RPT-US services growth rises unexpectedly in June -ISM

(Reuters) - The Institute for Supply Management's services index rose
to 60.7 in June from 59.7 in May. The median forecast among
analysts polled Reuters was 58.0. A number above 50 indicates
growth in the sector.




Read more at Reuters.com Economic News

UPDATE 1-Canada purchasing activity jumps in June-Ivey

(Reuters) - The index, the joint project of the Purchasing Management
Association of Canada and the Richard Ivey School of Business,
rose to 67.4 in June from 62.7 in May.




A reading of 50.0 indicates that activity remained flat
from the preceding month, while a higher reading indicates an
increase and a lower reading reflects a slowing or decrease.


Read more at Reuters.com Economic News

Australian Dollar Rises to Highest in 18-Years on Attraction of Yields

(Bloomberg) -- The Australian dollar rose to an 18-
year high against the U.S. currency and the strongest in 16
years versus the yen as investors were attracted to the nation's
high-yielding assets.

The Australian currency has advanced 12 percent against the
yen this year as traders borrow in Japan, where the benchmark
interest rate is 0.5 percent, to fund investments elsewhere.
Australia's key borrowing cost is 6.25 percent. Stocks rose in
Asia and Europe, prompting investors to buy riskier assets.


Read more at Bloomberg Currencies News

Chile's Peso Weakens on Lower-Than-Expected Economic Expansion During May

(Bloomberg) -- Chile's peso weakened after the
economy expanded at a lower-than-expected rate in May, reducing
the likelihood of an interest rate increase next week.

Chile's economy grew 4.8 percent in May from a year
earlier, the central bank said today on its Web site. South
America's fifth-biggest economy grew less than the 5.5 percent
median forecast in a Bloomberg survey of 16 economists. Chile's
economy expanded 6.6 percent in April.


Read more at Bloomberg Currencies News

US STOCKS-Futures inch higher on M&A, data eyed

(Reuters) - NEW YORK, July 5 - U.S. stock futures edged
higher on Thursday, boosted by takeover news, but investors
were cautious before economic data that could give clues on the
outlook for interest rates.




Shares of Hilton Hotels Corp. rose 30 percent to
$47 before the bell after U.S. private equity firm Blackstone
Group on Tuesday agreed to buy the company for about $20
billion plus debt. For details, see [ID:nN03234692].


Read more at Reuters.com Bonds News

UPDATE 1-Concho registers IPO at $14-$16/shr price band

(Reuters) - In an amended filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission, the company said it plans to sell about 13.3
million shares, while some stockholders will sell the remaining
about 7.9 million shares.




Midland, Texas-based Concho said it has been authorized to
apply for listing on the New York Stock Exchange under the
symbol "CXO."


Read more at Reuters.com Bonds News

BAE, Cadbury, Ladbrokes, Lloyds and Xstrata: U.K., Irish Equity Preview

(Bloomberg) -- The following stocks may rise or fall
in U.K. and Irish markets today. Stock symbols are in parentheses
and prices are from the market close yesterday.

The benchmark FTSE 100 Index advanced 33.30, or 0.5 percent,
to close at 6673.10 in London as 80 stocks rose, 21 fell and one
was unchanged. The FTSE All-Share Index gained 18.04, or 0.5
percent, to 3445.33.


Read more at Bloomberg Stocks News