Dow Chemicals' Q4 earning dip

Marred by weak US housing and auto markets, spiraling energy and raw material costs and one-time restructuring charges, Dow Chemical Co.'s Q4 earnings have dipped. Dow, USA's largest chemical maker has reported net income of US$472 mln, down from US$975 million reported a year ago.Dow is focused on improving earnings growth and consistency, mainly through joint ventures. Last month, it announced a large joint-venture agreement with a unit of Kuwait Petroleum Corp.