Food group Kerry today reported a pre-tax profit of €162.3m for the first six months of this year (HI 2010), up from €115.4m in the same period last year  –  a 41% increase. It has also raised its forecast for the full year.

Japan today reported that industrial production and retail sales recovered in July but manufacturing PMI (Purchasing Managers’ Index) hit a fourteen-month low in August, as new orders fell and output growth slowed.

Building materials and DIY group Grafton has returned to the black in H1 2010 and forecast further improvement in the second half following spending cuts.

Dr. Peter Morici: Americans may be dissatisfied with the economy but don’t look for Republicans to sweep control of the House and Senate. Voters have good reason to be disenamored with both parties.

The State-owned Anglo Irish Bank is expected today to report a huge loss for the first half (H1) of 2010  –  even bigger than the six-month deficit of €4.1bn reported last year.

Wall Street has turned on President Obama seeking a scapegoat for continuing economic woes and beyond the financial services industry, Washington is also the target of other business leaders. Having been rescued by the government and the average Joe in the street, business is seeking lower taxes and less regulation.

The approval of an office tower near the Empire State Building is a reminder that New York is poised for a wave of new skyscrapers — if the economy cooperates.

Singapore announced measures to cool off the property market as the island state’s rapid economic recovery fuels prices.

US consumers accelerated their spending in July but income growth remained sluggish  –  another sign the economic recovery remains fragile.

The Eurozone Economic Sentiment Indicator continued to improve in August while the Business Climate Indicator remained broadly unchanged.