Xstrata PLC

Exco Resources Limited (ASX:EXS)(PINK:EXRSF) is an Australian focused ASX listed mining company (ASX: EXS) that has been operating since 1998. Exco focuses on resource and project development through its team of experienced geologists, engineers and commercial specialists. The Company has a dual focus on developing both the Cloncurry Copper Project (CCP) in north-west Queensland, and the White Dam Gold Project in South Australia.

On Wednesday Tokyo and Hong Kong markets bounced 4 per cent respectively in the morning following Wall Street's hefty overnight rally. Taiwan stocks rose 2.04 percent to a two-month high led by financial stocks after Citigroup said it turned profitable in the first two months in 2009.

Asia's major markets ended mostly lower yesterday. Tokyo stocks were hit by the data of huge contraction in the economy, but Shanghai Composite outperformed the Asian markets backed by hopes of further government economic stimulus measures, which also boosted the Hong Kong shares.

On the eve of a crucial vote to give Indophil Resources (ASX:IRN) the authority and flexibility to consider selling its interest in the world-class Tampakan Copper-Gold Project, the Board of the Australian-listed company has called on shareholders to rally behind the Board and vote 'FOR' the resolution.

Investor Relations firm Financial & Corporate Relations (FCR), which specialises in assisting mineral and petroleum companies with communication, this week received the communication industry's highest award for investor relations and was listed as one of the top 20 firms advising on mergers and acquisitions this year.

Yesterday the Australian sharemarket closed lower for the third consecutive day on concerns that Wall Street's latest banking woes would hit Australia. The four major banks deducted the most from the index with their major losses of more than 3% following Lehman Brothers' announcement overnight in New York of asset sales.
Yesterday, the benchmark S&P/ASX200 fell 91.2 points, or 1.85 per cent, to 4,814.3, while the broader All Ordinaries shed 89.9 points, or 1.81 per cent, to 4,871.5.

Yesterday, the Australian share market closed lower after falls from the financial sector, with Babcock & Brown (ASX:BNB) suffering a heavy loss amid a drop in interim profit. Analysts said that some of the reports out yesterday were slightly negative, despite some coming out with higher profit the forward earnings would be under pressure.