Tokyo - Markets across the Asia-Pacific on Thursday saw the roller-coaster ride they have been taking in recent weeks make an upward surge with key markets jumping more than 10 per cent on news of an interest rate cut by the US Federal Reserve.

Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 Stock Average ended trading up nearly 10 per cent after the US central bank's rate cut as well as boosted profit prospects for Japan's exporters as the yen weakened against the dollar.

Washington, October 30 : Investigating the effect of newspaper endorsements for presidential candidates, two Brown University economists have come to the conclusion that they can actually influence voting decision.

Brian Knight and graduate student Chun Fang Chiang say that voters are more likely to support the recommended candidate following the publication of an endorsement, but any degree of influence depends on the credibility of the paper’s pick.

The researchers have observed that newspapers are potentially biased in favour of one of the candidates, and that voters rationally account for the credibility of any endorsement.

Los Angeles - Portland Trail Blazers prize rookie Greg Oden can't seem to stay healthy.

Oden made his long-awaited NBA debut on Tuesday night but will now be sidelined for the next two to four weeks after suffering a right-foot injury.

The top pick in the 2007 draft, Oden missed the entire season after undergoing microfracture surgery on his right knee. The latest setback is expected to keep him out for between six and 14 games.

Tokyo - Mitsubishi Motors Corp on Thursday lowered its earnings forecast for the fiscal year that ends on March 31 because of slow auto sales and the yen's recent rise against other major currencies.

The Japanese automaker dropped its operating profit projection to 50 billion yen (514 million dollars) from an initial 60 billion yen. Such profits would represent a 54-per-cent drop from last year.

The company also cut sales for the full year as the global financial crisis roils credit and stock markets and has sent sales down.

New York, Oct 30 : Hollywood couple Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have reportedly hired up to six nannies in Berlin to look after their kids.

Besides the nannies, one for each of their six kids, the pair has also hired a massive fleet of cars for their stay in Berlin.

“We''ve provided them with more than 20 Volkswagens while they''re here,” the New York Daily News quoted Mya Walters, a PR manager for the car company, as telling Life & Style magazine.

London - Tottenham Hotspur confirmed Thursday that they intend to press ahead with plans for the construction of a 60,000-capacity stadium near White Hart Lane.

Results released to the stock market revealed details of a large-scale plan that would also incorporate leisure facilities and housing.

"The scheme includes the current site and adjoining land with the stadium sited largely to the north of the existing one," chairman Daniel Levy explained in his statement.

The club has a waiting list of 22,000 for season-tickets, and considered a 70,000-capacity proposal, but were keen to remain close to their Haringey home.