Vodafone links with Chile group

The UK telecoms group announced a deal with Entel PCS, one of Chile’s leading mobile phone operators, bringing to 43 the number of ‘partner networks’ that Vodafone has with other operators

• Vodafone buys mobile social network
• Carphone off Tiscali buyer list

Lex: EnCana’s split

EnCana’s stock price has risen 8 per cent on the news that it is to split itself in two. The Canadian oil and gas group’s move is smart and well-timed, raising the sum-of-the-parts argument to push for a higher stock price

• EnCana surges as investors bet on predators
• EnCana to split operations

EnCana to split operations

EnCana, one of North America’s biggest independent energy producers, is to split itself into two publicly traded companies, with the goal of boosting the market value of its oilsands interests in northern Alberta

Shipping rates near record levels

A combination of port delays, strong demand and ship shortages last week sent bulk shipping rates back close to record levels

Fresnillo suffers 6% fall during London debut

Fresnillo, the Mexican silver and gold producer, became the latest foreign miner to list on the London Stock Exchange and saw its shares fall 6 per cent

Art collectors shrug off market woes

Art collectors this week shrugged off the US economic downturn and global financial turmoil to buy solidly at the big New York auctions although there were some signs of a more cautious mood seeping into the market

Higher barley prices hit Inbev

The brewer of Beck’s and Stella Artois beers predicted a better second half after a fall in Brazilian beer sales and higher commodities costs hit first-quarter results

Bankruptcies and defaults gather pace

The number of companies defaulting on their junk-rated debt and filing for bankruptcy in North America is running at its fastest pace in five years amid the slowing economy and contraction in credit markets