In China, Bush nostalgia Jan 6, 2009
The Bush White House has also seen China reach deeper into Africa for raw materials while at the same time cozying up to some disreputable regimes - for example, those of President Omar Hassan al-Bashir of Sudan and President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe - with a no-strings-attached policy that prompted only muted concern from Washington. Likewise, the significant expansion and modernization of China's military machine drew only polite expressions of concern and calls for greater transparency from... (Asia Times Online)
Jupiter-like Planets Form Around Twin Suns? Jan 6, 2009
The scientists found in large abundance raw materials for planet formation around the nearby stars, including circumstellar carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide, in the noxious molecular gas cloud. The young stars, approximately 10 million years old, are close in proximity to each other only 10 solar diameters apart and orbit each other once every 2. (Science Daily)
Testes Stem Cells Change Into Other Tissues Jan 6, 2009
Testes Stem Cells Can Change Into Other Body Tissues. Testes Stem Cells Can Change Into Other Body Tissues. (Science Daily)
Survey: Recession will worsen in months ahead Jan 6, 2009
The prices-paid index, which tracks the cost of supplies and raw materials, dropped to a record low of 33 from November s 49. 6 and October s 61. (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)
Disaster looms for rich Wallacea Jan 6, 2009
"Local people should learn safe ways to work the land. They should also learn to make added-value products and not only sell raw materials," he said. Jatna Supriatna, executive director of Conservation International Indonesia, said the local administrations in the Wallacea regions should be able to develop ecotourism attractions. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Features)
Pricing Pains For AK Steel Jan 6, 2009
The company said the February 2009 surcharges will be based on December 2008 prices for raw materials and energy. Although commodity prices in general moved lower in the fourth quarter, costs for the raw materials used in electrical steel such as silicon, iron ore, and scrap steel have risen, said Longbow Research analyst Bob Richard. (Forbes -- Markets)
Raw materials prices have record drop Jan 6, 2009
OTTAWA As oil prices plummeted in November, the prices manufactures got for products leaving the factory gate dropped by a record amount, as did the cost of raw materials ... 6 per cent and raw materials price indexes 13 ... Raw materials prices were down for the fourth month in a row, falling about the same amount as they did in October marking the two largest monthly declines since 1977. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
Australian Dollar Rises to 12-Week High on Commodities, Obama; N.Z. Gains Jan 6, 2009
The of 19 raw materials climbed to 237 ... New Zealand relies on raw materials including milk and timber for 70 percent of its overseas shipments. (Bloomberg -- Australia & New Zealand)
Steel yourselves for car price increases, warns Nissan chief Jan 6, 2009
"It's a question of time. How can you not increase prices if the price of raw materials goes up 100 percent?" ... Manufacturers of vehicles would have to raise their prices by about 2 percent or 3 percent this year if they wanted to offset the rising cost of raw materials, he added. (Business Report, South Africa)
Don't Delay Home Repair Projects Jan 5, 2009
The rising cost of these raw materials will, in turn, raise the costs for a variety of items used in home improvements. Whether planning to fix your leaky roof, add a deck for enjoyment or increase your living space, the price of building materials continues to climb. (Pekin Times, IL)
Ghana - Marching into Sustained and Progressive Development Jan 5, 2009
One thing is clear, every time we export our raw materials abroad to the Americas, Europe, China, etc ... This is what is happening to our economy every time we ship raw materials such as cocoa, pineapples, timber, gold, diamonds, bauxite, etc ... For how much longer will we continue to be the producers of raw materials to feed factories in the West and around the world except in our own country. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Gold Prices May Gain for Fifth Week as Investors Seek Haven From Recession Jan 5, 2009
5 percent in 2008, while the Standard & Poors 500 Index fell 38 percent and the Reuters/Jefferies CRB Index of 19 raw materials dropped 36 percent. The metal gained for an eighth straight year. (Bloomberg -- Germany)
Report says fall fertilizer application only 43 percent complete (18) Jan 5, 2009
Other factors in the fall in fertilizer prices include the collapse of raw materials costs, lower fertilizer price expectations pushing demand to the spring and production cutbacks due to full pipelines. Things that could happen in the spring of 2009 are more stable financial markets, improved credit availability and a commodity price rally, he said. (Sioux Falls Tri-State Neighbor, SD)
