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esports shirt Asda's woes continue as it becomes the only major supermarket to sees sales fall ahead of Xmas By EMILY HAWKINS Updated: 22:04, 10 December 2024 e-mail 2 View comments Asda was the only major supermarket to suffer a slump in sales in the run up to the crucial Christmas trading period. The gloomy update underlined the scale of the job facing the grocer’s returning boss. Research group Kantar said Asda sales in the 12 weeks to December 1 fell to £4.3billion – down 5.6 per cent on the same period a year ago. The dismal figures laid bare the scale of the group’s decline just weeks after former chief executive Allan Leighton returned to the company to take over from Stuart Rose as executive chairman. Once Britain’s second biggest supermarket, Asda has been flailing since the Issa brothers Mohsin and Zuber joined private equity giant TDR Capital to buy it in a £6.8billion debt-fuelled deal in 2021. By contrast, sales rose last month at Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Aldi and Lidl. Struggles: Research group Kantar said Asda sales in the 12 weeks to December 1 fell to £4.3bn – down 5.6% on the same period a year ago Asda has seen its share of the grocery market fall from 14.1 per cent at the time of the takeover to a record low of 12.3 per cent. It has languished as shoppers headed to rivals, and Aldi is now hot on its heels with 10.3 per cent of the market. That has left Asda fighting to hold on to its position as Britain’s third-biggest supermarket behind Tesco and Sainsbury’s. The business is now pinning its hopes on new leadership. Leighton, 71, made his name as Asda boss between 1996 and 2001. His tenure included the company’s £6.7billion sale to US giant Walmart in 1999. RELATED ARTICLES Previous 1 Next Trump unleashes animal spirits to turbocharge US: But UK... Pound surges to highest level against the euro for more than... Share this article Share HOW THIS IS MONEY CAN HELP How to choose the best (and cheapest) stocks and shares Isa and the right DIY investing account One task at the top of his list will be the appointment of a full-time chief executive. Asda has been trying to hire one for more than three years. Morrisons, which is also owned by private equity having been bought by Clayton Dubilier & Rice for £7billion in October 2021, has also seen its market share plunge. It now holds 8.6 per cent against 8.7 per cent last year. But it was good news for Britain’s biggest supermarket. Tesco has seen its share of the market jump to a seven-year high of 28.1 per cent. DIY INVESTING PLATFORMS AJ Bell AJ Bell Easy investing and ready-made portfolios Learn More Learn More Hargreaves Lansdown Hargreaves Lansdown Free fund dealing and investment ideas Learn More Learn More interactive investor interactive investor Flat-fee investing from £4.99 per month Learn More Learn More Saxo Saxo Get £200 back in trading fees Learn More Learn More Trading 212 Trading 212 Free dealing and no account fee Learn More Learn More Affiliate links: If you take out a product This is Money may earn a commission. These deals are chosen by our editorial team, as we think they are worth highlighting. This does not affect our editorial independence. Compare the best investing account for you Share or comment on this article: Asda's woes continue as it becomes the only major supermarket to sees sales fall ahead of Xmas e-mail Add comment Some links in this article may be affiliate links. If you click on them we may earn a small commission. That helps us fund This Is Money, and keep it free to use. We do not write articles to promote products. We do not allow any commercial relationship to affect our editorial independence. More top storiesNone

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WASHINGTON , Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ThriveDX, the global leader in cybersecurity education, is proud to announce the expansion and reinforcement of its commitment to partnering with leading higher education institutions to deliver transformative cybersecurity bootcamp and training programs. As universities face the challenge of preparing learners for today's rapidly changing tech landscape and a consolidation in the market, this announcement arrives at a pivotal moment for the broader tech training industry, particularly accelerated bootcamps. "As large edtech companies divest and shutdown their cybersecurity university partnership programs, it is important for the market to know that we are strengthening our focus in cyber and that our resolve has never been greater," said Dan Vigdor , Founder of ThriveDX. "Cyber is our sweet spot. We have trained tens of thousands of students in cybersecurity around the world. We are the largest provider of higher education cyber training and job placement, and we believe the market is consolidating around us." Enhanced Focus on AI and Technology Advancements ThriveDX is known for setting the gold standard for cybersecurity education and training by leveraging new technology, its platform, and expanding its rigorous curriculum. As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, the