Saturday, January 03, 2009
Breaking News Sat., January 3, 2009
Israeli ground forces cross into Gaza, Israeli defense officials say
Friday, January 02, 2009
Tech: Sector kicks off year with rally, led by Apple, Amazon, AMD
Tech Stocks: Sector kicks off year with rally, led by Apple, Amazon, AMD
1/2/2009 4:15 PM ET
Technology stocks open the year with a rally, led by Seagate, Apple,
Amazon and Advanced Micro Devices.
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Seagate Technology soars on upgrade
1/2/2009 4:42 PM ET
Shares of Seagate Technology rally nearly 15% after an analyst upgrade
to neutral from sell.
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Worldwide semiconductor sales fall 9.8% in November
1/2/2009 4:38 PM ET
Worldwide sales of semiconductors fall 9.8% to $20.8 billion, the
Semiconductor Industry Association.
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Microsoft's browser sees notable decline in usage
1/2/2009 2:27 PM ET
Microsoft Corp.'s Internet browser lost a notable number of users
during the last half of 2008, according to recently published data, a
trend that underscores the growing competition in a market long
dominated by the software giant.
U.S. stocks tally solid weekly gains; Dow ends above 9,000
U.S. stocks tally solid weekly gains; Dow ends above 9,000
U.S. stocks surge -- with the Dow colsing atop 9,000 for the first
time in two months -- as investors begin 2009 by shaking off one of
the most bruising years on record.
ECONOMIC REPORT: U.S. MANUFACTURING DROPS TO 28-YEAR LOW IN DECEMBER
U.S. manufacturing contracts for a fifth straight month in December,
according to the Institute for Supply Management, as no manufacturing
category reports growth in the month.
WORLDWIDE SEMICONDUCTOR SALES FALL 9.8% IN NOVEMBER
Worldwide sales of semiconductors fall 9.8% to $20.8 billion, the
Semiconductor Industry Association.
RUSSIA'S GAZPROM ACCUSES UKRAINE OF 'STEALING' GAS: REPORTS
Russian state-controlled gas giant Gazprom accuses Ukraine of
"stealing" gas meant for other European customers, a day after Russia
cut off natural-gas supplies to its neighbor because of a dispute over
bills.
CURRENCIES: DOLLAR RISES AS POOR EUROPEAN DATA OFFSET WEAK ISM READING
The U.S. dollar gains Friday as traders return to their desks after
the New Year's holiday, but the greenback gives back some of those
gains after a surprise drop in a U.S. manufacturing survey.
Stocks start 2009 with a bang, as Dow rises about 250 points to top 9,000.
Stocks start 2009 with a bang, as Dow rises about 250 points to top 9,000.
Oil settles up $1.74 at $46.34 a barrel amid renewed global concerns about supply.
Oil settles up $1.74 at $46.34 a barrel amid renewed global concerns
about supply.
Energy: U.S. to resume filling Strategic Petroleum Reserve
Taking advantage of low oil prices, the U.S. Energy Department says it
will buy oil for the 727 million-barrel Strategic Petroleum Reserve
and fill it in 2009.
Private equity group, including computer magnate Michael Dell, to pay $13.9 billion for failed IndyMac Bank.
Private equity group, including computer magnate Michael Dell, to pay
$13.9 billion for failed IndyMac Bank.
Dow industrials up 200 points
Dow industrials up 200 points
1:42:25 PM EDT
U.S. stocks climb in first 2009 session; GM leads Dow
U.S. stocks climb in first 2009 session; GM leads Dow
U.S. stocks pulled higher Friday as investors looked to begin 2009 by
shaking off one of the most bruising years on record.
WORLDWIDE SEMICONDUCTOR SALES FALL 9.8% IN NOVEMBER
Worldwide sales of semiconductors fell 9.8% to $20.8 billion in
November, compared to $23.1 billion in the year-earlier period, the
Semiconductor
Industry Association said
RUSSIA REASSURES EUROPE OVER GAS AMID UKRAINE DISPUTE: REPORT
Russia has sent its assurances to several European Union countries
that they won't face any disruption in natural-gas supplies amid a
dispute over unpaid
bills and pricing to the Ukraine.
