Financial Markets, Stocks & Commodities

Australian reports

• Aust markets: Market ends weak with modest fall
• Aust dollar report: $A rises ahead of US jobs numbers
• Aust credit close: Aust bonds lift on poor local retail data

World reports

• World commodities: Commodities markets summary
• World markets: International markets roundup

Stocks to watch

AIO, QUB, HVN, JBH, MYR, PMV, GMA, NWS, REA, WHC,

LinkedIn shares plunge almost 44% in US

LinkedIn shares have fallen almost 44 per cent after it forecast slower growth this year and said it was discontinuing a new online advertising system.

Nasdaq records lowest close since 2014

All three main US indexes have closed lower for the week, with the Nasdaq recording its lowest close since October 2014.

US unemployment rate at 8-year low

The US unemployment rate was at 4.9 per cent last month, the lowest since February 2008, according to the Labor Department.

US trade deficit widens as exports fall

The US trade deficit grew by 2.7 per cent in December to $US43.4 billion, while November's trade deficit was revised down.

VW postpones 2015 results, AGM

VW is delaying the publication of its 2015 results as the German carmaker's bosses discuss how to incorporate provisions for its emissions testing scandal.

Obama claims victory after employment rise

President Barack Obama has made a rare appearance in the White House briefing room after jobs data showed US unemployment at an eight-year low.