johnt321: December 2008

Tech : Google, Yahoo rise as tech sector's bad year aims for upbeat end

Date: Wed, 31 Dec 2008 18:00:10 -0500

Tech Stocks: Google, Yahoo rise as tech sector's bad year aims for upbeat end
12/31/2008 4:20 PM ET
Technology stocks closed higher Wednesday as the broader market staged a final
rally to wrap up a year stained by red ink.

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Stocks to Watch: Stocks in focus for Friday
12/31/2008 5:29 PM ET
Among the companies whose shares are expected to see active trade in
Friday's session after the New Year's holiday are Flir Systems Inc.,
Scana Corp., and Citigroup Inc.

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Two top Dell execs to depart amid major reorganization
12/31/2008 4:44 PM ET
Dell Inc. said Wednesday that two senior executives are ling the
company, and the computing giant also unveiled a major reorganization
that trades structure
based on geographic boundaries for customer segments.

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Analyst expects cheaper iPhone, MacBook models in 2009
12/31/2008 4:22 PM ET
Apple may be gearing up to introduce cheaper iPhone and MacBook models
in 2009, possibly including a device dubbed the iPhone nano, an
analyst says.

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Latin American Markets: Mexico closes higher, but ends year down 24%
12/31/2008 4:11 PM ET
Mexico's benchmark index edges higher Wednesday, putting a positive
end note on a year that battered stocks markets in Latin America and
around the globe.

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Microsoft's Zune player experiencing problems
12/31/2008 12:37 PM ET
Microsoft warns customers using the 30-gigabyte version of its Zune
media player that they "may experience issues when booting their Zune
hardware."

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Canadian Markets: Second-half rout punishes TSX, set to end year down 36%
12/31/2008 12:08 PM ET
Canadian stocks edge higher during the last trading session of 2008, a
bruising year during which the credit crunch and tumult in the
commodities markets have delivered a one-two punch for Toronto
investors.

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Indications: Futures edge broadly higher in final session of 2008
12/31/2008 9:15 AM ET
Stock market futures edge higher ahead of the final trading session of
2008 as. investors take stock of a terrible year for global markets.

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Before the Bell: Dell, American International Group, crude-oil in the spotlight
12/31/2008 8:49 AM ET
Stock market futures were mostly higher Wednesday ahead of the final
trading session of 2008 as investors took stock of a terrible year for
global markets.

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London Markets: U.K. shares close higher to end year as oil majors,
Vodafone gain
12/31/2008 8:17 AM ET
U.K. shares move higher to end a terrible year for the British market,
with Aberdeen Asset Management surging after it agrees a deal to buy a
fund management business from Credit Suisse.

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Motorola cutting 400 more jobs as troubles continue
12/30/2008 8:48 PM ET
Embattled cellphone maker Motorola Inc. said Tuesday it is eliminating
400 more jobs, which will help add $25 million in pre-tax charges to
the company's fourth-quarter results.

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After Hours: Banks ricochet as Fed details planned mortgage purchases
12/30/2008 5:51 PM ET
Banks extend their Tuesday gains in the late session as the Federal
Reserve says it'll start buying mortgage securities backed by Fannie
Mae and Freddie Mac in January.

Markets Wednesday, 12/31/2008

Date: Wed, 31 Dec 2008 17:31:07 -0500

MARKETS:
Wall Street: Bring on '09
Investors close the books on Wall Street's worst year since the 1930s.

Treasurys ease on last day of a very good year

Date: Wed, 31 Dec 2008 17:01:27 -0500

Treasurys ease on last day of a very good year

Treasurys lower amid very thin trading, after the government said initial
claims for jobless benefits fell last week.

ECONOMIC REPORT: INITIAL JOBLESS CLAIMS FALL; CONTINUING CLAIMS AT 26-YEAR HIGH

First-time applications for state unemployment benefits fall 94,000 to
stand at 492,000 in the week ended Dec. 27, as the Labor Department
cites seasonal
volatility in explaining the surprising drop.

ANALYST EXPECTS CHEAPER IPHONE, MACBOOK MODELS IN 2009

Apple may be gearing up to introduce cheaper iPhone and MacBook models in 2009,
possibly including a device dubbed the iPhone nano, an analyst says.
MADOFF'S ALLEGED FRAUD CLAIMS SOME FAMOUS VICTIMS: REPORTS

Among those who have lost money in the alleged Ponzi scheme run by
Bernard Madoff are some high-profile names, such as economist Henry
Kaufman and actor Kevin Bacon, according to media reports.

Wall Street ends one of its most dismal years ever with a gain; Dow up 105 points at the close, Nasdaq gains 1.6%, S&P rises 1.5%.

Date: Wed, 31 Dec 2008 16:01:04 -0500

Wall Street ends one of its most dismal years ever with a gain; Dow up
105 points at the close, Nasdaq gains 1.6%, S&P rises 1.5%.

VIX stock-market volatility gauge at lowest level since October

Date: Wed, 31 Dec 2008 12:52:02 -0500

VIX stock-market volatility gauge at lowest level since October
12:49:50 PM EDT

Treasurys slightly lower to end very good year

Date: Wed, 31 Dec 2008 12:01:15 -0500

Treasurys lower amid very thin trading, after the government said
initial claims for jobless benefits fell last week.

ECONOMIC REPORT: INITIAL JOBLESS CLAIMS FALL; CONTINUING CLAIMS AT 26-YEAR HIGH

First-time applications for state unemployment benefits fall 94,000 to
stand at 492,000 in the week ended Dec. 27, as the Labor Department
cites seasonal volatility in explaining the surprising drop.

EUROPE MARKETS: LONDON ENDS HIGHER TO CAP OFF A DISMAL YEAR; FLAT ACTION IN
PARIS

European shares move broadly higher at the end of a dismal year for
global markets, with London scoring gains and Paris ending all but
flat.

MADOFF'S ALLEGED FRAUD CLAIMS SOME FAMOUS VICTIMS: REPORTS

Among those who have lost money in the alleged Ponzi scheme run by
Bernard Madoff are some high-profile names, such as economist Henry
Kaufman and actor Kevin Bacon, according to media reports. Key
disclosures about investors losses are due later Wednesday.

CAPITOL REPORT: OBAMA'S 'GOING GREEN' POLICIES HOLD PROMISES -- AND PITFALLS

They're calling it the "transition to green," a motto fashioned by
environmental groups' pining for the first 100 days of Barack Obama's
presidency. It envisions, among other things, increased funding for
alternative-energy development. Federal outlays for new jobs in this
sector would also constitute a "massive" transition to an economy that
looks favorablyon emissions-free energy sources and rewards ways to
save energy, and potentially create many jobs along the way. But such
ambitious policy proposales carry pitfalls as well as promises.

Energy: Oil falls ahead of supply data, heading for its worst year

Date: 31 DEC 2008 14:12:11 GMT
Headline: Futures Movers - Oil falls ahead of supply data, heading for
its worst year

Crude-oil futures fell for a second session ahead of the government's
petroleum inventories data, heading for their worst year on record on
concerns that the economic recession will cut energy demand.

The number of people filing initial jobless claims fell last week by 94,000 to 492,000 - fewer than expected.

Date: Wed, 31 Dec 2008 08:34:04 -0500

The number of people filing initial jobless claims fell last week by
94,000 to 492,000 - fewer than expected.

Tech: Chip issues pace tech gains; key index down 42% in '08

Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2008 18:00:08 -0500
Tech Daily: Chip issues pace tech gains; key index down 42%
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Tech Stocks: Chip issues pace tech gains; key index down 42% in '08
12/30/2008 4:33 PM ET
Most U.S. technology stocks close higher, led by chip makers like
Intel and Advanced Micro Devices.

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Tech Stocks: Amazon.com stock drops 4.5% as tech sector ends lower
12/29/2008 5:14 PM ET
Technology stocks slump, with shares of online retailer Amazon.com
closing nearly 5% lower.

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After Hours: Banks ricochet as Fed details planned mortgage purchases
12/30/2008 5:51 PM ET
Banks extend their Tuesday gains in the late session as the Federal
Reserve says it'll start buying mortgage securities backed by Fannie
Mae and Freddie Mac in January.

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Speculation about Microsoft cutbacks heats up
12/30/2008 4:08 PM ET
Speculation has surfaced that Microsoft Corp. might have to move
beyond its current hiring slowdown and even cut jobs, as Wall Street
analysts pare their outlook for the company amid the economic gloom.

Markets Tuesday, 12/30/2008

Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2008 17:31:05 -0500

MARKETS:
Stocks surge near year end
Wall Street gains in a thinly-traded session at the end of an abysmal year.

U.S. blue-chips get a boost from GM; financials rally late

Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2008 17:01:54 -0500

U.S. blue-chips get a boost from GM; financials rally late

U.S. stocks rise after the government expands its bailout plans for General
Motors, which in turn says it will make more financing options
available to consumers.

ECONOMIC REPORT: HOME PRICES OFF RECORD 18% IN PAST YEAR, CASE-SHILLER SAYS

Home prices in 20 major U.S. cities drop a further 2.2% in October
from September, with their annualized drop working out to a record 18%
, according to the Case-Shiller price index compiled by Standard &
Poor's. An IHS Global Insight analysts sees little respite for
homeowners.

AUTO SECTOR MOVES HIGHER AS GMAC SECURES U.S. FUNDING

Shares of U.S. automakers General Motors and Ford rally ahead of the
opening bell, buoyed by news that GMAC Financial Services had received
government funding.

CAPITOL REPORT: OBAMA'S 'GOING GREEN' POLICIES HOLD PROMISES -- AND PITFALLS

They're calling it the "transition to green," a motto fashioned by
environmental groups' pining for the first 100 days of Barack Obama's
presidency. It envisions, among other things, increased funding for
alternative-energy development. Federal outlays for new jobs in this
sector would also constitute a "massive" transition to an economy that
looks favorably on emissions-free energy sources and rewards ways to
save energy, and potentially create many jobs along the way. But such
ambitious policy
proposales carry pitfalls as well as promises.

ECONOMIC REPORT: U.S. CONSUMER CONFIDENCE HITS RECORD LOW ON JOB, BUSINESS
WORRIES

Consumer confidence hit a record low in December, according to the monthly
Conference Board index reported Tuesday, as worries increased about current
business and labor-market conditions.

Stocks rally on the government's $6 billion GMAC investment. Dow up 183 points at the close, S&P gains 2.4%, Nasdaq 2.6% higher.

Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2008 16:01:06 -0500

Stocks rally on the government's $6 billion GMAC investment. Dow up
183 points at the close, S&P gains 2.4%, Nasdaq 2.6% higher.

Oil settles 99 cents lower at $39.03 a barrel on continuing signs of a weak economy.

Date: Tue, Dec 30, 2008 at 2:47 PM

Oil settles 99 cents lower at $39.03 a barrel on continuing signs of a
weak economy.

Home prices off record 18% in past year, Case-Shiller says

Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2008 12:01:09 -0500

Home prices off record 18% in past year, Case-Shiller says

Home prices in 20 major U.S. cities drop a further 2.2% in October
from September, with their annualized drop working out to a record 18%
, according to the Case-Shiller price index compiled by Standard &
Poor's. An IHS Global Insight analysts sees little respite for
homeowners.

ECONOMIC REPORT: U.S. CONSUMER CONFIDENCE HITS RECORD LOW ON JOB,
BUSINESS WORRIES

Consumer confidence hit a record low in December, according to the
monthly Conference Board index reported Tuesday, as worries increased
about current business and labor-market conditions.

AUTOMAKERS SET TO RALLY AS GMAC SECURES U.S. FUNDING

Shares of U.S. automakers General Motors and Ford rally ahead of the
opening bell, buoyed by news that GMAC Financial Services had received
government funding.

MARK HULBERT: GOLD TIMERS MORE BULLISH THAN THEY'VE BEEN IN FIVE MONTHS

The editor of the average gold-timing newsletter is more bullish today
than he has been in nearly six months.

ISRAEL VOWS A 'LONG' GAZA CAMPAIGN: REPORTS

As Israel marks the fourth day of a fierce air assault on Gaza, the
country's interior minister Meir Sheetrit rejects the possibility of a
ceasefire, vowing the attacks will continue until the threat of
rockets from Hamas is completely eliminated.

Key measure of consumer confidence shows surprise plunge to an all-time low in December.

Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2008 10:03:03 -0500

Key measure of consumer confidence shows surprise plunge to an
all-time low in December.

Stocks open higher as investors cheer government's $6 billion intervention to prop up GM financing arm GMAC.

Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2008 09:32:08 -0500

Stocks open higher as investors cheer government's $6 billion
intervention to prop up GM financing arm GMAC.

Home prices plummeted a record 18% in October, according to a closely watched index tracking 20 metro areas.

Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2008 09:01:03 -0500

Home prices plummeted a record 18% in October, according to a closely
watched index tracking 20 metro areas.