company is enhancing its flagship AI-powered Arena Platform to equip students with the necessary skills to tackle these challenges head-on. Key ThriveDX Arena platform enhancements include: AI-Driven Simulations: Immersive, high-pressure scenarios powered by artificial intelligence replicate real-world cybersecurity challenges. These scenarios help learners master essential threat detection, mitigation, and response skills critical for excelling in today's cyber industry. AI-Powered Virtual Assistant: "Eve," ThriveDX's virtual assistant, provides real-time, personalized support during lab exercises. Eve fosters independent problem-solving and accelerates skill development by answering questions, offering hints, and guiding learners through complex concepts. Enhanced Curriculum: Programs are aligned with the latest industry trends and threats, ensuring students remain on the cutting edge of cybersecurity practices. Integrated Career Preparation: Aligning with real-world industry expectations, this program offers pathways to in-demand certifications and practical skills that empower students to confidently and competently enter the workforce. Certification Readiness: Students are prepared for globally recognized cybersecurity certifications, equipping them with the credentials and technical expertise necessary to succeed and advance in competitive cyber roles. "Our mission is to help our learners change their lives through advanced cyber education and career placement. Our advancements in curriculum rigor and AI-driven technologies are designed to transform how cybersecurity professionals are trained," said Desiree Young , Chief Learning Officer at ThriveDX. "We're ensuring our learners gain the expertise and confidence needed to thrive in a constantly evolving industry." Through this commitment to innovation, ThriveDX is shaping the future of cybersecurity education. Universities Impacted by Bootcamp Closures If you are a university, college, or business that has received notice about a potential cybersecurity bootcamp or training course shut down or has been adversely affected by another provider and would like to explore ThriveDX's cybersecurity offerings, please contact our partner management team. Partnership Contact Information: [email protected] About ThriveDX ThriveDX specializes in cybersecurity training and workforce development, offering professional cybersecurity bootcamps, phishing and awareness simulations, and other innovative solutions. Partnering with top-tier academic institutions, enterprises, and government agencies, ThriveDX serves millions of learners worldwide. With a team of military-trained cyber experts hailing from the United States National Security Agency and Israel's Elite 8200 cyber unit, industry veterans, and seasoned educators, ThriveDX is on a mission to transform lives and careers through cybersecurity training. For more information, visit ThriveDX.com . SOURCE ThriveDX

( ) is up 24% in 2024. Investors who missed the rally are wondering if ENB stock is still and good to buy for a self-directed Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) or Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) portfolio focused on and total returns. Enbridge stock price Enbridge trades for close to $60 at the time of writing. The stock was as low as $44 in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2023 and recently hit a multi-year high at $61. Interest rates played a large role in the movements of the stock over the past two years. When the Bank of Canada and the U.S. Federal Reserve aggressively raised interest rates in 2022 and 2023, the jump in borrowing costs triggered concerns that Enbridge might have to put dividend increases on hold or even cut the payout. The company uses debt to fund part of its growth program, which includes strategic acquisitions and development projects. Higher interest charges cut into profits and can reduce cash that is available for distributions to shareholders. The rebound in the share price began late last year when the central banks signalled they were done raising interest rates. Expectations for rate cuts became the theme, and both the Bank of Canada and the U.S. Federal Reserve have reduced interest rates in the second half of this year. This provided added momentum to the rally in pipeline stocks and utilities. Growth Enbridge has also been on a shopping spree. The company recently wrapped up its US$14 billion purchase of three natural gas utilities in the United States, making Enbridge the largest natural gas utility operator in North America. Natural gas demand is expected to be strong in the coming years as new gas-fired power facilities are built to supply electricity for AI data centres. Enbridge has also invested in export facilities to take advantage of rising international demand for Canadian and U.S. energy. The company bought an oil export terminal in Texas and is a partner in the Woodfibre liquified natural gas (LNG) terminal being built on the coast of British Columbia. In addition, Enbridge expanded its renewable energy group through the purchase