Page 2 - Weak Demand News Today

Coffee major Starbucks lowered its annual sales forecast on Tuesday as the Israel-Palestine conflict spilled onto its Middle East business and sluggish...

Hosiery Sector: Hosiery goods manufacturers also blame dumping of China-made winter wear items, available at much lower prices, for adding to their woes.

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) said it set an unofficial peak demand record Tuesday during the recent arctic blast.

"Throughout history, repeated predictions of peak oil supply have repeatedly been moved further into the future, and at ever-higher levels."

The watch means a higher demand for electricity in expected, with the potential for lower power reserves.

Samsung Electronics Co Ltd reported a likely 35% drop in fourth-quarter operating profit on Tuesday, much worse than analysts expected as weak consumer demand persisted in many of its businesses even as memory chip prices improved.

The FTSE 100 Index closed Wednesday up 1% at 7715 points, in line with global peers despite a fall among miners, as signs of easing U.K. inflation increased hopes of interest-rates cut next year,...

"With the largest global importer of oil (China) shuttering its thirst for crude, pressure remains on prices as the largest producer, the United States, continues with headline output," said PVM Oil analyst John Evans.

Brent crude futures fell 28 cents, or 0.3%, to $82.90 a barrel by 0024 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures fell 24 cents, or 0.3%, to $77.68 a barrel.

The holiday season may not have as much to give this year as impoverished shoppers in Europe and the United States are prioritizing food and household...