BEIJING (Reuters) - Some Chinese cities are preparing fresh property tightening steps as housing transactions and prices show signs of a rebound, reinforcing market expectations that Beijing will not ease its grip on the sector any time soon.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Google Inc. stepped on its Internet search accelerator Wednesday by adding a feature that displays results as soon as people begin typing their requests.

Reuters - Australia's competition regulator blocked National Australia Bank's $12 billion bid for AXA Asia Pacific for a second time, dashing NAB's efforts to cement its dominance in the world's fourth-largest wealth management market.

LONDON (Reuters) - The FTSE 100 is seen falling on Thursday, retreating after gains in the previous session, with mining stocks likely to come under pressure after Chinese commodity futures tumbled in a widespread sell-off.

SHANGHAI (AP) -- Asian shares were mostly higher Thursday following advances on Wall Street and in Europe after a successful bond sale by Portugal eased worries over the debt crisis. But Chinese shares fell after the banking regulator warned of risks in the financial system.