EUROPE MARKETS: EUROPEAN SHARES MOVE HIGHER TO START 2009
European shares move higher Friday in the first trading session of
2009, helped by gains for the mining sector and a solid start to the
year from most banking stocks.
U.S. stocks at morning's highs after slow start; Dow industrials up 110 points
U.S. stocks at morning's highs after slow start; Dow industrials up 110 points
10:44:42 AM EDT
Energy: Petroleum shares add to recent gains
Energy stocks continued their upward momentum on Friday, rising with
the broad market to kick off 2009 trading in the green column.
Manufacturing activity in December contracted to its lowest level in over 28 years, according purchasing managers group ISM.
Manufacturing activity in December contracted to its lowest level in
over 28 years, according purchasing managers group ISM.
Stocks open higher on first trading day of '09 as investors await a key manufacturing report. Dow starts the year above 8800.
Stocks open higher on first trading day of '09 as investors await a
key manufacturing report. Dow starts the year above 8800.
International
TOP STORIES as of 1000 GMT -- 02 January, 2009
HAMAS: 'AVENGE BLOOD OF OUR PEOPLE'S MARTYRS'
A Hamas spokesman calls on Palestinian militants to avenge the
death of slain military commander Nizar Rayan, as well as "the
blood of our people's martyrs," following his death in an
Israeli airstrike. Rayan was killed on a sixth day of bombings
in Gaza -- but rockets continue to land in the Jewish state's
territory.
SRI LANKAN ARMY RETAKES FORMER REBEL CAPITAL
Sri Lankan troops recaptured the former seat of the Tamil Tiger
rebel movement after days of heavy fighting, military officials
said Friday.
19 DEAD UNIDENTIFIED AFTER BANGKOK BLAZE
Investigators posted photos of the unidentified victims of a
catastrophic nightclub fire outside a Bangkok police station
Friday in hopes that relatives would be able to identify them.
SUSPECTED U.S. STRIKE KILLS 4 IN PAKISTAN
The second suspected U.S. missile strike in two days killed four
suspected Islamic militants in northwest Pakistan, intelligence
officials said Friday.
SINGAPORE'S GDP SLUMPS 12.5 PERCENT
In a further indication of the weakening Asian economy,
Singapore on Friday said GDP had declined by 12.5 percent in
real terms in the fourth quarter of 2008 and revised downwards
its growth estimates for 2009.
MUSLIM FAMILY SENT OFF PLANE FOR ALARMING TALK
A Muslim family removed from an airliner Thursday after
passengers became concerned about their conversation say AirTran
officials refused to rebook them, even after FBI investigators
cleared them of wrongdoing.
REPORT: CHINA, VIETNAM AGREE ON LAND BORDER
China and Vietnam have settled a lengthy border dispute nearly
30 years after a month-long war that left tens of thousands of
people dead, state-run media reported.
MYANMAR RELEASES NORTH KOREAN DEFECTORS
Nineteen North Korean defectors have been released from
detention in Myanmar and sent to Thailand, Burmese officials
told the U.S.-funded Voice of America news service Thursday.
-------------------------------------------------
BUSINESS
FORMER SANLU CHIEF FAULTS POOR REGULATION
The head of major Chinese dairy firm Sanlu Group argues that
the country's lack of regulations regarding a toxic chemical
contributed to a tainted milk scandal that sickened nearly
300,000 infants, state-run media reports.
ASIAN, PACIFIC MARKETS OPEN 2009 MOSTLY HIGHER
Asian stock exchanges were mixed on the first trading day of the
new year, with Hong Kong and South Korean markets showing gains
Friday and Australia slumping.
GAZPROM CUTS OFF GAS SUPPLIES TO UKRAINE
Russian energy monopoly Gazprom said Thursday it had cut off
supplies of natural gas to Ukraine after a payment deadline
expired. Ukraine owes the energy giant about $2 billion for past
natural gas deliveries.
