BluGlass Limited (ASX:BLG) (OTCMKTS:BUGLF) principal activity during the half year was the further development and commercialisation of novel technology for the manufacture of epitaxially grown gallium nitride at low temperature. BluGlass is also engaged in research activities in developing other high efficiency nitride devices.
Enel Green Power & Sharp Solar Energy, a 50/50 joint venture established in July 2010 between Sharp Corporation (TYO:6753) (PINK:SHCAY) and Enel Green Power (BIT:EGPW), has built a 5 MW photovoltaic plant in Calabria, Southern Italy.
South Korea's Hynix Semiconductor Inc. (SEO:000660), the world's No. 2 memory chipmaker, posted the highest first quarter earnings in its history with a 2.82 trillion won registered sales. The company posted a 799.1 billion won operating profit on a consolidated basis, compared to an operating loss of 514.6 billion won a year earlier, thanks to strong chip prices.
US stocks on Monday rose to a fresh 18-month high on improved economic data. The market was encouraged as the Labor Department Friday released nonfarm payrolls report which showed a biggest job increase in three years. In addition, better-than-expected figures in service and real estate sectors also helped to support the US shares. Asian markets mostly opened higher on Tuesday. Resources shares today could be stronger after oil and metals prices rose. Asian stocks closed higher on Monday with Japan's Nikkei 225 ended at a new 18-month high for the third straight session. Regional volume was light, as markets in Australia, New Zealand, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan were shut for holidays. Most of these markets resume trading today, but Hong Kong bourse remains closing for Ching Ming Festival.
Friday Wall Street ended flat, giving up its early gains after the news about the sinking of a South Korean naval ship raised fears of tension between North and South Korea. Today Asian markets could be helped by the euro-zone bailout for Greece and the news that South Korea has ruled out North Korea involvement in the navy vessel sinking. Friday Asian markets rallied with Japan's Nikkei hit its 18 months closing high. The Nikkei climbed 1.6 per cent due to relief over sovereign-debt problems in Greece. Both Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index and China's Shanghai Composite added 1.3 per cent.
Asian shares are set for a weak start on Monday after US markets fell on lower commodities prices and Greek debt concerns. Japanese market today is closed for Vernal Equinox Day. Most Asian markets gained on Friday. Japan's Nikkei index rose 0.8 per cent while weakness in yen boosted exporters. China's Shanghai Composite was also higher, with Alunimium Corp of China surged 10 per cent on Friday. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index was up 0.2 per cent and South Korea's Kospi climbed 0.7 per cent.
Wall Street's modest gain overnight provided Asian stocks a positive lead, but lingering concerns over China's monetary policy could drag the regional markets today. Investors may keep cautious ahead of policy meetings by the US Federal Reserve and the Bank of Japan this week. Yesterday most Asian markets were lower. Japan's Nikkei 225 ended flat and South Korea's Kospi fell 0.8 per cent. China's Shanghai Composite lost 1.2 per cent, and Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index declined 0.6 per cent amid fears of Chinese government's possible credit tightening measure.
