Markets Briefings Friday, 04/11/2008

Date: Fri, 11 Apr 2008 17:31:22 -0400

| Dow : 12325.42 down 256.56

| S & P : 1332.83 down 27.72

| NASDAQ: 2290.24 down 61.46

[ Bond (10Y): 3.47%, 100.22

MARKETS:
Down day, down week on Wall Street
Weaker-than-expected results from Dow component and a sharp drop in a
consumer sentiment measure drag down stocks.

U.S. stocks unplugged by GE; close with weekly declines

Date: Fri, 11 Apr 2008 21:01:04 (GMT)
U.S. stocks unplugged by GE; close with weekly declines

U.S. stocks sink to April lows and weekly losses, with the market undone
by General Electric Co.'s earnings miss, jolting investors and casting
a bleak light on a slew of earnings reports next week.

G7's goal is to rebuild confidence, so unity expected to prevail

WASHINGTON
The finance ministers and central bank governors of the wealthy G7
nations have begun their closed door meeting at the Treasury Department
on Friday afternoon with the stated goal of rebuilding confidence and
stability in financial markets.

GE warning renews fears of financial aftershocks

Wall Street, basking in optimism that the credit crisis may be past,
gets rained on after a surprise drop in earnings from bellwether General
Electric, renews fears of persistent economic aftershocks.

GE posts surprise 6% profit fall, cuts 2008 outlook

General Electric Co. pulls an unpleasant surprise on investors,
reporting a 6% drop in first-quarter net profit -- largely over trouble
in its financial-services businesses -- and revising lower its 2008
outlook.

Major Yahoo holder boosts stake as board meets to discuss options

SAN FRANCISCO
A major Yahoo Inc. shareholder has boosted its stake in the company as
the beleaguered Web portal has worked to resist a large takeover offer
from Microsoft Corp.

U.S. stocks plunge on General Electric shock

Date: Fri, 11 Apr 2008 16:01:04 (GMT)
U.S. stocks plunge on General Electric shock

U.S. stocks sharply lower as investors received a jolt courtesy of
General Electric Co.'s earnings miss and reduced forecast, with the
surprisingly negative report from one of the world's biggest companies
casting a gloomy tone.

GE posts surprise 6% profit fall, cuts 2008 outlook

General Electric Co. pulls an unpleasant surprise on investors,
reporting a 6% drop in first-quarter net profit -- largely over trouble
in its financial-services businesses -- and revising lower its 2008
outlook.

Big drop in General Electric shares drags Dow to early loss of 100-plus points

Date: Fri, 11 Apr 2008 09:35:28 -0400

Big drop in General Electric shares drags Dow to early loss of 100-plus
points
4/11/2008 9:32:09 AM

U.S. stocks end higher, lifted by Wal-Mart sales, Intel upgrade

Date: Thu, 10 Apr 2008 21:01:04 (GMT)
U.S. stocks end higher, lifted by Wal-Mart sales, Intel upgrade

U.S. stock indexes close higher after two days of losses, with a
forecast from Wal-Mart and a broker upgrade for Intel helping to
overshadow disappointing retail sales.

FAA: Wiring on MD-80s needs to be rebundled

The Federal Aviation Administration warns that if the wires within the
wheel wells of MD-80 aircraft aren't properly bundled, there is a
chance of an explosion, however slight.

Housing-aid plans move forward in Washington

WASHINGTON
The Senate approved a package of tax breaks and funds for foreclosure
counseling on Thursday, as House lawmakers moved forward with a separate
measure aimed at allowing the government to back billions of dollars in
refinanced loans.

Slowdown biting into discretionary retail sales

Economic worries and cold weather coupled with an early Easter and lack
of fashions combined to delvier retailer's worse-than-expected sales
last month.

Crowded stage heightens odds of a sweeter Yahoo bid: analysts

After weeks of speculation that Microsoft Corp. would end up the sole
serious suitor for Yahoo Inc., potential white knights have suddenly
appeared on the horizon.

