Career News 24/7: 10 Things You Need To Know Before The Opening Bell, April 26, 2012

Thursday, April 26, 2012

10 Things You Need To Know Before The Opening Bell, April 26, 2012

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Thursday, April 26, 2012

Good morning. Here's what you need to know.

Markets in Asia were mixed overnight, with Hong Kong's Hang Seng gaining 0.8 percent. European shares largely traded lower, while U.S. futures point to a negative open.
Euro-area economic confidence fell greater than expected, down to 92.8 in April from 94.5 a month earlier. Economists had forecast a decline to 94.2.
The South Korean economy expanded by 0.9 percent during the first quarter, accelerating from the 0.3 percent gain logged at the end of 2011. Leading the growth was a surge in capital investment by the nation's businesses.
U.K. consumer confidence unexpectedly surged to its highest level since June 2011. The Nationwide Building Society said its index increased to 53 in March from 44 a month earlier. Economists had anticipated a one point decline.
Eurozone leaders have denied reports that high level ECB leaders are considering extending funding to boost illiquid banks, possibly through the European Stability Mechanism. Here are 14 awful facts about the French economy >
Two major investment banks, Deutsche Bank and Barclays, reported better-than expected bottom line results today. Barclays said net income jumped to £2.45 billion. Deutsche earned €1.4 billion, or $1.78 per share, but revenue slumped substantively — missing consensus estimates by about $400 million.
U.S. economic announcements kick off at 8:30 a.m. with initial unemployment claims. Expectations are for claims to decline to 375,000 from last week's 386,000 reading. At 10:00 a.m. pending home sales will be announced with forecasts for 1.0 percent month-on-month growth. Follow both live on Money Game >
Both Lockheed Martin and AstraZeneca announced their chief executives would step down. AstraZeneca's board was informed of David Brennan's decision yesterday. The company slashed core EPS guidance today in its earnings announcement.
Chrysler announced its highest quarterly profits in 13 years, reporting earnings of $473 million. That's four times the size of the company's results just one year ago.
Earnings are still expected out of oil giant Exxon Mobil. Analysts expect the company to report earnings per share of $2.08 per share on $119.8 billion of revenue. Here's everything you need to know about the Shale gas revolution.

Bonus: Here's the dramatic penalty-kick that just knocked Real Madrid out of the Champions League >




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