U.S. stocks finish with losses on downbeat economic data

Date: Thu, 21 Feb 2008 22:06:03 (GMT)

U.S. stocks finish with losses on downbeat economic data

U.S. stocks finish lower, with the major indexes each chalking up losses
of more than 1%, after data highlighting the nation's economic slowdown
sinks early momentum sparked by technology issues.

Metals Stocks: Gold, platinum futures soar to new record highs

Gold futures closed with gains after soaring to a new record high of
$958.40 an ounce Thursday, boosted by weakness in the U.S. dollar and
the metal's appeal as a hedge against inflation.

Crude drops 1.5% as U.S. inventories rise more than expected

Crude-oil futures dropped on Thursday for the first time in six days,
down 1.5% to close near the $98-a-barrel mark, as government data showed
U.S. crude inventories have risen more than expected.

Nestle posts 16% increase in annual profit after raising prices

LONDON
Nestle reports a 16% improvement in 2007 profit as it reaped the
benefits of its increased focus on healthier foods and managed to pass
off higher commodity costs to consumers.