S.Korea exports up less than expected

South Korean exports in December rose less than expected, data showed yesterday, and the government forecast overseas sales this year would slow on weakening demand from the United States.

Hyundai aims at 20% sales growth

South Korea's top automaker, Hyundai Motor Co, aims to increase car sales by a fifth this year to 3.11 million vehicles, but the ambitious growth target in fiercely competitive markets failed to impress investors, who marked Hyundai shares down more than 4 percent.

Mack, Ospel should hand back their 2006 bonuses

It's the season of goodwill, so some senior bankers, a breed not usually known for giving up rewards, have decided to skip their bonuses for 2007.

IN BRIEF (Page 16)

Business International

Champagne shortage to boost LVMH fortunes

When New Year's Eve revelers popped the cork on a limited-edition $1,150 bottle of 1996 Krug Clos du Mesnil champagne to celebrate the arrival of 2008, investors also had reasons to be cheerful.

Qualcomm punished over patent violations

A federal judge in California ruled on Monday that wireless chipmaker Qualcomm Inc must immediately stop selling third-generation, or 3G, WCDMA cellular chips that infringe on the Broadcom Corp patents.

Buffett may not be called in trial

Billionaire Warren Buffett, on the prosecution witness list in the criminal trial of former General Reinsurance Corp Chief Executive Officer Ronald Ferguson, may not be called to testify, the government said in court filings on Monday.

Priming your investment portfolio for the year ahead

For many unsuspecting investors, 2007 was a year in which the conventional wisdom of safety and risk got a sound thrashing.

IN BRIEF (Page 16)

Business International

Bewkes set to dismantle media empire

Jeffrey Bewkes, who takes over as chief executive officer of Time Warner Inc next week, may be measured by how quickly he can dismantle the world's largest media company.