Heightened worries about the strength of consumers and the global economy have been put on hold -- at least for now -- after some of the world's best-known companies delivered a slew of better-than expected numbers.
Unilever Plc on Thursday reported sales that topped expectations, keeping up the surprises after Nestle SA kicked off the week with a similar disclosure. Carlsberg A/S notched up its full-year profit outlook and LVMH reported an 18% sales surge as Chinese shoppers splashed out on luxury handbags and jewellery.
