BASF, German chemical company reported first quarter flat revenue of 14.7 billion and earnings rise of 8% to 793 million euros. Continental AG reported full year profit rose 3.9% to 1.02 billion euros on revenue gain of 7.2% to 15.9 billion euros. Not counting the recent purchase of VOD, the car parts maker, the sales rose 5.5%. Societe Generale reported record fourth quarter loss of 3.35 billion euros on write-downs and trading losses.
Dollar edged lower and traded near record lows against euro to $1.4814 and edged lower against yen to 107.26.
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