As exports cool in Asia, so does inflation Jan 5, 2009
In the middle of 2008, policy makers in Asia and elsewhere were preoccupied with curbing a sharp rise in inflation as prices for raw materials soared. But they are now concerned about averting a slump in economic activity after a drastic slowdown in the global economy in the wake of the credit crunch that began in September. (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
Amcor plans to put more jobs on shelf Jan 5, 2009
But over the past year it has been hit by cheap Asian imports and higher costs for raw materials. Blue-chip clients are said to be using the threat of imports to pressure Amcor to lower prices. (The Age, Australia -- Business)
Medium to large enterprises' optimism slumps Jan 5, 2009
The drop in optimism in Malaysia was due to the slump in the stock markets, poor performances of major corporations and drastic drops in exports and prices of raw materials, he told StarBiz. The gloom is expected to last for the next six to 12 months based on the outlook for Malaysian exports and prices of raw materials. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Would you Adam and Eve it? Coors... Jan 5, 2009
He says that the group will increasingly emphasise the beer s integrity and provenance and is working with hop farmers to source 100 per cent of its raw materials from the UK within two to three years ... Mr Hunter points to Walkers crisps as an example of a big consumer brand that has made a virtue of its focus on using British raw materials. (New York Post -- Business)
For most investors, 2008 offered no places to hide Jan 4, 2009
While the commodities markets shot higher in the first half, giving a lift to funds that focused on natural resources and raw materials, the abrupt turnaround in commodities - including crude oil's drop from $147 a barrel to $35 - plunged those funds into the same depths as more diversified funds. Financial services funds, which suffered as banks and insurance companies were pummeled by the credit crisis and the collapse of Lehman and , had a negative return of 46. (Boston Globe)
Energy options brew in Brevard Jan 4, 2009
Inside, a plasma arc heats the glycerol to about 970 degrees Celsius, ripping apart the molecule and reforming it into a gas of mostly hydrogen and carbon monoxide -- the raw materials of biodiesel. The resulting synthesis or "syn" gas then can be converted into other clean liquid fuels, such as methanol, which can be converted into biodiesel. (Florida Today)
* Asian stocks post weekly gain on energy, raw materials Jan 4, 2009
Asian stocks post weekly gain on energy, raw materials. CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM: Energy and raw-materials stocks bolstered Asian markets last week amid expectations that the global economy might perk up later this year BLOOMBERG AND AFP, HONG KONG Sunday, Jan 04, 2009, Page 10. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Teter snowboards for higher cause Jan 4, 2009
Hannah has set the goal of raising $100,000 for Kirindon in 2009, an amount that goes a lot further in Africa than it would in America in part because everything labor, raw materials is cheaper. Some of the money comes from selling syrup and some from donations made via her Web site, ">hannahsgold.com. Even bigger chunks could come, of course, from the $10,000 and $20,000 prize checks she could win on tour this season. The idea to donate the checks came during one of those typically dark... (Erie Times-News, PA)
China sets 10% growth target for township enterprises Jan 4, 2009
Vice Agricultural Minister Gao Hongbin told a work meeting in late December that the industrial output of township enterprises had slowed in 2008 because of the stronger yuan, interruptions caused by natural disasters and rising costs of labor, energy and raw materials. But the sector's growth still exceeded the double-digit level in the turbulent year of 2008, he said. (Xinhuanet, China)
Buttonwood: Ready for a rally? Jan 3, 2009
If consumer demand turns out to be better than expected, then companies may find themselves desperate to get hold of components and raw materials. Pricing power will return and commodity prices will shoot back up. (The Economist)
KEMET Announces Noncompliance With NYSE Market Capitalization Standard Jan 3, 2009
Factors that may cause actual outcome and results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements include, but are not necessarily limited to, availability, sourcing and pricing of raw materials, pressures on sales prices and volumes due to competition and economic conditions, reliance on and financial viability of significant customers, operating performance of joint ventures, alliances and other equity investments, technological advancements,... (PR Newswire)
