Financial Markets, Stocks & Commodities

Australian reports

• Aust markets: ASX dragged lower by banks
• Aust dollar report: $A closes higher on rates speculation
• Aust credit close: Bonds closed mixed as investors shy away

World reports

• World commodities: Energy prices climb amid US winter storm
• World markets: US stocks dip amid caution on recovery

Stocks to watch

ALZ, AWC, BEC, BKI, BKW, SOL, BKN, CDI, CLO, COH, DJS, MQG, OZL, RKN, SGT, TWR, WHS,

Coca-Cola Q4 profit rises five per cent

Coca-Cola says its fourth-quarter profit climbed as the world's largest drink maker sold five per cent more beverages worldwide.

Opel unveils revamp plan, 8,300 jobs cut

Around 8,300 jobs will be slashed in Europe, Opel boss Nick Reilly said, as he unveiled a long-awaited plan for the future of the ailing GM unit.

Govt rethinks $5m misconduct penalty

The federal government has backed down on a plan to slug corporations and individuals up to $5 million for market misconduct.

US investigators cast new doubt on Toyota

WASHINGTON, Feb 9 AFP 03:01AM US investigators doubt Toyota fully understands what is causing its accelerator problems and are even less sure new floor mats are a solution, said a memo to lawmakers made availab...

Toyoda takes 'personal responsibility' for automaker woes

WASHINGTON, Feb 9 AFP 01:16AM Toyota president Akio Toyoda says he accepts "personal responsibility" for the automaker's recalls and safety woes and has vowed to rebuild confidence in the company.

US will 'hold' Toyota to safety promise: official

WASHINGTON, Feb 9 AFP 01:06AM President Barack Obama's administration will "hold" Toyota to its promise that the Japanese automaker takes US safety concerns seriously, says the head of the Transportation Depart...