GLOBAL MARKETS

Asian markets breathed a sigh of relief Friday as the Chinese GDP figures improved, contrary to what some had feared, and eased concerns of a sharper slowdown in the world's second largest economy. The second quarter economic data showed a sequential acceleration and pointed to a pick-up in growth in the second half of the year.

Asian markets fell this week as investor sentiment turned negative with concerns of economic slowdown in China, Japan and South Korea.

The top after-market NYSE gainers Friday were Saks Inc, MasterCard, EXCO Resources, Visa and Yanzhou Coal Mining. The top after-market NYSE losers were New York & Co, Omega Healthcare Investors, Bonanza Creek Energy, VimpelCom and Accuride Corp.

Infosys Ltd, BT Group, AFLAC, Freeport-McMoRan, Kinder Morgan, Ampio Pharmaceuticals, Logitech International and Two Harbors Investment Corp. are among the companies whose shares are moving in pre-market trading Friday.

U.S. stock index futures point to a higher opening Friday as investors are speculating announcement of stimulus measures in China to boost its economic growth.

Asian stock markets advanced Friday as concerns over a sharper slowdown in the world's second largest economy eased after China reporting second quarter economic activity data in line with expectations.

Most European markets rose Friday as investor sentiment turned positive on hope that China will announce stimulus measures after it reported that its economy continue to weaken.

The top after-market NYSE gainers Thursday were New York & Company, Quicksilver Resources, Petroleo Brasileiro, SuperValu and Radioshack Corp. The top after-market NYSE losers were Box Ships, Lexmark International, Stillwater Mining, Abercrombie & Fitch and MPG Office Trust.

Asian markets were mixed Friday as investor remained watchful as China’s economy continued to slowdown indicating that the global economic condition is worsening.

American International Group, DryShips, Merck & Co, Complete Genomics, SAP AG, Deutsche Bank and Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. are among the companies whose shares are moving in pre-market trading Thursday.

Asian stock markets plunged Thursday as unexpected interest rate cut in South Korea fueled concerns over global economic slowdown and the Federal Reserve offered no strong hints about another round of quantitative easing.

U.S. stock index futures pointed to a lower opening Thursday as investor sentiment continued to be dragged down by weak global economic conditions.

Most European markets fell Thursday as investor sentiment continued to be negative over increasing concerns of the faltering global economic situation and deepening debt burden of the euro zone.

Crude oil prices lowered slightly and hovered above $85 a barrel in Asian trade Thursday, as investors opted for caution ahead of the Chinese GDP data.

The top after-market NYSE gainers Wednesday were MEMC Electronic Materials, Fairchild Semiconductor, Fairchild Semiconductor, Hexcel Corp and Donaldson Company. The top after-market NYSE losers were SuperValu, Calix, New Mountain Finance, Callaway Golf and Callaway Golf.

Most Asian markets fell Thursday as investor worries about worsening global economic downturn strengthened following unanticipated interest rate cut in South Korea.

Obagi Medical Products, Arm Holdings, Silver Wheaton, Banco Bilbao Vizcaya, Newmont Mining, Arena Pharmaceuticals, Goldcorp, CYS Investments and Research In Motion are among the companies whose shares are moving in pre-market trading Wednesday.

U.S. stock index futures point to higher opening Wednesday, but investors remain watchful amid concerns that the sluggish global economy and the euro zone debt burden will hurt the earnings of companies.

Asian stock markets mostly ended lower Wednesday, following declines on Wall Street Overnight, as concerns over corporate earnings outlook and euro zone crisis weighed on the sentiment.

Most European markets fell Wednesday as investor sentiment remained fragile following concerns of the worsening economic condition in the euro zone to hurt quarterly earnings of companies.

The top after-market NYSE gainers Tuesday were Banco Santander Brasil, Actuant Corp, Allison Transmission, Mueller Water Products and Forest Oil Corp. The top after-market NYSE losers were hhgregg, Best Buy Co, Hovnanian Enterprises, Goldcorp and SandRidge Mississippian Trust.

Most Asian markets fell Wednesday amid investor concerns about the euro zone?s debt burden to worsen global economic downturn.

Asian stock markets ended lower Tuesday as a weak Chinese trade data stoked fears of a growth slowdown in the world?s second largest economy.

U.S. stock index futures point to a lower opening Tuesday, as weak global economic conditions and debt burden in the euro zone continued to drag down the investor sentiment.

Most European markets marginally rose Tuesday as investors remained in a watchful mode amid concerns that the economic condition in the euro zone is worsening.

Crude oil futures declined Tuesday as the offshore oil and gas workers strike in Norway ended overnight after the government's intervention.

The top after-market NYSE gainers Monday were Cellcom Israel, Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Yingli Green Energy Holding, Sunrise Senior Living and Zale Corp. The top after-market NYSE losers were Advanced Micro Devices, Beazer Homes USA, Douglas Emmett, Quantum Corp and Senior Housing Properties Trust.

Most Asian markets fell Tuesday amid investor concerns about the intensifying debt crisis looming over the euro zone and the worsening global economic downturn.

Ford Motor Company, Ellie Mae Inc, Infosys Ltd, ArcelorMittal, Banco Santander S.A., Nokia Corporation and Deutsche Bank AG are among the companies whose shares are moving in pre-market trading Monday.