Markets Thursday, 04/10/2008

Thursday, 4/10/2008

| Dow : 12581.98 up 54.72

S & P : 1360.55 up 6.06

| NASDAQ: 2351.70 up 29.58

| Bond (10Y): 3.54%, 99.66
MARKETS:
Techs fuel bigger advance
Nasdaq jumps on Intel upgrade, talk of Yahoo-AOL deal, giving a boost to
the broader market. Investors take in stride mixed March retail sales.

Nasdaq closes with 1% gain; Dow, S&P rise but slip from session highs

Nasdaq closes with 1% gain; Dow, S&P rise but slip from session highs
4/10/2008 4:02:13 PM

Wall Street gets a lift from Wal-Mart sales, Intel upgrade

Date: Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:01:04 (GMT)
Wall Street gets a lift from Wal-Mart sales, Intel upgrade

U.S. stock indexes pull solidly after two days of losses, with a
forecast from Wal-Mart and a broker upgrade for Intel helping to
overshadow disappointing retail sales.

American Airlines cancels additional 900 flights

American Airlines on Thursday cancels more than 900 additional flights
as the nation's largest carrier moved into a third day of safety
inspections for its MD-80 fleet.

Google, AOL and News Corp. re-emerge in Microsoft-Yahoo battle

The battle between Yahoo Inc. and Microsoft Corp. has escalated by
several notches amid a flurry of reports that has the Web portal working
with rivals Google Inc. and AOL in an attempt to put together a deal
that would thwart the software giant's unsolicited takeover offer.

Yahoo Takeover Bid Takes Dramatic Turn

Breaking News
April 10, 2008
Yahoo Takeover Bid Takes Dramatic Turn

Yahoo Inc. is surrendering some of its advertising space to Internet
search leader Google Inc. Also, in a surprise twist, Microsoft has
contacted Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. about joining forces to buy
Yahoo.
--------------------
U.S.

Another Iraq Contractor Worker Claims Rape

An Illinois woman who says she was raped while working for a contractor
in Iraq recounted the experience in a congressional hearing. 
--------------------
World

Nepalis Defy Violence, Head To Polls

Nepalis have voted in a historic election intended to bring communist
insurgents into the country's democratic mainstream and expected to end
the world's last Hindu monarchy. 
--------------------
Politics

Obama Poised To Turn Down Public Financing

Despite his early suggestions otherwise, Barack Obama may opt out of
public financing for the general election, the first time a major party
candidate has done so since the system was implemented in 1974, reports
Brian Montopoli. 
--------------------
Health

Does Mumps Vaccine Fade By College Years?

Most of the college students who got the mumps in a big outbreak in 2006
had received the recommended two vaccine shots, according to a study
that raises questions about whether a new vaccine or another booster
shot is needed. 

Stocks open higher as investors chew on soft retail sales numbers, falling jobless claims and an expanding trade gap.

Date: Thu, 10 Apr 2008 09:32:08 -0400

Stocks open higher as investors chew on soft retail sales numbers,
falling jobless claims and an expanding trade gap.

U.S. stocks fall on economic, earnings concerns

Date: Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:01:04 (GMT)

U.S. stocks fall on economic, earnings concerns

U.S. stocks close in the red, with a lower outlook from shipper UPS and
crude prices topping $112 a barrel fueling concerns about the economy
and earnings.

Futures Movers: Crude hits new intraday, closing highs as inventories
fall

Crude-oil futures rally more than $2 to end at a record closing price of
$110.87 a barrel as government data show a surprising drop in U.S.
inventories.

Protesters gather for San Francisco torch run

Throngs of protesters gather in San Francisco in anticipation of the
running of the Olympic torch, a flash point for controversy that's
sparked violent demonstrations in other cities.

American cancels over 1,000 flights for safety checks

American Airlines cancels more than 1,000 flights, mostly at its hubs in
Dallas and Chicago, as the airline conducts more inspections of its
fleet of MD-80 jets.

Under pressure, lawmakers craft aid plan for troubled homeowners

In an effort to let more struggling borrowers keep their homes and
prevent defaults on unaffordable home loans, the Bush administration is
expanding a federal program to allow more homeowners to refinance
mortgages.