Treasury to invest $5 billion in GMAC as part of automaker bailout plan.

Date: Mon, 29 Dec 2008 20:12:05 -0500

Treasury to invest $5 billion in GMAC as part of automaker bailout plan.

Tech : Amazon.com stock drops 4.5% as tech sector ends lower

Date: Mon, 29 Dec 2008 18:00:10 -0500

Tech Stocks: Amazon.com stock drops 4.5% as tech sector ends lower
12/29/2008 5:14 PM ET
Technology stocks slump, with shares of online retailer Amazon.com
closing nearly 5% lower.

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Stocks to Watch: Stocks in focus for Monday
12/27/2008 2:01 PM ET
Companies whose shares are expected to see active trading on Dec. 29.

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After Hours: First Solar, F5 on move in low-volume late session
12/26/2008 5:32 PM ET
First Solar and F5 Networks are among the most active stocks in
Friday's after-hours session, as most investors appear to have
extended the Christmas holiday.

Markets Monday, 12/29/2008

Date: Mon, 29 Dec 2008 17:31:03 -0500 |

| Dow : 8483.93 down 31.62 | S & P : 869.42 down 3.38 |
| NASDAQ: 1510.32 down 19.92 | Bond (10Y): 2.09%, 114.63
MARKETS:
Stocks falter to start the week
Major indexes slump after a high-profile deal falls through and
geopolitical tensions arise.

U.S. stocks fall as rising oil prices pressure consumer stocks

Date: Mon, 29 Dec 2008 17:01:29 -0500

U.S. stocks fall as rising oil prices pressure consumer stocks

Rising oil prices pressured consumer-related stocks, while investors
ditched some of their worst-performing financial stocks in the final
week of 2008.

U.S. BLAMES HAMAS FOR MIDDLE EAST VIOLENCE

For a third day, Israeli air forces strike targets linked to militant group
Hamas in the Gaza Strip Monday, bringing the death toll to more than 300,
according to a BBC report.

FUTURES MOVERS: OIL FUTURES RALLY AS ISRAELI AIR RAIDS IN GAZA CONTINUE

Crude-oil futures pare their early strong gains as Israel kept up its
air raids in the Gaza Strip, raising fears that escalating
geopolitical tensions could lead to a disruption of oil supplies from
the Middle East.

BOND REPORT: TREASURYS UP AS FLIGHT TO SAFETY RESUMES AFTER GAZA FIGHTING

Treasurys higher pushing short-term yields down by the most in almost
two months, as investors seek the safety of U.S. government debt.

REAL ESTATE: FOUR REFINANCING STRATEGIES FOR TODAY'S LOW-INTEREST-RATE CLIMATE

Lured by low mortgage rates, many homeowners have been rushing to
refinance. Interest is gaining for good reason: Eligible borrowers can
lock in rates that
haven't been this attractive in decades.

Stocks finish lower in lackluster holiday trade. Dow industrials down 35 points at the close, Nasdaq slides 1.4%, S&P off 0.5%.

Date: Mon, Dec 29, 2008 at 4:01 PM

Stocks finish lower in lackluster holiday trade. Dow industrials down
35 points at the close, Nasdaq slides 1.4%, S&P off 0.5%.

Oil settles at $40.02 a barrel, up $2.31, as Mideast fighting raises concern about supply.

Date: Mon, Dec 29, 2008 at 11:49 AM

Oil settles at $40.02 a barrel, up $2.31, as Mideast fighting raises
concern about supply.

Oil pares gains as Israeli air raids in Gaza continue

Date: Mon, 29 Dec 2008 12:01:19 -0500

Oil pares gains as Israeli air raids in Gaza continue
Crude-oil futures pare their early strong gains as Israel kept up its
air raids in the Gaza Strip, raising fears that escalating
geopolitical tensions could lead to a disruption of oil supplies from
the Middle East.

MARKET SNAPSHOT: U.S. STOCKS FALL AS RISING OIL PRICES PRESSURE CONSUMER STOCKS

U.S. stocks erase early gains as rising crude oil prices pressure
consumer-related stocks and after news that Kuwait scrapped plans for
a $17.4 billion joint venture with Dow Chemical.

ISRAELI AIR FORCES STRIKE MORE HAMAS TARGETS IN GAZA

For a third day, Israeli air forces strike targets linked to militant
group Hamas in the Gaza Strip Monday, bringing the death toll to more
than 300, according to a BBC report.

LONDON MARKETS: OIL PRODUCERS, MINERAL EXTRACTORS CLIMB IN HIGHER LONDON

London shares advance, as investors return from a two-session holiday
break and buy up oil producers and mineral extractors.

ASIA MARKETS: TOKYO, HONG KONG END UP AFTER ROLLER-COASTER RIDE

Most Asian markets retreat in light trading Monday, shadowed by a weak
economic outlook for 2009, with Japanese stocks lower as exporters
such as Canon Inc. and Toyota Motor Corp. decline after advancing
during the previous two sessions.

Dow tumbles 100 points as selling accelerates in thin holiday-week trading.

Date: Mon, 29 Dec 2008 11:17:08 -0500

Dow tumbles 100 points as selling accelerates in thin holiday-week trading.

Stocks open mixed in holiday-shortened week as investors count down the days to the end of one of the worst years on Wall Street.

Date: Mon, 29 Dec 2008 09:33:05 -0500

Stocks open mixed in holiday-shortened week as investors count down
the days to the end of one of the worst years on Wall Street.

Tech stocks mixed while Amazon holds onto gains

Date: Fri, 26 Dec 2008 18:00:13 -0500

Tech Stocks: Tech stocks mixed while Amazon holds onto gains
12/26/2008 4:09 PM ET

Technology stocks saw mixed trading in a light session on Friday after
online retail giant Amazon.com said it had its "best
ever" holiday season and Wal-Mart announced that it would begin
selling the popular iPhone.

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After Hours: First Solar, F5 on move in low-volume late session
12/26/2008 5:32 PM ET
First Solar and F5 Networks are among the most active stocks in
Friday's after-hours session, as most investors appear to have
extended the Christmas holiday.

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Stocks to Watch: Stocks in focus for Monday
12/26/2008 4:34 PM ET
Among the companies whose shares are expected to
see active trade in Monday's session are Cal-Maine Foods Inc., U.S.
meat processors, and Wal-Mart Stores Inc.

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Wal-Mart to start selling iPhone this weekend
12/26/2008 4:23 PM ET
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said Friday that it will begin selling the
popular 3G iPhone from Apple Inc. in its stores beginning this
weekend.

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Amazon calls 2008 holiday season its 'best ever'
12/26/2008 4:11 PM ET
Amazon says the 2008 holiday season "finished as its best ever," in
spite of grim results across much of the overall retail sector.

Markets Friday, 12/26/2008

Date: Fri, 26 Dec 2008 17:31:03 -0500

MARKETS:
Wall Street ends higher
Stocks advance as investors respond to preliminary holiday sales figures.

U.S. stocks end higher with holiday sales in play

Date: Fri, 26 Dec 2008 17:01:35 -0500
U.S. stocks end higher with holiday sales in play

U.S. stocks move mostly higher, led by gains in energy shares as crude
oil prices advance, while retailers are in focus as post-Christmas
sales kick off in earnest.

EARLY SIGNS OF GLOOM FOR RETAILERS, BUT E-TAILERS MAY SHINE

Aggressive price discounting by U.S. retailers are apparently to no
avail, with a new survey showing sinking sales across several
categories as consumers curtailed their holiday shopping this year.

GM SHARES RALLY AFTER LENDING UNIT GETS BANK STATUS

General Motors shares jump after lending unit GMAC receives approval
to become a bank holding company, opening the door to a much-needed
pool of federal funds.

FUTURES MOVERS: OIL RISES FOR FIRST DAY IN FOUR, GAINING 6.7%

Crude-oil futures rise for the first session in four as traders buy the
contracts on the heels of a 33% slump this month.

Stocks finish higher in quiet post-Christmas trading. Dow up 42 points at the close, Nasdaq rises 0.3%, S&P gains 0.8%.

Date: Fri, Dec 26, 2008 at 1:01 PM

Stocks finish higher in quiet post-Christmas trading. Dow up 42 points
at the close, Nasdaq rises 0.3%, S&P gains 0.8%.

U.S. stocks mostly rise with holiday sales in play

Date: Fri, 26 Dec 2008 12:01:22 -0500
U.S. stocks mostly rise with holiday sales in play

U.S. stocks opened higher on Friday, led by gains in energy shares as
crude oilprices advanced, while retailers were in focus as
post-Christmas sales kick off in earnest.

AMAZON SAYS 2008 HOLIDAY SEASON IS ITS 'BEST EVER'

Amazon says the 2008 holiday season "finished as its best ever," in
spite of grim results across much of the overall retail sector.

JAPAN NOVEMBER INDUSTRIAL OUTPUT FALLS 'OFF THE CLIFF'

Japan's industrial output tumbles at a record pace
in November, stoking fears the country's recession may stretch longer
and be more painful than anticipated.

ASIA MARKETS: TOKYO EXTENDS GAINS ON ASAHI BREWERIES, EXPORTERS

Asian markets mostly advance thin holiday trading,
with Japanese shares rising for a second session as Asahi Breweries
climb on a report the brewer was likely to beat its profit forecast,
while exporters such
as Toyota Motor Corp. extend gains as investors snap them up before
the end of the year.

DIVORCE RATES DROP AS COUPLES STAY TOGETHER DUE TO TIGHT FINANCES

The recession and economic turmoil is creating a new class of casualties:
Married couples who can't afford to get divorced. In these tough times
many people are finding it's cheaper to stay together, even when they
can't stand each other.

Markets open higher even as a report indicates dismal holiday sales for retailers.

Date: Fri, 26 Dec 2008 09:34:03 -0500

Markets open higher even as a report indicates dismal holiday sales
for retailers.

Tech Daily: AMD, Micron lead higher close

Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2008 18:00:09 -0500

Tech Stocks: AMD, Micron lead higher close
12/24/2008 1:23 PM ET

Technology stocks close slightly higher, led by chip makers Advanced
Micro Devices Inc. and Micron Technology, Inc.

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Micron Technology reports wider quarterly loss; shares rise
12/24/2008 1:45 PM ET
Shares of Micron Technology shrug off early weakness to trade higher,
as investors look past the company's wider first-quarter loss to
embrace expectations for better business conditions in the memory
market.

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Telecom Stocks: Qwest, phone companies close higher
12/24/2008 1:02 PM ET
Big phone stocks led by Qwest Communications
International Inc. topped the telecommunications sector Wednesday in
abbreviated pre-Christmas action.

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Verizon wins largest ever 'cybersquat' case
12/24/2008 10:40 AM ET
Verizon gets an early Christmas gift, as a federal court awards the
phone giant $33 million in what it called the "largest cybersquatting
judgment ever."

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Stocks to Watch: Stocks in focus for Wednesday
12/23/2008 6:57 PM ET
Among shares expected to see active trade in Wednesday's abbreviated
trading session are those of Micron Technology, Starbucks and Textron.

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Micron Technology reports bigger quarterly net loss
12/23/2008 5:27 PM ET
Micron Technology posts a bigger quarterly net loss as the
semiconductor maker reels from "significant decreases" in average
prices for memory-chip products.

Markets Wed, 24 Dec 2008

Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2008 17:31:07 -0500

MARKETS:
Stocks end higher
Major indexes rise in quiet trading as investors mull the latest
economic data. Markets to close early.

Obama has the most work cut out for him in one area: jobs

Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2008 17:01:30 -0500

Obama has the most work cut out for him in one area: jobs

As the recession rolls on, keeping workers at work may be
President-elect Barack Obama's toughest job.

MARKET SNAPSHOT: U.S. STOCKS MAKE MODEST GAINS IN LIGHT PRE-HOLIDAY TRADING

Stocks close slightly higher in light, pre-holiday trading after U.S.
data on consumer spending and durable goods reported for November come
in better than expected.

FUNDWATCH: CHOOSE CORPORATE DEBT OVER STOCKS, SAY MANAGERS

Falling stock prices this year have left many investors' portfolio
balances out of whack. But some managers argue against the need to
rebalance holdings.

MORTGAGES: RATES ON 30-YEAR MORTGAGES AT LOWEST SINCE AT LEAST 1971

Fixed-rate mortgage rates fell again this week, with the 30-year
fixed-rate mortgage setting another record low, at least since Freddie
Mac began doing its weekly survey in the early 1970s.

DIVORCE RATES DROP AS COUPLES STAY TOGETHER DUE TO TIGHT FINANCES

The recession and economic turmoil is creating a new class of
casualties: Married couples who can't afford to get divorced. In these
tough times many people are finding it's cheaper to stay together,
even when they can't stand each other.

