Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Markets, Wednesday, 03/31/2010

Date: Wed, 31 Mar 2010 17:37:26 -0400

|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Dow : 10,834.41 down 1.74 | S & P : 1,165.16 down 2.56 |
| NASDAQ: 2,397.40 down 1.36 | Bond (10Y): 3.90% up 0.072
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|

MARKETS:
Stocks: Strong quarter ends with a loss
Disappointing payroll and manufacturing data weigh on Wednesday
markets. Despite drop, Dow finishes quarter with a 4.1% gain.

Stocks tilt mainly lower after ADP disappoints

Date: Wed, 31 Mar 2010 12:01:01 -0400

STOCKS TILT MAINLY LOWER AFTER ADP DISAPPOINTS
U.S. stocks waver on the last trading day of the quarter after
private-sector jobs drop more than expected.

YUAN'S FAIR VALUE DEBATED INSIDE AND OUTSIDE CHINA
As Beijing offers contradictory views this week on whether to allow
its currency to appreciate, analysts also appear at odds over whether
the Chinese unit should move higher, with some saying the yuan might
even be undervalued.

CHINA'S PBOC MONETARY POLICY COMMITTEE EXPANDS
China's Cabinet appoints three economists to the People's Bank of
China monetary policy committee, raising the number of academics on
the committee as the country faces tough decisions concerning the
yuan's exchange rate and interest rates.

CHINA STOCK FUTURES TO GARNER GRADUAL INTEREST
The pending launch of stock-index futures in China next month will
enable mainland investors to make bigger bets on the direction of the
equity market, though the uptake is expected to be slow in the early
stages.

Private-sector payrolls fell by 23,000 in March, payroll company ADP reports. Economists expected an increase. Stock futures fall.

Date: Wed, 31 Mar 2010 10:02:38 -0400

Private-sector payrolls fell by 23,000 in March, payroll company ADP
reports. Economists expected ( for a 40,000 rise) an increase. Stock
futures fall.

Breaking news: Obama to allow oil drilling off Va. coast

Date: Tue, 30 Mar 2010 23:26:33 -0600

WASHINGTON (AP) -- In a reversal of a long-standing ban on most
offshore drilling, President Obama is allowing oil drilling 50 miles
off Virginia's shorelines. At the same time, he is rejecting some new
drilling sites that had been planned in Alaska.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Market, Tuesday, 03/30/2010

Date: Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:53:08 -0400
|
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Dow : 10,834.41 down 1.74 | S & P : 1,165.16 down 2.56 |
| NASDAQ: 2,397.40 down 1.36 | Bond (10Y): 3.90% up 0.072
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|

MARKETS:
Dow carves out new 18-month high
Blue-chip indicator manages to claw out record on strength in select
issues. Investors consider improved consumer confidence reading,
weakness in housing.

Case-Shiller index shows 0.4% January dip in U.S. home prices

Date: Tue, 30 Mar 2010 09:15:17 -0400

Case-Shiller index shows 0.4% January dip in U.S. home prices
03/30/2010 09:13:04 AM EDT

Apple gains, rivals hurt on iPhone speculation

Date: Tue, 30 Mar 2010 12:01:06 -0400

APPLE GAINS, RIVALS HURT ON iPHONE SPECULATION
Apple shares jump Tuesday morning on a report that it may begin making
its popular iPhone available for use on the Verizon Wireless network.

ORACLE AND SAP RIVALRY INTENSIFIES
Oracle Chief Executive Larry Ellison seems to enjoy kicking sand in
the face of his smaller rival SAP AG, writes Therese Poletti.

CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REBOUNDS IN MARCH
U.S. consumer confidence rebounds in March after falling sharply the
prior month, the Conference Board says, but consumers are still
worried about current business and labor market conditions.

BRITISH AIRWAYS, UNITE SPAR ON STRIKE COST
British Airways and the union representing its cabin crew spar over
the financial impact of strikes that have dogged the airline's
operations over the past weekends.

JAN. CASE-SHILLER HOME PRICES DOWN 0.4%
Home prices in 20 major U.S. cities fall a not-seasonally adjusted
0.4% in January compared with December, according to the Case-Shiller
home-price index released Tuesday by Standard & Poor's.

Monday, March 29, 2010

Markets, Monday, 03/29/2010

Date: Mon, 29 Mar 2010 17:44:56 -0400

|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Dow : 10,834.41 down 1.74 | S & P : 1,165.16 down 2.56 |
| NASDAQ: 2,397.40 down 1.36 | Bond (10Y): 3.90% up 0.072
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|

MARKETS:
Dow at new 18-month highs
Stock advance pushed the blue-chip index to its highest level in a
year-and-a-half, as a rise in consumer spending adds to bets that the
economy is recovering.

U.S. stocks advance on economic views

Date: Mon, 29 Mar 2010 12:00:58 -0400

U.S. STOCKS ADVANCE ON ECONOMIC VIEWS
U.S. stocks consolidate Monday's early gains, led by the material and
energy sectors within the S&P 500 index, following a government report
of a small increase in personal spending last month that also show
benign inflation.

RISKS FROM GOV'T-HELD FINANCIALS SHOWN IN IRELAND
The rally in government-held financials makes some sense, but the
downturn on Monday in Irish financials shows the risks as well.

TREASURY PLANS TO SELL 7.7 BLN CITI SHARES IN 2010
DC- The Treasury Department plans to sell 7.7 billion shares of
Citigroup Inc. common stock throughout 2010 based on a "pre-arranged"
plan, according to a statement from the agency Monday.