Markets Wednesday, 04/9/2008

Wednesday, 4/9/2008

| Dow : 12527.26 down 49.18

| S & P : 1354.49 down 11.05

| NASDAQ: 2322.12 down 26.64

| Bond (10Y): 3.48%, 100.13

MARKETS:
Wall Street wary ahead of earnings
Major indexes fall as investors anticipate weak first-quarter corporate
results; oil prices reach yet another all-time high.

Olympic torch relay gets off to chaotic start in San Francisco

Date: Wed, 09 Apr 2008 17:05:38 -0400

Olympic torch relay gets off to chaotic start in San Francisco
4/9/2008 5:02:54 PM

Yahoo says it will conduct 2-week test using Google's ad placement technology with its own search engine.

Date: Wed, 9 Apr 2008 16:13:03 -0400

Yahoo says it will conduct 2-week test using Google's ad placement
technology with its own search engine.

Breaking News Wed., April 9, 2008

Date: Wed, 9 Apr 2008 11:36:06 -0700

BRITISH PRIME MINISTER GORDON BROWN WILL NOT ATTEND THE OPENING CEREMONY
OF THE BEIJING SUMMER OLYMPICS, THE BBC REPORTS

Stocks end modestly lower as oil prices surge to new record and investors await earnings.

Date: Wed, 9 Apr 2008 16:01:19 -0400

Stocks end modestly lower as oil prices surge to new record and
investors await earnings.

Oil hits intraday trading high of $111.88 a barrel following surpise decline in supply.

Date: Wed, 9 Apr 2008 12:50:20 -0400

Oil hits intraday trading high of $111.88 a barrel following surpise
decline in supply.

WaMu spurned J.P. Morgan bid before striking TPG deal: report

Date: Wed, 09 Apr 2008 16:01:03 (GMT)

WaMu spurned J.P. Morgan bid before striking TPG deal: report

Troubled thrift Washington Mutual Inc. snubbed an earlier takeover offer
from J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. prior to receiving a $7 billion bailout
from private equity firm TPG and a consortium of investors, The Wall
Street Journal reported.

Fed looks for new tools to weather credit crunch
NEW YORK
The Federal Reserve is exploring backup options to extend its lending
power in case the recent plans it has implemented to loosen the credit
markets are unsuccessful, The Wall Street Journal reported on
Wednesday.

Gold can reach $1,100 this year, consultant GFMS says

The price of gold can very well reach $1,100 an ounce this year or early
2009, the London-based consultancy group GFMS Ltd. said Wednesday in its
latest survey of the gold market.

Protests, rancor rain on China's Olympic parade

Date: Wed, 09 Apr 2008 05:50:35 -0500
Updated 06:17 AM ET
NEWS

Congress considers medals for 9/11's Flight 93 victims
---------------------------------------------
Relatives of the passengers and crew of United Airlines Flight 93 are
stepping up pressure on Congress to decide whether the people who died
fighting their attackers on Sept. 11, 2001, deserve the nation's highest
civilian award.

Petraeus' testimony met with praise, skepticism
---------------------------------------------
Gen. David Petraeus declined Tuesday to commit to a timetable for
reducing U.S. troop levels beyond July when the number of American
forces in Iraq will fall under 140,000.

Papers detail alleged abuse at sect's compound
---------------------------------------------
Girls as young as 13 were forced into "spiritual marriages" with men and
subjected to sexual and physical abuse at a West Texas polygamist
community, state investigators alleged in court documents released
Tuesday.

MONEY
China's main stock index tumbles 5.5%
---------------------------------------------
China's main stock index tumbled more than 5% on Wednesday, ending a
four-day rebound off 11-month lows, as large caps were sold after the
market retreated from technical resistance.

Greenspan says U.S. is in recession, defends Fed tenure
---------------------------------------------
Former Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan said Tuesday that the
U.S. economy is in recession and that it would be appropriate to tap
public funds to resolve the mortgage-related crisis that has helped pull
the economy under.

Rear-hinged doors make comeback
---------------------------------------------
Reappearing on several cars are doors hinged toward the rear of the
vehicle, instead of the usual front-hinged variety. Most car nuts know
them as "suicide" doors.

Democrats Want Iraq To Spend Its Own Money

Breaking News
April 9, 2008

Democrats Want Iraq To Spend Its Own Money

Democrats plan to push legislation this spring that would force the
Iraqi government to spend its own surplus in oil revenues to rebuild the
country, sparing U.S. dollars as the war grows ever more expensive for
an economically hurting America. 
--------------------
U.S.

