Philippine Business Directory

Commodity prices rallied in 2009 on keen demand and signs of global economic recovery, with oil soaring and gold striking record levels, while copper and sugar surged.

(UPDATE) Wall Street suffered the slings and arrows of one of the most tumultuous years in stock market history in 2009, but has managed a stunning recovery that eclipsed a weak finish.

The US dollar ended 2009 higher against the euro and the yen on Thursday after fresh US labor data indicated a possible easing of unemployment, boosting expectations for economic growth and a possible earlier interest rate hike.

PARIS – After a dismal 2008, world stock markets recorded a spectacular rebound in 2009 even though the economy was in crisis, but confidence had not been completely restored and there were fears for 2010.

At least P3 million worth of properties were lost when a fire traced to firecrackers razed three homes in the upland town of Talaingod, Davao del Norte during the New Year revelry, police said.

Tim Duncan scored 23 points and grabbed 10 rebounds Thursday as San Antonio launched their New Year’s celebrations with a 108-78 NBA victory over Miami.

As every New Year approaches, Filipinos consult feng shui experts to help them bring luck into their homes.

Allen Iverson, recently returned to Philadelphia, could find himself back in the NBA All-Star game as well.

Kevin Durant scored 31 points, but it was Nick Collison’s free throws with 4.5 seconds left that sealed Oklahoma City’s 87-86 NBA victory over Utah on Thursday.

Spain on Friday assumed the rotating presidency of the European Union, the first under a new leadership structure for the bloc which includes its first full-time president and a new foreign policy supremo.