Nokia Launches First China-Standard 3G Phone in Beijing

Nokia has launched its first China-standard 3G phone in Beijing, marking closer cooperation between the world's biggest mobile phone maker and China Mobile, the world's No. 1 mobile carrier.

Nokia, which now has produced models for all three 3G systems, has established a research team for time division-synchronous code division multiple access, a 3G technology developed by China, according to Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo, the chief executive of Nokia.
____

China's Geely Automobile was confirmed yesterday as the preferred bidder in the ongoing discussions concerning the possible sale of Volvo Cars.

Ford said while it would be engaging in more detailed and focused negotiations with Geely, no final decisions have been made.

Ford believes Geely has the potential to be a responsible future owner of Volvo and to take the business forward while preserving its core values and the independence of the Swedish brand, but are reported to have no specific timeline to conclude the discussions.
____

The first International Conference for Arab Women Investors got under way yesterday in Skhirat, about 20 km south of Rabat, to seek means to promote investment opportunities for women within the Arab world.

The three-day conference, which is hosting 250 participants from 15 Arab countries, is organized by the Arab Women Investors Union under the patronage of Moroccan King Mohammed the sixth.

The meeting is aimed at empowering women in the Arab world in the economic sector through the establishment of strategies capable of attracting new capital to the Arab countries, and encourage those who moved their activities due to the current economic crisis to settle down in the region.
_____

The annual rate of US new home sales fell unexpectedly in September, raising doubts about the strength of the housing sector's recovery.

The US Commerce Department said sales fell by 3.6% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 402,000 homes, down from a revised 417,000 in August.

This marks the first fall in the rate of home sales since March.

The median sales price of $204,000 was down by 9.1% from $225,200 a year earlier.
____

A video-game that boasts rap artist Jay-Z amongst its advisors is hoping to capitalise on the popularity of music titles despite poor sales forecasts.

DJ Hero allows players to emulate their music-mixing idols.

Its publishers hope it will emulate the success of Guitar Hero, the rock-based game that let users jam along to tracks using a guitar-shaped controller.

However, games analysts believe the game will not sell as well as expected.

The company has reduced its US sales estimates for the fourth quarter of the year from 1.6 million to 600,000 and its first year estimate from 2.5 million to 950,000.

Regulators Warn Investors of Risks in China's New Trading Board

China's first attempt at a NASDAQ-style trading board is creating international buzz with analysts agreeing the opportunities are endless. However, as with any investment, there are risks involved.