Dow loses initial gains

The Dow Jones industrial average fell 66 points, or 0.6%, to close at 11,955.

Mixed fortunes for European markets

The FTSE-100 index at the close was up 62.29 at 5490.15.

Eircom issues downbeat earnings update

Eircom said today that earnings for 2011 will be significantly below the previous period due to the weakened state of the Irish economy.

Ryanair announces new Palma base

Ryanair has announced the opening of its 49th European base at Palma airport in Majorca.

Japan 'chooses Lockheed'

Japan has selected the Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter to bolster its ageing air force and is likely to announce the multibillion-dollar deal by the end of the week, media reports said.