Energy: Stock futures mixed ahead of first trading session of 2009
U.S. stock market futures are mixed ahead of the first trading session
of 2009 as investors eye a sharp drop in crude-oil prices and look
ahead to a reading on manufacturing activity.
Thursday, January 01, 2009
WORLD NEWS Happy 2009! going green!
TOP STORIES as of 0900 HKT -- 02 January, 2009
TOP HAMAS LEADER KILLED IN GAZA AIRSTRIKE
The Israeli air force has bombed the homes of two top Hamas
military figures, killing at least one of them. The Hamas
television showed the body of Nizar Rayan, a commander in
northern Gaza, being pulled from the rubble of his house in
Jabalya, pictured.
CLUB FIRE VICTIMS DIED FROM SMOKE, TRAMPLING
At least 58 people are dead following a fire at a Bangkok
nightclub where hundreds of revelers had gathered to celebrate
the New Year. Police said sparks from a fireworks display may
have caused the blaze. Many of the victims were killed in a
stampede for the exits as panicked clubbers attempted to escape
the flames.
IRAQIS TAKE CONTROL OF 'GREEN ZONE'
The U.S. military formally handed authority over Baghdad's
"Green Zone" to Iraqis on Thursday as new pacts governing the
mission of international troops replaced a U.N. mandate.
LONGTIME U.S. SEN. CLAIBORNE PELL DIES
Former U.S. Sen. Claiborne Pell, who was largely responsible for
the Pell grant program for U.S. college students, died Thursday
morning at his Rhode Island home, his family said.
PROTESTERS ATTACK TEHRAN HOME OF NOBEL WINNER
A group of demonstrators attacked the Tehran home and office of
Nobel peace laureate Shirin Ebadi on Thursday, trampling a sign
in the front yard and accusing her of supporting Israel, her
office said.
TRIBUTES PAID TO ANTI-APARTHEID CRUSADER
Anti-apartheid campaigner Helen Suzman, twice nominated for a
Nobel Peace prize, died Thursday at her home in Johannesburg,
South Africa. She was 91.
DISPUTE OVER DEATHS OF AFGHAN POLICE OFFICERS
Taliban fighters ambushed the home of an Afghan government
official in the southern Helmand province, killing 20
bodyguards, a spokesman for the provincial governor said
Thursday.
SUSPECT SURRENDERS IN DANISH MALL SHOOTING
Two Israeli citizens were shot and suffered minor injuries
Wednesday at a shopping mall in the Danish town of Odense, a
police spokesman has said.
-------------------------------------------------
BUSINESS
GAZPROM CUTS OFF GAS SUPPLIES TO UKRAINE
Russian energy monopoly Gazprom said Thursday it had cut off
supplies of natural gas to Ukraine after a payment deadline
expired. Ukraine owes the energy giant about $2 billion for past
natural gas deliveries.
SLOVAKIA HOPES EURO MOVE BRINGS STABILITY
Slovakia became the first of the larger ex-communist EU members
to join the European single currency on Thursday amid hope the
move will provide stability in the global economic storm.
Happy 2009! Transition to green!
Date: Thu, 1 Jan 2009 05:02:05 -0500
TOP STORIES as of 1000 GMT -- 01 January, 2009
2008 CAPTURED IN PICTURES
A boy confronted by a baton-wielding police officer during
election protests in Kenya, Nairobi; a baby thrown to safety
from an apartment fire in Germany; Michael Phelps' historic
success at the Olympic Games; and one house standing alone after
Hurricane Ike -- from triumph to tragedy, 2008's best
photographs tell the story of a memorable year.
BANGKOK NIGHTCLUB FIRE KILLS 58
A fire and resulting stampede left nearly 60 dead early Thursday
at one of Bangkok's most upscale nightclubs, where about 1,000
revelers were ringing in the new year, Thai police said.
