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Japan's Nikkei share average fell on Friday for the first time in four days ahead of U.S. jobs data, though Sony Corp (6758.T) soared as investors hoped a new CEO would turn things around after it forecast a $2.9 billion annual loss.

Japan's Nikkei share average fell on Friday for the first time in four days ahead of U.S. jobs data, though Sony Corp (6758.T) soared as investors hoped a new CEO would turn things around after it forecast a $2.9 billion annual loss.

Stock index futures edged higher on Friday as investors awaited the monthly payrolls report to see whether to make more large bets in risk assets after recent equity gains.

A Maine seafarer said he had found the wreck of a World War II merchant ship off the Massachusetts coast, sunk while carrying a cargo of the precious metal platinum valued today at nearly $3 billion, an unprecedented find that has raised some doubts.

Stock index futures edged higher on Friday as investors awaited the monthly payrolls report to see whether to make more large bets in risk assets after recent equity gains.

In an attempt to blunt the criticism against its decision to cut funding for the Planned Parenthood, the Susan G. Komen Foundation for Cure denied the influence of political views in its decision.

New Delhi's expected move to allow global airlines to own as much as 49 percent in Indian carriers has been welcomed by investors as a potential lifeline for an industry mired in $20 billion of debt and on course to rack up $3 billion in annual losses. But aviation-industry experts say any celebration is premature.

Samsung Galaxy Note, known as the first hybrid of smartphone and tablet, will hit the U.S. market on Feb. 17. The shape, size and features of the phone have already generated a great amount of interest among smartphone enthusiasts. But conquering the market will not be that easy for the Samsung hybrid as Nokia is also set to launch its flagship Windows phone - the Lumia 900 handset. Let us take a look at the specifications of the Nokia Lumia 900 and compare them to the Samsung Galaxy Note.

Gold prices climbed Friday, their 21st daily increase in the last 24 trading sessions, toward a two-month high as support from a weaker dollar offset falling crude oil prices.

The libertarian Congressman from Texas hasn't had a real-world victory in any of the four Republican presidential primaries held so far. His best performance was in Iowa caucuses where he was placed closely behind the GOP frontrunner Mitt Romney, drawing 21.5 percent of the total votes cast. However, Paul, unmistakeably, happens to win - with an overwhelmingly high margin - almost every online election poll, regardless of whether it is hosted by mainstream media or by a niche politica...

U.S. small business hiring was flat in January, a poll released on Friday showed, slightly better than the previous month's reading but still far from levels consistent with strong employment growth.

A dip in figures on China's non-manufacturing sector helped dampen financial markets optimism on Friday ahead of U.S. jobs data that will offer more clues on the strength of the world's top economy.

U.S. employment growth probably slowed in January as messengers hired during the busy holiday shopping season were laid off, but the improving labor market trend should remain intact.

Gold prices held steady on Friday, on course for a fifth straight week of gains, as investors awaited a key U.S. labor market report after upbeat jobless claims data in the previous session helped send bullion to a two-month high.

The rupee rose on Friday, supported by dollar inflows, although choppy local shares and cautious sentiment across world financial markets ahead of key U.S. jobs data capped major gains in the local currency.

Asian shares and the euro fell on Friday as debt restructuring talks between Greece and its creditors dragged on, undermining sentiment, and investors sat tight ahead of U.S. jobs data that will offer more clues on the health of the world's top economy.

More than 45 auto manufacturers are expected to be competing globally in the electric vehicle market with approximately 75 models by 2015, according to a study from IHS Automotive Supplier Business. Depending on the strength of the global recovery of automotive markets and the speed with which the electric vehicle (EV) models are marketed and the supporting infrastructure, cumulative sales are expected to total 700,000 to 1 million.

The BSE Sensex was subdued on Friday as some profit-taking emerged after the index rose more than 3 percent in the last three sessions, and as weak Asian markets ahead of key U.S. jobs data dented investor sentiment.

So much for Facebook fatigue.A survey released on Friday shows that people who have used the social networking site over a long period - since its founding in 2004, say - show no sign that they are tired of posting pictures, updating weekend plans or just relaying random thoughts.

The Bank of America is no longer the nation's biggest mortgage servicer in the U.S., according to the latest report.

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will perform at the 2012 Grammy Awards, joining Adele, Paul McCartney, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift and Nicki Minaj on the music show lineup.