Mid-Day Minute - Sept 8

Challenges of Slow Growth; Falling Tensions; Bottoming Airlines

Longer-term growth still an issue

Data in the coming week should deliver more proof that a global recovery is at hand, but policy-makers are facing up to how sub-par growth over the long haul might constrain their policy choices.

Berlin softens stance on GM keeping Opel

The German government seemed to soften its stance on the possibility of U.S. carmaker General Motors scrapping plans to sell Opel and keeping the European carmaker instead when GM's board meets this week.

Relief for airlines as fall in traffic slows

Airlines and their suppliers are reporting tentative signs that a severe industry recession is bottoming out, sending shares higher on Tuesday.

Swiss topple U.S. as most competitive economy: WEF

Switzerland knocked the United States off the position as the world's most competitive economy as the crash of the U.S. banking system left it more exposed to some long-standing weaknesses, a report said on Tuesday.

OPEC set to hold supply steady, likes oil price

Oil at close to $70 means OPEC will almost certainly keep existing output cuts in place when it meets in Vienna on Wednesday, although it could seek to tighten compliance with existing targets, ministers and delegates said.

Cadbury's best bet is more cash from Kraft: analysts

Britain's Cadbury has few options but to look for a higher bid and more cash after Kraft's 10.2 billion pound ($16.7 billion) offer for the world's No 2 confectionery group, analysts said on Tuesday.

Momentum propels gold over $1,000/oz

Gold powered through the $1,000 per ounce psychological barrier on Tuesday, carried by a wave of pent-up technical momentum and dollar weakness, with some analysts eyeing last year's record high at $1,030.80.