JAPAN

Asian shares fell on Wednesday as a rally fueled by speculation that the Federal Reserve may signal further moves to support the struggling U.S. economy swiftly petered out, while gold rebounded from its sharpest one-day slide in 18 months.

Asian shares fell Wednesday as a rally fueled by speculation that the Federal Reserve may further shore up the struggling U.S. economy swiftly petered out, while gold rebounded from its sharpest one-day slide in 18 months.

Gold rebounded more than 1 percent Wednesday after posting its biggest drop in 18 months, as risk appetite retreated after Moody's downgraded Japan's debt rating and strong buying interest in Asia's physical market lent support.

Moody's Investors Service cut its rating on Japan's government debt by one notch to AA3 on Wednesday, blaming a build-up of debt since the 2009 global recession and the revolving-door leadership that has hampered effective economic strategies.

The August 23 Virginia Earthquake, the most massive earthquake to hit the East Coast in 67 years, made the United States question the safety of its nuclear power plants Tuesday. The earthquake, a 5.8 on the Richter scale, was only a few miles from the North Anna nuclear power plant.

Asian shares rose on Wednesday as speculation the Federal Reserve may signal further moves to support the struggling U.S. economy sustained a modest rebound from this month's sharp sell-off.

Moody's Investors Service cut its rating on Japan's government debt by one notch to AA3 on Wednesday, blaming large budget deficits and a buildup of debt since the 2009 global recession.

Hours after a 5.8 magnitude earthquake shook the East Coast, the Washington, D.C. area was still experiencing aftershocks of considerable magnitude.

A tax rebate on natural gas imports may accelerate China's purchases of liquefied natural gas, but only marginally given high prices for spot supplies and the nation's policy of using long-term contracts.

The 5.8 magnitude earthquake that rocked Virginia Tuesday, centered 300 miles from New York City, occurred at a shallow depth in the crust, implying considerable aftershocks. The massive earthquake shook areas from North Carolina to Ottawa, Canada.

Asian suppliers to Apple Inc have begun manufacturing a lower-priced version of its hot-selling iPhone 4 with a smaller 8 gigabyte flash drive, according to two people with knowledge of the matter.

Seismologist warns of atomic power dangers after the Virginia earthquake

Although the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has completed inspection on plants around the country, there has not been adequate time for energy companies to update facilities since the safety reports were issued.

Indian Point has several seismic protections in place, including precautions for spent fuel pools.

A mild earthquake is believed to have impacted the East Coast region in the early afternoon, notching a 5.8 magnitude earthquake between Richmond, Va. and Charlottesville, Va.

Motorsports a valuable laboratory for the Chevrolet Cruze nameplate..

Asian suppliers to Apple Inc (AAPL.O) have begun manufacturing a lower-priced version of its hot-selling iPhone 4 with a smaller 8 gigabyte flash drive, according to two people with knowledge of the matter.

News that Ford Motor Co. and Toyota will work together jointly to develop a gas-electric hybrid fuel system for pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles isn't a big surprise, if one considers the source of how the arrangement came about. Ford CEO Alan Mulally and Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda crossed paths at an airport. The two company leaders talked, sharing mutual admiration for one another's companies. Talk turned to hybrid vehicles, and plans for the future. Ford is the truck leader, and Toy...

Shares of Nintendo Co Ltd surged more than 8 percent on Tuesday amid expectations the Japanese video game maker is taking steps to shore up lackluster sales of its 3DS handheld games player.

Brent crude rose toward $109 on Tuesday as fighting in Libya continued and in anticipation of a fall in U.S. crude stockpiles.

Shell, Europe's biggest oil and gas company, is likely to face long delays in bringing a $17 billion gas deal with Iraq into operation as it tackles infrastructure, export constraints and sufficient access to gas from oilfields run by industry rivals.