World stock markets rose Tuesday as investors applauded China's pledge to stick to economic growth targets for its economy, the world's second largest. Outgoing Premier Wen Jiabao said the government would spend what it needs to meet the target of 7.5 percent enshrined in the latest five-year development plan.
In his youth, Steve Jobs, Apple's iconic leader, drew inspiration from Sony, a company that dominated the consumer electronics game for years. But now that Apple is the new Sony, where does that leave Sony?
The Group of Seven countries on Thursday agreed to intervene to reduce the value of the Japanese yen, which has surged to record levels after last week's earthquake and tsunami. A strong yen could cripple the country's exports and further damage its economy.
Sony's quarterly profit dropped 8.6% as a strong yen and falling TV prices erased the boost the Japanese electronics and entertainment company got from its hit movie "The Social Network."
World markets got a boost this week from Japan's pledge to help overly indebted EU nations. What's behind Japan's move? Sure, the spirit of global cooperation is part of it. But much more significant is Tokyo's need to keep pace with Beijing in the influence game.
It's suffered massive recalls and a valuable yen, but Toyota is still selling strong. The company Friday reported a second-quarter profit that more than quadrupled to $1.2 billion on sales of $59.5 billion.
With its economy growing rapidly even as much of the developed world struggles, tensions are mounting. China has recently crossed Japan and India, in addition to ongoing conflicts with the U.S. Fairly or not, China is being singled out as currency manipulator.