International stocks trading in New York closed lower on
Thursday. The Bank of New York index of American depositary
receipts fell 0.62% to 157.45. The European index decreased 0.66%
to 152.8, the Asian index dropped 0.33% to 155.88, the Latin
American index fell 1.21% to 320.42 and the emerging markets index
declined 0.63% to 321.45. Among the companies with shares that
actively traded was BP PLC (BP, BP.LN).
BP PLC was grossly negligent in the 2010 Deepwater Horizon
disaster, a U.S judge ruled Thursday, a finding that increases the
company's potential liability for the giant oil spill by billions
of dollars. The decision could leave BP on the hook for up to $18
billion under the U.S. Clean Water Act. The company had estimated
potential penalties under the act at $3.5 billion, based on the
assumption it wouldn't be found grossly negligent. Shares fell 5.9%
to $44.89.
Computer peripherals maker Logitech International SA (LOGI,
LOGN.EB) on Thursday said it was restating its earnings for 2011
and 2012 because of accounting errors related to a failed set-top
box venture. The world's largest maker of computer mice said the
reports in question undervalued the inventory of Logitech's Revue
product, a failed attempt to make hardware for Google Inc.'s TV
software. Shares fell 13 cents to $13.78.
Royal Dutch Shell PLC's (RDSA, RDSA.LN) Chief Executive Ben van
Beurden tells WSJ he's set no production-growth or capital-employed
targets for the oil major because his main priority is ensuring the
company generates enough cash flow to keep its dividend growing. He
notes that means shrinking the business in areas like oil products;
"I'm prepared to do that." Meanwhile, capital spending is likely to
be around $37 billion this year and $35 billion in 2015. Shares
fell 1.1% to $79.81.
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