OLMERT: NO PEACE IN GAZA UNTIL ROCKETS STOP
The first day of 2009 dawned in Gaza with a sixth day of Israeli
airstrikes, a bombardment Israel's prime minister vowed would
not end until Hamas militants quit firing rockets into the
Jewish state.
U.N. MULLS CEASE-FIRE RESOLUTION ON GAZA
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday called for an
immediate cease-fire in Gaza, condemning the recent actions of
both Hamas and Israel. He appealed to the international
community to do more to end the violence.
ISRAEL USES YOUTUBE, TWITTER TO SHARE VIEWS
Israel has taken its barrage of airstrikes in Gaza to the Web,
creating a YouTube channel this week to post footage of its air
force dropping bombs on Hamas targets.
REPORT: GAZPROM CUTS OFF UKRAINE'S GAS
Russian energy monopoly Gazprom cut off supplies of natural gas
to Ukraine after a payment deadline expired Thursday, Russian
state television reported.
1 MILLION CELEBRATE NEW YEAR IN NEW YORK
Strong winds, frigid weather and blowing snow will help
celebrators from around the world usher in 2009 Wednesday night
in New York's Times Square.
MISSILE ATTACK IN PAKISTAN KILLS 3
A suspected U.S. missile strike killed three people and wounded
two others in one of Pakistan's northwestern tribal districts,
Pakistani intelligence officials said Thursday.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
BUSINESS
SLOVAKIA READY FOR EURO SWITCH
Slovakia becomes the first of the larger ex-communist EU members
to join the European single currency on Thursday, hoping that
the move will provide stability amid the global economic storm.
CONSUMER CONFIDENCE IN U.S. SLUMPS
A key measure of U.S. consumer confidence fell to an all-time
low in December amid a dismal job market and uncertain outlook
for the new year.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
International
TOP STORIES as of 0900 HKT -- 01 January, 2009
DOZENS KILLED IN BANGKOK NIGHTCLUB FIRE
At least 59 people were killed in a fire that broke out in a
nightclub in Bangkok during New Year's Eve celebrations, Thai
police said. The fire, at a club called Zantika, started at
about 12:35 a.m. (1735 GMT), police told CNN. Most of the
fatality victims were Thai, but foreigners have been identified
from Australia, the Netherlands, Nepal and Japan, police said.
OLMERT: NO PEACE IN GAZA TILL HAMAS ROCKETS STOP
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert vowed Wednesday that Israel's air
assault on Gaza would not end until Hamas militants quit firing
rockets into Israeli territory. Despite a French proposal for a
humanitarian truce, Israel earlier Wednesday decided to continue
the operation.
EARS FOR IRANIAN NOBEL WINNER AFTER RAIDS
Iranian raids on the office of dissident attorney Shirin Ebadi
may have put her and her clients in "grave danger," Ebadi's
fellow Nobel laureates say.
AVALANCHE SURVIVOR: 'WE DID EVERYTHING WE COULD'
Wiping tears from his cheeks, a man who survived avalanches that
killed eight snowmobilers in western Canada said Wednesday that
he and two others tried to save their friends but eventually
left the mountain because of the threat of more slides.
TWO ISRAELIS WOUNDED IN DANISH MALL SHOOTING
Two Israeli citizens were shot and suffered minor injuries
Wednesday at a shopping mall in the Danish town of Odense, a
police spokesman has said.
U.S. ARMY PROBES DEATH OF AL QAEDA SUSPECT
The U.S. Army is investigating allegations that Special Forces
troops killed an al Qaeda suspect in cold blood and cut off his
finger during an overnight operation near Baghdad earlier this
month.
BRITISH, AUSTRALIAN TROOPS TO STAY IN IRAQ
Iraq has signed troop withdrawal agreements that will have
British and Australian troops out of the country by the end of
July, Iraqi Defense Ministry said.
FIFTY YEARS ON, CUBA'S REVOLUTION SHOWS ITS AGE
Thursday marks the 50th anniversary of the Cuban revolution,
when Fidel Castro and a group of guerrillas toppled a
longstanding U.S.-backed dictator.
