BBVA Lowers Staff In Asia

Spain's Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA

cut about a third of its global-markets staff in Asia bank. The bank has lowered wholesale banking staff by 150. The bank laid off about 29 employees at its Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan offices in December, according to a person familiar with the situation. BBVA shares gained 1.54% to close at $8.57 on Friday.