TOR Minerals Receives Shareholder Approval for Private Placement Jan 3, 2009
There can be no assurance that the actual results, business conditions, business developments, losses and contingencies and local and foreign factors will not differ materially from those suggested in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including market conditions, general economic conditions, including the present slow down in U.S. construction and the risks of a general business slow down or recession, the increasing cost of energy, raw materials and labor,... (PR Newswire)
Canadian Dollar Rises as Commodities Including Crude Oil Gain Jan 3, 2009
The currency climbed 1 percent this week against its U.S. counterpart as the of 19 raw materials advanced for the first time in three weeks ... The Reuters/Jefferies CRB Index, which includes raw materials such as crude oil, gold, nickel and natural gas, climbed 8. (Bloomberg)
Treasury to Mull Citi-style Rescues on Case-by-Case ... Jan 3, 2009
(The raw materials a company owns to make that inventory also falls under this category. . (Fox News)
Mountain States economy looks troubled Jan 3, 2009
The inflation gauge, which tracks the cost of raw materials and supplies, sank to a record low of 42. 9, down sharply from November s 58. (Denver Business Journal, CO)
Manufacturing outlook 'grim' Jan 3, 2009
Although its weakness is on the face of it good news for exporters, it also means imports are more expensive, pushing the cost of raw materials higher. Among the larger parts of the industrial sector facing particular strife is the car industry, which has called upon the Government for a taxpayer-funded bail-out similar to the one being debated in the US. Jaguar and Land Rover have announced job cuts. (Telegraph.co.uk)
* Oil slides as traders view gains as excessive Jan 3, 2009
The Reuters/Jefferies CRB Index of 19 raw materials dropped 40 percent, the biggest plunge since 1957. Crude oil may rise next week as OPEC makes record production cuts to counter the deepest economic slump since World War II.. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
* Stocks open year on high note Jan 3, 2009
Chinese telecom firms surged after Beijing approved next-generation mobile licenses, and commodity companies were lifted by stronger prices for raw materials. European benchmarks followed Asia higher in early trade. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Canada Stocks Have Best Start to Year Since '77, Led by Suncor, FNX Mining Jan 3, 2009
Energy, Raw Materials. Energy stocks advanced 5. (Bloomberg -- Canada)
Housing data due Friday Jan 3, 2009
Economists expect industrial product prices to fall 1 per cent from the previous month and raw materials to drop 9 per cent.. The U.S. Department of Commerce reports on factory orders in November. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
Jacksonville Port should fare better than rivals Jan 3, 2009
These reduced expectations, coupled with the slumping demand for goods and raw materials, will continue to affect the logistics industry. Despite this, Northeast Florida s logistics, transportation and international trade work force is expected to increase by about 1. (Jacksonville Business Journal, FL)
European Stock-Index Futures Rise; Shares Poised to Trim Record 2008 Slump Jan 2, 2009
Gauges of banks and miners both retreated 65 percent as losses at financial firms topped $1 trillion and the Reuters/Jefferies CRB Index of 19 raw materials dropped a record 36 percent. Rio Tinto, the worlds third-largest mining company, added 2. (Bloomberg -- Germany)
Fuel Faves: Coffee meets diesel! Jan 2, 2009
Misra's study points out that since biodiesel (fuel produced from vegetable matter instead of petroleum) first gained notoriety a decade ago, production has been hobbled by a shortage of raw materials. Biodiesel is expensive to make from crops like rapeseed or soybean. (Why Files)
Did Slaves Build U.S. Capitol and W... Jan 2, 2009
The slaves were involved not only in cutting logs and removing stumps for construction of the new buildings and streets in D.C., they created much-needed raw materials. Black quarrymen, sawyers, brickmakers, and carpenters fashioned raw materials into the products used to erect the White House reports the Historical Association, and ;slaves quarried and cut the rough stone that was later dressed and laid by Scottish stonecutters to erect the walls of the President s house. (Suite101.com)
Moody's "Economic Indicators: South Korea Foreign Trade" Jan 2, 2009
Coupled with the dramatic decline in the global price of crude oil and a fall in the quantity of imported raw materials and semi-finished goods for final production, the appreciation in the currency saw the value of imports in the month contract a massive 22% compared to December 2007. Lower consumer demand on the peninsula no doubt added to the fall in imports, with declining consumer sentiment manifesting itself in lower household expenditure on imported products. (YTN)