Report: Millions Blown On Government Cards

A government report says federal employees wasted millions of taxpayer
dollars by charging fees for Internet dating, tailor-made suits,
lingerie and lavish dinners on government credit cards. 
--------------------
World

Clashes Mark Anniversary Of Baghdad's Fall

Seven people have died in Baghdad's Sadr City as clashes between
security forces and Shiite militiamen continue in the capital on the
fifth anniversary of the fall of Baghdad. 
--------------------
Politics

Candidates Seek Spotlight At Iraq Hearings

The top military commander in Iraq faced the next commander in chief
Tuesday, delivering a status report that could shape the campaign for
the presidency. 

Stocks inch up at the open despite Wall Street's concern over weak economic forecasts and troubling corporate news.

Date: Wed, 9 Apr 2008 09:32:17 -0400

Stocks inch up at the open despite Wall Street's concern over weak
economic forecasts and troubling corporate news.

Opinion

Date: 7 Apr 2008 21:18:19 -0000

如何看奧運火炬傳遞遭示威干擾？

In 網上互動

北京奧運火炬傳遞屢遇示威，您認為火炬傳遞應否跟政治掛鉤？示威行為有否影響火炬傳遞的意義？
More...go to

http://www.bloglines.com/blog/johnDispatch

Markets Tuesday, 04/8/2008

Tuesday, 4/8/2008

| Dow : 12576.44 down 35.99

| S & P : 1365.54 down 7.00

| NASDAQ: 2348.76 down 16.07

| Bond (10Y): 3.56%, 99.47

MARKETS:
Down day on Wall Street
Stocks slip after the release of minutes from last Federal Reserve
policy meeting, AMD's profit warning and a weak pending home sales
index.

U.S. stock losses intensify on Fed worries about economy

Date: Tue, 08 Apr 2008 21:06:03 (GMT)
U.S. stock losses intensify on Fed worries about economy

U.S. stocks decline after quarterly earnings disappoint investors and
struggling thrift Washington Mutual Inc. cuts its dividend and draws $7
billion in capital, adding to concerns about financials.

MarketWatch First Take: Investor pessimism the only sure thing

BOSTON
There must be a way for survey results to get lower than the level of
"pervasive gloom," but investors won't find out for at least another
month.

Economic Report: CORRECT: Index of pending home sales down 1.9% in
February: NAR

In a sign that the U.S. housing market may weaken further, an index of
sales contracts on previously owned homes fell 1.9% in February from the
prior month, the National Association of Realtors reported Tuesday.

MarketWatch First Take: Nostalgia can't save Starbucks

Of course, one new roast will not turn Starbucks around, but the move is
just one of many actions the struggling coffee-shop operator is
implementing to help reverse its sagging fortunes.

Apple cut to bearish rating on worries of slowing economy

Apple faces a rare occurrence -- a Wall Street analyst telling his
clients to sell shares of the popular consumer-electronics maker.

Candidates Seek Spotlight At Iraq Hearings

Breaking News
April 8, 2008
Candidates Seek Spotlight At Iraq Hearings

The top military commander in Iraq faced the next commander in chief
Tuesday, delivering a status report that could shape the campaign for
the presidency. 
--------------------
U.S.

High Security For U.S. Olympic Torch Relay

The Olympic torch arrived for its only North American stop amid heavy
security Tuesday, a day after its visit to Paris descended into chaos
and activists here scaled the Golden Gate Bridge to protest China's
human rights record. 
--------------------
Health

Teen Births Rose In 2006

Teen birth rates, C-sections, and births to single moms are all on the
rise, according to the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics. 
--------------------
SciTech

South Korea's First Astonaut Blasts Off

A Russian capsule carrying South Korea's first astronaut and two
cosmonauts blasted off from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on
Tuesday, en route to the international space station. 
--------------------
Business

New Low For Existing Home Sales

Pending U.S. home sales fell in February to the lowest reading since the
index began, signaling the housing market distress is not yet over.
--------------------
Opinion

Why The Clintons Held Onto Mark Penn

Penn's defenders say it's no mystery why the Clintons have stuck with
him through the years: He's loyal, he's brilliant, and, most
importantly, they've never lost with him, says The New Republic.

