Turkish stocks fell on Thursday, ahead of an expected decision by the central bank to cut interest rates. Other indices also fell, but Russian potash miner Uralkali rose over 4 per cent, putting it up 27 per cent so far this month, on reports that it is close to sealing a deal for its largest domestic counterpart Silvinit. Bloomberg reported that the purchase has got government approval.

In Hungary, mortgage lender FHB hit a fifteen-month low, after the European Commission said it will investigate whether state support for the company’s 2009 restructuring breached EU rules. Continue reading »

Markets in Asia were mainly down on Thursday as Eurozone debt concerns continued. Vietnam’s main index dropped nearly 3 per cent, after Moody’s downgraded the country’s sovereign debt, although the decision seemed to have little effect on its currency.

India’s central bank left its benchmark rate unchanged; stocks edged up. In Shanghai, banks were down on fears that Beijing will implement further tightening measures. Generally, volumes were thin as traders continue to wind down positions for the year end. Continue reading »

* US-China trade talks advance

* China loan for India’s Reliance Communications

* Russia’s ARMZ buys Mantra for $1.15bn

* Huawei seeks to secure a larger market share

* Google not to share encryption keys with India Continue reading »