FINANCIAL SHARES UP; TREASURY TO SELL CITI SHARES
Financial stocks were mostly in the positive territory Monday,
unperturbed by news that the Treasury Department will begin to unwind
its sizeable stake in Citigroup this year. See full story.

Consumer spending rises 0.3% in February, while income is unchanged, the Commerce Department says.

Date: Mon, 29 Mar 2010 10:52:00 -0400

Consumer spending rises 0.3% in February, while income is unchanged,
the Commerce Department says.

U.S. consumer spending edges up, with incomes flat; dollar, Treasurys under pressure

Date: Mon, 29 Mar 2010 08:42:15 -0400

U.S. consumer spending edges up, with incomes flat; dollar, Treasurys
under pressure
03/29/2010 08:39:43 AM EDT

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Breaking news: Obama makes surprise visit to Afghanistan

Date: Sun, 28 Mar 2010 10:25:49 -0600

President Obama made a surprise visit to Afghanistan on Sunday for a
firsthand look at the 8-year-old war he inherited and dramatically
escalated.

Friday, March 26, 2010

Markets, Friday, 03/26/2010

Date: Fri, 26 Mar 2010 18:01:59 -0400

|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Dow : 10,834.41 down 1.74 | S & P : 1,165.16 down 2.56 |
| NASDAQ: 2,397.40 down 1.36 | Bond (10Y): 3.90% up 0.072
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|

MARKETS:
A mixed Friday, but stocks up for the week
Dow ends higher, Nasdaq lower as investors mull aid package for
Greece, weak dollar, talk of a naval skirmish between North and South
Korea.

Breaking News: Challenger edges out Maliki in Iraq elections

Date: Fri, 26 Mar 2010 12:38:28 -0600

BAGHDAD (AP) - Full results from the Iraqi election show the coalition
of former Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi has won 91 seats, edging
out current Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who won 89 seats.

Treasurys head for biggest weekly loss this year

Date: Fri, 26 Mar 2010 12:01:08 -0400

TREASURYS HEAD FOR BIGGEST WEEKLY LOSS THIS YEAR
Treasurys face renewed selling pressure amid heightened concerns about
the government's ability to finance its deficits and as investors turn
to seeking out higher yields in other asset classes.

WHITE HOUSE EXPANDING MORTGAGE-RELIEF PROGRAM
The Obama administration lays out adjustments to be made in its $75
billion mortgage-modification program, with the aim of assisting a
greater number of unemployed homeowners avoid foreclosure.

YOUR HOUSE CAN BRING BIG BREAKS AT TAX TIME
A tax credit of up to $8,000 was a big incentive for first-time buyers
to buy a house over the last couple of years, but a slew of other tax
advantages will keep rewarding those new homeowners long after that
money hits their bank accounts.

WHAT TO DO WHEN A CONTRACTOR DOES SHODDY WORK
Taking a contractor to court is a tactic of last resort. Before doing
that, determine if he is a member of a local trade association and
whether your state has some kind of fund that compensates consumers
for shoddy or incomplete work by licensed contractors.

U.S. GDP REVISED LOWER TO SHOW 5.6% GROWTH
The U.S. economy grew at the fastest pace in six years during the
final three months of 2009, data show. The 5.6% growth rate in the
government's final reading on gross domestic product reflects a
combination of huge inventory adjustment, strong business investments
and modest consumer spending.

Stocks rise in the first moments of trading as investors welcome news on the economic and foreclosure fronts. Dow gains 28 points.

Date: Fri, 26 Mar 2010 09:38:48 -0400

Stocks rise in the first moments of trading as investors welcome news
on the economic and foreclosure fronts. Dow gains 28 points.

Under fire to do more to stem foreclosures, Obama administration announces new steps to help unemployed and ‘underwater’ borrowers.

Date: Fri, 26 Mar 2010 09:38:07 -0400

Under fire to do more to stem foreclosures, Obama administration
announces new steps to help unemployed and underwater borrowers.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Breaking News: House passes final fixes to health bill

Date: Thu, 25 Mar 2010 19:43:02 -0600

WASHINGTON - The House voted 220-207 Thursday night for legislation
making changes to the law President Obama signed on Tuesday. The
changes include better benefits for seniors and low-income and
middle-class families. The Senate voted 56-43 for the measure earlier
in the day.

Markets, Thursday, 03/25/2010

Date: Thu, 25 Mar 2010 17:41:35 -0400

|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Dow : 10,834.41 down 1.74 | S & P : 1,165.16 down 2.56 |
| NASDAQ: 2,397.40 down 1.36 | Bond (10Y): 3.90% up 0.072 |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------


MARKETS:
Stocks abandon rally
A dollar rally gives investors a reason to retreat after pushing the
Dow, S&P 500 and Nasdaq near new 18-month highs on Best Buy's forecast
and Bernanke's comments.

U.S. stocks rally with Dow soaring triple digits

Date: Thu, Mar 25, 2010 at 12:00 PM

U.S. STOCKS RALLY WITH DOW SOARING TRIPLE DIGITS
Wall Street soars as the dollar halts a two-day rise against the euro after
Germany voices support for a plan to help Greece. Best Buy Inc.'s results and
Qualcomm Inc.'s outlook also help lift sentiment.

WEEKLY UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS FALL 14,000
The number of people applying for unemployment benefits drops for the third
time in four weeks but the job market remains weak.

TREASURYS CLING TO MODEST GAINS
There are timid hopes for the government's last bond sale of the week Thursday
as Treasurys eke out modest gains.

30-YEAR FIXED-RATE MORTGAGE REMAINS UNDER 5%
Mortgage rates inch higher, following bond yields, but the 30-year fixed-rate
mortgage manages to stay just below the 5% level.