Stocks end slightly higher despite grim economic news, as investors prepare for a day-long holiday break,

Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2008 13:01:05 -0500

Stocks end slightly higher despite grim economic news, as investors
prepare for a day-long holiday break,

Rates on 30-year mortgages at lowest since at least 1971

Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2008 12:01:11 -0500
Rates on 30-year mortgages at lowest since at least 1971

Fixed-rate mortgage rates fell again this week, with the 30-year
fixed-rate mortgage setting another record low, at least since Freddie
Mac began doing its weekly survey in the early 1970s.

MARKET SNAPSHOT: U.S. STOCKS RISE SLIGHTLY IN LIGHT PRE-HOLIDAY TRADE

Stocks open higher in light pre-holiday trading, gaining ground as
U.S. data on consumer spending and durable goods reported for November
come in better than expected.

ECONOMIC REPORT: U.S. DURABLE-GOODS ORDERS OFF 1% LAST MONTH ON TRANSPORTATION

Orders for U.S.-made durable goods were not as weak as forecast in
November, Commerce Department data indicate.

ECONOMIC REPORT: UNEMPLOYMENT LINES LONGEST IN 26 YEARS

The U.S. labor market continues to worsen, with unemployment lines
stretching to the longest in 26 years last week, the Labor Department
reports.

EXPORTERS MEET TO CREATE OPEC-STYLE GAS CARTEL: REPORT

Energy ministers from some of the world's biggest exporters of natural
gas have agreed to create a producers' group that will coordinate
forecasts, investments and relations to make the gas market less
unpredictable, according media
reports on Wednesday.

Stocks rise at the start of a shortened Christmas Eve session as a dismal year on Wall Street stumbles to a close.

Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2008 09:32:19 -0500

Stocks rise at the start of a shortened Christmas Eve session as a
dismal year on Wall Street stumbles to a close.

Energy: Exporters meet to create OPEC-style gas cartel: report

Date: 24 DEC 2008 10:01:40 GMT

Energy ministers from some of the world's biggest exporters of natural
gas have agreed to create a producers' group that will coordinate
forecasts, investments and relations to make the gas market less
unpredictable, according media reports on Wednesday.

Week-to-week mortgage applications jump 48% on lower rates, MBA data show

Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2008 07:02:39 -0500

Week-to-week mortgage applications jump 48% on lower rates, MBA data show
12/24/2008 7:00:47 AM EDT

U.S. durable-goods orders fall 1%; transportation category is key factor

Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2008 08:36:11 -0500

U.S. durable-goods orders fall 1%; transportation category is key factor
12/24/2008 8:32:13 AM EDT

Government: Initial jobless claims spiked 30,000 to 586,000 last week. Personal spending fell for 5th straight month in November.

Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2008 08:35:20 -0500

Government: Initial jobless claims spiked 30,000 to 586,000 last week.
Personal spending fell for 5th straight month in November.

International

Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2008 20:02:08 -0500
TOP STORIES as of 0900 HKT -- 24 December, 2008

FEARS OF TUMULT AFTER GUINEA PRESIDENT DIES
The African country of Guinea, reeling after the death of its
leader, is staring at the prospect of political instability. A
journalist in Conakry said the Guinean military had staged an
apparent coup, and were holding talks to determine who will
succeed Lansana Conte, who ruled the country for nearly 25
years.

NASA CAPTURES STUNNING IMAGES OF EARTH
NASA's Earth Observatory has captured some stunning images of
the Earth in 2008 including Hurricane Bertha, a huge section of
the Wilkins Ice Shelf in Antarctica breaking away and cloud
being swept across the Caspian Sea (pictured above).

UGABE: U.S. AND WEST ARE 'STUPID AND FOOLISH'
Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe described the U.S. government
and Western nations as "quite stupid and foolish" Tuesday for
trying to be involved in the African country's affairs.

DRIVERS TRAPPED IN FLOOD AFTER WATER PIPE BREAK
A harrowing rescue was under way Tuesday morning to save
motorists who were trapped in a fast moving flood created by a
water main break in suburban Maryland.

POPE'S MESSAGE ANGERS GAY RIGHTS ACTIVISTS
Pope Benedict XVI has reiterated the Roman Catholic Church's
opposition to homosexual behavior and warned that humanity could
destroy itself. The pope's year-end message to Church leaders
sparked anger among gay and lesbian religious groups.

IRAQ OKS CONTINUED PRESENCE OF FOREIGN TROOPS
Iraq's parliament on Tuesday approved a resolution that will
allow non-U.S. foreign troops to remain in Iraq after a U.N.
mandate expires at the end of the year.

REPORT: OBAMA, BLAGOJEVICH PROSECUTORS TALKED
Two Democratic officials are predicting that the long-awaited
report about aides to President-elect Barack Obama alleged
contact with the office of embattled Illinois Gov. Rod
Blagojevich will largely exonerate Obama's transition team.

IRAQI SOLDIERS SEIZE APPARENTLY STOLEN RELICS
Iraqi soldiers have seized 228 apparently stolen antiquities and
arrested seven members of a gang suspected of trafficking in
such items, a security official in Basra said Tuesday.

BUSINESS

PUTIN: 'CHEAP GAS ERA' ENDING
The sharp growth of costs in the gas industry will inevitably
lead to a significant increase in global gas prices, Russian
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said Tuesday.

CHINA SET TO GUARD AFRICAN SHIPPING ROUTE
Two Chinese destroyers and a supply ship will set sail for the
Gulf of Aden on Friday to protect Chinese merchant ships from an
increasing number of pirate attacks in the waters off the coast
of Somalia, navy officials said Tuesday.

Tech: Red Hat gains on earnings report while tech shares weaken

Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2008 18:00:11 -0500
Tech Stocks: Red Hat gains on earnings report while tech shares weaken

12/23/2008 4:35 PM ET
Technology stocks end in the red in the last full trading session
before Christmas, despite taking modest gains earlier in the day.

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Micron Technology reports bigger quarterly net loss
12/23/2008 5:27 PM ET
Micron Technology posts a bigger quarterly net loss as the
semiconductor maker reels from "significant decreases" in average
prices for memory-chip products.

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Telecom Stocks: Telecoms mostly drift lower; Nortel up
12/23/2008 1:59 PM ET
Telecommunications stocks sputtered in midday
Tuesday trades after a positive opening to mirror action in the
broader U.S. market.

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Analysts lower targets on Activision, citing 'Guitar Hero' sales
12/23/2008 11:52 AM ET
Activision Blizzard Inc. saw two analysts cut
their price targets on its stock Tuesday, citing concerns that sales of
best-selling video game franchises "Guitar Hero" and "Call of Duty"
may be lower than expected for the holiday season.

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Indications: U.S. stock futures tilt lower after as-expected GDP data
12/23/2008 9:24 AM ET
U.S. stock futures point to a mildly positive start on Wall Street, as
investors continue to count down to the end of the year.

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Therese Poletti's Tech Tales: Outlook for startups next year is grim
12/23/2008 12:01 AM ET
It looks like 2009 is not going to be the best year to start a new
technology company, Therese Poletti writes.

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Stocks to Watch: Stocks in focus for Tuesday
12/22/2008 6:42 PM ET
Among the companies which are expected to see their shares in active
trade Tuesday are Micron Technology, Textron and Red Hat.

Markets for Tuesday, 12/23/2008

Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2008 17:31:04 -0500

MARKETS:
Stocks fall, Wall St. counts days to 2009
Major indexes slump asÂ investors weigh mixed economic data and
concerns about the auto industry.

Dow tallies fifth straight loss as autos, GDP weigh

Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2008 17:01:35 -0500
Dow tallies fifth straight loss as autos, GDP weigh

U.S. stocks decline for a second session this week as worries
intensify that federal funds might not salvage the auto industry, and
economic reports
illustrate the economy's decline and ongoing trouble in the housing market.

DETAILS OF OBAMA'S STIMULUS STILL BEING NEGOTIATED: BIDEN

Barack Obama's transition team is still negotiating the nuts and bolts of its
economic-stimulus plan with Congress, but no deal has been reached, Vice
President-elect Joseph Biden says.
THE TECHNICAL INDICATOR: CLOSING OUT THE HISTORIC 2008 MARKET CRASH

ECONOMIC REPORT: U.S. DATA SHOW SALES OF NEW HOMES AT LOWEST LEVEL IN 17 YEARS

Sales of new homes in the U.S. decline to their lowest level in more
than 17 years during November, falling 2.9% to a seasonally adjusted
annual rate of
407,000, according to the Commerce Department.

ECONOMIC REPORT: U.S. NOV. EXISTING-HOME SALES FALL 8.6%; HOME-PRICE
DROP A RECORD

Resales of U.S. single-family homes and condos fell 8.6% in November to a
seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.49 million, the National Association of
Realtors reported Tuesday, even as home prices fell at the fastest annual pace
on record.

Dow industrials close with loss of nearly 100 points to pace day's decline

Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2008 16:04:08 -0500

Dow industrials close with loss of nearly 100 points to pace day's decline
12/23/2008 4:02:16 PM EDT

U.S. stocks see-saw between gains and loses in light trade

Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2008 12:01:15 -0500
U.S. stocks see-saw between gains and loses in light trade

U.S. stocks tilt higher after the government reported an as-expected
drop in gross domestic product for the third quarter and as investors
pored over data on the troubled housing market.

ECONOMIC REPORT: U.S. DATA SHOW SALES OF NEW HOMES AT LOWEST LEVEL IN 17 YEARS

Sales of new homes in the U.S. decline to their lowest level in more
than 17 years during November, falling 2.9% to a seasonally adjusted
annual rate of 407,000, according to the Commerce Department.

ECONOMIC REPORT: U.S. NOV. EXISTING HOME FALL 8.6%; HOME-PRICE DROP A RECORD

Resales of U.S. single-family homes and condos fell 8.6% in November
to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.49 million, the National
Association of Realtors reported Tuesday, even as home prices fell at
the fastest annual pace on record.

ECONOMIC REPORT: CONSUMER SENTIMENT IMPROVES IN DEC. AS PRICES FALL

A closely watched index of consumer attitudes
improved in December, data showed Tuesday, rebounding from
multi-decades lows as falling prices took some of the edge off job
losses.

Final reading on U.S. GDP shows 0.5% contraction; inflation contained

Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2008 08:34:44 -0500

Final reading on U.S. GDP shows 0.5% contraction; inflation contained
8:32:49 AM EDT

Tech: Technology sector sinks as Palm jumps on new investment

Date: Mon, 22 Dec 2008 18:00:19 -0500
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Tech Stocks: Technology sector sinks as Palm jumps on new investment
4:21 PM ET
Technology stocks sink even as Palm shares jump on news that the
handset maker will get an additional $100 million in private-equity
investment.

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Palm shares rally on new private-equity investment
12/22/2008 4:18 PM ET
Shares of Palm get a shot in the arm as the company secures additional
capital investment from a private-equity firm.

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Retail Stocks: Snowy week blankets fresh gloom on retailers
12/22/2008 3:41 PM ET
Retail shares head lower to kick off a holiday-shortened week as
investors react negatively to wintry weather and snowstorms that
promise to deliver additional lumps of coal for retailers and their
already-dismal holiday outlook.

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Telecom Stocks: Verizon, AT&T up; Sprint, Motorola fall
12/22/2008 11:28 AM ET
WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) - Most phone stocks rose Monday while shares
of telecommunications equipment makers declined to kick off the
Christmas trading week.

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Free-shipping deals fail to lure more last-minute online shoppers
12/22/2008 10:58 AM ET
Last-minute deals for free shipping before the holidays were
apparently not enough to light a fire under online shoppers last week.

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Infineon shares soar after Qimonda gets 325M-euro bailout
12/22/2008 5:43 AM ET
Shares of Infineon Technologies AG, Europe's second-largest maker of
semiconductors, rise as much as 21% on Monday after spun-off offspring
Qimonda receives a 325 million-euro ($456 million) loan.

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Warner Music videos drop from YouTube in contract dispute
12/21/2008 11:15 AM ET
Certain Warner Music Group videos are being pulled from the
video-sharing site YouTube as contract negotiations between the two
sides have reached an impasse.

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Software maintenance firms see opportunity in downturn
12/20/2008 11:01 AM ET
If the small guys have it right, this could be a chance to steal the
titans' lunch.

Markets Monday, 12/22/2008

Date: Mon, 22 Dec 2008 17:31:05 -0500

| Dow : 8519.69 down 59.42 | S & P : 871.63 down 16.25 |
| NASDAQ: 1532.35 down 31.97 | Bond (10Y): 2.17%, 113.94
MARKETS:
Stocks fall on drip-drop of bad news
Major indexes fall as Toyota issues profit warning and GM is
downgraded. Walgreens misses first-quarter earnings estimates. Oil
falls below $40.

