Cisco hopes switch can boost fortunes

Cisco Systems Inc plans to sell a network switch with the same features as server and storage systems, spurring competition with computer makers such as International Business Machines Corp.

Suez says sewage offers great prospects

Suez Environnement, Europe's second-largest water company, said future growth will come from improving sewage treatment systems in southern and central European countries.

IN BRIEF (Page 17)

Chipmaker Qualcomm climbs on increased sales forecast

Qualcomm Inc, the second-biggest maker of chips that run mobile phones, climbed as much as 8.9 percent in extended trading after the company raised its 2008 sales forecast, citing stronger demand.

Stocks climb in Europe, Asia

Stocks rallied in Asia and Europe as talks to bail out bond insurers and rising profits at Siemens AG helped to boosted optimism that equity markets will weather a slowdown in the United States.

Oil rises to near $88 a barrel

Oil rose near $88 a barrel yesterday, after a late surge in US stock indices helped cool simmering fears of a recession in top energy consumer the United States.

Business International

EBay's new chief to use lower fees to speed growth

EBay Inc, the world's largest Internet auctioneer, will cut fees on diamond bracelets and Batman movie posters as incoming Chief Executive Officer John Donahoe tries to boost slowing sales growth.

IN BRIEF (Page 17)

Nokia says profit rose 44 percent

Nokia Oyj, the world's biggest maker of mobile phones, said fourth-quarter profit increased 44 percent as it took market share and shipments rose to a record.

Business International

European stocks fall on Trichet comments

European stocks declined after European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet said he's committed to fighting inflation, damping optimism that borrowing costs may drop anytime soon.