A Quick Glance at News

v Most Chinese stocks fell as data showing slumping foreign investment boosted concern the economic slowdown is deepening, overshadowing comments from Premier Wen Jiabao that there is more room to adjust monetary policy

v Oil traded near the highest close since May after U.S. stockpiles dropped to the lowest in four months and China signaled it may take more steps to boost growth in the world’s second-biggest economy.

v Spain is about to receive an emergency disbursement from the 100 billion-euro ($123 billion) bailout of its financial system because of restrictions the European Central Bank imposed on bank borrowing, according to a person familiar with the matter.

v Facebook Inc. (FB) is freeing up 271.1 million of its shares today, boosting by 60 percent the number that could be traded and adding to concerns that have weighed on the stock since the company’s initial public offering.

v JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM) and Barclays Plc (BARC) are among seven banks subpoenaed in New York and Connecticut’s investigation into alleged manipulation of Libor, according to a person familiar with the matter and company filings.

v European stock futures rose before U.S. reports that may show house building held near a four-year high, while a measure of manufacturing in the Philadelphia region contracted at a slower pace this month. U.S. index futures and Asian shares also advanced.

v Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said easing inflation allows more room to adjust monetary policy and positive signs are emerging in the economy, expressing confidence after July data showed a further slowdown in growth.

v Cisco Systems Inc. (CSCO), the biggest maker of computer-networking equipment, reported quarterly profit and sales that topped analysts’ estimates as job cuts kept costs in check and price reductions attracted customers.

v Japan's Nikkei share average hit a six-week high on Thursday, gaining a steady foothold above 9,000 after strong U.S. data pushed the yen lower against the U.S. dollar, triggering a wave of short-covering on exporters.

v Gold hovered above $1,600 an ounce on Thursday as investors continued to hope central banks would take further steps to boost the global economy, even as recent U.S. data suggested the Federal Reserve may not need to intervene for now.

v China Mobile Ltd. announced Thursday first half net income of 62.2 billion yuan ($9.77 billion), a rise of 1.5% from the year earlier period, and kept its dividend payout ratio unchanged at 43%, unveiling a interim divided of HK$1.633 per share.

v Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff late Wednesday unveiled a $66 billion stimulus package aimed at improving the nation's infrastructure and boosting investor confidence, according to a report in The Financial Times, which cited some remarks Rousseff gave to business leaders and politicians in the country.

v Pet Smart Inc. reported after the close Wednesday a second-quarter profit of $79 million, or 72 cents a share, up 31% from $61 million, or 54 cents a share, a year ago. The company reported a sales increase of 9% to $1.62 billion from $1.48 billion, but lost $4 million in unfavorable foreign currency fluctuations