The biggest losers Jan 2, 2009
Then economic boom fuelled by China's insatiable appetite for raw materials fizzled out like a dud firework. And, oh yeah, it was a year that the godfather of stimulus packages, John "Special K" Maynard Keynes, was cool again. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
13 reasons to look forward to 2009 Jan 2, 2009
Bob Lutz, the septuagenarian vice-chairman in charge of General Motors product development, summed up the importance of an auto industry, and a manufacturing industry in general, this way in a speech late last year to the Public Relations Society of America's conference in Detroit: "We sort of convinced ourselves that we could become or maintain the wealth of the nation by basically cutting each other's hair and mowing each other's lawns. Only works until the clippers wear out and the lawnmower... (Globe and Mail)
European shares follow Asia higher Jan 2, 2009
Gauges of banks and miners both retreated 65 percent as losses at financial firms topped $1 trillion and the Reuters/Jefferies CRB Index of 19 raw materials dropped a record 36 percent. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index ended every day of 2008 below its closing level of 2007, the first time since 1977 that the gauge never produced a profit, according to Bespoke Investment Group. (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
Increased value-added tax rates on minerals kick in Jan 2, 2009
In addition to higher VAT rates, the country's State Reserve Bureau, which maintains stockpiles of key raw materials, was reported to be discussing a purchase of 300,000 tonnes of aluminum at a premium price from producers. The move is aimed at increasing prices and supporting producers. (Xinhuanet, China)
Atlas Iron, Murchison Metals Surge on Signs China Is Buying More Iron Ore Jan 2, 2009
The global recession has curbed demand for steel, prompting mills in Asia, Europe and North America to slash purchases of raw materials. Contract prices for iron ore may halve to $46 a ton next year as demand from China slumps, Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd. said in November. (Bloomberg -- Australia & New Zealand)
Commodities Boom Turned to Bust as World Economy Crumbled in Second Half Jan 2, 2009
In 2008, the Reuters/Jefferies CRB Index of 19 raw materials fell 36 percent, the most since the gauge debuted in 1956, to 229. 54. (Bloomberg -- Australia & New Zealand)
John White of Standard Renewable Energy Group LLC Jan 1, 2009
For biodiesel to get better play, the key is to find better raw materials that are not in the food chain. Incentives will accelerate development in this sector, too. (Houston Business Journal, TX)
Market Closes On Worst Year Since 1931 Jan 1, 2009
The declining prices of other commodities, which have come down in response to rapidly waning demand for raw materials around the world, should also help. In addition, some analysts believe the market will improve because so many investors have pulled out, leaving little room for more selling. (CBS News)
Commodities Look to Close out Rough Year Jan 1, 2009
As demand seemed to be waning for raw materials, so did speculators' appetite for commodities; several hedge funds that bought at the top of the market, particularly in oil, ran into trouble and were forced to close. 1. (ABC News -- Wire)
Gold rises, caps eighth straight annual gain Jan 1, 2009
Recessions in the US, Europe and Japan sent the Reuters/Jefferies CRB Index of 19 raw materials to the biggest drop ever and erased more than $US30 trillion in value from global equity markets. Silver fell 24% in 2008, while platinum dropped 38% and palladium plunged 50. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Commodities race to highs then plunge in a wild '08 Jan 1, 2009
As demand seemed to be waning for raw materials, so did speculators' appetite for commodities; several hedge funds that bought at the top of the market, particularly in oil, ran into trouble and were forced to close. Patricia Mohr, an economics and commodity market specialist at Scotiabank, called 2008 "a tumultuous one for commodity prices." She said the "shift from boom to bust in many commodities has been the most rapid" the bank has seen in years. (OregonLive, OR -- Business)
Resolve to recycle in 2009 Jan 1, 2009
For example, it takes 95 percent less energy to recycle aluminum that it does to make it from raw materials. Producing steel from recycled materials saves 60 percent of the energy needed to produce it from virgin resources. (Brownstown Jackson County Banner, IN)
Equipment snafu prompts Olin force majeure Jan 1, 2009
Caustic soda and chlorine manufactured at the Henderson facility are used as raw materials at Olin s Santa Fe Springs, Calif. and Tracy, Calif. (St. Louis Business Journal, MO)
