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Weary investors in the United States received a further pummelling yesterday as data showed new unemployment claims at a near-five-year high last week, while a leading fund manager gave warning that America faced a financial tsunami and key retailers released disappointing sales figures.
Dow plunges after warning of 'financial tsunami'
The US entered bear territory yesterday as investors took fright at a combination of weak domestic retail sales, a declining labour market and fears that faltering global growth will impact on the profits of some of America's largest multi-national companies. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost almost 345 points, or 3pc, while the broader S&P 500 index also fell 3pc in its longest stretch of losses since January, as traders and hedge fund managers continued to sell shares in major companies.
US stock markets dive for fourth day on sales and job fears
The Bank of England left interest rates unchanged for the fifth month in row despite the increasing threat of recession. The Monetary Policy Committee voted to hold rates at 5pc. It had been expected to do so with inflation at more than double the Bank's target of 2pc and expected to rise further in the coming weeks.
Bank of England leaves interest rates on hold despite recession threat
The European Central Bank kept interest rates at a seven-year high but tightened the lending rules it is demanding of its struggling banks. ECB president Jean-Claude Trichet said he was changing the collateral requirements for banks borrowing cash in exchange for stricken mortgage debt in an effort to avoid being exploited.
ECB holds interest rates but tightens loan rules
Merrill Lynch appears to have failed to sell about $200m (112m) of distressed mortgage debt to the Korea Asset Management Corp (Kamco). The US investment bank, led by chairman and chief executive John Thain, had been discussing selling the debt on to Kamco as part of a regular transaction but they are understood not to have been able to reach agreement on price.
Merrill Lynch fails to sell on debt to Koreans
Speculation sweeping the market that large hedge fund Atticus Capital is liquidating its positions and closing down is not accurate, according to executives of the firm, reports the WSJ. Tim Barakett, founder of Atticus, which has about $14bn under management, denied the rumours and said: In fact we have a large net cash position and are looking for opportunities to invest capital.
Atticus denies liquidation rumors
BP chief executive Tony Hayward expects the wave of legal and regulatory action against the company's operations in Russia to cease following a preliminary deal to resolve a fierce dispute with shareholders at its oil joint venture TNK-BP.
BP buries the hatchet with Russian partners