of a solar and wind project developer. Enbridge is working on a $24 billion capital program to drive revenue and cash flow expansion. In the third quarter (Q3) of 2024 earnings report, Enbridge confirmed guidance for 7-9% growth in adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) for 2023 to 2026, with adjusted earnings per share expected to rise 4-6% and distributable cash flow growth of 3% on a per-share basis. ENB dividend Enbridge raised its dividend in each of the past 29 years. Investors should see ongoing annual increases that are in line with DCF expansion. At the current share price, investors can get a dividend yield of 6%. Risks Inflation in Canada and the United States moved higher in October. Donald Trump’s plan to raise tariffs on most goods entering the United States could drive a new surge in inflation as businesses pass on the extra costs to consumers. In this scenario, the central bank would likely put rate cuts on hold or even raise interest rates. This would be a headwind for Enbridge and other companies that use large amounts of debt to fund growth initiatives. Time to buy? A near-term pullback wouldn’t be a surprise given the strong rally that has occurred, and the uncertainty on how trade policy will unfold in the United States in 2025. That being said, Enbridge should be a solid buy-and-hold pick for a portfolio focused on high-yield dividends today. Any meaningful correction would be an opportunity to add to the position.Ashtead's wake-up call: Equipment firm's decision to switch listing to New York is a big blow to the City, says ALEX BRUMMER By ALEX BRUMMER FOR THE DAILY MAIL Updated: 17:03 EST, 10 December 2024 e-mail 1 View comments There is no disguising the fact that the loss of the primary listing of Ashtead to New York will be a big blow. The equipment-hire group, listed in London since 1986, has quietly achieved a handsome valuation of £24billion by establishing a record of expansion. Since Ashtead acquired Sunbelt Rentals in 1990, adding to it several other US buys, it has looked across the Atlantic for growth and this year projects 98 per cent of its operating profits will come from there. Nevertheless, its desertion for America is a bad precedent. Ashtead may seem an exception in that so much of its profits come from across the Atlantic. But there are many other companies quoted in London – notably big natural resources groups such as Rio Tinto, Anglo American and Glencore – which could say the same. The hire group argues that a Wall Street listing will provide increased exposure to US investors and improve the liquidity of its shares. US bound: Equipment-hire group Ashtead, which listed in London since 1986, has quietly achieved a handsome valuation of £24bn by establishing a record of expansion There is truth to this. UK investors, particularly the pension funds, share most of the blame. British taxpayers get a generous tax subsidy for putting cash into pensions. UK retirement savings at £1.12 trillion are the third largest in the world. Unfortunately, fund managers too often choose the S&P 500 over FTSE 350. If Chancellor Rachel Reeves could bulldoze through promised reforms, it would be simpler to direct Britain’s savings towards growth companies and infrastructure. Ashtead’s press release omits an important factor behind its move. The US offers senior executives the possibility of rewards beyond the dreams of avarice. It has a wholly different, more positive approach to wealth and pay than Britain. Attitudes in the UK towards enterprise are not helped when the Government yacks on endlessly about working people. RELATED ARTICLES Previous 1 Next Pound surges to highest level against the euro for more than... Trump unleashes animal spirits to turbocharge US: But UK... Share this article Share HOW THIS IS MONEY CAN HELP How to choose the best (and cheapest) stocks and shares Isa and the right DIY investing account That doesn’t mean it is all over for UK plc. The expected arrival of creative group Canal+ to London is an important gain for the creative sector. The long list of Golden Globe nominees is testimony to strength in depth. It is appalling that creative firms, such as ITV, are not valued as they should be given the nation’s production strength. Other listings, such as Singapore-based fast-fashion group Shein, are on their way. With the right encouragement, the pipeline would include De Beers and Unilever’s ice cream division. Britain also should be fighting to keep online banking group Revolut in London. Landing the biggest fish and keeping Shell and Rio anchored here will only happen if our pensions managers embrace the domestic market. They need to commit to tripling or quadrupling the allocation of funds to great British equities. Water slide Any rescue for Thames Water should be rooted in the private sector. Chief executive Chris Weston is wrong to suggest that the break-up, suggested by would-be bidders Covalis Capital and Suez, would be a distraction. Hiving off businesses demonstrably has improved the performance of publicly quoted companies such as pharma group GSK. Admittedly Thames, with its terrible sewage