-------------------------------------------------------------
BUSINESS
MARKETS MOSTLY HIGHER AT DISMAL YEAR'S END
Global markets were solidly in positive territory during limited
trading for the final session of 2008 -- a year that brought
several high-profile investment banks to their knees and shook
the financial world to near-ruin
SLOVAKIA READY FOR EURO SWITCH
Slovakia becomes the first of the larger ex-communist EU members
to join the European single currency on Thursday, hoping that
the move will provide stability amid the global economic storm.
OIL SLIDES NEARLY 60% DURING 2008
Crude continues its downward spiral as weak economic data and
Middle East tensions add to pessimism about oil demand. Crude
oil hit an all-time high of more than $147 in July but prices
have collapsed in the last six months as the credit crisis has
pushed the industrialized world into recession.
Markets Wednesday, 12/31/2008
| Dow : 8776.39 up 108.00 | S & P : 903.25 up 12.61 |
|
| NASDAQ: 1577.03 up 26.33 | Bond (10Y): 2.24%, 113.19 |
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
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%.
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%.
Oil settles up $5.57 to $44.60 a barrel, a 14% gain, on Russia-Ukraine gas dispute.
Oil settles up $5.57 to $44.60 a barrel, a 14% gain, on Russia-Ukraine
gas dispute.
1
VIX stock-market volatility gauge at lowest level since October
VIX stock-market volatility gauge at lowest level since October
12:49:50 PM EDT
Energy: Second-half rout punishes TSX, set to end year down 36%
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.
Treasurys slightly lower to end 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.
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.
U.S. benchmark 30-year mortgage rate falls to latest record low
U.S. benchmark 30-year mortgage rate falls to latest record low
12/31/2008 10:08:32 AM EDT
Energy: Energy stocks ending rocky year with modest losses
Petroleum, natural gas shares and oil service shares fall ahead of
weekly inventory data in the last trading day of 2008, closing the
books on a wild and weaker year.
Energy: Oil falls ahead of supply data, heading for its worst year
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.
The number of people filing initial jobless claims fell last week by
94,000 to 492,000 - fewer than expected.
Energy: Dell, American International Group, crude-oil in the spotlight
Headline: Before the Bell - Dell, American International Group,
crude-oil in the spotlight
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.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
International
TOP STORIES as of 0900 HKT -- 31 December, 2008
OLMERT: AIRSTRIKES MERELY 'FIRST STAGE' IN GAZA
Israel's fourth day of attacks in Gaza sent the Palestinian
death toll to more than 375 Tuesday as Prime Minister Ehud
Olmert warned that the air offensive marked only the beginning
of its campaign against Hamas militants. However, an Israeli
defense official later said it was considering a proposal for a
two-day truce to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.
NASA DETAILS FINAL SECONDS FOR COLUMBIA
A NASA report on the last minutes of space shuttle Columbia
cited problems with the crew's helmets, spacesuits and
restraints, which resulted in "lethal trauma" to the seven
astronauts aboard. But the report also acknowledged that "the
breakup of the crew module ... was not survivable by any
currently existing capability."
CONGO GROUPS: 400 MASSACRED ON XMAS DAY
A Catholic aid organization operating in the Democratic Republic
of Congo and the country's government have accused Uganda-based
rebels of massacring 400 civilians during Christmas celebrations
last week.
U.S. DEATHS IN IRAQ DOWN 66 PERCENT IN 2008
American military deaths in Iraq have dropped dramatically this
year, a trend observers attribute to the lasting effects of the
U.S.-led surge offensive, more robust Iraqi security performance
and civilians' disgust with warfare.
BRITAIN FEARED ANNIHILATION BY SOVIETS
Britain feared that it would have been overwhelmed in the event
of a Soviet attack because of the depleted state of its armed
forces, according to secret files made public on Tuesday.