U.S. stocks end lower with Walgreen, Toyota setting tone; Nasdaq's down 2%

Date: Mon, 22 Dec 2008 16:08:48 -0500

U.S. stocks end lower with Walgreen, Toyota setting tone; Nasdaq's down 2%
12/22/2008 4:06:45 PM EDT

Dow industrials plumb day's lows, off 130 points; Nasdaq's down 3.2%

Date: Mon, Dec 22, 2008 at 2:33 PM

Dow industrials plumb day's lows, off 130 points; Nasdaq's down 3.2%
[2:31:40 PM EDT]

U.S. stocks mildly lower to begin holiday-shortened week

Date: Mon, 22 Dec 2008 12:01:16 -0500

U.S. stocks mildly lower to begin holiday-shortened week
U.S. stocks fall after starting off on a mixed note, with investors back
concentrating on the fortunes of retailers and consumer discretionaries.

FREE-SHIPPING DEALS FAIL TO LURE MORE LAST-MINUTE ONLINE SHOPPERS

Last-minute deals for free shipping before the holidays were
apparently not enough to light a fire under online shoppers last week.

TOYOTA ON TRACK FOR FIRST-EVER LOSS IN FISCAL 2009

Toyota Motor Corp. slashes its profit, revenue and unit sales
forecasts for the year ending March 31, blaming a shocking slump in
the global automobile market and a sharp appreciation in the Japanese
yen against major currencies.

THREE IRISH BANKS WELCOME GOVERNMENT'S $7.8 BILLION RESCUE

Ireland's three major banks welcome the government's weekend decision
to supply them with 5.5 billion euros ($7.76 billion) in a bid to
rescue a financial system on the verge of collapse.

Tech: Oracle, Research In Motion lead tech advance

Date: Fri, 19 Dec 2008 18:00:08 -0500

Tech Stocks: Oracle, Research In Motion lead tech advance
12/19/2008 4:23 PM ET
Technology stocks shoot higher, led by Oracle and Research In Motion,
which rally after issuing upbeat forecasts.

Lam Research lowers quarterly revenue outlook
12/19/2008 4:27 PM ET
Lam Research lowers its revenue outlook, saying that the market for
chip making equipment has deteriorated further in recent weeks.

Palm shares jump despite poor results; analysts skeptical
12/19/2008 2:11 PM ET
Palm Inc. shares get a strong bounce Friday despite the fact that the
smart-phone maker posted lower-than-expected results for its second
fiscal quarter and Wall Street analysts said the odds are getting long
that the company can mount an effective comeback.

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RIM shares climb on strong forecast
12/19/2008 2:11 PM ET
Research In Motion sees its earnings climb 7% in its fiscal third
quarter, while the company surprises investors with a
better-than-expected forecast.

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Oracle shares climb as Wall Street cheers results
12/19/2008 2:10 PM ET
Shares of Oracle Corp. trade higher in premarket trading a day after
the company posts slightly lower second-quarter profit in a period
when concerns were raised about the business software maker's health
as the broader economy sputtered.

Indications: Stock futures pare declines on federal help for automakers
12/19/2008 9:22 AM ET
U.S. stock market futures pare losses following news of a bailout for
the auto industry, while oil prices continue to edge lower as demand
worries outweigh a recent production cut.

China to encourage foreign acquisitions, minister says
12/19/2008 9:21 AM ET
China's industry minister says Friday the nation will use trade
policy, tax reform and the promotion of foreign acquisitions to help
support key industries, including petrochemicals and automaking,
according to state-run media.

Markets Friday, 12/19/2008

Date: Fri, 19 Dec 2008 17:31:06 -0500

MARKETS:
Auto bailout spurs dollar buying
$13.4 billion loan mutes risk of industrywide collapse, sparking
demand for short-term Treasurys, which investors need dollars to buy.

Detroit gets its wish -- $17 billion in U.S. loans

Date: Fri, 19 Dec 2008 17:01:36 -0500

Detroit gets its wish -- $17 billion in U.S. loans

Ending months of roller-coaster negotiations, President Bush moves to
extend up to $17.4 billion in loans to troubled U.S. auto makers.

MARKET SNAPSHOT: U.S. STOCKS POISED FOR MIXED WEEKLY RESULTS AFTER AUTO RESCUE

U.S. stocks moved higher on Friday after the White House says it would
loan the ailing auto industry $17.4 billion in loans to prevent their
"disorderly liquidation."

AS VALUES TANK, S&P REDEFINES LARGE-CAP

The price of entry into the large-cap universe is
today officially 25% cheaper than it was less than three months ago.
HERALD HEDGE FUNDS SUSPEND REDEMPTIONS ON MADOFF EXPOSURE

Bank Medici, an Austrian private bank part owned
by Italy's UniCredit Group, said Friday that hedge funds it runs had
almost all their money invested with Bernard Madoff, who's been
accused of what could be a $50 billion Ponzi scheme.

FRANKEN ASSUMES FIRST LEAD IN MINNESOTA SENATE RACE

Former comedian and political activist Al Franken
has opened his first lead in the hotly contested U.S. Senate race in
Minnesota over incumbent Norm Coleman, according to reports.

Stocks end mixed after auto-fueled rally fades; Nasdaq gains 1.5% in week

Date: Fri, 19 Dec 2008 16:07:39 -0500

Stocks end mixed after auto-fueled rally fades; Nasdaq gains 1.5% in week
12/19/2008 4:05:17 PM EDT

Auto makers to get more than $17 billion in loans

Date: Fri, 19 Dec 2008 12:01:12 -050
0
Auto makers to get more than $17 billion in loans

The White House announces plans to extend $13.4 billion in loans to
troubled Detroit auto makers GM and Chrysler, with another $4 billion
likely available. in February.

MOVERS & SHAKERS: BIGGEST GAINING AND LOSING STOCKS ON FRIDAY

Stocks expected to move significantly in Friday's trading include
Oracle Corp., Research in Motion Ltd. and Weyerhaeuser Co.

RETAILERS SLASH PRICES, AGAIN, IN LAST BID TO WIN HOLIDAY SALES

Retailers from AnnTaylor Stores Corp. to Gap Inc.'s
Banana Republic this week began marking down their holiday and winter
merchandise and added additional promotions to previously already
discounted products, with bargains to be had at up to more than 80%
off.

BOJ CUTS KEY RATE, PLANS TO BUY CORPORATE DEBT

The Bank of Japan cut its key interest rate to 0.1% from 0.3% Friday,
marking its second rate reduction this year in the wake of worsening
economic. indicators and increasing pressure from the government to do
more to help the economy.

Breaking News: Bush announces help for automakers

Date: Fri, 19 Dec 2008 08:13:56 -0600

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Bush says the federal government will
grant $17.4 billion in loans to ailing U.S. automakers in exchange for
concessions from the firms and their workers.

Tech: Take-Two plunges, while Micron soars

Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2008 18:00:11 -0500

Tech Stocks: Take-Two plunges, while Micron soars
12/18/2008 4:20 PM ET
Technology stocks sink as Take-Two Interactive Software shares plunge
after the company issues a grim forecast.

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Oracle profit slips, says stronger dollar undercut results
12/18/2008 5:13 PM ET
Oracle says its fiscal second-quarter profit fell slightly in a period
when concerns were raised about the business software maker's health
as the broader economy sputtered.

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RIM earnings climb as forecast beats estimates
12/18/2008 4:50 PM ET
Research In Motion sees earnings climb 7% in its fiscal third quarter
as the BlackBerry maker issued a forecast for the current period that
came in above Wall Street's estimates.

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Palm sees net loss grow on tax charge; smartphone sales down
12/18/2008 4:47 PM ET
Palm Inc. on Thursday reported a bigger fiscal second-quarter net loss
as the company struggled through what its chief executive described as
"an undeniably difficult period."

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CORRECT: Intel, STMicro unveil flash-memory joint venture

12/18/2008 4:41 PM ET
Intel and STMicroelectronics unveil a new company that will develop
and manufacture flash-memory products.

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Chip tools spending to fall 32% in 2009, Gartner says
12/18/2008 2:09 PM ET
Spending on chip-making equipment will fall 32% in 2009 as
semiconductor manufacturers shift to "panic mode" in the face of "an
economic recession of unknown proportion," an industry report says.

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Analysts say chip investors should hold off until next year
12/18/2008 1:44 PM ET
Analysts said Thursday that semiconductor companies are likely to
remain weak into the new year as the sector continues to reel from
weakening demand.

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Smart-phone makers RIM, Palm on deck for earnings
12/18/2008 12:51 PM ET
Research In Motion Ltd. and Palm Inc. still face worries on Wall
Street about their earnings reports slated for Thursday afternoon
despite the fact that both smart-phone makers warned of disappointing
results two weeks ago.

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London Markets: Drug, telecom shares enable London investors to play defense
12/18/2008 12:29 PM ET
London shares end slightly higher, as strong performance from
drugmakers and telecom carriers counterbalance losses from oil
producers, miners and banks.

Markets Thursday, 12/18/2008

Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2008 17:31:05 -0500

| Dow : 8604.99 down 219.35 | S & P : 885.28 down 19.14
| NASDAQ: 1552.37 down 26.94 | Bond (10Y): 2.07%, 114.94

MARKETS:
Stocks plunge at the end of day
After flip-flopping most of the session, Wall Street falls sharply;
the Dow plunges more than 200 points, one day ahead of a slew of
options expirations.

Obama to propose stimulus up to $775 billion: report

Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2008 17:01:45 -0500

Obama to propose stimulus up to $775 billion: report

The president-elect plans to propose a stimulus package of up to $775
billion over two years, news reports say.

RIM EARNINGS CLIMB AS FORECAST BEATS ESTIMATES

Research In Motion sees earnings climb 7% in its fiscal third quarter
as the BlackBerry maker issued a forecast for the current period that
came in above
Wall Street's estimates.

MADOFF'S RISE FUELED BY LEVERAGE, CONTROVERSIAL FEES

Bernard Madoff, the alleged perpetrator of what
could be the largest Ponzi scheme in history, relied on a network of
leverage providers and controversial fee arrangements built up over
more than a decade to feed his operation.

FUTURES MOVERS: OIL FUTURES TUMBLE 10% TO END BELOW $37 A BARREL

Crude touches lowest level in at least four years, underscoring the
market's preoccupation with a sharp slowdown in oil demand.
VETERAN REGULATOR MARY SCHAPIRO TAPPED TO LEAD SEC

The president-elect makes two major picks to head key regulatory
agencies, and calls for significant changes to the
financial-regulatory system in the wake of the credit and economic
crisis.

PAY RAISES IN 2009 WILL BE MEASLIEST IN 32 YEARS, SURVEY FINDS

Thanks in large part to the hit companies are taking from the current
financial crisis, millions of U.S. workers will find their 2009 pay
raises are less than
3%, the lowest average in 32 years.

U.S. stocks finish sharply lower, pressured by energy sector and oil at four-year lows

Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2008 16:02:54 -0500

U.S. stocks finish sharply lower, pressured by energy sector and oil
at four-year lows
12/18/2008 4:01:06 PM EDT

Obama to propose stimulus package of up to $775 billion over two years: WSJ

Thu, Dec 18, 2008 at 2:57 PM

Obama to propose stimulus package of up to $775 billion over two years: WSJ
2:55:01 PM EDT

U.S. stocks little changed amid auto woes, oil slides below $40

Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:01:21 -0500

U.S. stocks little changed amid auto woes, oil slides below $40

GM, CHRYSLER REPORTEDLY TALK MERGER AHEAD OF EXPECTED AID PACKAGE

The struggles at General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC take a
surprising turn with the two automakers reportedly jumping back in to
merger talks as they await word from the White House on a crucial cash
lifeline.

VETERAN REGULATOR MARY SCHAPIRO TAPPED TO LEAD SEC

The choice of Mary Schapiro to head the Securities and Exchange
Commission indicates that President-elect Barack Obama is serious
about combining the agency and the Commodities Futures Trading
Commission, observers say.

ECONOMIC REPORT: INITIAL JOBLESS CLAIMS FALL 21,000; TREND AT 26-YEAR HIGH

Labor market conditions are weak and jobs are hard to get, according
to government data reported Thursday that showed a 26-year high in the
trend for
initial jobless claims.

Philly Fed manufacturing gauge still well under water but shows improvement

Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:05:51 -0500

Philly Fed manufacturing gauge still well under water but shows improvement
12/18/2008 10:03:35 AM EDT

Obama to pick financial regulator Mary Schapiro to head SEC: report

Date: Wed, 17 Dec 2008 18:29:16 -0500

Obama to pick financial regulator Mary Schapiro to head SEC: report
12/17/2008 6:27:26 PM EDT

Tech: Apple leads retreat as expo move rattles investors

Date: Wed, 17 Dec 2008 18:00:11 -0500

Tech Stocks: Apple leads retreat as expo move rattles investors
12/17/2008 4:20 PM ET
Technology stocks tumble back into the red, led by Apple Inc. as the
Silicon Valley icon's move to withdraw from Macworld Expo rattles
investors.