BEST BUY PROFIT, OUTLOOK TOP MARK; BUYBACK RESUMED
Best Buy Co., the largest U.S. electronics retailer, said Thursday that its
fourth-quarter profit jumped a better-than-expected 37% after the company
controlled expenses and boosted sales of mobile phones, notebook computers and
flat-panel televisions both before and after the holiday season.

Bernanke: Economy still needs monetary policy support, but is confident Fed can end stimulus when it's ready.

Date: Thu, 25 Mar 2010 11:25:54 -0400

Bernanke: Economy still needs monetary policy support, but is
confident Fed can end stimulus when it's ready.

Breaking News: Senate to return health bill to House

Date: Thu, 25 Mar 2010 01:54:05 -0600

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Senate Republicans succeeded early Thursday in
forcing a change in a measure altering President Obama's newly enacted
health care overhaul, meaning the bill will have to return to the
House for final congressional approval.

It was initially unclear how much of a problem this posed for
Democrats hoping to rush the bill to Obama and avoid further
congressional votes on what has been a politically painful ordeal for
the party.

First-time claims for unemployment insurance declined last week to 442,000, government says, coming in lower than expected.

Date: Thu, 25 Mar 2010 10:42:39 -0400

First-time claims for unemployment insurance declined last week to
442,000, government says, coming in lower than expected.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Wall Street moves lower on overseas worries

Date: Wed, 24 Mar 2010 12:00:50 -0400

WALL STREET MOVES LOWER ON OVERSEA WORRIES
U.S. stocks fall as a downgrade to Portugal's sovereign credit rating
sparks renewed concerns over the euro zone.

FITCH DOWNGRADES PORTUGAL TO AA-
European stock markets and the euro are reminded on Wednesday that all
is still not well among the region's more troubled economies.

PORTUGAL, U.K. JOINED AT HIP AGAINST BUDGET WOES
Both Portugal and Britain, longtime friends with weak governments, are
facing losing battles against the market to correct their budget woes.

EUROPEAN STOCKS DECLINE AFTER PORTUGAL DOWNGRADE
Bourses in Europe weaken as a downgrade of Portugal's credit rating
reinforces fears that Europe's national finance problems extend beyond
Greece.

New home sales fall 2.2% to 308,000 annual rate in February, government says.

Date: Wed, 24 Mar 2010 10:17:30 -0500

New home sales fall 2.2% to 308,000 annual rate in February, government says.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Markets, Tuesday, 03/23/2010

Date: Tue, 23 Mar 2010 18:10:22 -0500

|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Dow : 10,888.83 up 102.94 | S & P : 1,174.17 up 8.36
|
| NASDAQ: 2,415.24 up 19.84 | Bond (10Y): 3.68% up 0.017
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|

MARKETS:
Stocks surge to 18-month highs
A broad rally pushes the Dow up more than 100 points as a housing
report hints that the economy is recovering.

Obama set to sign health-insurance-reform bill into law.

Date: Tue, 23 Mar 2010 11:49:46 -0400

Obama set to sign health-insurance-reform bill into law.
03/23/2010 11:47:53 AM EDT

U.S. existing-home sales down third month in a row

Date: Tue, 23 Mar 2010 12:00:40 -0400

U.S. EXISTING-HOME SALES DOWN THIRD MONTH IN A ROW
Resales of homes and condos fall 0.6% in February to a seasonally
adjusted annual rate of 5.02 million, the lowest level in eight
months. The National Association of Realtors' data raise doubts about
the durability of the U.S. housing recovery.

WILL GOOGLE'S CHINA MOVE SET A NEW TONE?
Google Inc.'s decision to brazenly challenge Internet censorship laws
in China may encourage other firms doing business in the Middle
Kingdom to adopt a bolder tone, industry experts say.

CHINESE INTERNET OFFICIAL: GOOGLE BROKE PROMISE
A senior Chinese Internet official accused Google Inc. Tuesday of
breaking a promise by lifting censorship on its search engine,
according to comments carried by state media.

GOOGLE STOPS CENSORING CHINA-BASED SEARCH SERVICES
The company effectively shuts down its Chinese engine in a dramatic
move that could imperil Google's presence in the world's largest
online market.

TOSHIBA GAINS ON BILL GATES NUCLEAR-REACTOR TALKS
Shares of Toshiba climb after it confrims a report that the company
may team with Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates to develop an advanced
nuclear reactor.

Existing home sales fell slightly in February, with bad weather partly to blame, Realtors' group says.

Date: Tue, 23 Mar 2010 10:19:45 -0500

Existing home sales fell slightly in February, with bad weather partly
to blame, Realtors' group says.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Markets, Monday, 03/22/2010

Date: Mon, 22 Mar 2010 17:39:48 -0500

|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Dow : 10,785.89 up 43.91 | S & P : 1,165.81 up 5.91
|
| NASDAQ: 2,395.40 up 20.99 | Bond (10Y): 3.66% down 0.024
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|


MARKETS:
Dow at 18-month high
Stocks gain as investors digest health care bill scooping up a variety
of hospital providers, insurers and pharmaceuticals.

Stocks rise as health-care sector paces gains

Date: Mon, 22 Mar 2010 12:00:52 -0400


STOCKS RISE AS HEALTH-CARE PACES GAINS
U.S. stocks turn higher, with the health-care sector leading the gains
on the belief that the passage of the reform bill will translate into
more insured customers for hospitals and pharmaceutical companies.

WHAT HEALTH REFORM MEANS FOR YOU
No more worrying about lifetime limits on health coverage, about
whether your insurer will dump you when you get sick, or about whether
your adult child will be booted off your plan when he turns 18.