record and a £16billion debt mountain, is in a ghastly state. Separating upstream Thames Valley customers from London would make the scale of the problems more manageable. A substantial price increase will be required if the necessary investment in better pipes, runaways and combating pollution can take place. But consumers should never be asked to pay for financial engineering, ever bigger rewards for sub-octane executives and distributions to investors in far-off tax havens. Brighter note... Sharon White has kept her peace since stepping down as chairman of John Lewis. The former senior civil servant and regulator struck a note of disappointment over Labour’s gloomy tone when she appeared before City grandees and publishers at the FT’s Business Book of the Year ceremony at the spectacular Peninsula Hotel in the heart of London. The venue is a tribute to international investment in the UK. White demanded optimism and urged action on Oxford-Cambridge links, changes to higher education, a more professional approach to competition and reform of post-privatisation regulators. The work of AI pioneers chronicled in the winning book Supremacy: AI, Chat GPT And The Race That Will Change The World by Parmy Olson will have a big role to play. DIY INVESTING PLATFORMS AJ Bell AJ Bell Easy investing and ready-made portfolios Learn More Learn More Hargreaves Lansdown Hargreaves Lansdown Free fund dealing and investment ideas Learn More Learn More interactive investor interactive investor Flat-fee investing from £4.99 per month Learn More Learn More Saxo Saxo Get £200 back in trading fees Learn More Learn More Trading 212 Trading 212 Free dealing and no account fee Learn More Learn More Affiliate links: If you take out a product This is Money may earn a commission. These deals are chosen by our editorial team, as we think they are worth highlighting. This does not affect our editorial independence. Compare the best investing account for you Share or comment on this article: Ashtead's wake-up call: Equipment firm's decision to switch listing to New York is a big blow to the City, says ALEX BRUMMER e-mail Add comment Some links in this article may be affiliate links. If you click on them we may earn a small commission. That helps us fund This Is Money, and keep it free to use. We do not write articles to promote products. We do not allow any commercial relationship to affect our editorial independence. More top stories

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Atkore CEO William E. Waltz Jr. sells $11.28 million in stockSan Francisco wins 85-64 over Fordham

After posting net losses earlier this month, Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida said the "extremely tough situation" will force some bold restructuring moves. In addition to downgrades to its full-year sales and operating outlooks, it set out to save $3 billion by drastically reducing its Mitsubishi share and cutting 9,000 from its global headcount of over 133,000 employees. 😲 Don’t Miss this amazing Black Friday Move! Get 60% off TheStreet Pro. Act now before it’s gone . 🚨 At its news conference, Nissan's Chief Monozukuri Officer (Head of Manufacturing) Hideyuki Sakamoto said that the controversial move will allow its factories to run more efficiently and save money. “Globally, we currently have 25 vehicle production lines. Our current plan is to reduce the operational maximum capacity of these 25 lines by 20 percent,” Sakamoto said. “One specific method for this is to change the line speed and shift patterns, thereby increasing the efficiency of operational personnel.” RICHARD A. BROOKS/Getty Images Nissan execs ring alarm bells According to a new report by the Financial Times , unnamed senior officials near Nissan note that the automaker is beginning to exist on borrowed time as it seeks an anchor investor to get it through the year. “We have 12 or 14 months to survive,” the senior official told FT. "This is going to be tough. And in the end, we need Japan and the US to be generating cash." Related: Nissan CEO delivers tough-luck news to workers This crisis comes as Renault is selling its significant stake in Nissan. Previously, the French automaker owned up to 46% of Nissan, but its share has dwindled to under 36%. The sources who spoke with the FT noted that the company is looking for a new long-term investor, such as a bank or large insurance group, to replace some of Renault's equity holdings. Earlier this month, Nissan's CEO's drastic moves attracted the Singapore-based activist investment group Effissimo Capital Management and the Hong Kong-based Oasis Management Group to take their own stakes in Nissan. These firms are touted as secretive players known for shaking up major Japanese corporations. Previously, Oasis led a push at Nintendo to make mobile games, which led to the success of the popular app Pokémon Go — from which it raked in tens of millions as a result, as per the Wall Street Journal. The former, Effisimo, made close to $768 million after its very proactive investment in Toshiba led to a buyout in 2023. More Automotive: A Honda takeover of Nissan? However, the sources also