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Take-Two posts disappointing forecast, signs Rockstar talent
12/17/2008 4:55 PM ET
Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. posts a small gain in sales for the
fourth fiscal quarter and issues a forecast for the current period
that is sharply lower than Wall Street's projections.

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Apple hit after Macworld decision; analyst downgrades stock
12/17/2008 4:26 PM ET
The company's dramatic decision to pull out of future Macworld showsn
also has raised fresh speculation about the health of Chief Executive
Steve Jobs.

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Western Digital to cut 2,500 jobs, lowers outlook
12/17/2008 4:21 PM ET
Western Digital Corp. says it is cutting 2,500 jobs, or 5% of its
workforce, as the tech company also lowers its quarterly outlook
citing weakening demand.

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Adobe posts higher profit, sticks to forecast
12/17/2008 2:21 PM ET
Shares of Adobe Systems Inc. fell Wednesday,
after the company met already-lowered expectations for its fiscal
fourth quarter but also said it anticipates a difficult year ahead.

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Motorola to freeze salaries, pensions in cost-cutting move
12/17/2008 1:07 PM ET
Responding to a global recession, Motorola says it will freeze its
pension plan and employee salaries, suspend matching 401(k)
contributions and cut the pay of top executives in an effort to reduce
costs.

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SSTI, flash-memory producer, cuts revenue view and 17% of jobs
12/17/2008 2:59 AM ET
Silicon Storage Technology Inc. raises the top and bottom of the range
of its estimated fourth-quarter loss, cut its revenue expectation and
plans to pare 17% of its workforce as slower consumer spending hits
another maker of
flash-memory technology.

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Apple says next year's Macworld Expo will be its last
12/16/2008 7:58 PM ET
Apple stuns investors and the technology industry by announcing that
it's withdrawing from the annual gathering in San Francisco where the
Silicon Valley icon has unveiled, often in dramatic fashion, its most
successful products.

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Stocks to Watch: Stocks in focus for Wednesday
12/16/2008 6:54 PM ET
Among the companies whose shares are expected to see active trade in
Wednesday's session are Nike Inc., General Mills Inc., and Morgan
Stanley.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Adobe hits high end of fourth-quarter projections
12/16/2008 6:45 PM ET
Adobe Systems Inc. on Tuesday met already-lowered expectations for its
fiscal fourth-quarter financial results, as the software company
hunkers down for a trying period of slowing sales and job cuts.

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Xilinx lowers sales forecast, citing weak demand
12/16/2008 5:27 PM ET
Xilinx Inc. cuts its revenue forecast for its December quarter, citing
weak sales.

Markets Wednesday, 12/17/2008

Date: Wed, 17 Dec 2008 17:31:07 -0500

MARKETS:
Dollar falls against yen, euro
Japanese currency surges to 13-year high against greenback following
U.S. central bank slashing rates.

OPEC cuts oil output further by 2.2 million barrels a day

Date: Wed, 17 Dec 2008 17:03:01 -0500

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries decides to slash
its daily production by a record 2.2 million barrels from current
levels, but the oil market ignores the widely expected move and sends
oil prices tumbling below $40 a barrel.

FUNDWATCH: INVESTORS DUMP STOCK AND BOND FUNDS, BUT SELLING PRESSURE EASES

Investors pulled more than $40 billion from stock- and bond mutual
funds in November, but the panicked selling of the past several months
seems to be subsiding, according to figures released Wednesday by
research firm Lipper Inc.

APPLE HIT AFTER MACWORLD DECISION; ANALYST DOWNGRADES STOCK

The company's dramatic decision to pull out of future Macworld showsn
also has raised fresh speculation about the health of Chief Executive
Steve Jobs.

SEC CHIEF: INTERNAL REVIEW COULD MEAN AGENCY CHANGES

Trying to contain the damage from what appears to be a major fumbling
by the Securities and Exchange Commission to uncover an alleged $50
billion "Ponzie
scheme," SEC chairman says he may change how the agency examines
investment funds if an internal review finds that regulators dropped
the ball.

Chrysler idling all its plants until at least Jan. 19

Date: Wed, 17 Dec 2008 17:02:19 -0500

Chrysler idling all its plants until at least Jan. 19
12/17/2008 4:59:55 PM EDT

U.S. stocks finish volatile day in the red, pressured by utilities and financials

Date: Wed, 17 Dec 2008 16:04:45 -0500

U.S. stocks finish volatile day in the red, pressured by utilities and
financials
12/17/2008 4:02:36 PM EDT

Apple hit after Macworld decision; analyst downgrades stock

Date: Wed, 17 Dec 2008 12:01:08 -0500

Apple hit after Macworld decision; analyst downgrades stock

The company's dramatic decision to pull out of future Macworld showsn
also has raised fresh speculation about the health of Chief Executive
Steve Jobs.

MORGAN STANLEY POSTS WORSE-THAN-EXPECTED $2.3 BILLION LOSS

Morgan Stanley on Wednesday posts its own quarterly deficit, dogged,
like rivalGoldman Sachs reported a day earlier, by frozen credit
markets, falling asset
prices and stagnant underwriting.

SEC CHIEF ADMITS REGULATOR FAILED TO ACT ON MADOFF WARNINGS

A key congressional lawmaker plans an inquiry into the activities of
accused Ponzi schemer Bernard Madoff, as the chairman of the
Securities and Exchange Commission says the agency failed to look into
allegations dating back nearly adecade.

FUNDWATCH: WORLD FUND MANAGERS SAY ECONOMIC DETERIORATION IS SLOWING

The rate of deterioration of the global economy has started to slow,
according to asset allocators polled by Merrill Lynch for its December
fund manager survey, which was released Wednesday.

Motorola to freeze U.S. pension plans, hold salaries steady under cost-cutting program

Date: Wed, 17 Dec 2008 09:21:35 -0500

Motorola to freeze U.S. pension plans, hold salaries steady under
cost-cutting program
12/17/2008 9:19:29 AM EDT

U.S. stocks skid 1% and more in opening minute as investors rethink Fed gains

Date: Wed, 17 Dec 2008 09:33:56 -0500

U.S. stocks skid 1% and more in opening minute as investors rethink Fed gains
12/17/2008 9:31:39 AM EDT

Breaking News: Fed cuts key interest rate to record low

Date: Tue, 16 Dec 2008 13:32:19 -0600

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Federal Reserve has cut its target for a key
interest rate to the lowest level on record and pledged to use "all
available tools" to combat the current financial crisis. The central
bank says it reduced the federal funds rate, the interest that banks
charge each other, to a range of zero to 0.25%. That is down from the
1% target rate in effect since the last meeting in October.

Tech: Tech stocks rally on rate cut; Nasdaq up 5%

Date: Tue, 16 Dec 2008 18:00:14 -0500

Tech Stocks: Tech stocks rally on rate cut; Nasdaq up 5%
12/16/2008 4:14 PM ET
Technology stocks gain, led by Amazon.com and eBay Inc. as the broader
market advances with Wall Street anticipating another federal funds
rate cut.

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Apple says next year's Macworld Expo will be its last
12/16/2008 5:46 PM ET
Apple Inc. says the upcoming Macworld Expo in January will be the
computing giant's last, and CEO Steve Jobs will not give a final
keynote at the popular event.

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Xilinx lowers sales forecast, citing weak demand
12/16/2008 5:27 PM ET
Xilinx Inc. cuts its revenue forecast for its December quarter, citing
weak sales.

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Adobe hits high end of fourth-quarter projections
12/16/2008 4:32 PM ET
Adobe Systems Inc. meets already lowered expectations for its fiscal
fourth-quarter financial results, as the software company hunkers down
for a trying period of slowing sales and job cuts.

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Atmel blasts Microchip's move for board seats
12/16/2008 4:23 PM ET
Atmel Corp. blasts Microchip Technology's decision to field an
alternate slate of directors to its board, as the bitter merger battle
between the two chip
makers flares up once again.

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Vishay cuts quarterly sales forecast
12/16/2008 4:21 PM ET
Semiconductor manufacturer Vishay Intertechnology Inc. slashes its
sales forecast for the second time in several months as a global
recession weakens demand.

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Europe Markets: Drugmakers, telecom pace gains in Europe
12/16/2008 12:40 PM ET
European shares end a volatile session in positive territory, with
drugmakers and telecom stocks pacing gains.

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Telecom Stocks: Alcatel-Lucent, Clearwire lead telecoms in mild rally
12/16/2008 12:02 PM ET
Shares of telecommunications companies rallied in
Tuesday trades along with the broader market, with equipment suppliers
such as Alcatel-Lucent and Qualcomm Inc. taking the lead.

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Chips to suffer back-to-back years of lower sales: Gartner
12/16/2008 11:24 AM ET
The chip industry will suffer back-to-back years
of lower revenue for the first time in its history in 2009, a technology
research group said Tuesday.

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PartyGaming rallies as it nears settlement with U.S. authorities
12/16/2008 10:16 AM ET
Shares in PartyGaming climb almost 7% Tuesday after the online
gambling group says any settlement it pays to the U.S. Department of
Justice is likely to be "significantly lower" than the $300 million
that co-founder Anurag Dikshit is reportedly set to hand over.

Markets Tuesday, 12/16/2008

Date: Tue, 16 Dec 2008 17:31:05 -0500

MARKETS:
Wall Street cheers rate cut
Stocks surge after the central bank cuts a key interest rate to the
lowest level on record.

U.S. stocks rally as investors applaud Fed's easing moves

Date: Tue, 16 Dec 2008 17:01:31 -0500

U.S. stocks rally as investors applaud Fed's easing moves

U.S. stocks soar higher, with banks fronting the surge, as the Federal
Reserve axes its benchmark interest rate to a record low and says it
would buy large amounts of debt and securities to flood the financial
system with money.

THE FED: FED SLASHES RATES AND VOWS TO KEEP THEM LOW FOR SOME TIME

The Federal Reserve pulled out all the stops in its campaign to save
the U.S. economy, slashing interest rates to just about zero and
promising to try an array of new economic measures to stimulate
spending.

MARKETWATCH FIRST TAKE: THE FED GOES TO DEFCON 1

With conventional monetary policy options exhausted, the Federal
Reserve has declared war, promising to do whatever it takes to prevent
a depression.

U.S. home builders start construction of new homes at a November pace
far below the worst levels seen in 50 years, Commerce Department data
show. Building
permits, considered a forward-looking indicator, underscore the weakness in
construction.

Stocks end sharply higher after Fed cuts rate target to near zero. Dow up 369 points at the close, Nasdaq and S&P up 5%.

Date: Tue, 16 Dec 2008 16:01:07 -0500

Stocks end sharply higher after Fed cuts rate target to near zero. Dow
up 369 points at the close, Nasdaq and S&P up 5%.

Fed cuts target rate by three-quarters of a point to 0.25%, vows to use all tools

Date: Tue, Dec 16, 2008 at 2:25 PM

Fed cuts target rate by three-quarters of a point to 0.25%, vows to use all tools
2:23:35 PM EDT

Drop in consumer prices is most since 1932

Date: Tue, 16 Dec 2008 12:01:09 -0500

Drop in consumer prices is most since 1932

U.S. consumer prices fell in November at the fastest rate since 1932,
the Labor Department reports.

ECONOMIC REPORT: HOUSING STARTS DROP 18.9% TO PLUMB RECORD LOW, U.S. DATA SHOW

U.S. home builders start construction of new homes at a November pace
far below the worst levels seen in 50 years, Commerce Department data
show. Building permits, considered a forward-looking indicator,
underscore the weakness in
construction.

THE FED: PULLING OUT ALL THE STOPS

The Federal Reserve is going to do whatever it takes to help offset
the economic downturn, analysts say.

PAY RAISES IN 2009 WILL BE MEASLIEST IN 32 YEARS, SURVEY FINDS

Thanks in large part to the hit companies are taking from the current
financial crisis, millions of U.S. workers will find their 2009 pay
raises are less than 3%, the lowest average in 32 years.

LIQUIDATION OF MADOFF SECURITIES FIRM UNDER WAY

Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC will be liquidated to try
to salvage some money for the brokerage firm's customers, the
Securities Investor Protection Corporation says.

Goldman Sachs reports quarterly loss of $4.97 a share - $2.1B total. CEO cites 'extraordinarily difficult operating conditions.'

Date: Tue, 16 Dec 2008 08:21:04 -0500

Goldman Sachs reports quarterly loss of $4.97 a share - $2.1B total.
CEO cites 'extraordinarily difficult operating conditions.'

U.S. housing starts plunge nearly 19% in November to record low

Date: Tue, 16 Dec 2008 08:32:51 -0500

U.S. housing starts plunge nearly 19% in November to record low
12/16/2008 8:30:54 AM EDT

U.S. consumer prices fall 1.7% in November; energy prices down 17%

Date: Tue, 16 Dec 2008 08:36:46 -0500

U.S. consumer prices fall 1.7% in November; energy prices down 17%
12/16/2008 8:32:59 AM EDT

Consumer prices fall 1.7% in November, the biggest monthly drop ever. Housing starts and building permits plummet to record lows.