KC Fed district manufacturing stays weak Jan 1, 2009
The raw materials inventory index fell to -18 in December, another all-time low. It was at -11 in November and -1 a year ago. (Wichita Business Journal, KS)
Emerging-Market Bonds Post Worst Year in a Decade as Investors Seek Safet Jan 1, 2009
The of 19 raw materials dropped 40 percent this year, the steepest decline since 1957. Emerging-market bonds lost 10. (Bloomberg -- Latin America)
Canadian Stocks Rise, Paring 2008 Plunge, as Banks, Energy Shares Advance Jan 1, 2009
Recessions in the U.S., Europe and Japan sent the Reuters/ of 19 raw materials to its biggest annual drop and erased about $30 trillion in value from global equity markets. Oilexco slumped 68 percent to 29 cents. (Bloomberg -- Canada)
After Brutal '08, Investors Look Ahead Jan 1, 2009
Much of the market's leadership came from raw materials such as oil and gas, metal ores, steel and fertilizers. Those groups were reacting to soaring commodity prices. (Investors Business Daily)
Gold Rises, Caps Eighth Straight Annual Gain, on Investor Demand for Haven Jan 1, 2009
Recessions in the U.S., Europe and Japan sent the Reuters/Jefferies CRB Index of 19 raw materials to the biggest drop ever and erased more than $30 trillion in value from global equity markets. Silver fell 24 percent in 2008, while platinum dropped 38 percent and palladium plunged 50 percent. (Bloomberg -- Australia & New Zealand)
Interface Announces Global Restructuring Plan Dec 31, 2008
The forward-looking statements set forth above involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any such statement, including risks and uncertainties associated with economic conditions in the commercial interiors industry as well as the risks and uncertainties discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" included in Item 1A of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 28, 2008 and Annual Report on Form 10-K for... (PR Newswire)
Diverse Landscapes Are Better: Policymakers Urged To Think Broadly About Biofuel Crops Dec 31, 2008
The researchers say achieving the biofuel production levels mandated by Congress will take millions of acres to provide the necessary raw materials and will change agricultural landscapes. Understanding how these landscape changes affect the sustainability of biofuel production is the overall goal of the research. (Science Daily)
Trade plan may save jobs at Miss. furniture firms Dec 31, 2008
The designation enables manufacturers that import raw materials or export finished goods to save hundreds of thousands of dollars in duties and processing fees. Officials with Lane Furniture, H.M. Richards and Bauhaus USA said the approval will help save about 950 cut-and-sew jobs in Lee County and will reduce the raw goods cost of each company by over $1 million annually. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Editorial Comment Dec 31, 2008
crop waste or material like wood chips as raw materials. But the technology and industry isn't there yet for commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol refining. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
Federation sees 2009 upside with global cut in production Dec 31, 2008
Ng said the prices of steel bars and rod products the major raw materials for construction projects were expected to drop further in the short term. The price for steel bars should drop further as it is RM200-RM300 per tonne higher than the regional price level, he said, adding that the price was below RM2,000 recently and it peaked at around RM4,000 per tonne in July. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Don't Delay Home Repair Projects Dec 30, 2008
The rising cost of these raw materials will, in turn, raise the costs for a variety of items used in home improvements. Whether planning to fix your leaky roof, add a deck for enjoyment or increase your living space, the price of building materials continues to climb. (Pekin Times, IL)
Looking for the Fuel of the Future Dec 30, 2008
Until that time, companies should work to ensure the raw materials and conversion processes used today result in genuinely beneficial, low-carbon biofuels. That means accelerating the pace of international sustainability and CO2 certification systems for the supply chain for "First Generation" biofuels. (Pekin Times, IL)
Chesapeake Corporation Reaches Agreement to Sell All of Its Business Operations As a Going Concern to Affiliates of Irving Place Capital Management, L.P. and Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. Dec 30, 2008
Text hiding to spacing. Parent Company and U.S. Operating Subsidiaries File Voluntary Chapter 11 Petitions in U.S. To Consummate Sale. (PR Newswire)
TABLE-Dallas Fed Texas activity index -60.6 in December Dec 30, 2008
2 Prices paid for raw materials -50. 0 -38. (Reuters)
