according to a new global survey by Mercer Investment Consulting. The survey found that only 23% are satisfied while 48% are neutral and 28% are dissatisfied.
The Hudson Employment Index(SM) decreased to 100.5 in September, the lowest reading so far this year. A drop in both expected hiring and job satisfaction influenced the 2.4-point decline. Nevertheless, the latest reading is well above the 96.8 recorded last September, when the country was coping with the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Mobile data services are the next wave of growth for the mobile communications industry amid the increasingly saturated subscriber base. While messaging will continue to be the main revenue contributor in most emerging and developing mobile data markets, much of the growth potential also lies in premium content. Greater 3G (third generation) coverage and deployment, expanding regional subscriber base, declining cost of advanced multimedia handsets, and the race to secure a continuous stream of content through partnerships are likely to drive growth of mobile data revenues.
American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) today announced record sales of 7,940 units in September – an increase of 11 percent over September 2005. September 2006 sales also set a new monthly record for the company. Year-to-date sales total 81,328 units, up 28 percent over the previous year. Suzuki’s monthly sales increases continue the company’s recent sales momentum which included record sales of 82,101 in 2005 – the best sales year in American Suzuki’s 21-year history.
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), importer and distributor of Porsche sports cars and Cayenne SUVs in the United States and Canada, today announced that sales for the month of September in the U.S. were up 3 percent over the same month in 2005. Year-to-date, September's results helped the Porsche brand continue to outpace last year's record-setting figure.
A majority of consumer products companies are so encouraged by their investment success in emerging markets that they plan to continue significant spending in those countries, according to a new KPMG International survey in which executives rank China, India and Brazil as the top expansion destinations because they turned a profit there in under five years.
Studies on lighting have shown that replacing traditional fluorescent lights with the latest energy-saving models can reduce HK$636 million of the electricity costs in Hong Kong's business sector.
The Conference Board announced today that the U.S. leading index decreased 0.2 percent, the coincident index increased 0.1 percent and the lagging index increased 0.3 percent in August.