Date: Tue, 16 Dec 2008 08:34:03 -0500

Consumer prices fall 1.7% in November, the biggest monthly drop ever.
Housing starts and building permits plummet to record lows.

Breaking News

Date: Tue, 16 Dec 2008 06:21:05 -0500

Police defuse several explosive packages found in Paris department
store, say media reports.

U.S. stock indexes start higher Tuesday; Nasdaq, up 1.5%, makes biggest move

Date: Tue, 16 Dec 2008 09:35:49 -0500

U.S. stock indexes start higher Tuesday; Nasdaq, up 1.5%, makes biggest move
12/16/2008 9:33:38 AM EDT

International News

Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2008 20:02:08 -0500

TOP STORIES as of 0900 HKT -- 16 December, 2008

SHOE-THROWER WANTED 'TO HUMILIATE TYRANT'
The brother of the journalist who hurled his shoes at U.S.
President George W. Bush said his sibling's actions were
"spontaneous" and represented millions of Iraqis who want to
"humiliate the tyrant." Muntadhar al-Zaidi, pictured above,
remains in jail after the incident, a government official said.

ARMIES RAID REBEL CAMP IN EASTERN CONGO
Three African armies launched a raid on a rebel camp in the
Democratic Republic of Congo, the three armies announced on
Monday. Targeting rebel hideouts in Garamba, the force from
Congo, Uganda and Sudan said it was trying to rescue hostages
and hunt down rebel leaders.

BANKS FACE HUGE LOSSES FROM $50B 'SCAM'
Some of the biggest names in global finance say they have lost
hundreds of millions of dollars in an alleged $50 billion
"pyramid scheme" that led to the arrest of a New York financier
last week. Former Nasdaq chairman Bernard Madoff, pictured
above, has been arrested and charged with a single count of
securities fraud.

OBAMA NAMES ENERGY TEAM
President-elect Barack Obama unveiled his energy and environment
team on Monday, ushering in what's likely to be a dramatic shift
in the way the nation tackles the challenges of climate change,
energy efficiency and the development of cleaner sources of
fuel.

U.S.: INDIA PREPARED FOR STRIKE ON PAKISTAN
The United States believes that India's air force began
preliminary preparations for a possible attack against Pakistan
in the immediate aftermath of the recent massacre in Mumbai, CNN
has learned.

TOXIC SMOKE WORRIES RETURNING TROOPS FROM IRAQ
The pervasive smoke spewing from the junk heap at Balad Air
Force Base in Iraq is causing many returning troops to be
concerned about the effects on their long-term health.

ANTI-KIDNAPPING CONSULTANT SEIZED IN MEXICO
An American anti-kidnapping consultant was kidnapped in Mexico,
according to the Houston-based security firm he works for.

U.N.: ZIMBABWE CHOLERA DEATHS NEARLY 1,000
The number of cholera deaths in Zimbabwe is approaching 1,000,
according to U.N. figures published Monday.

BUSINESS

CHINA, TAIWAN REOPEN REGULAR TRANSPORT LINKS
Regularly scheduled commercial flights, shipping, and mail
between Taiwan and China resumed Monday for the first time since
the 1949 revolution that brought the Communist Party to power on
the Chinese mainland.

SUZUKI QUITS WORLD RALLY SCENE AS SALES DIP
Japanese automaker Suzuki Motor Corporation has pulled out of
next year's FIA World Rally Championship citing a drop in sales
due to the global financial crisis.

EU APPROVES $267B BAILOUT PLAN
European Union leaders meeting in Brussels have approved a
€200 billion ($267 billion) stimulus plan for the 27-nation
bloc's battered economy.

Liquidation of Madoff's firm under way to repay brokerage customers

Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2008 18:15:35 -0500

Liquidation of Madoff's firm under way to repay brokerage customers
6:13:38 PM EDT

Tech Daily: Apple, Atmel lead technology stocks lower

Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2008 18:00:33 -0500

Tech Daily - DECEMBER 15, 2008
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Tech Stocks: Apple, Atmel lead technology stocks lower
12/15/2008 4:17 PM ET
Technology stocks sink as the broader market retreats on concerns over
the fallout from a major Wall Street fraud case and the auto
industry's uncertain future.

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Atmel shares fall on lower outlook
12/15/2008 4:21 PM ET
Shares of Atmel Corp. fall after the company lowers its fourth-quarter
revenue outlook and announces a plan to cut jobs in reaction to the
economic downturn.

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MarketWatch First Take: Wall Street gets nervous about Apple ahead of Macworld
12/15/2008 3:18 PM ET
Among other things to be nervous about on Wall Street, analysts are
now fearfulthat Apple Inc. may disappoint investors at its
all-important Macworld show in January.

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Google disputes 'Net neutrality' report as 'confused'
12/15/2008 2:35 PM ET
The search giant is dismissing a report that it has reversed course on
the issue of "Net neutrality" as "confused," saying that it's merely
making technology available to cut down on network congestion.

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The Ratings Game: Apple shares tumble on downgrade; tough 2009 is forecast

Shares of Apple Inc. fall as much as 5% after Goldman Sachs downgrades
the stock, citing the likelihood of weaker sales in the first half of
2009 amid a global recession and a lack of compelling new products.

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Telecom Stocks: AT&T leads telecoms mostly lower
12/15/2008 10:51 AM ET
Shares of AT&T Inc. fell more than 4% Monday after a
brokerage downgrade and most other telecommunications also declined.

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Economic Report: Industrial output falls 0.6% in November
12/15/2008 10:50 AM ET
The output of the nation's factories, mines and utilities fell 0.6% in
November on broad-based weakness across manufacturing industries, the
Federal Reserve reports.

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Israel Stocks: Market lower 3rd day; CPI awaited, TA-25 rebalanced
12/15/2008 9:27 AM ET
Israel stocks were lower for a third day, led by banks and Oil
Refineries, before the government reports the consumer-price index for
November, which analysts generally expect to be negative.

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Before the Bell: Apple, Honeywell, auto industry in the spotlight
12/15/2008 8:40 AM ET
U.S. stock market futures were broadly lower Monday as the Bush
administration examined how to proceed with a bailout for the auto
industry and firms began to provide details on their exposure to an
alleged $50 billion fraud by Bernard Madoff.

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Netbooks aim to capture share of PC market
12/15/2008 12:15 AM ET
Call it going small to get big, but a weak economy and expected
declines in personal computer sales have nearly all the major PC
makers looking at low-cost, streamlined laptops, commonly known as
netbooks, as a way to revive the market in the coming years.

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Israel Stocks: Tel Aviv shares lower, as Teva sued over patent
12/14/2008 1:21 PM ET
Israeli stocks fall for a second day, led lower by Bank Leumi,
Makhteshim-Agan and Teva Pharmaceutical, as well as some key tech
names.

Obama names energy team: Physicist Steven Chu as Energy secretary and former EPA chief Carol Browner in new role of climate czar.

Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2008 17:09:03 -0500

Obama names energy team: Physicist Steven Chu as Energy secretary and
former EPA chief Carol Browner in new role of climate czar.

Markets Monday, 12/15/2008

Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2008 17:31:04 -0500

MARKETS:
Stocks slump ahead of Fed decision
Wall Street retreats as investors mull the central bank's rate
meeting, the outlook for automakers and the Madoff scandal.

U.S. stocks decline as firms detail Madoff exposure

Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2008 17:01:41 -0500

U.S. stocks decline as firms detail Madoff exposure

U.S. stocks fall, with financial shares weighing on the broader market
as firms detailed their exposure to the alleged $50 billion fraud by
Bernard Madoff.

MADOFF ARREST RAISES QUESTIONS ABOUT SEC OVERSIGHT

The arrest of investment manager Bernard Madoff on allegations that he
ran a $50 billion "Ponzi scheme" raises questions about the
effectiveness of the Securities and Exchange Commission's oversight of
the $1.5 trillion hedge-fund industry.

THE FED: FED IS COMING TO THE END OF THE LINE ON RATE CUTS

The Federal Reserve is likely to cut the federal funds rate as low as
it can go at this week's meeting, and to begin shifting its focus to
nontraditional policies.

EUROPEAN BANKS REVEAL EXPOSURES TO ALLEGED MADOFF FRAUD

European and Asian banks reveal billion of dollars of exposure to
Bernard Madoff and his alleged ponzi scheme, with customers of Spain's
Santander potentially facing some of the biggest losses.

STATE BUDGETS EXPECTED TO DROP FOR FIRST TIME IN A GENERATION

States will experience a bleak fiscal 2009, a new report says, with
spending expected to decrease for the first time since 1983 and budget
cuts to follow in coming fiscal years.

Stocks ease on concerns about the economy, the automakers and an investing scandal. Dow down 57 points, Nasdaq off nearly 2%.

Date: Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 1:01 PM

Stocks ease on concerns about the economy, the automakers and an investing scandal. Dow down 57 points, Nasdaq off nearly 2%.

U.S. stocks decline as Madoff losses hit home

Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2008 12:01:04 -0500

U.S. stocks decline as Madoff losses hit home

U.S. stocks declined after a mixed start, with financial shares
weighing on the broader market as firms detailed their exposure to the
alleged $50 billion fraud by Bernard Madoff.

EUROPEAN BANKS REVEAL EXPOSURES TO ALLEGED MADOFF FRAUD

European and Asian banks reveal billion of dollars of exposure to
Bernard Madoff and his alleged ponzi scheme, with customers of Spain's
Santander potentially facing some of the biggest losses.

ECONOMIC REPORT: INDUSTRIAL OUTPUT FALLS 0.6% IN NOVEMBER

The output of the nation's factories, mines and utilities fell 0.6% in
November on broad-based weakness across manufacturing industries, the
Federal Reserve reports.

IRELAND TO INJECT UP TO $13.5 BILLION IN BANKING SECTOR

The Irish government said late Sunday that it will provide as much as
10 billion euros ($13.5 billion) to recapitalize the country's banking
sector.

JAPAN INC. SENTIMENT PLUNGES

Confidence among large manufacturers fell at its fastest pace since
August 1974, the Bank of Japan's quarterly tankan survey showed
Monday, pointing to a deepening recession and rapidly deteriorating
conditions in the world's second-largest economy.

U.S. stocks slump after flat open; Nasdaq paces indexes' decline

Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2008 10:24:39 -0500

U.S. stocks slump after flat open; Nasdaq paces indexes' decline
12/15/2008 10:22:53 AM EDT

Stocks open higher as investors weigh new hope for auto bailout plan. Dow, Nasdaq, S&P 500 all begin the day in the black.

Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2008 09:32:18 -0500

Stocks open higher as investors weigh new hope for auto bailout plan.
Dow, Nasdaq, S&P 500 all begin the day in the black.

Energy: CORRECT: Obama energy duo to boost alternatives, analyst predicts

Date: 15 DEC 2008 12:45:38 GMT

President-elect Barack Obama's expected nominee for energy secretary,
Steven Chu, boasts a résumé that includes not only a 1997 Nobel prize
for physics, report analysts at Lazard, but a record of solar, wind
and ethanol support.

International News

Date: Fri, 12 Dec 2008 20:02:08 -0500
TOP STORIES as of 0900 HKT -- 13 December, 2008

TEEN DISAPPEARS: 'MOM, I'M IN SOMALIA'
Seventeen-year-old Burhan Hassan told his family he was catching
a ride to school with a friend just before he vanished from his
home in the U.S. Midwest. A month later, he rang home to say:
"Mom, I'm in Somalia!" The FBI says he is not the only young
U.S. citizen heading to Somalia "potentially to fight."

ZIMBABWE: CHOLERA IS GENOCIDE BY UK
President Robert Mugabe was ridiculing what he believes are
Western designs to invade Zimbabwe when he said "there is no
cholera" in the country, a government spokesman says.

U.S. ENVOY URGES INTERNATIONAL MUMBAI PROBE
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte called Friday for
international support to help India investigate the deadly
terrorist attacks in Mumbai.

STOCKS SLIDE AS U.S. AUTO BAILOUT FAILS
Asian and European markets fell sharply on Friday after
Washington's automaker bailout plan floundered on Republican
opposition. More bleak economic data from the U.S. and news of
35,000 job cuts at Bank of America added to the gloom.

POLICE NOT CLEARED IN UK SUBWAY KILLING
Jurors at the inquest into the mistaken shooting of an unarmed
Brazilian man the day after the failed suicide bombings in
London returned an open verdict in the case Friday, the
coroner's spokesman said.

ROME ON FLOOD ALERT
Officials monitoring the River Tiber in Rome fear it could break
its banks as early as Friday evening after a spate of bad
weather in Italy, the country's Civil Protection Department has
said.

