disruption

Economies in the Asia-Pacific region appeared isolated from the turmoil in other parts of the world, but cracks are appearing, and a serious disruption in Europe could spill into Asia.

Japan’s oil demand has dropped by about a million barrels a day, but analysts warned the reduction was only temporary.

Libya produces less than 2 percent of the world’s oil, but its light sweet crude magnifies its importance.

A special committee says federal regulators have made positive changes, but they also need to create new rules that anticipate market problems to avoid another disruption like the May 6, 2010 plunge that rocked investor confidence.

The Securities and Exchange Commission proposed a trial of individual circuit breakers for the Standard & Poor’s 500-stock index in response to a May 6 disruption.

One expert said the disruption may have originated in Georgia or Russia, which have been engaged in a cyber propaganda conflict.

American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc. has won an injunction ordering one of its key steel suppliers to resume deliveries, easing concerns of a major disruption in the auto parts supply base.

Fraser Papers Inc. is filing for protection from creditors in courts in Canada and the U.S., and says its mills in Maine and New Hampshire will continue to operate without disruption.