HOUSE APPROVES HISTORIC HEALTH-CARE OVERHAUL
In a climactic vote after a year of wrenching debate, the House of
Representatives approves a Senate bill overhauling the U.S.
health-care system, handing President Barack Obama a key victory on
the most significant social-policy legislation in decades.

DOLLAR AT 10-MONTH HIGH VS. EURO AMID GREEK WOES
The U.S. dollar advances versus major rivals, with the euro under
further pressure on signs of a deepening divide within Europe over aid
to Greece.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Breaking News: House passes historic health care bill

03/21/2010

The House has passed the Senate's version of health care legislation
with at least 217 votes in favor of the measure.

House Democrats win crucial test vote on health-care legislation

Date: Sun, 21 Mar 2010 18:38:40 -0400

House Democrats win crucial test vote on health-care legislation
03/21/2010 06:32:09 PM EDT

Friday, March 19, 2010

Markets, Friday, 03/19/2010

Date: Fri, 19 Mar 2010 17:47:42 -0500

|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Dow : 10,741.98 down 37.19 | S & P : 1,159.90 down 5.93 |
| NASDAQ: 2,374.41 down 16.87 | Bond (10Y): 3.69% up 0.015
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|

MARKETS:
Dow breaks winning streak
The blue-chip average's string of 8 consecutive gains comes to an end
as investors sell stocks after the recent advance. Palm's
bigger-than-expected quarterly loss drags on tech.

Metropolitan areas with unemployment rates above 15% topped 35 in January, Labor Department says. California remains hardest hit.

Date: Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:29:10 -0500

Metropolitan areas with unemployment rates above 15% topped 35 in
January, Labor Department says. California remains hardest hit.

Palm shares plunge back to pre-webOS levels

Date: Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:00:52 -0400

PALM SHARES PLUNGE BACK TO PRE-WEBos LEVELS
Palm Inc. saw its stock take another beating Friday, after the company
reported disappointing sales of its latest smartphones and issued a
dismal revenue. forecast for the current quarter.

CHINA MOBILE AWAITING ANSWER FROM APPLE ON IPHONE
China Mobile's chief executive has called upon Apple
Inc. to adapt some of its next generation of iPhone handsets so that
they can run on a unique Chinese-developed standard for
third-generation mobile services.

BOEING INCREASES PRODUCTION OF KEY AIRLINE JETS
Boeing said Friday it will boost production rates of its two major
commercial jet programs as the aerospace giant signaled a recovery in
the beaten-down airline sector.

EADS SAYS IT MAY REJOIN TANKER BIDDING
The Pentagon may extend a deadline for bids on a new aerial-refueling
tanker for the U.S. Air Force after Airbus parent EADS signals an
interest in rejoining the competition.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Markets, Thursday, 03/18/2010

Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:49:35 -0500

|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Dow : 10,779.17 up 45.50 | S & P : 1,165.83 down 0.38 |
| NASDAQ: 2,391.28 up 2.19 | Bond (10Y): 3.67% up 0.030
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|

MARKETS:
Dow win streak rises to 8
Blue chip indicator manages gains late in a choppy session as
investors show caution after stock market's recent advance.

Energy: EPA to study hydraulic fracturing amid din

Date: 18 MAR 2010 19:31:53 GMT

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says it'll conduct a massive
study to investigate any potential adverse impact of hydraulic
fracturing to extract natural gas, as the energy industry moves to
boost domestic natural gas supplies.

FedEx ups outlook as profit jumps

Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:00:55 -0400

FEDEX UPS OUTLOOK AS PROFIT JUMPS
FedEx Corp. on Thursday said its profit more than doubled on a sharp
increase in its overnight delivery profits as it hiked its annual
earnings outlook.

NIKE JUMPS AFTER RESULTS PROMISE CONTINUED DEMAND
Nike Inc. shares jump Thursday after the No. 1 athletic-shoe company
reports better-than-expected fiscal third-quarter profit and orders.

GAMESTOP RISES ON OUTLOOK DESPITE EARNINGS DROP
GameStop Corp. says earnings for the fourth fiscal quarter fell 7%,
the company's stock rose on a brighter-than-expected 2010 profit
outlook from the video game retailer.

BANKATLANTIC JUMPS ON TAKEOVER SPECULATION
BankAtlantic Bancorp shares jumped 16% Thursday
amid takeover speculation.

CONSUMER PRICE INDEX FLAT IN FEBRUARY
U.S. consumer prices were unchanged on a seasonally-adjusted basis in
February, with falling energy prices offsetting increases in prices of
cars, medical care and food.

Number of people filing for first-time unemployment benefits fell to 457,000 last week; consumer prices unchanged in February.

Date: Thursday, March 18, 2010

Number of people filing for first-time unemployment benefits fell to
457,000 last week; consumer prices unchanged in February.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Markets, Wednesday, 03/17/2010

Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:06:10 -0500

|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Dow : 10,733.67 up 47.69 | S & P : 1,166.21 up 6.75
|
| NASDAQ: 2,389.09 up 11.08 | Bond (10Y): 3.64% down 0.011
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|

MARKETS:
Stocks end at 18-month highs
The Dow, Nasdaq composite and S&P 500 all bounce to levels not seen in
roughly 1-1/2 years as the stock rally resumes.

Dow win streak longest in nearly three months

Date: Wed, Mar 17, 2010 at 12:00 PM

DOW WIN STREAK LONGEST IN NEARLY THREE MONTHS
U.S. stocks rise amid ongoing cheer over the Federal Reserve's decision to hold
rates steady, which should keep banks' borrowing costs at record lows for much
of the year.

