KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Asian stock markets were mixed today as pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong and concern about China’s economy offset good U.S. economic news. European stocks were down in early trading. Futures point to a lower Wall Street opening. Benchmark U.S. crude oil fell below $93 a barrel. The dollar gained against the yen and edged lower against the euro.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Reports on what Americans are doing with their money should attract investors’ attention today. Today, the Commerce Department will release personal income and spending figures for August. And the National Association of Realtors will issue its pending home sales index for August.
UNDATED (AP) — A quarterly survey of 46 economic forecasters generally predicts steady growth but they don’t agree on the health of specific segments of the U.S. economy. The survey released today by the National Association for Business Economics predicts that investments by businesses and government, as well as international trade activity, will grow at a faster rate than previously forecast. However, consumer spending and investments in homes will be lower than previously predicted because of Americans’ lagging wage growth and trouble obtaining loans.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A new survey finds Banks are cashing in on fees even more than before. The survey released today by Bankrate.com finds the average fee for using an out-of-network ATM climbed 5 percent over the past year to a new high of $4.35 per transaction. The average fee for using an out-of-network ATM has vaulted 23 percent over the past five years and notched a new high for eight years in a row. Overdraft fees also surged, rising on average over the past 12 months to $32.74. That’s the 16th consecutive record high.
BANGKOK (AP) — The chairman of Lenovo Group says the company has received U.S. government approval to complete its acquisition of IBM Corp.’s low-end server business and plans to use it to grow faster outside its personal computer business. He says the IBM assets will add a “growth engine” to a growing array of businesses that include computers, mobile devices and services. Also this year, Lenovo bought the Motorola Mobility smartphone business from Google Inc. for $2.9 billion.
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