BEIJING (AP) — International stock markets were mostly lower today after unexpected weakness in Chinese manufacturing tempered enthusiasm for Japan’s surprise central bank stimulus. Futures point to a lower opening on Wall Street this morning. Benchmark U.S. crude oil fell to just above $80 a barrel. The dollar gained against the yen and the euro.
UNDATED (AP) — Investors are looking for more positive news on the U.S. economic recovery as a new trading month begins. The Institute for Supply Management will release its manufacturing index for October today. And the Commerce Department will report on September’s construction spending. Also today, automakers will reveal how many vehicles they sold in October.
LONDON (AP) — HSBC, the U.K.’s biggest bank, set aside $378 million for possible fines arising from probes into foreign exchange manipulation, joining other major British lenders in bracing for the outcome of the investigations. HSBC, which does business in 74 countries and territories, says the charges and higher costs in a number of markets increased operating expenses by 15.7 percent to $11.1 billion. Net income in the third quarter ending Sept. 30 still rose 7.2 percent to $3.43 billion.
NEW YORK (AP) — The new World Trade Center, risen from the ashes of 9/11, gets its first tenant today as publishing giant Conde Nast starts moving in, a little more than 13 years after the terrorist attack. The official opening of One World Trade Center, a 104-story, $3.9 billion skyscraper that dominates the Manhattan skyline marks an emotional milestone for both New Yorkers and the nation. America’s tallest building is the centerpiece of the site where the decimated twin towers once stood.
NEW YORK (AP) — Hotel guests could soon be heading to their rooms without ever seeing the front desk. New programs are helping speed up the check-in process for busy travelers, or in at least one case, letting them go straight to their rooms by using their smartphone to unlock doors. The innovations are still being tweaked but are beginning to spread.
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