Rice hits record as Wal-Mart curbs sales

Rice advanced above $25 for the first time as Wal-Mart Stores Inc's Sam's Club warehouse unit restricted purchases of some types of rice in the United States.

Ford posts surprise Q1 profit of $100m

Ford Motor Co, the world's third-largest automaker, reported an unexpected first-quarter profit of $100 million as reduced North American expenses made up for falling US sales.

Hyundai fails to match analysts' expectations

Hyundai Motor Co, South Korea's largest automaker, reported a less-than-estimated increase in first-quarter profit after a loss from derivatives linked to currency hedging eroded gains from higher car sales.

Motorola reports wider loss as shipments decline

Motorola Inc posted a wider first-quarter loss yesterday, hurt by a lack of new mobile phones to compete with Apple Inc and Nokia Oyj.

IN BRIEF (Page 15)

Business Roundup

Signing of FTA could offer new opportunity

The signing of a free trade agreement (FTA) between China and New Zealand on April 7 could give the soon-to-air cartoon Jane and the Dragon a Chinese touch.

COSCO shares rise on doubled profit

China COSCO Holdings Co, Asia's largest shipping company by market value, rose for a fifth day in Hong Kong trading, its longest winning streak this year, after annual profit doubled on the purchase of dry-bulk ships.

Biz scene

BIZ MOVE

Business Roundup

Shanghai stock index on the rebound

The Shanghai main stock index tumbled more than 4 percent to a fresh 13-month low yesterday before bouncing sharply to end higher, led by financials.

Zipping ahead in the China market

With its sales volume crossing the 100,000-unit mark last year, a 25 percent increase over 2006, German premier car producer Audi AG has strengthened its leading position in China's luxury sedan segment. The strong sales have also made China Audi's second biggest market, climbing up from the fourth position in 2006.