European investment gloom…Job market healthy, but raises not forthcoming…Japanese ministers quit

UNDATED (AP) — Asian stock markets rose today, led by a 4 percent surge in Japan, after Wall Street’s rebound eased nerves about the outlook for the world economy. But in early trading, European shares wilted amid gloom about prospects for that region’s economy. Futures point to gains this morning as Wall Street begins a new week. Oil prices steadied after last week’s dramatic slide. Benchmark U.S. crude oil rose above $83 a barrel. The dollar gained against the yen and was little changed against the euro.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A new survey isn’t very optimistic for people hoping to get raises. The quarterly survey by the National Association for Business Economics finds that U.S. businesses are much less likely to boost pay in the third quarter than in previous months, even though hiring remains healthy.

TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s trade and justice ministers resigned today after accusations they misused campaign funds in the biggest setback so far for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s conservative administration. The two ministers were among five women Abe named to his Cabinet in a reshuffle early last month. Their resignations may help to control the damage to his relatively high popularity ratings, but are a blow to efforts to promote women in politics and business.

BERLIN (AP) — A planned strike by short-haul pilots at Lufthansa has been expanded to include a one-day walkout Tuesday at the German airline’s long-haul fleet. The two sides are fighting over the pilots’ demand that Lufthansa keep paying a transition payment for those wanting to retire early. The airline, facing tough competition from European budget airlines and major Gulf carriers, wants to cut those payments.

UNDATED (AP) — There are no government reports today but Apple will report third quarter financial results after the market closes. Tomorrow, Coca-Cola, Reynolds American, Verizon and McDonald’s will report earnings before the market opens. Discover and Yahoo will report after the bell. Also Tuesday, the National Association of Realtors will release existing home sales for September.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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