BROKERWATCH HSBC upgraded to 'buy' vs 'hold' by Citigroup, target to 1,050pThomson Financial UK at a glance share guide

Good morning traders!

In Asia today, the Nikkei was recently down 377.91 points at 16,870.98, while
the Hang Seng ended the morning down 767.10 points at 22,417.84.

Crude oil for September delivery fell as much as 25 cents to $77.96 a barrel, after
finishing at a record high $78.21 on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Happy trading!

G.

PS Today marks three years of me creating this daily thread. I'd like to thank you
all for making it worthwhile and engaging. Good hunting!

Tokyo shares close sharply lower on fresh concerns over US credit woes

Greystone - many thanks for the three years of creating the thread.

BROKERWATCH Pearson upgraded to 'hold' vs 'sell' by ABN Amro

The Wednesday Press Roundup

BROKERWATCH Impresa cut to 'reduce' from 'neutral' at UBSAustralian shares close sharply lower as Macquarie plunges on US subprime woes

First Day of Dealings

Australian shares close sharply lower on subprime woes - UPDATEUK smallcap opening - Northwest Biotherapeutics drops on patent dispute

Tokyo shares close sharply lower on fresh concerns over US credit woes - UPDATEUK smallcap opening - SiRViS IT up on nominated adviser, broker appointment

Greystone - thank you for your efforts here, much appreicated, always my first port of call every day.

Kyoto - thank you too for your extraordinary efforts, I have never been so well briefed.

UK smallcap opening - FuturaGene edges up on Forage Genetics deal

Thanks Seawallwalker.

FTSE opens sharply lower

STOCKWATCH Prudential lower after interim results; broker reaction mixed

STOCKWATCH Cadbury Schweppes shares fall after results, Merrill keeps 'neutral'First Day of DealingsUK smallcap opening - Lorien rises on optimistic H1 statement

STOCKWATCH HBOS lower after in-line results; Collins Stewart maintains 'hold'

OUTLOOK Smith & Nephew Q2 profits to rise as sales grow in all business unitsUK small caps open sharply lower, dragged down with the wider market

STOCKWATCH British Airways lower after OFT fine, brokers still 'positive'

STOCKWATCH Sanofi-Aventis falls on generic competition woes, ABN says 'sell'Metals - LME inventory data (Wednesday)