RECOVERY SIGNS: Besides reports on new housing, US investors are preparing to scrutinize readings on wholesale and consumer inflation in the week ahead
Stock investors will watch housing starts, Consumer Price Index (CPI) and other data next week for signs that hopes for economic recovery will not turn out to be false.

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PROSPECTS: Taiwanese stocks are facing profit-taking pressure after a roller-coaster ride this week, with selling in the electronic and financial sectors likely to continue
Asian stocks rose for a fourth week as improved Australian consumer confidence and US retail sales, rising investments in China and higher commodity prices added to evidence that the global recession is easing. [ FULL STORY ]

European stocks fell as declines by commodity producers and concern that the three-month surge by the Dow Jones STOXX 600 Index has outpaced prospects for earnings offset a rally in health-care shares.

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The New Taiwan dollar fell for the first week since April as foreign funds sold stocks on concern prices have risen too much, considering the economy is in its worst recession on record. Bonds rose on Friday.

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Oil prices succumbed to profit-taking and a stronger US dollar on Friday at the end of a week of gains that saw prices peak above US$73 a barrel.

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