ATHENS ROCKED BY 7TH DAY OF CLASHES
Youths smashed windows and threw rocks at police in central
Athens Friday, the seventh day of clashes that erupted after a
police officer killed a 15-year-old boy last Saturday.

ZIMBABWE UNVEILS $500 MILLION NOTE
Zimbabwe's central bank is introducing a $500 million note --
the highest current denomination -- as the once-prosperous
southern African nation battles against spiraling
hyperinflation.

BUSINESS

EU APPROVES $267B BAILOUT PLAN
European Union leaders meeting in Brussels have approved a
€200 billion ($267 billion) stimulus plan for the 27-nation
bloc's battered economy.

FORMER NASDAQ CHAIRMAN CHARGED WITH FRAUD
Former Nasdaq chairman Bernard Madoff was arrested Thursday and
charged with a single count of securities fraud for allegedly
operating a multibillion-dollar Ponzi scheme from his investment
advisory business, federal authorities said.

DIAMOND SELLS FOR RECESSION-BUSTING $24.3M
What recession? Christie's, the famed auction house, this week
sold a nearly 36-carat diamond for $24.3 million, which it said
was the highest price for a diamond sold at auction.

Tech: Amazon, eBay lead technology sector rally

Date: Fri, 12 Dec 2008 18:00:16 -0500

Tech Stocks: Amazon, eBay lead technology sector rally
12/12/2008 4:20 PM ET
Technology stocks recover from their opening lows to trade in positive
territory as the White House says it may use existing bailout funds to
rescue the struggling U.S. auto industry.

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Fairchild Semiconductor to cut 12% of workforce
12/12/2008 4:27 PM ET
Fairchild Semiconductor is cutting 12% of its workforce, or 1,100
people, in anattempt to reduce expenses.

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Chip business seeing very tough times
12/12/2008 2:33 PM ET
Gartner gave some grim predictions for the semiconductor business next
year, and based on their prior research, the firm's outlook is
probably going to be fairly accurate.

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Chip sales to fall for just fifth time in 25 years
12/12/2008 1:56 PM ET
The semiconductor industry will post a decline in annual sales this
year, only the fifth time that has happened in past quarter of a
century, an industry research group says.

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Markets Friday, 12/12/2008

Date: Fri, 12 Dec 2008 17:31:08 -0500

| Dow : 8629.68 up 64.59 | S & P : 879.73 up 6.14 |

| NASDAQ: 1540.72 up 32.84 | Bond (10Y): 2.57%, 110.22 |

MARKETS:
Stocks rally on bailout hopes
Wall Street gains at end of choppy session on bets that the automakers
will get help after all.

Stocks end week with mixed results and hope for carmakers

Date: Fri, 12 Dec 2008 17:06:47 -0500

Stocks end week with mixed results and hope for carmakers

U.S. stocks on Friday erase early losses to finish nearly flat for the
week after the Bush administration said it would step in to prevent a
failure of U.S. automakers amid worries that more layoffs would deepen
the recession.

WHITE HOUSE PLEDGE REVIVES HOPES FOR AUTO INDUSTRY

The Treasury Department says it would step in and lend funds to the
Big Three automakers until Congress has time to consider a long-term
rescue package for the beleaguered U.S. industry.

CHIP SALES TO FALL FOR JUST FIFTH TIME IN 25 YEARS

The semiconductor industry will post a decline in annual sales this
year, only the fifth time that has happened in past quarter of a
century, an industry research group says.

INVESTOR SUITS EXPECTED AGAINST FUND PONZI SCHEME

High-net-worth and pension-fund investors are expected to launch a
rash of investor lawsuits on the federal and state levels against
Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC, whose founder was
arrested and charged with securities fraud in what federal prosecutors
are calling a Ponzi scheme that could involve losses of more than $50
billion.

BOSSES TURN TO GRINCHES AS LIGHTS GO OUT ON HOLIDAY PARTIES

Companies big and small are giving the pink slip to traditional
once-a-year gatherings that spread good cheer, give thanks for a tough
year and let the maintenance crew rub elbows and tell tales at the bar
with the higher ups.

The Dow gains 65 points to close at 8,630 amid talk that the White House may provide help for Detroit carmakers.

Date: Fri, 12 Dec 2008 16:03:04 -0500

The Dow gains 65 points to close at 8,630 amid talk that the White
House may provide help for Detroit carmakers.

Stocks off session lows as Treasury vows to help auto industry

Date: Fri, 12 Dec 2008 12:01:14 -0500

Stocks off session lows as Treasury vows to help auto industry

U.S. stocks stage a partial recovery from earlier lows after the
Treasury Department says it would step in to prevent a failure of the
U.S. auto industry amid intensifying worries that more layoffs would
deepen the recession.

WHITE HOUSE BREATHES NEW LIFE INTO AUTO BAILOUT

The Treasury Department says it would step in and lend funds to the
Big Three automakers until Congress has time to consider a long-term
rescue package for the beleaguered U.S. industry.

CURRENCIES: FAILED AUTO BAILOUT SENDS DOLLAR TO 13-YEAR LOW VS. YEN

The dollar tumbles to a 13-year low versus the Japanese yen and falls
against most major currencies after a $14 billion loan package
targeted for the U.S. auto industry collapses.

ECONOMIC REPORT: PRODUCER PRICES FALL SHARPLY AGAIN IN NOVEMBER

U.S. wholesale prices fall sharply for the second straight month as
weak demand pulls down prices for energy supplies and other raw
materials.

BANK OF AMERICA TO CUT UP TO 35,000 JOBS OVER THREE YEARS

Bank of America plans to cut up to 35,000 jobs over the next three
years as the financial giant adjusts to a recession and completes the
pending acquisition of brokerage firm Merrill Lynch.

U.S. stock indexes open lower amid car-industry doubts; Dow off 125 points

Date: Fri, 12 Dec 2008 09:40:13 -0500

U.S. stock indexes open lower amid car-industry doubts; Dow off 125 points
12/12/2008 9:37:59 AM EDT

U.S. producer prices decline sharply for second consecutive month

Date: Fri, 12 Dec 2008 08:35:54 -0500

U.S. producer prices decline sharply for second consecutive month
8:31:59 AM EDT

Retail sales slip for the 5th straight month - down 1.8% - while wholesale prices fall 2.2%, the government reports.

12/12/08

Retail sales slip for the 5th straight month - down 1.8% - while
wholesale prices fall 2.2%, the government reports.

Auto bailout measure collapses in Senate, leaving fate of GM and Chrysler uncertain.

Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2008 23:11:03 -0500

Auto bailout measure collapses in Senate, leaving fate of GM and
Chrysler uncertain.

Tech: Ciena's warning, job losses lead tech sector down at close

Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2008 18:00:18 -0500
Tech Stocks: Ciena's warning, job losses lead tech sector down at close
12/11/2008 4:12 PM ET
Technology stocks ended up putting in a
disappointing performance Thursday, with most of the sector closing
lower afternetworking equipment maker Ciena Corp. reported a
fourth-quarter loss and the
latest jobless claims figures added to pressure to the market.

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Analyst upgrades Intel, notes chip maker still faces headwinds
12/11/2008 11:58 AM ET
Intel Corp. shares are upgraded by one analyst who says that, though
the chip giant still faces a rough road ahead, "sentiment and
expectations" appear to be bottoming.

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Ciena swings to quarterly loss, gives disappointing outlook
12/11/2008 10:25 AM ET
Network-equipment maker Ciena Corp. swings to a fourth-quarter loss,
citing a "challenging macroeconomic and industry environment," and
gave a first-quarter
revenue forecast below Wall Street's expectation.

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Israel Stocks: Market snaps 5-session up streak; DIC cuts stake in Cellcom
12/11/2008 9:00 AM ET
Israel stocks were heading toward snapping a
five-session winning streak on Thursday, with technology and real
estate taking the brunt of the selling.

Bank of America to cut up to 35,000 jobs over three years

Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2008 17:01:26 -0500

Bank of America to cut up to 35,000 jobs over three years

Bank of America plans to cut up to 35,000 jobs over the next three
years as the giant lender adjusts to a recession and completes the
pending acquisition of brokerage firm Merrill Lynch.

MARKET SNAPSHOT: U.S. STOCKS TRADE LOWER AS AUTO BAILOUT UNCERTAINTY WEIGHS

U.S. stocks rebound from early weakness to flirt with positive
territory, with energy stocks rising as crude oil prices surged
another 11% on a weak dollar and expectations of upcoming production
cuts.

FUTURES MOVERS: OIL SOARS 10% ON POSSIBLE OPEC OUTPUT CUT, DOLLAR TUMBLE

The benchmark crude contract extends its rally on rising expectations
that the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries will cut
production at its meeting next week. A weak dollar also lends a
helping hand. Energy traders bid reformulated gasoline and heating oil
to big gains as well.

HOUSE AUTO BAILOUT IMPERILED IN SENATE

Senate Republicans and Democrats are at odds with each other over a
$14 billion package of loans for the struggling U.S. auto industry,
making passage of the House-approved package unlikely in the Senate.

Bank of America to cut up to 35,000 jobs over the next three years

Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2008 16:21:41 -0500

Bank of America to cut up to 35,000 jobs over the next three years
12/11/2008 4:19:43 PM EDT

Dow industrials down 200 points with GM, J.P. Morgan, B. of A. pacing slide

Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2008 15:16:17 -0500

Dow industrials down 200 points with GM, J.P. Morgan, B. of A. pacing slide
| 3:14:24 PM EDT

U.S. stocks trade all but flat; energy gains offset auto jitters

Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2008 12:01:12 -0500
U.S. stocks trade all but flat; energy gains offset auto jitters

U.S. stocks rebound from early weakness to flirt with positive
territory , with energy stocks rising as crude-oil prices surge
another 7% on a weak dollar and expectations of upcoming production
cuts. GM and Ford shares are back on the defensive.

FATE OF AID TO BIG THREE AUTOMAKERS RESTS IN SENATE

Senators begin considering a $14 billion package of emergency loans to
the Big Three automakers, as Republicans in the chamber threaten to
block the bill a day after the House approved the aid.

MORTGAGES: 30-YEAR FIXED-RATE IS LOWEST SINCE MARCH 2004: FREDDIE MAC

Rates on fixed-rate mortgages fell again this week, bringing the
30-year fixed-rate to its lowest level in more than four years,
according to Freddie Mac's weekly survey.

FUTURES MOVERS: CRUDE-OIL FUTURES SOAR 8%, EXTENDING RALLY

Oil futures extend their rally on rising expectations that the
Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries will cut production at
its meeting next week.

CURRENCIES: DOLLAR FALLS SHARPLY ON GRIM ECONOMIC DATA

The British pound rebounds slightly versus the euro Thursday, a day
after tumbling to another record low against the single currency amid
aggressive monetary and fiscal easing by U.K. authorities

Energy: U.S. trade gap widens in Oct.

Date: 11 DEC 2008 13:31:08 GMT

The weak U.S. economy pushed exports and imports down in October, but
the overall deficit rose as the volume of oil imports spiked, a
government report showed Thursday.

Average 30-year U.S. mortgage rate at 4 1/2-year low

Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2008 10:27:08 -0500

Average 30-year U.S. mortgage rate at 4 1/2-year low
12/11/2008 10:25:23 AM EDT

Breaking News Thu., December 11, 2008

New Jobless Claims Jump to 573,000, Highest Level in 26 Years [8:40 a.m. ET]

U.S. stocks dip early Thursday; top blue-chip decliners: GM, Bank of America, Citi

Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2008 09:56:37 -0500

U.S. stocks dip early Thursday; top blue-chip decliners: GM, Bank of
America, Citi
12/11/2008 9:54:43 AM EDT

Breaking News Wed., December 10, 2008

Date: Wed, 10 Dec 2008 18:05:16 -0800 (PST)

House Approves Bill to Lend Up to $14 Billion to Bail Out U.S. Auto
Companies [8:55 p.m. ET]

Tech: Yahoo gains help give sector a lift

Date: Wed, 10 Dec 2008 18:00:41 -0500

Tech Stocks: Yahoo gains help give sector a lift
12/10/2008 4:25 PM ET
Technology stocks closed with broad gains, with Yahoo leading the
advancers after one of the Web portal's shareholders called on the
company to salvage a deal with Microsoft.

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Eastman Kodak pulls outlook as customer spending freezes up
12/10/2008 5:06 PM ET
Eastman Kodak withdraws its second-half and full-year forecasts for revenue
growth, saying global economic gloom and the dramatic changes in the value of
the dollar have hit consumer and commercial customers.

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Large Yahoo shareholder pushes for new Microsoft deal
12/10/2008 4:08 PM ET
A large shareholder of Yahoo Inc. says that the Web portal should revive
discussions with Microsoft Corp. for a sale of its search business.

