IBT Staff Reporter

Miner BHP Billiton has reported record levels of half year production, with output for oil, natural gas, iron ore, alumina and copper all reaching new highs.

The Office of National Statistics (ONS) has released figures showing that UK GDP went up by 0.6 per cent in the last quarter of 2007.

The Bank of England has released the minutes of the monthly meeting of the rate setting Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), showing the committee voted to keep interest rates constant in January by 8 to 1.

Microsoft and Dell on Wednesday said they will team up to release a Product Red computer and donate $80, for every computer sold, to Global Fund for AIDS medication in Africa.

Microsoft on Wednesday unveiled its plan to invest $235 million in its partners in learning program over the next five years.

Metro Goldwyn Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) on Wednesday revealed that it acquired a carriage for its MGM HD Channel on Verizon's FiOS TV service enabling it to transfer feature film hits from the MGM library to Verizon FiOS TV subscriber households in full high definition.

Shares of bond insurance firms rose on Wednesday on the chance that New York regulators may bail out the struggling firms.

U.S. stocks bounced back on Wednesday after suffering a six-session long losing streak, after the Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced from more than 323 points in earlier trading to just under 300 points.

Wheat fell in U.S. along with corn and soybean futures on Wednesday as fears of an economic recession in 2008 rise.

The head of Europe's Central Bank spoke on Wednesday about crisis management in light of the ongoing financial markets and economic turmoil, remarking on areas for improvement to avoid such major turbulent episodes.

U.S. gold futures fell on Wednesday spurred by volatile trading in stock markets on concerns of a global economic slowdown.

Robusta coffee in London declined following a message from Brazilian Agriculture Ministry official that the nation's harvest may exceed the forecasted 41.3 million to 44.2 million bags.Robusta for March delivery declined $23, or 1.1 percent, to $2,024 a metric ton and traded at $2,034 by noon in London.Last year, Robusta used in espresso and instant coffee, gained 20 percent amid concerns that dry weather in Brazil might hurt the crops.However, cocoa for March delivery increase...

Sony said on Wednesday it is delaying the planned introduction in late January of a Skype Web phone service for PlayStation Portable (PSP) users in Japan due to technical problems.

Copper on Wednesday posted declines for a second straight session amid concerns that surging U.S. economy may slow worldwide growth affecting demand for copper used in pipes and wires.

Dell and Microsoft are teaming up to release a Product Red computer, donating up to $80 for every one sold to fund AIDS-fighting drugs in Africa.

Oil declined below $88 on fears of a U.S. recession despite a move by the U.S. Federal Reserve yesterday to cut interest rates.

Online streaming video is continuing to grow with viewers moving from 2 minute clips, to full length shows as media distributors place content in multiple platforms, media executives said on Wednesday.

The lines between TV and Internet TV have become increasingly blurred, Comcast Interactive Media Executive noted on Wednesday, adding that the trend is moving more towards content proliferation over multiple platforms.

Several senior executives at Apple Inc took home 2007 cash bonuses that doubled their salaries but Chief Executive Steve Jobs maintained his annual pay of $1 and took no additional compensation, the company said on Wednesday.

European shares slipped 1.5 percent by midday on Wednesday as the afterglow of a hefty U.S. rate cut faded rapidly, replaced by concerns over bank writedowns and earnings downgrades.

With idled entertainment industry workers and Oscar-nominated actors among the interested observers, striking writers and studios are talking again after weeks of bargaining silence.

Getty Images, Inc, the photo distributor to media outlets worldwide, confirmed in response to media reports this week that that said it is in talks with interested parties to pursue strategic alternatives.

Microsoft Corp said Monday that it bought startup Calista Technologies and expanded its alliance with Citrix Systems, targeting the fast growing virtualization market.

Asian stocks rebounded posting strong gains on Wednesday boosted by the U.S. Federal Reserve decision to further cut key interest rate cuts by 0.75 percent, the biggest cut in 23 years.

Apple Inc. reported a first-quarter profit that rose 58% from a year ago thanks to strong sales of Mac computers and iPods during the busy holiday shopping season.

Cotton fell to a 7-day low on Tuesday on speculation that demand may fall on a worldwide decline in stocks and a possible U.S. economic recession.

Apple Inc. reported a first-quarter profit that rose 58% from a year ago thanks to strong sales of Mac computers and iPods during the busy holiday shopping season.

Actor Heath Ledger was confirmed dead on Tuesday by authorities in what is said to be a possible drug-related death, according to the New York Police Department.

U.S. soybean, corn and wheat futures fell on Tuesday on continued speculation the U.S. economy will fall into recession, triggering a sell-offs in commodity and financial markets and lowering the demand for grains.