ONE FAMILY'S NIGHTMARE STRUGGLE TO KEEP THEIR HOME
Marianne Gentry, 66, lives with her disabled husband and desperately ill son.
And they're about to get kicked out of their home.

MUTUAL FUND INVESTORS STILL WARY OF STOCKS
New money coming to stock mutual funds has been negligible even as returns have
been among the best on record. An influx into stocks in the coming months would
suggest investors once again have waited too long.

MONEY-MARKET FUNDHOLDERS COULD SEE FEE HIKES
With interest rates at historic lows, the money-market mutual fund industry has
lost hundreds of millions of dollars in waived fees. But some of these funds
are likely to want that money back.

Senate passes $17 billion job creation bill. Measure goes to President Obama for his signature.

Date: Wed, Mar 17, 2010 at 12:12 PM

Senate passes $17 billion job creation bill. Measure goes to President
Obama for his signature.

Big drop in energy costs pulls U.S. producer prices 0.6% lower in February

Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:35:27 -0400

Big drop in energy costs pulls U.S. producer prices 0.6% lower in February
03/17/2010 08:33:32 AM EDT

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Markets, Tuesday, 03/16/2010

Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:38:38 -0500

|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Dow : 10,685.98 up 43.83 | S & P : 1,159.46 up 8.95
|
| NASDAQ: 2,378.01 up 15.80 | Bond (10Y): 3.65% down 0.051
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|

MARKETS:
Stocks rise after Fed holds rates
The Federal Reserve votes to keep interest rates steady near zero
percent, as expected. Standard & Poor's doesn't downgrade Greece.

Fed stands pat on U.S. rates and maintains 'extended period' phrasing

Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:16:52 -0400

Fed stands pat on U.S. rates and maintains 'extended period' phrasing
03/16/2010 02:14:12 PM EDT

Fed funds futures no crystal ball on rate hikes

Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:00:48 -0400

FED FUNDS FUTURES NO CRYSTAL BALL ON RATE HIKES
Fed funds futures are often used as a window into when institutional
investors expect the Federal Reserve to hike rates. But this
little-understood market has weaknesses as a predictive tool, say
traders.

DODD PROPOSES LIMITS ON BANK RISKS
Banks and other large financial institutions would face tough new
restrictions on how they lend, borrow, invest and trade under a
comprehensive financial reform bill proposed by Sen. Chris Dodd,
D-Conn.

CHRIS DODD'S REFORM EFFORT: HIS OWN LEGACY
Here's one way of looking at Sen. Christopher Dodd's financial reform
bill: if Wall Street hates it, it can't be all bad, writes David
Weidner.

HOW TO INVEST IN FED FUNDS FUTURES
The avenues for investors to make bets on the direction of the Federal
Reserve's interest rates are increasing as more retail investors and
day traders get involved in futures, analysts say.

Housing starts fall 5.9% in February while building permits drift 1.6% month over month, U.S. says. Both are better than forecast.

Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:40:00 -0500

Housing starts fall 5.9% in February while building permits drift 1.6%
month over month, U.S. says. Both are better than forecast.

Monday, March 15, 2010

Markets, Monday, 03/15/2010

Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:56:10 -0400

|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Dow : 10,642.15 up 17.46 | S & P : 1,150.51 up 0.52
|
| NASDAQ: 2,362.21 down 5.45 | Bond (10Y): 3.70% down 0.006
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|

MARKETS:
Mixed finish for stocks
Moody's comments on the U.S. debt rating and the Federal Reserve
meeting weigh on investors.

Senate Banking chairman Dodd unveils Wall Street reform bill, proposes consumer agency housed at Fed.

Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:45:29 -0400

Senate Banking chairman Dodd unveils Wall Street reform bill, proposes
consumer agency housed at Fed.

Dodd to propose limits on banks' risks

Date: Mon, Mar 15, 2010 at 12:00 PM

DODD TO PROPOSE LIMITS ON BANKS' RISKS
Banks and other large financial institutions would face tough new restrictions
on how they lend, borrow, invest and trade under a comprehensive financial
reform bill to be proposed by Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn.

WORLD CUP MANAGERS CARRY THE HOPES OF MILLIONS
National-team managers carry the dreams of millions to South Africa for the
World Cup, kicking off in June. The coach's job is a whirlwind: exhilirating
and unpredictable. For most, alas, it's also a can't-win affair.

U.S. FINANCIAL STOCKS SLIP IN EARLY TRADING
Bank stocks, paced by KeyCorp among others, beat an early retreat on Wall
Street.

U.S. STOCKS SINK AS OIL, ENERGY STOCKS SLIDE
U.S. stocks fall Monday, as declining crude-oil prices dragged down energy
stocks and technology stocks lagged following reports that Google may close its
Chinese-language site.

EUROPE STOCKS TRADE LOWER WITH POLITICS IN FOCUS
Europe stocks trade fall Monday, with investors watching politics, banks and
resource stocks.

Friday, March 12, 2010

Markets, Friday, 03/12/2010

Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:44:30 -0500

|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Dow : 10624.69 up 12.85 | S & P : 1149.99 down 0.25 |
| NASDAQ: 2367.66 down 0.80 | Bond (10Y): 3.70%, 99.28
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|


MARKETS:
Stocks hover at 18-month highs
Markets can't find a footing as Nasdaq and S&P 500 wrestle with recent
highs. Improved retail sales report, weak dollar, falling commodity
prices all in play.

Examiner says bankrupt Lehman could face lawsuits

Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 12:01:10 -0500

EXAMINER SAYS BANKRUPT LEHMAN COULD FACE LAWSUITS
Bankrupt financial giant Lehman Bros.' former top officers, its
auditor and several rival brokers could face legal claims, a
court-appointed examiner says.

