U.S. stocks end down after roller coaster session

Date: Wed, 16 Jan 2008 22:01:04 (GMT)

U.S. stocks end down after roller coaster session

U.S. stocks on Wednesday edged off earlier declines, with badly beaten
financial and consumer stocks helping pave the way higher amid easing
commodity prices and less-disappointing-than-anticipated results from
two large banks.

Economic Report: Beige Book sees slow growth in most regions

The U.S. economy grew at a modest pace in most regions of the nation in
late November and December, the Federal Reserve reported Wednesday.

Oracle's BEA buy raises questions about future growth

SAN FRANCISCO
Oracle Corp.'s planned acquisition of rival BEA Systems Inc. in a deal
valued at $8.5 billion highlights pressing questions about what
significant possible acquisitions remain for the voracious maker of
business software.

Ex-Brocade CEO sentenced to jail, fined millions

Gregory Reyes, the former chief executive of Brocade was sentenced to 21
months in prison for his role in an stock-options backdating scheme at
the technology firm.