HOLOCAUST 'GREATEST' LOVE STORY A HOAX
Oprah Winfrey once dubbed it the "greatest love story" she had
ever heard: a boy held at a Nazi concentration camp during World
War II and a girl on the outside who tossed him apples to keep
him alive. They eventually married and grew old together.
OBAMA CHIDES SENATE SEAT DECISION
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is expected Tuesday to name former
Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris to the U.S. Senate, CNN
affiliates the Chicago Tribune and WLS-TV reported, citing
sources familiar with the decision.
EIGHTH BODY FOUND AFTER CANADIAN AVALANCHES
Authorities Tuesday recovered the body of an eighth missing
snowmobiler buried in avalanches in southern British Columbia, a
spokesman for the the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said.
----------------------------------------------------
BUSINESS
GAZPROM MAKES UKRAINE THREAT AS PROFITS SOAR
Russian gas giant Gazprom has reiterated its threat to cut
supplies to Ukraine on January 1 if it does not settle an
outstanding debt. Gazprom chief executive Alexei Miller,
pictured, repeated the threat on the same day the company
announced a 85 percent jump in net profit to $20.8 billion for
the six months ended June 30.
LOANS TO U.S. AUTOMAKERS DELAYED
Emergency loans for two of the nation's top automakers didn't
materialize Monday, but the Treasury Department said it would
finalize the loans in time to meet the needs of the struggling
companies.
KUWAIT SCRAPS $17B CHEMICAL DEAL
Kuwait decides to cancel a deal to form a $17.4 billion
petrochemical joint venture with U.S. company Dow Chemical. The
move may put Dow's plan to use the money to repay a large part
of its $13 billion debt in peril.
Energy: Americans continue to curb driving even as gas prices plunge
Most Americans who adjusted their driving habits in a big way when
gasoline prices surged are sticking with their economizing ways,
according to a Gallup poll released Tuesday.
Tech: Chip issues pace tech gains; key index down 42% in '08
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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
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
| Dow : 8668.39 up 184.46 | S & P : 890.64 up 21.22 |
|
| NASDAQ: 1550.70 up 40.38 | Bond (10Y): 2.06%, 115.00
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
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.
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.
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
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.
Breaking News
Attempt will be made at a two-day truce and suspension of Israel's
operations in Gaza, Israel's Haaretz newspaper reports.
Energy: Manulife, RBC tug Toronto shares higher for second session
Canadian stocks rose for a second straight session Tuesday, as
financial and telecommunications shares led the gains, while mining
stocks fell amid declining commodity prices.
Key measure of consumer confidence shows surprise plunge to an all-time low in December.
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.
Stocks open higher as investors cheer government's $6 billion
intervention to prop up GM financing arm GMAC.
International
TOP STORIES as of 1000 GMT -- 30 December, 2008
ISRAEL POUNDS HAMAS BUILDINGS IN 'ALL-OUT WAR'
Israel bombs a Hamas government compound, leveling at least
three structures, including the foreign ministry building,
eyewitnesses and Hamas security sources tell CNN. Airstrikes
have killed more than 375 Palestinians, most of them Hamas
militants, Palestinian medical sources say.
AWAMI LEAGUE WINS BANGLADESH ELECTION
Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League won a
landslide victory in Bangladesh's first national elections in
seven years, claiming nearly 230 of the 300 seats in parliament,
the country's electoral commission reported.
THAI PM GIVES KEY SPEECH AMID PROTESTS
Thousands of red-shirted supporters of Thailand's former prime
minister gathered outside the Parliament for a third day on
Tuesday, vowing to prevent the country's new leader from
delivering his first policy speech.
TOKYO'S NIKKEI ENDS YEAR 42.1% DOWN
Major Asia and Pacific markets traded higher Tuesday in the
waning days of a dismal year.
TAIWAN'S EX-PRESIDENT RETURNED TO JAIL
A Taiwan court early Tuesday ordered ex-President Chen
Shui-bian, who is facing corruption charges, back to jail after
deeming him a flight risk.