HOW 'REPO 105' WAS LEHMAN'S ACCOUNTING 'DRUG'
An accounting maneuver known as "Repo 105" was a "drug" that helped
maintain a veneer of health on Lehman Brothers' crumbling balance
sheet in the months running up to its bankruptcy, a report from a
court-appointed examiner shows.

CITI CEO: LOCAL CONSUMER LENDING LOSSES CONTAINED
If Pandit is right, Citi may be more free to pursue overseas growth.

PANDIT'S CITI FORECAST COMES WITH FOOTNOTES
In one way, Vikram Pandit is doing what a good chief executive should:
talking up his company. Where he's risking trouble is setting a target
for those
expectations, writes David Weidner.

U.S. consumer-sentiment gauge dips in March

Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:08:24 -050

U.S. consumer-sentiment gauge dips in March
03/12/2010 10:00:33 AM EDT

Energy: Crude futures gain as IEA raises demand forecasts

Date: 12 MAR 2010 10:58:58 GMT

3/12/2010 5:58:00 AM ET

Oil futures advance above $82 a barrel on Friday, as the International
Energy Agency raises its forecast for global oil demand, citing strong
growth in China and other emerging economies.

Retail sales show surprising strength in February, rising 0.3% in a government report.

Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:50:41 -0500

Retail sales show surprising strength in February, rising 0.3% in a
government report.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Markets, Thursday, 03/11/2010

Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:53:07 -0500
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Dow : 10611.84 up 44.51 | S & P : 1150.24 up 4.63
|
| NASDAQ: 2368.46 up 9.51 | Bond (10Y): 3.72%, 99.13
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|

MARKETS:
Stocks manage gains
Wall Street works to end in positive territory after a wobbly session.
Jobs outlook, Chinese inflation, dollar movement are all in focus.

Dodd quits dithering on bank reform

Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:01:04 -0500

DODD QUITS DITHERING. ON BANK REFORM
After months of trying to get Republican support for tougher
regulations to prevent the next global financial crisis, Sen. Chris
Dodd has decided to move. Ahead with or without bipartisan backing.

THERE'S NO BASIS FOR PANDIT'S FORECAST FOR CITI
In one way, Vikram Pandit is doing what a good chief executive should:
talking up his company. Where he's risking trouble is setting a target
for those expectations, writes David Weidner.

'VOLCKER RULE' MAY NOT HIT GOLDMAN STOCK: ANALYST
The "Volcker rule" and other proposed regulation looming over Wall
Street may not hit shares of Goldman Sachs because the stock already
reflects such risk, analyst says.

BANK STOCKS EXTEND GAINS; CITI, REGIONALS IN LEAD
U.S. regional bank shares add to the past session's gains Thursday,
and Citigroup shares gained more than 1%, as investors looked ahead to
comments from a number of bank executives.

ASIA MARKETS PARE GAINS AFTER CHINA ECONOMIC DATA
Asian markets ended mixed on Thursday, with several markets paring
gains as resource stocks fell after Chinese economic data sparked
fresh worries of further tightening measures from Beijing.

Stocks fall at the open as investors get worse-than-expected employment news. The Dow loses 14 points.

Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:55:16 -0500

Stocks fall at the open as investors get worse-than-expected
employment news. The Dow loses 14 points.

Initial claims for unemployment insurance fell to 462,000 in latest week, Labor Department says.

Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:54:38 -0500

Initial claims for unemployment insurance fell to 462,000 in latest
week, Labor Department says.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Markets, Wednesday, 03/10/2010

Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:40:47 -0500

|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Dow : 10567.33 up 2.95 | S & P : 1145.61 up 5.17
|
| NASDAQ: 2358.95 up 18.27 | Bond (10Y): 3.72%, 99.19
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|


MARKETS:
Citi, AIG, Fannie and Freddie: The Not Fab 4
These four financial wards of the state have rallied sharply in the
past few days. Investors should be very, very careful.

U.S. posts record $221 billion monthly deficit in February.

Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:14:13 -0500

U.S. posts record $221 billion monthly deficit in February.

Senate passes $140 billion jobs bill. Next, the measure heads to the House.

Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:29:04 -0500

Senate passes $140 billion jobs bill. Next, the measure heads to the House.

Banks rally on M&A speculation

Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:01:11 -0500

BANKS RALLY ON M&A SPECULATION
U.S. bank stocks march higher, led by Zions Bancorp, Regions Financial
Corp. and SunTrust Banks Inc., amid speculation about mergers and
acquisitions in the industry.

OIL FUTURES JUMP ON SUPPLIES DATA, OPEC FORECAST
Investors cheer news of a smaller-than-expected increase in U.S. crude
supplies and a big drop in gasoline supplies.

U.S.'S GASOLINE GULP FUELS ENERGY SECTOR GAINS
Energy stocks embellish early gains, playing off bullish U.S.
inventories data as well as a revised Organization of the Petroleum
Exporting Countries outlook forecasting higher world oil demand for
2010.

STOCKS GET LIFT FROM INVENTORIES; FINANCIALS LEAD
U.S. stocks open slightly higher Wednesday as the financial sector
climbs, along with technology and telecommunications stocks.
Commodities slip.

Energy: Oil futures edge higher on Chinese economic data

Date: 10 MAR 2010 12:01:12 GMT

3/10/2010 7:00:00 AM ET
Oil futures rise on strong economic data from China, and as investors
await a report on U.S. petroleum inventories

Fewer states report increases in unemployment in January, Labor Department says.

Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:18:40 -0500

Fewer states report increases in unemployment in January, Labor Department says.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Markets,Tuesday, 03/9/2010

Date: Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:44:42 -0500

|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Dow : 10564.38 up 11.86 | S & P : 1140.44 up 1.94
|
| NASDAQ: 2340.68 up 8.47 | Bond (10Y): 3.70%, 99.34
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|

MARKETS:
Stocks muster gains; Nasdaq at 18-month high
Wall Street inches higher in a choppy session as investors mull
company deal news and a fluctuating dollar.

Energy: Oil drops below $81/bbl on expected supply rise

Date: 9 MAR 2010 11:43:28 GMT

3/9/2010 6:42:00 AM ET

Oil futures dropped nearly 2% on Tuesday to trade below $81 a barrel,
pressured by the U.S. dollar's strength and expectations of a rise in
crude-oil inventories.

Monday, March 8, 2010

Markets, Monday, 03/8/2010



Date: Mon, Mar 8, 2010 at 5:45 PM
   DOW 10,552.52   
   -13.68 -0.13%   
   NASDAQ 2,332.21   
   +5.86 +0.25%   
   S&P 1,138.50   
   -0.19 -0.02%   
   10YR 99 10/32   
   -6/32 Yield: 3.7%   
5:16 PM ET, 3/8/2010

The technology sector is arguably the healthiest in the economy right now. But here's a sobering thought: Most major tech stocks are probably never going to get back to the levels they were at a decade ago.  


AIG, MetLife gains lift financial stocks

Date: Mon, Mar 8, 2010 at 12:01 PM

AIG METLIFE GAINS LIFT FINANCIAL STOCKS
U.S. financial stocks make modest early gains as American International Group
agrees to sell American Life Insurance Co. to MetLife for about $15.5 billion
in cash and stock, it second major transaction in a matter of days.

WEB STOCKS STILL WELL BELOW THEIR BUBBLE-ERA HIGHS
A certain class of investors might be forgiven for still feeling burned by the
dot-com bubble -- even after a decade has passed.

LOOKING FOR THE NEXT DECADE'S INTERNET CHAMPS
It goes without saying that the Internet has changed a lot in the past 10
years, and what now qualifies as an "Internet company" is much broader than it
was a decade ago.

FORMER INTERNET-FUND STARS 10 YEARS AFTER THE BUST
They were masters of a parallel universe, the soul-mates of a new technology.
Then the real world intruded on mutual fund managers who'd been Poseidons
astride the Internet-stock wave.

DOT-COM FALLOUT STILL HAUNTS IPOS, STARTUPS
The Internet bubble, which peaked March 10, 2000 when the Nasdaq hit 5,048.62,
can be accused of killing IPO hopes for many small, young companies in Silicon
Valley. A new kind of caution has since emerged that many believe is slowing
down innovation.

Friday, March 5, 2010

Markets, Friday, 03/5/2010

Date: Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:41:59 -0500

|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Dow : 10566.20 up 122.06 | S & P : 1138.69 up 15.72 |
| NASDAQ: 2326.35 up 34.04 | Bond (10Y): 3.68%, 99.50
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|

MARKETS:
Nasdaq at 18-month high
Stocks surge, with the tech-fueled index closing at the highest point
since Sept. 2008 after government reports a smaller drop in payrolls
than had been forecast.

Payrolls fall 36,000; jobless rate steady at 9.7%

Date: Fri, Mar 5, 2010 at 12:00 PM

PAYROLLS FALL 36,000; JOBLESS RATE STEADY AT 9.7%
U.S. non-farm payrolls decline for the 25th time in the past 26 months, falling
by a shallower-than-forecast 36,000 in February to 129.5 million, according to
Labor Department estimates.

U.S. STOCK GAINS ACCELERATE, LED BY ENERGY
U.S. stocks rise Friday, with energy particularly strong, as the government's
report of fewer job losses in February than expected boosts sentiment.

TREASURYS DROP AFTER REPORT SHOWS FEWER JOBS LOST
Treasury prices fall on Friday, pushing short-term yields up by the most in
more than a month, after the Labor Department said the U.S. economy lost fewer
jobs than economists predicted.

OIL TOUCHES $82, FIRST TIME IN NEARLY TWO MONTHS
Crude-oil futures top $82 a barrel Friday for the first time in about seven
weeks, as a shallower drop in U.S. jobs buoyed hopes for higher energy demand.

Employers shed 36,000 jobs in February - better than expected. Unemployment rate held steady at 9.7%. Stock futures rally.

Date: Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:33:33 -0500


Employers shed 36,000 jobs in February - better than expected.
Unemployment rate held steady at 9.7%. Stock futures rally.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Markets, Thursday, 03/4/2010

Date: Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:39:17 -0500

|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Dow : 10444.14 up 47.38 | S & P : 1122.97 up 4.18 |
| NASDAQ: 2292.31 up 11.63 | Bond (10Y): 3.60%, 100.16
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|

MARKETS:
Fear: 1 year later. Greed: 10 years gone.
The S&P 500 hit its bottom almost one year ago. Meanwhile, many tech
stocks are still trading significantly below their bubble prices from
2000.

Initial claims for unemployment insurance slide 29,000 to 4...

Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2010 08:59:12 -0800 (PST)

Initial claims for unemployment insurance slide 29,000 to 469,000 in
latest week, Labor Department says.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Markets, Wednesday, 03/3/2010

Date: Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:52:06 -0500

|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Dow : 10396.76 down 9.22 | S & P : 1118.79 up 0.48 |
| NASDAQ: 2280.68 down 0.11 | Bond (10Y): 3.61%, 100.03
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|

MARKETS:
Stocks struggle ahead of jobs reports
Wall Street gives up gains as investors pull back ahead of Thursday's
weekly jobless claims report and Friday's monthly non-farm payrolls
report.

