澳洲新闻 (ABC新闻快递) 2013-02-27

 To finance.Global music revenues have increased for the first time in 12 years. Total sales last year was 16.5 billion dollars. That's a modest rise of a third of a per cent. The increase has been attributed to legitimate¹ downloads and the growing popularity of music streaming services. British singer Angel topped global sales for the second consecutive² year, selling more than 8 million copies of her album 21.

 

The Bank JP Morgen Chase has announced plans to axe³ up to 19,000 jobs by the end of next year. The majority of losses will be in the mortgage banking⁴ division. The company has reported record profits for the past three years, but it's trying to reduce its overall expenses. 

 

To the markets.

 

The Dow closed 118 points higher. The Nasdaq was 15 points up. The S&P 500 gained 9. In London, the FTSE closed 84 points lower. 

 

Checking commodity prices.

 

West Texas Crude is trading at 93 US dolalrs a barrel. Tapis Crude is trading at 118 US dollars a barrel. And gold is worth 1614 US dollars an ounce.

 

The Australian dollar is buying 102 US cents, 78 Euro cents and 68 pence sterling⁵.

1 legitimate   

adj.合法的，合理的，合乎逻辑的；v.使合法

参考例句：

• Sickness is a legitimate reason for asking for leave.生病是请假的一个正当的理由。
• That's a perfectly legitimate fear.怀有这种恐惧完全在情理之中。

2 consecutive   

adj.连续的，联贯的，始终一贯的

参考例句：

• It has rained for four consecutive days.已连续下了四天雨。
• The policy of our Party is consecutive.我党的政策始终如一。

3 axe   

n.斧子；v.用斧头砍，削减

参考例句：

• Be careful with that sharp axe.那把斧子很锋利，你要当心。
• The edge of this axe has turned.这把斧子卷了刃了。

4 banking   

n.银行业，银行学，金融业

参考例句：

• John is launching his son on a career in banking.约翰打算让儿子在银行界谋一个新职位。
• He possesses an extensive knowledge of banking.他具有广博的银行业务知识。

5 sterling   

adj.英币的(纯粹的，货真价实的)；n.英国货币(英镑)

参考例句：

• Could you tell me the current rate for sterling, please?能否请您告诉我现行英国货币的兑换率？
• Sterling has recently been strong,which will help to abate inflationary pressures.英国货币最近非常坚挺，这有助于减轻通胀压力。