Google undaunted by loss of Facebook to rival

Unfazed by rival Microsoft winning a race to partner with online phenomenon Facebook, Google wooed analysts Wednesday with plans to wring even more riches from the Internet.

Canon has first slide in 2 years

Canon Inc, Japan's most profitable office equipment maker, reported its first quarterly profit decline in two years because of a foreign-currency loss. The company cut its full-year sales forecast, citing a stronger yen.

Microsoft earnings expected to rise

Microsoft Corp, the world's largest software maker, may be piquing investors' interest again after languishing since January.

Sony buoyed by camera demand

Sony Corp, the world's second-largest consumer electronics maker, said that its profit climbed to the highest in three quarters, buoyed by demand for Cyber-shot cameras and the sale of real estate property.

IN BRIEF (Page 16)

Business International

Tougher emission rules choke Volvo profit

Volvo AB, the world's second-largest truckmaker, posted the third straight drop in quarterly profit after stricter emissions rules caused US truck sales to plunge.

BMW may buy more Japanese parts

BMW AG, the world's largest maker of luxury cars, is considering buying more parts from Japanese suppliers to offset the decline of the yen against the euro.

Nissan's Ghosn aims for 'neutral' currency impact

Nissan Motor Co, Japan's third- largest automaker, aims for a "neutral" impact from currency fluctuations, Chief Executive Officer Carlos Ghosn said yesterday.

Drought drives Australian wheat farmers to brink

Farmer John Ridley won't be harvesting so much as a bag of wheat this season from fields that stretch to the horizon as Australia's worst drought in 100 years takes its toll on the country's grain belt.

Copper down in London

Copper fell in London on concern that the slowing US housing market will curb demand for the metal used in wires and pipes. Nickel and lead also declined.

Futures slide as Russia shelves further export tax increase

Wheat futures in Chicago declined for a second day as Russia said it had no plans to raise export duties further and on speculation that record high prices will encourage increased planting of the grain globally.