MS plans new product

WASHINGTON: The most common consumer version of Microsoft Corp’s new Windows operating system will include tools for things like recording and watching television, along with other functions aimed at using the PC for entertainment purposes. Windows Vista Home Premium, due out in the second half of this year, will effectively bake in functions that were previously found in the ‘Media Centre’ version of Windows. It’s one of six versions of Windows Vista the company plans to release. — AP

US economy to roar

WASHINGTON: The US economy is set for a strong rebound in the first quarter of 2006, shaking off the hurricane-related weakness. The survey of the Economists called for the economy to expand at a robust 4.5 per cent pace in the current quarter — the fastest since 2003 — after a disappointing 1.1 per cent annualised rate in the fourth quarter. — AFP

HK export growth dips

HONG KONG: Hong Kong export growth slowed in January, down by 4.2 per cent to $24.4 billion, compared with a rise of 6.7 per cent in December. However, the figures were distorted by the Lunar New Year holidays, which fell in January this year but in February last year. Re-exports of goods, mostly goods trans-shipped from China, rose by 2.4 per cent to $176.9 billion, while imports grew by 0.6 per cent to $185.7 billion following a year-on-year rise. — AFP

Industrial output

SINGAPORE: Singapore’s industrial output moderated in January as robust growth in electronics, oil rigs and commercial aircraft repair offset a decline in pharmaceuticals. January output rose only by 1.3 per cent from the previous year, well below market expectations of between 7.2 and 17 per cent growth. Manufacturing output expanded by 5.1 per cent in December and 21.3 per cent in November. On a seasonally adjusted basis, production in January contracted by 8.9 per cent month-on-month. — AFP

NZ trade deficit soars

WELLINGTON: New Zealand’s trade deficit in the year to January soared to a record $4.7 billion. The deficit as a percentage of exports was also the highest for the January year since the oil shock of 1976. The deficit amounted to 23 per cent of exports, against an average for the January year of 7.8 per cent. This was due to higher costs for oil products, which were up. — AFP

Indonesian ratings up

JAKARTA: International credit rating agency Moody’s Investors Service has put Indonesia’s foreign and domestic currency ratings on review for upgrade in light of a steady improvement in government finances. The review includes the ratings bonds. — AFP

Trade fair in offing

PAANCHTHAR: The first Paanchthar trade fair will be organised soon with a view to promoting the products produced by local small and cottage industries. Paanchthar Trade Fair main function committee, has organised a press meet and informed that the fair will be participated by entrepreneurs of small and cottage industries operating at local level. The money raised from the fair will be donated for disaster relief fund. — RSS

Farmers hit hard

DAMAULI: Farmers in Tanahun district have been hit hard by a long spell of drought. The crop is drying up because of the drought, said farmers. As there has been no rainfall for the past six months, vegetables and other crops are also drying up. — RSS

Taiwani economy up

TAIPEI: Taiwan’s economy showed signs of slight growth in January with the index of leading indicators up 0.1 per cent from December, when it posted a 0.5 per cent month-on-month increase. Preliminary reading of the December index of leading indicators, used to predict the direction of economy’s movements in coming three months, was a 0.6 per cent month-on-month increase. — AFP

Burger King’s plan

MIAMI: The difference at Burger King since Greg Brenneman took over in 2004 is clear: profits are small but growing, the company and its franchisees are in better financial health and the world’s second-largest hamburger chain has lots of advertising buzz and popular new products. The details from the chain’s initial public offering filing show that CEO and chairman’s turnaround plans have been making slow progress. — AP

China okayes BP’s JV

LONDON: BP responded cautiously to a report that the Chinese government has given it clearance for a joint venture with China’s largest refiner, Sinopec, which could pave the way for the British company to buy a 25 per cent stake for $14 billon. BP held a 2.1 per cent stake in Sinopec, which is the quoted arm of China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation, from 2000 until 2004. — The Guardian