note that the company hasn't ruled out the possibility of longtime rival Honda taking a majority stake in Nissan, noting that "all options" are being considered. Related: Former Nissan CEO thinks alliance is a hidden sinister plot According to the sources, Renault is considering selling a portion of its Nissan shares to Honda in an effort to restructure its 25-year alliance with Nissan. Renault notes that a more prominent Honda-Nissan partnership would "only be positive" for the French automaker. Nissan, Honda, and Mitsubishi are currently in a joint venture to share EV technology to accelerate the development of EVs. Before Mitusbishi joined, Nissan and Honda agreed to "mutual vehicle complementation," which allows them to share models and complete each other's lineups of EVs and gas-powered cars. "Collaboration with partners is essential in today's automotive industry, which is undergoing rapid changes due to technological innovations such as electrification and intelligence," Mitsubishi Motors CEO Takao Kato said in a statement. "We believe that we can discover new possibilities in various fields through collaboration among the three companies." Former Nissan CEO thinks alliance is a hidden sinister plot Nissan's former CEO makes bold speculation The mention of Honda stands out, as a few months ago, former Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn alleged that there is more to the story of the Honda-Nissan-Mitsubishi joint partnership. More Automotive: In an interview with Automotive News, the former Nissan CEO alleged that Honda was plotting a "disguised takeover" of Nissan and Mitsubishi, noting that Honda was the biggest of the three Japanese automakers. "I can't imagine for one moment how it's going to work between Honda and Nissan unless it's a takeover, unless it's a disguised takeover by Honda of Nissan and Mitsubishi with Honda in the driver's seat," Ghosn said. Nissan's money-crunching situation is still real No matter who or where Nissan shares and/or ownership go, the automaker still has a dire situation on its hands. A recent report from Automotive News reports that Nissan told its suppliers that it expects to cut production in its US facilities by 17% during its 2024 fiscal year, which ends on March 31. The reduced production reflects a 20% global production cut. In a planning document sent to suppliers that AutoNews saw, Nissan said it now expects to build just 503,202 vehicles at its Canton, Mississippi, and Smyrna, Tennessee factories, a large cut from the 605,435 cars it built within the last fiscal year. These cuts will affect the production of some of Nissan's top sellers, including the Frontier midsize pickup and the Rogue crossover SUV. The cuts also call for reduced output of the Pathfinder SUV and the QX60 SUV from its luxury Infiniti wing. Related: Veteran fund manager sees world of pain coming for stocks

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( ) is up 24% in 2024. Investors who missed the rally are wondering if ENB stock is still and good to buy for a self-directed Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) or Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) portfolio focused on and total returns. Enbridge stock price Enbridge trades for close to $60 at the time of writing. The stock was as low as $44 in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2023 and recently hit a multi-year high at $61. Interest rates played a large role in the movements of the stock over the past two years. When the Bank of Canada and the U.S. Federal Reserve aggressively raised interest rates in 2022 and 2023, the jump in borrowing costs triggered concerns that Enbridge might have to put dividend increases on hold or even cut the payout. The company uses debt to fund part of its growth program, which includes strategic acquisitions and development projects. Higher interest charges cut into profits and can reduce cash that is available for distributions to shareholders. The rebound in the share price began late last year when the central banks signalled they were done raising interest rates. Expectations for rate cuts became the theme, and both the Bank of Canada and the U.S. Federal Reserve have reduced interest rates in the second half of this year. This provided added momentum to the rally in pipeline stocks and utilities. Growth Enbridge has also been on a shopping spree. The company recently wrapped up its US$14 billion purchase of three natural gas utilities in the United States, making Enbridge the largest natural gas utility operator in North America. Natural gas demand is expected to be strong in the coming years as new gas-fired power facilities are built to supply electricity for AI data centres. Enbridge has also invested in export facilities to take advantage of rising international demand for Canadian and U.S. energy. The company bought an oil export terminal in Texas and is a partner in the Woodfibre liquified natural gas (LNG) terminal being built on the coast of British Columbia. In addition, Enbridge expanded its renewable energy group through the purchase of a solar and wind project developer. Enbridge