POLICE: SANTA SHOOTER'S MOM ON HIT LIST
The man who police say dressed as Santa Claus and killed nine
people at a Christmas Eve party may have also had plans to kill
his mother and his former wife's divorce attorney, police said
Monday night.
BODIES OF 7 SNOWMOBILERS FOUND IN CANADA
Eight snowmobilers remain unaccounted for after two avalanches
in British Columbia, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said.
Three others survived the incident, which occurred south of the
town of Fernie. The 11 had been in Harvey Pass, a popular
backcountry snowmobile destination.
GERRARD CHARGED OVER ALLEGED ASSAULT
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard was charged on Tuesday with
assault following an incident at a local nightclub, Merseyside
Police said.
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BUSINESS
LOANS TO U.S. AUTOMAKERS DELAYED
Emergency loans for two of the nation's top automakers didn't
materialize Monday, but the Treasury Department said it would
finalize the loans in time to meet the needs of the struggling
companies.
KUWAIT SCRAPS $17B CHEMICAL DEAL
Kuwait decides to cancel a deal to form a $17.4 billion
petrochemical joint venture with U.S. company Dow Chemical. The
move may put Dow's plan to use the money to repay a large part
of its $13 billion debt in peril.
MICROSOFT WEIGHS PAY-AS-YOU-GO COMPUTING
Microsoft has applied for a patent on metered, pay-as-you-go
computing. The application details Microsoft's vision of a
situation where a standard PC is given away or heavily
subsidized. The consumer then pays to use the computer, with
charges based on length of usage time and performance levels.
Energy: 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.
Home prices plummeted a record 18% in October, according to a closely watched index tracking 20 metro areas.
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.
Treasury to invest $5 billion in GMAC as part of automaker bailout plan.
Markets Monday, 12/29/2008
| 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
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.
Energy: Energy, materials stocks likely to catch late-traders' focus
Oil and mining companies may get another round of trading action in
Monday's after-hours session, after rising crude-oil prices jolted
commodities firms in dayside trade.
Stocks finish lower in lackluster holiday trade. Dow industrials down 35 points at the close, Nasdaq slides 1.4%, S&P off 0.5%.
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 pares gains as Israeli air raids in Gaza continue
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.
Energy: Jump in crude price lifts energy stocks
Oil and gas stocks move as oil traders pushed crude prices back above
$40 a barrel on concerns over violence in the Middle East as Israeli
forces bombed Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip for a third straight
day.
Dow tumbles 100 points as selling accelerates in thin holiday-week trading.
Dow tumbles 100 points as selling accelerates in thin holiday-week trading.
Energy: Canadian stocks rise, led by mining and energy shares
Canadian stocks post strong gains with energy and mining shares
leading the market higher as oil prices rallied on continuing Israeli
air raids against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.
News Alert!
Panel investigating Blagojevich won't subpoena Obama advisers
12/28/08 04:20 PM, EST
After being told by prosecutors that their testimony could jeopardize
the ongoing criminal investigation, the Illinois House panel
considering impeachment charges against Gov. Rod Blagojevich will not
subpoena advisers to President-elect Barack Obama, the panel's
chairwoman said Sunday.
Gaza humanitarian plight 'disastrous,' U.N. official says
12/28/08 02:10 PM, EST
Israeli airstrikes pounding Gaza are deepening the humanitarian crisis
in an area that was already in deep distress, according to a United
Nations aid official.
Energy: Stock futures edge higher as oil price rebounds
U.S. stock market futures point slightly higher Monday as oil prices
continue to recover from lows and after Kuwait scraps plans for a
$17.4 billion joint venture with Dow Chemical.
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.
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.
Energy: Oil futures rally 6% amid Israeli air raids in Gaza
Crude-oil futures rally above $40 a barrel in electronic trading
Monday, as Israeli air raids continued in the Gaza Strip, heightening
geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Energy: Kuwait reportedly cancels $17 billion venture with Dow Chemical
Kuwait terminates plans for its $17.4 billion dollar joint venture
with Dow amid political opposition, dealing a heavy blow to the U.S.
chemical giant.