Nine of Fed's 12 regional banks see economy improving: Beige Book

Date: Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:04:49 -0500

Nine of Fed's 12 regional banks see economy improving: Beige Book
03/03/2010 02:03:05 PM EDT

Services sectors show best growth in two years

Date: Wed, Mar 3, 2010 at 12:01 PM

SERVICES SECTORS SHOW BEST GROWTH IN TWO YEARS
The services sectors of the U.S. economy grow at the fastest pace in two years
in February, according to a survey of companies released by the Institute for
Supply Management.

GREEKS BRACE FOR CHANGE AS DEBT CRISIS BITES
While sporadic strikes may indicate otherwise, public opinion polls show that
most Greeks support the government's efforts to pull the country out of its
current financial predicament. "We're not Argentina," says one.

GREECE UNVEILS NEW AUSTERITY MEASURES
The Greek government has decided to take additional austerity measures to make
sure it meets its deficit-cutting pledge this year, following intense pressure
from the European Union and financial markets, according to media reports on
Wednesday.

MERKEL HOLDS KEY AS GREECE ADDS TO AUSTERITY PLAN
Credit markets responded positively Wednesday to the Greek government's promise
to implement another round of painful budget cuts, but Angela Merkel appears
poised to play the role of ultimate judge as European leaders scramble to
contain a destabilizing euro-zone debt crisis.

HARD-HIT GREEK STOCKS MAY OFFER OPPORTUNITIES
As a debt crisis rattles confidence in Greece, few investors are rushing to put
money into local assets. For those who can stomach the risk, however,
interesting opportunities do exist.

ADP private-sector payrolls drop 20,000 in February, fewest in two years

Date: Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:19:09 -0500

ADP private-sector payrolls drop 20,000 in February, fewest in two years
03/03/2010 08:17:07 AM EDT

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Markets, Tuesday, 03/2/2010

Date: Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:36:29 -0500

|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Dow : 10405.98 up 2.19 | S & P : 1118.31 up 2.60
|
| NASDAQ: 2280.79 up 7.22 | Bond (10Y): 3.60%, 100.13
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|

MARKETS:
Stocks cling to gains
Wall Street pares earlier gains, ending higher amid signs that Greece
will get debt under control, upbeat corporate news and auto sales.

GM recalls 1.3 million compact cars

Date: Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:01:02 -0500

GM RECALLS 1.3 MILLION COMPACT CARS
General Motors confirms it's recalling 1.3 million compact cars sold
in North America over the past five years due to problems with
power-steering functions.


EUROPEAN SHARES UP FOR THIRD STRAIGHT SESSION
European shares move higher after an uncertain start on Tuesday. Banks
in Ireland and Greece rise.

EXCHANGE RATE GIVES U.K. MORE OPTIONS: PIMCO CHIEF
The U.K. will probably find it easier to cope with its debt burden
than Greece and other euro-zone members, according to the head of bond
fund manager Pimco.

FSA CHAIRMAN WARNS NO QUICK-FIX FOR REGULATION
The U.K.'s top financial regulator warns law makers they won't find a
simple fix to the problems that caused the financial crisis.

AUSTRALIAN CENTRAL BANK HIKES POLICY RATE TO 4.0%
The Reserve Bank of Australia raises its policy rate by a quarter
point to 4.0%, as expected, marking the central banks' fourth rate
increase in five meetings after last month's surprise decision to
stand pat.

Monday, March 1, 2010

Markets, Monday, 03/1/2010

Date: Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:52:01 -0500

|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Dow : 10403.79 up 78.53 | S & P : 1115.71 up 11.22
|
| NASDAQ: 2273.57 up 35.31 | Bond (10Y): 3.61%, 100.09
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|

MARKETS:
Nasdaq, S&P turn positive for 2010
Dow gains 79 points as investors welcome AIG sale of Asian unit for
$35 billion and reports of a Greek bailout package.

January real consumer spending rises 0.3%, at highest since May 2008

Date: Mon, 01 Mar 2010 08:35:48 -0500

January real consumer spending rises 0.3%, at highest since MayT 2008
03/01/2010 08:33:57 AM EDT

Manufacturing expansion slows in February, but employment shows improvement, purchasing managers' group says.

Date: Mon, 1 Mar 2010 10:07:04 -0500

Manufacturing expansion slows in February, but employment shows
improvement, purchasing managers' group says.

U.S. stocks bolstered by manufacturing, mergers

Date: Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:01:15 -0500

U.S. STOCKS BOLSTERED BY MANUFACTURING MERGERS
The U.S. stock market trades higher on its first trading session of
March, buoyed by a weekend crop of mergers and acquisitions, plus
strength in manufacturing data and improvements in consumer spending.

ISM INDEX SHOWS SOFTER EXPANSION IN FACTORY SECTOR
The expansion at U.S. manufacturing firms softened in February but
remained very broad based, according to the Institute of Supply
Management's survey.

ISM INDEX SHOWS SOFTER EXPANSION IN FACTORY SECTOR
The expansion at U.S. manufacturing firms softened in February but
remained very broad based, according to the Institute of Supply
Management's survey.

CONSUMER SPENDING RISES 0.3% IN JANUARY
Real consumer spending increases a seasonally adjusted 0.3% in January
to the highest level since May 2008 in a further sign of a modest
economic recovery, the Commerce Department estimates.

JOBS MARKET CLOUDED BY STORMS IN FEBRUARY
Bad weather likely means disappointing data in report due out this week.