U.S. stocks surge to tally first weekly gains in four weeks

Date: Thu, 20 Mar 2008 21:06:03 (GMT)
U.S. stocks surge to tally first weekly gains in four weeks

U.S. stocks sail higher, looking to score this month's first broad-based
weekly gains, boosted by better earnings than anticipated at Nike and a
not-so-bad decline in Philadelphia manufacturing activity.

Does recent rush to cash spell end to commodities rally?

Commodities from energy to metals to grains take another steep drop as a
widespread cash-out triggered by a reassessment of the world's growth
and inflation prospects raised this question: Is the recent rally over?

Congress to probe Fed's role in Bear's buyout: report

Congress is reportedly looking into the Federal Reserve-backed agreement
ceding Bear Stearns to J.P. Morgan Chase at the bargain-basement price
of $2 a share.

Hedge funds leaving Bear may be facing tougher leverage limits

SAN FRANCISCO
Hedge funds moving from Bear Stearns to rival prime brokers may be
facing tougher borrowing requirements as investment banks cut back on
the amount of money they're willing to lend to some managers in the $2
trillion business.

Visa may provide shelter from sector's storm

Visa shares are up sharply on their second day of trading as they
benefit from renewed interest in the financial sector and analysts say
they provide a relative safe harbor in a volatile corner of the market.