Business Today: Stock futures trim gains after durable data

Click to View in Browser 04/25/2012 Stock futures trim gains after durable data NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stock index futures trimmed gains on Wednesday after data showed demand for long-lasting manufactured goods dropped by the most in three years in March. Rate hikes a distant prospect for more upbeat Fed WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Federal Reserve may appear slightly more upbeat on the economy on Wednesday, though investors should not mistake this cautious optimism for any desire to raise interest rates soon. March durables orders post biggest fall in three years WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Demand for long-lasting U.S. manufactured goods dropped by the most in three years in March and a gauge of business spending plans fell, suggesting factory activity lost momentum as the first quarter ended. Boeing profit up on stronger airliner sales (Reuters) - Boeing Co, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, posted a higher quarterly net profit on Wednesday, helped by an increase in commercial airplane deliveries, and raised its earnings forecast for the year. Apple crushes Street targets, dispels iPhone fears SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Apple Inc's quarterly profit almost doubled after a jump in iPhone sales, particularly for the greater China region, blowing past Wall Street expectations and soothing fears the device was past its best days for sharp growth. Motorola Solutions profit beats estimates (Reuters) - Communications equipment maker Motorola Solutions Inc reported a better-than-expected quarterly profit, helped by an 11 percent jump in sales to government customers, and forecast second-quarter results in line with estimates. Caterpillar first quarter profit beats Street view (Reuters) - Caterpillar Inc reported a 29 percent rise in first-quarter profit on Wednesday and beat analyst expectations thanks to continued demand for replacement machinery in North America and growth in its mining business. GSK insists it best owner for Human Genome LONDON (Reuters) - Drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline said on Wednesday its $2.6 billion bid for long-time partner Human Genome Sciences was "full and fair" and it was the only obvious owner for the U.S. biotechnology firm. Britain in recession, intensifying government woes LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's economy has fallen into its second recession since the financial crisis after an shock contraction at the start of 2012, heaping pressure on Prime Minister David Cameron's government as it reels from a series of political missteps. S&P cuts India outlook; investment rating in peril MUMBAI (Reuters) - Standard & Poor's cut India's credit rating outlook on Wednesday to negative from stable, reflecting the toll that hefty fiscal and current account deficits and political paralysis are exacting on Asia's third-largest economy. Related Video Asia reacts to US case of mad cow Breakingviews: Credit Suisse a glimpse of the new normal Economic News Rate hikes a distant prospect for more upbeat Fed Rate hikes a distant prospect for more upbeat Fed A daily digest of breaking business news, coverage of the US economy, major corporate news and the financial markets. Register Today   The latest Reuters articles on M&A, IPOs, private equity, hedge funds and regulatory updates delivered to your inbox each day. Register Today   » MORE NEWSLETTERS - 3 Times Square New York, NY 10036 USA © Copyright 2010 Thomson Reuters Ensure delivery of Reuters Newsmails, add mail@nl.reuters.com to your address book. Details Subscribe to other Reuters newsletters. Unsubscribe from this newsletter. Follow us on Twitter Friend us on Facebook Forward to a friend