U.S. stocks fight to maintain gains in face of mixed data

Date: Fri, 01 Feb 2008 17:01:08 (GMT)

U.S. stocks fight to maintain gains in face of mixed data

U.S. stocks faltered Friday as early cheer from Microsoft's $44.6
billion bid for Yahoo Inc. was overshadowed by the first January U.S.
payrolls dip in more than four years.

Microsoft offers $44.6 bln for Yahoo; targets 'dominant player'

Microsoft Corp. on Friday offers to buy search-engine operator Yahoo
Inc. for $31 a share, or $44.6 billion, in an effort to better compete
with online-advertising juggernaut Google Inc.

The Ratings Game: Google downgraded over risk concerns

Analyst downgrades Google to hold from buy, citing the Internet
giant's increasing risk profile.

Exxon Mobil shatters profit records; quarterly net rises 14%

NEW YORK
Exxon Mobil on Friday reported its most lucrative quarter ever, as
profit neared the $12 billion mark on a slight rise in adjusted oil
production, capping off a year of record crude-oil prices.

Rio Tinto stock surges after Alcoa, Chinalco build 12% stake

Shares in Rio Tinto surge after Alcoa Inc. and Aluminum Corp. of China
say they've acquired a 12% stake in the group, putting themselves in the
middle of a battle for control of the mining giant.