is working on a $24 billion capital program to drive revenue and cash flow expansion. In the third quarter (Q3) of 2024 earnings report, Enbridge confirmed guidance for 7-9% growth in adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) for 2023 to 2026, with adjusted earnings per share expected to rise 4-6% and distributable cash flow growth of 3% on a per-share basis. ENB dividend Enbridge raised its dividend in each of the past 29 years. Investors should see ongoing annual increases that are in line with DCF expansion. At the current share price, investors can get a dividend yield of 6%. Risks Inflation in Canada and the United States moved higher in October. Donald Trump’s plan to raise tariffs on most goods entering the United States could drive a new surge in inflation as businesses pass on the extra costs to consumers. In this scenario, the central bank would likely put rate cuts on hold or even raise interest rates. This would be a headwind for Enbridge and other companies that use large amounts of debt to fund growth initiatives. Time to buy? A near-term pullback wouldn’t be a surprise given the strong rally that has occurred, and the uncertainty on how trade policy will unfold in the United States in 2025. That being said, Enbridge should be a solid buy-and-hold pick for a portfolio focused on high-yield dividends today. Any meaningful correction would be an opportunity to add to the position.US and European stock markets wobbled Wednesday as key US inflation data showed an uptick, with traders also weighing US President-elect Donald Trump's tariff threats and a political standoff in France. Wall Street saw red with both the Dow and S&P 500 retreating from records on the eve of the Thanksgiving holiday. The Nasdaq also declined. European stock markets were also mindful of rising concerns Europe could be the next tariffs target for Trump. The Paris stock market ended off 0.7 percent as a French political standoff over a belt-tightening draft budget for 2025 threatens to topple the government. Frankfurt also dipped, while London just finished in the green. In the United States, the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index rose 2.3 percent in the 12 months to October, up from 2.1 percent in September, which was broadly in line with forecasts. The figure was also close to the US Federal Reserve's long-term target of two percent, keeping the central bank's inflation fight largely on track. Futures markets currently place the odds at about two-thirds that the Fed will cut interest rates again in December by a quarter of a percentage point. Kathleen Brooks, research director at XTB, said the figure "is a little hot" but "it is not outside the most recent range for monthly increases." "US traders can pack up for the Thanksgiving holiday with little to fear at this stage," she said in a research note. Trump, who has named a tough-negotiating hawk to be his trade envoy when he takes office in January, has announced plans to hit China, Canada and Mexico with hefty tariffs right away. "Investors are growing increasingly concerned that Donald Trump's next tariff target is continental Europe," said Dan Coatsworth, investment analyst at AJ Bell. For Europe, this would create "another potential headwind on top of the existing one in the form of lackluster economic activity," he said. While Trump's victory has been broadly welcomed by the financial markets, there is concern that his widely pledged rise in tariffs could be inflationary. The Republican has announced Jamieson Greer as his trade envoy, saying that Greer -- who served as chief of staff to US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer during Trump's previous administration -- had played a "key role" in imposing tariffs on China at that time. Bitcoin moved back past $95,000, having hit a record Friday and come within a whisker of the $100,000 mark on hopes that Trump will move to ease restrictions on the crypto market. After another record-breaking lead from earlier, Chinese markets rallied as data showed that China's industrial sector narrowed losses in October. Meanwhile, the price of Arabica coffee hit the highest level since 1977 on concerns of limited supplies caused by drought in Brazil this year. More from this section New York - Dow: DOWN 0.3 percent at 44,722.06 (close) New York - S&P 500: DOWN 0.4 percent at 5,998.74 (close) New York - Nasdaq: DOWN 0.6 percent at 19,060.48 London - FTSE 100: UP 0.2 percent at 8,274.75 (close) Paris - CAC 40: DOWN 0.7 percent at 7,143.03 (close) Frankfurt - DAX: DOWN 0.2 percent at 19,261.70 (close) Tokyo - Nikkei 225: DOWN 0.8 percent at 38,134.97 (close) Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: UP 2.3 percent at 19,603.13 (close) Shanghai - Composite: UP 1.5 percent at 3,309.78 (close) Euro/dollar: UP at $1.0565 from $1.0489 on Tuesday Pound/dollar: UP at $1.2678 from $1.2569 Dollar/yen: DOWN at 151.17 yen from 153.08 yen Euro/pound: DOWN at 83.33 pence from 83.44 pence Brent North Sea Crude: FLAT at $72.83 per barrel West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 0.1 percent at $68.72 per barrel bur-jmb/st