Asian-Pacific benchmarks closed generally higher with the Nikkei hitting a four-year high above 14,000, boosted by upbeat U.S. economic data and strong confidence in the domestic economy. The index climbed 1.3% on record gains in microchip and banking stocks. Across the region, South Korea’s Kospi rose 0.3%, Singapore Straits Times advanced 0.5%, while the only loser Hong Kong fell 0.3% on property stocks.

European markets lost ground at mid-day on crude oil prices surge and expectations of weaker U.S. markets as a result. Expected payroll data release also weighed on market sentiment. The German DAX 30 lost 0.2%, the French CAC 40 shed 0.2%, while London’s FTSE 100 gained 0.1%, supported by oil majors.

OIL, METALS, CURRENCIES

Crude oil prices pulled back below $62 a barrel after jumping $2 on Thursday. Light sweet crude December delivery fell 49 cents to $61.29 a barrel. Heating oil lost 2 cents to $1.8075 a gallon, and so did gasoline, presently trading at $1.6073. Natural gas tumbled 18 cents to $11.505 per 1,000 cubic feet. London Brent dropped 61 cent to $59.91.

Gold traded mixed in Europe. In London the precious metal was fixed at $461.35 per troy ounce, up from $460.50. In Zurich gold rose to $461.18 from $460.25. In Hong Kong gold fell $3.30 to close at $461.45. Silver opened at $7.56, up from $7.52.

The U.S. dollar grew stronger against its major counterparts. The euro was quoted at $1.1943, down from $1.1944. The dollar bought 117.60 yen, up from 117.12. The British pound traded at $1.7661, down from $1.7702.

EARNINGS NEWS

Quanta Services Inc. (PWR), network services company, reported that Q3 net profit more than tripled to 11 cents a share, beating analyst estimate of 7 cents a share on 13% revenue growth and improved spending in industries that company serviced as well as the infrastructure work needed after the major hurricanes boosted results. Quanta predicts Q4 earnings between 6 and 8 cents a share on revenue between $450 million and $480 million.

Redwood Trust, Inc. (RWT), specialty finance firm, reported a Q3 net income decline of 22% from the year-ago period to $2.21 a share on higher operating expenses caused primarily by continued growth in personnel. Core earnings came in at $1.22 a share, down vs. $2.29 a share.

Alliant Energy Corp. (LNT), electric and gas energy company, announced that Q3 net profit advanced 38% to 96 cents a share from the year-ago period. Earnings from continuing operations rose 8% and revenue jumped 36%. Alliant expects fiscal-year earning from continuing operations in the range of $1.10 to $1.30 a share.

Artesyn Technologies Inc. (ATSN), electronic products and power supplies producer, posted Q3 net income of 9 cents a share, up a bit from the same period a year ago on both higher sales of its rectifier and amplifier products and pressure in its server segment missing analyst estimate by a penny. Sales dropped to $102 million from $107 million

Westar Energy (WR), electric generation and distribution services company, posted Q3 earnings of 97 cents a share, up from 70 cents a share in the year-ago period on revenue growth, topping analyst estimate of 82 cents a share. If not for a gain on fuel supply contracts, the company would have earned 65 cents a share. Results were affected by higher fuel supply contract valuations, warmer weather and lower interest expenses.

Carrizo Oil & Gas Inc. (CRZO), oil and natural gas company, posted Q3 net income of 19 cents a share if not for one-time items, up on this basis versus last year’s profit of 15 cents a share on 43% revenue growth, matching analysts’ expectations of 19 cents a share. The results reflected both greater output of natural gas and higher energy prices. The company’s production volumes increased by 7% in Q3.

Polo Ralph Lauren Corp (RL), fashion company reported that Q2 profit advanced 31% to 97 cents a share, up from 77 cents in the year-ago period on 15% revenue growth, beating analyst estimate of 90 cents a share. The company affirmed its fiscal 2006 outlook at $2.85 to $2.92 a share.

FPL Group Inc. (FPL), power company, reported that Q3 net income advanced to 87 cents a share, down from 88 cents in the same period last year. On an adjusted basis, the company would have earned $1.01 a share, topping analysts'' estimate of 95 cents a share. The company said that according to its results to date and prior to the impact of Hurricane Wilma, adjusted earnings for fiscal 2005 would have been $2.50 to $2.60 a share.

Glatfelter, (GLT), manufacturer of specialty papers and engineered products, reported that quarterly net income advanced to 8 cents a share, up from 5 cents a share in the year-ago period, missing analyst estimate of 12 cents a share. If not for extraordinary items, adjusted earnings dropped to 9 cents a share from 13 cents.