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Electronic Arts' shares slump on lowered outlook
12/10/2008 4:06 PM ET
Shares of Electronic Arts tumble after a warning from the video-game
publisher that its crucial fourth quarter would come in below
expectations due to disappointing sales.

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Nortel seeking legal advice on bankruptcy: WSJ
12/10/2008 2:12 PM ET
Nortel Networks Corp. is seeking legal advice to explore the
possibility of filing for bankruptcy protection should its planned
restructuring fail, according to a media report.

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Israel Stocks: Market higher; Teva wins an accord in Germany
12/10/2008 9:20 AM ET
Israel stocks modestly higher and trade in a tight range, with the gainers led
by a few of the banks.

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Indications: Auto-bailout progress lifts U.S. stock-index futures
12/10/2008 8:53 AM ET
U.S. stock-index futures pointed to a higher open for Wall Street on Wednesday,
boosted by progress toward a bailout program for troubled automakers.

Stocks settle higher. Nasdaq and S&P gain about 1% as investors are heartened by movement on a $14B auto bailout.

Date: Wed, 10 Dec 2008 16:04:03 -0500

Stocks settle higher. Nasdaq and S&P gain about 1% as investors are
heartened by movement on a $14B auto bailout.

Treasury: U.S. budget deficit reaches $402B in first 2 months of fiscal year – compared to a $455B shortfall for all of last year.

Date: Wed, 10 Dec 2008 14:06:04 -0500

Treasury: U.S. budget deficit reaches $402B in first 2 months of
fiscal year – compared to a $455B shortfall for all of last year.

Congressional Democrats and the White House have struck deal to provide $15 billion bailout to U.S. auto industry.

Date: Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:45:06 -0500

Congressional Democrats and the White House have struck deal to
provide $15 billion bailout to U.S. auto industry.

Auto-industry bailout bill finalized by White House, congressional Democrats: report

Date: Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:12:02 -0500

Auto-industry bailout bill finalized by White House, congressional
Democrats: report
11:09:56 AM EDT

Stocks jump out of the gate as Wall Street welcomes news of progress on auto bailout.

Date: Wed, 10 Dec 2008 09:40:20 -0500

Stocks jump out of the gate as Wall Street welcomes news of progress
on auto bailout.

Tech : Semiconductors' rise can't lift rest of tech sector

Date: Tue, 09 Dec 2008 18:00:13 -0500
Tech Stocks: Semiconductors' rise can't lift rest of tech sector
12/9/2008 4:24 PM ET

Technology stocks showed some signs of life in early trading Tuesday
as chip stocks took the spotlight following earnings warnings from
Texas Instruments
Inc. and Broadcom Corp.

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Electronic Arts warns of disappointing game sales
12/9/2008 4:47 PM ET

Video-game publisher says revenue and earnings for its crucial fourth
quarter will come in below expectations due to disappointing video
game sales.

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Novellus to cut workforce by 10%
12/9/2008 4:30 PM ET

Novellus Systems Inc. says it plans to cut 10% of its workforce and
warned that its results for the current quarter will be "below the low
end" of its outlook due to weakening demand.

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Chip shares jump despite earnings, sales warning
12/9/2008 4:25 PM ET
A volatile tech market got a pleasant, if puzzling, surprise Tuesday
as shares of chip companies jumped -- despite serious earnings and
revenue warnings from major players.

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Texas Instruments lowers outlook
12/9/2008 4:20 PM ET

Shares of Texas Instruments Inc. close higher in seesaw session after
the company slashes its outlook but outlines steps to cut costs.

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MarketWatch First Take: Sony tries yet another big restructuring
12/9/2008 2:16 PM ET

Sony Corp.'s restructuring plan seems like a massive revamping to
reduce its overhead, but some on Wall Street believe that even more
cuts could come, as the sprawling conglomerate sees its sales slide in
the global recession.

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Israel Stocks: Market turns lower after 3 up days; Teva funds the Barr deal
12/9/2008 10:40 AM ET

Israel's benchmark stock index falls Tuesday, breaking three days of
gains, as some major banks and Teva Pharmaceutical decline, offset by
strength in Israel Chemicals.

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Indications: Stock futures turn negative as weekly chain-store sales drop
12/9/2008 9:15 AM ET

U.S. stock futures erased gains and pointed to a lower start on
Tuesday after Texas Instruments Inc. and FedEx Corp. cut their
earnings forecasts and a measure of chain-store sales declined last
week, further illustrating the weakened economy.

Markets Tuesday, 12/9/2008

Date: Tue, 9 Dec 2008 17:31:04 -0500

MARKETS:
Stocks slump after rally
Wall Street retreats after surging 21% in 2 1/2 weeks.

U.S. stocks slide as corporate outlooks disappoint

Date: Tue, 09 Dec 2008 17:01:34 -0500
U.S. stocks slide as corporate outlooks disappoint

U.S. stocks decline, putting the brakes on two sessions of gains, as
companies including Texas Instruments Inc., FedEx Corp. and Danaher
Corp. offer gloomy earnings projections.

GOVERNOR CHARGED WITH SOLICITING BRIBES FOR OBAMA'S SEAT

Federal agents arrest Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and his chief of
staff on fraud and bribery charges related to the appointment of a
successor for President-elect Barack Obama in the U.S. Senate and a
threat to withhold state assistance to the Tribune Co.

BOND REPORT: TREASURYS UP; GOVERNMENT SELLS T-BILLS AT 0%

Treasurys head higher, helped by a strong bill auction that showed
investors simply wanted assurance that they'd get their principal
back.

LAWMAKERS: FANNIE MAE CEO MADE POOR CHOICES

Mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac made irresponsible
investments in recent years that cost taxpayers billion of dollars,
said House Oversight Committee chairman Henry Waxman, citing internal
documents.

CONSUMERS TRADING DOWN ON FOOD, GROCER KROGER SAYS

More shoppers are hunting for bargains in grocery stores and willing
to pay less for a no-name brand, the big U.S. supermarket chain says.
----------------------------------------
The percentage of U.S. mortgage holders who were behind in their
payments soared to a record 6.99% of loans outstanding in the third
quarter, the Mortgage Bankers Association said Friday, and the number
of mortgages somewhere in the foreclosure process was also at a new
high.

Dow ends about 240 points lower, ending a 2-day rally, as investors mull negative corporate news and possible Detroit bailout.

Date: Tue, 9 Dec 2008 16:05:05 -0500

Dow ends about 240 points lower, ending a 2-day rally, as investors
mull negative corporate news and possible Detroit bailout.

Dow drops 200 points, sliding after a 2-day rally, as Wall Street weighs possible Detroit bailout.

Date: Tue, 9 Dec 2008 14:09:05 -0500

Dow drops 200 points, sliding after a 2-day rally, as Wall Street
weighs possible Detroit bailout.

U.S. stocks trim losses after sign of some stability in housing

Date: Tue, 09 Dec 2008 12:01:08 -0500

U.S. stocks trim losses after sign of some stability in housing

U.S. stocks scale back losses as a leading indicator of the housing
market proves less dire than expected, offsetting disappointing
forecasts from Texas Instruments and FedEx.

FUTURES MOVERS: OIL TRADES FLAT NEAR $44 A BARREL AFTER MONDAY'S RALLY

Oil futures traded little changed near $44 a barrel Tuesday after
surging 7% in the previous session, as traders considered a possible
production cut by the OPEC oil cartel at its upcoming meeting.
NEW YORK TIMES WARNS OF 'CHALLENGING' YEAR IN 2009

New York Times Co. says it expects next year to be "among the most
challenging" it has ever faced as advertising revenues fall further.

U.K. RETAIL SALES FELL IN NOVEMBER AND 2009 LOOKS EVEN WORSE

Total U.K. retail sales fall for a second month in November, a survey
from the British Retail Consortium shows Tuesday, as cash-strapped
customers rein in. their holiday spending.

SONY TO CUT 8,000 JOBS AND CLOSE 10% OF MANUFACTURING SITES

Sony Corp. plans to cut 8,000, or 5%, of the jobs in its electronics
division and close about 10% of its 57 manufacturing sites worldwide
in an effort to save more than 100 billion yen ($1.08 billion) by
March 2010.

johnt321

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Tech : Google, Yahoo rise as tech sector's bad year aims for upbeat end

Markets Wednesday, 12/31/2008

Treasurys ease on last day of a very good year

Wall Street ends one of its most dismal years ever with a gain; Dow up 105 points at the close, Nasdaq gains 1.6%, S&P rises 1.5%.

VIX stock-market volatility gauge at lowest level since October

Treasurys slightly lower to end very good year

Energy: Oil falls ahead of supply data, heading for its worst year

The number of people filing initial jobless claims fell last week by 94,000 to 492,000 - fewer than expected.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Tech: Chip issues pace tech gains; key index down 42% in '08

Markets Tuesday, 12/30/2008

U.S. blue-chips get a boost from GM; financials rally late

Stocks rally on the government's $6 billion GMAC investment. Dow up 183 points at the close, S&P gains 2.4%, Nasdaq 2.6% higher.

Oil settles 99 cents lower at $39.03 a barrel on continuing signs of a weak economy.

Home prices off record 18% in past year, Case-Shiller says

Key measure of consumer confidence shows surprise plunge to an all-time low in December.

Stocks open higher as investors cheer government's $6 billion intervention to prop up GM financing arm GMAC.

Home prices plummeted a record 18% in October, according to a closely watched index tracking 20 metro areas.

Monday, December 29, 2008

Treasury to invest $5 billion in GMAC as part of automaker bailout plan.

Tech : Amazon.com stock drops 4.5% as tech sector ends lower

Markets Monday, 12/29/2008

U.S. stocks fall as rising oil prices pressure consumer stocks

Stocks finish lower in lackluster holiday trade. Dow industrials down 35 points at the close, Nasdaq slides 1.4%, S&P off 0.5%.

Oil settles at $40.02 a barrel, up $2.31, as Mideast fighting raises concern about supply.

Oil pares gains as Israeli air raids in Gaza continue

Dow tumbles 100 points as selling accelerates in thin holiday-week trading.

Stocks open mixed in holiday-shortened week as investors count down the days to the end of one of the worst years on Wall Street.

Friday, December 26, 2008

Tech stocks mixed while Amazon holds onto gains

Markets Friday, 12/26/2008

U.S. stocks end higher with holiday sales in play

Stocks finish higher in quiet post-Christmas trading. Dow up 42 points at the close, Nasdaq rises 0.3%, S&P gains 0.8%.

U.S. stocks mostly rise with holiday sales in play

Markets open higher even as a report indicates dismal holiday sales for retailers.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Tech Daily: AMD, Micron lead higher close

Markets Wed, 24 Dec 2008

Obama has the most work cut out for him in one area: jobs

Stocks end slightly higher despite grim economic news, as investors prepare for a day-long holiday break,

Rates on 30-year mortgages at lowest since at least 1971

Stocks rise at the start of a shortened Christmas Eve session as a dismal year on Wall Street stumbles to a close.

Energy: Exporters meet to create OPEC-style gas cartel: report

Week-to-week mortgage applications jump 48% on lower rates, MBA data show

U.S. durable-goods orders fall 1%; transportation category is key factor

Government: Initial jobless claims spiked 30,000 to 586,000 last week. Personal spending fell for 5th straight month in November.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

International

Tech: Red Hat gains on earnings report while tech shares weaken

Markets for Tuesday, 12/23/2008

Dow tallies fifth straight loss as autos, GDP weigh

Dow industrials close with loss of nearly 100 points to pace day's decline

U.S. stocks see-saw between gains and loses in light trade

Final reading on U.S. GDP shows 0.5% contraction; inflation contained

Monday, December 22, 2008

Tech: Technology sector sinks as Palm jumps on new investment

Markets Monday, 12/22/2008

U.S. stocks end lower with Walgreen, Toyota setting tone; Nasdaq's down 2%

Dow industrials plumb day's lows, off 130 points; Nasdaq's down 3.2%

U.S. stocks mildly lower to begin holiday-shortened week

Friday, December 19, 2008

Tech: Oracle, Research In Motion lead tech advance

Markets Friday, 12/19/2008

Detroit gets its wish -- $17 billion in U.S. loans

Stocks end mixed after auto-fueled rally fades; Nasdaq gains 1.5% in week

Auto makers to get more than $17 billion in loans

Breaking News: Bush announces help for automakers

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Tech: Take-Two plunges, while Micron soars

Markets Thursday, 12/18/2008

Obama to propose stimulus up to $775 billion: report

U.S. stocks finish sharply lower, pressured by energy sector and oil at four-year lows

Obama to propose stimulus package of up to $775 billion over two years: WSJ

U.S. stocks little changed amid auto woes, oil slides below $40

Philly Fed manufacturing gauge still well under water but shows improvement

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Obama to pick financial regulator Mary Schapiro to head SEC: report

Tech: Apple leads retreat as expo move rattles investors