澳洲新闻 (ABC新闻快递) 2012-09-19

 A row between Japan and China over islands in the East China Sea is threatening to have serious economic consequences. Several major Japanese companies have suspended their operations in China. They took the action after attacks on shops and car dealerships.

 

 

 

Shares in the companies including Nissan and Honda fell sharply in Tokyo. Analysts¹ fear that the dispute will damage trade between the two countries which is worth almost 350 billion dollars a year.

 

 

 

The value of platinum² stocks has fallen on news that striking miners in South Africa will return to work tomorrow. Miners at the Lonmin Mine have accepted a 22% pay increase.

 

 

 

It follows six weeks of industrial unrest that's choked platinum production and kept those prices high. Spot platinum dropped 2.2% to 1623 US dollars an ounce yesterday. 

 

 

 

Let's have a look at the broad markets now.

 

 

 

The Dow gained 12 points overnight. The Nasdaq was steady, though. The S&P 500 dropped 2. And across in London, the FTSE shed 25. 

 

 

 

To commodity markets.

 

 

 

West Texas Crude is trading at 95 US dollars a barrel. Tapis Crude is 117 US dollars a barrel. And gold is 1771 US dollars an ounce. 

 

 

 

The Australian dollar is buying 105 US cents, 80 Euro cents and 64 pence sterling³.

1 analysts   

分析家，化验员( analyst的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• City analysts forecast huge profits this year. 伦敦金融分析家预测今年的利润非常丰厚。
• I was impressed by the high calibre of the researchers and analysts. 研究人员和分析人员的高素质给我留下了深刻印象。

2 platinum   

n.白金

参考例句：

• I'll give her a platinum ring.我打算送给她一枚白金戒指。
• Platinum exceeds gold in value.白金的价值高于黄金。

3 sterling   

adj.英币的(纯粹的，货真价实的)；n.英国货币(英镑)

参考例句：

• Could you tell me the current rate for sterling, please?能否请您告诉我现行英国货币的兑换率？
• Sterling has recently been strong,which will help to abate inflationary pressures.英国货币最近非常坚挺，这有助于减轻通胀压力。