Stocks drop on bank results, oil

Stocks in Europe and Asia dropped as investors speculated bank losses will increase and near-record oil prices will curb economic growth. US index futures rose.

Africa bucks international trend

Safaricom Ltd, Celtel Zambia Plc and Dangote Flour Mills Plc are helping turn Africa into the world's hottest source for initial public offerings.

Executives warn inflation remains biggest threat

Inflation is now the biggest threat to the global economy as the credit crisis starts to recede, according to executives and officials who met in Russia over the weekend.

Business International

Vietnam may intervene to maintain currency's value

Vietnam's foreign exchange reserves are sufficient for the government to step in to help maintain the value of the dong, said Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, damping concern the currency will collapse.

IN BRIEF (Page 16)

Business International

Yahoo fires broadside at Icahn

Yahoo Inc, facing an attempt by Carl Icahn to oust its board, fired back at the billionaire investor after he said an employee-retention plan had helped thwart a $47.5 billion acquisition by Microsoft Corp.

French firm bids for TeliaSonera

France Telecom SA offered 252.5 billion kronor ($41.9 billion) to buy Sweden's TeliaSonera AB and create the world's fourth-biggest telephone company.

Where next for Oracle's Ellison?

Oracle Corp Chief Executive Officer Larry Ellison has spent $33.5 billion buying the software maker's way into markets for telecommunications, retail and financial-services programs.

Intel fined for antitrust rules breach

Intel Corp, the world's biggest computer-chip maker, was fined about 26 billion won ($25 million) by South Korea's antitrust regulator for deterring competition by offering illicit discounts to customers.

Folgers purchase has added bonus for JM Smucker

JM Smucker Co's $3 billion purchase of the biggest-selling US coffee brand has a side benefit that may be even more valuable: adding Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc as one of its largest shareholders.