U.S. stocks finish lower after WaMu dividend cut, Alcoa earnings undercut sentiment

Date: Tue, 08 Apr 2008 16:19:21 -0400

U.S. stocks finish lower after WaMu dividend cut, Alcoa earnings
undercut sentiment
4/8/2008 4:16:23 PM

Stocks end lower after minutes from Fed policy meeting showed fear of a prolonged economic downturn.

Date: Tue, 8 Apr 2008 16:01:05 -0400

Stocks end lower after minutes from Fed policy meeting showed fear of a
prolonged economic downturn.

Federal Reserve members warn of possible 'severe and protracted downturn,' minutes of last meeting show.

Date: Tue, 8 Apr 2008 14:05:06 -0400

Federal Reserve members warn of possible 'severe and protracted
downturn,' minutes of last meeting show.

U.S. stocks remain under water following U.S. housing data

Date: Tue, 08 Apr 2008 16:01:03 (GMT)

U.S. stocks remain under water following U.S. housing data

U.S. stocks open lower after Alcoa Inc.'s earnings fall short of
forecasts and Advanced Micro Devices Inc. projects revenue under what it
had anticipated and said it would cut its workforce 10%.

Economic Report: Index of pending U.S. home sales down 1.9% in February:
NAR

In a sign that the U.S. housing market may weaken further, an index of
sales contracts on previously owned homes fell 1.9% in February from the
prior month, the National Association of Realtors reported Tuesday.

AMD to cut 10% from work force, predicts slower growth

SAN FRANCISCO
Shares of Advanced Micro Devices Inc. fell more than 3% Tuesday morning
after the chipmaker said it plans to reduce its workforce and expected a
bigger decline than expected in first-quarter revenue.

Alcoa profit falls 50%, shares weigh on broad market

Alcoa kicks off the first earnings season of the year with
lower-than-expected profits in what will likely become a familiar
refrain of falling fortunes, a slowing economy, surging energy costs and
a weak U.S. dollar.

IMF to sell 12.5% of gold stake, worth more than $13 billion

The International Monetary Fund said it would sell more than 14.2
million ounces of gold, currently valued at more than $13 billion, and
cut substantial costs as part of an efficiency drive.

Stocks slump at the open of trade as Wall Street reacts to ugly earnings from Alcoa and job cuts at AMD.

Date: Tue, 8 Apr 2008 09:32:19 -0400

Stocks slump at the open of trade as Wall Street reacts to ugly earnings
from Alcoa and job cuts at AMD.

Homes under contract for sale fell to an all-time low in February, according to National Association of Realtors.

Date: Tue, 8 Apr 2008 10:01:04 -0400

Homes under contract for sale fell to an all-time low in February,
according to National Association of Realtors.

U.S. stocks end little changed ahead of earnings kick-off

Date: Mon, 07 Apr 2008 21:06:03 (GMT)
U.S. stocks end little changed ahead of earnings kick-off

U.S. stocks finish flat with financial shares leading the way on reports
of a $5 billion injection for Washington Mutual Inc., but with the broad
market losing steam as investors cash in profits in technology and
energy stocks.

Microsoft bid for Yahoo turns into game of chicken

SAN FRANCISCO
Microsoft Corp.'s bold bid to gobble up Yahoo Inc. seems to have
transformed from a waiting game into a game of chicken.

Washington Mutual rallies on report of $5 billion cash infusion

Shares of Washington Mutual Inc. leap nearly 23% on news the troubled
thrift is in negotiations to receive a $5 billion cash infusion from
private-equity firm TPG and a consortium of other investors.

China agrees to let banks buy U.S. stocks and mutual funds

Banking and securities regulators from China and the U.S. are laying the
groundwork to enable Chinese investors to buy and sell U.S. securities.

Stocks end well off Monday's highs; Dow, S&P post small gains, while Nasdaq dips

Date: Mon, 07 Apr 2008 16:07:46 -0400

Stocks end well off Monday's highs; Dow, S&P post small gains, while
Nasdaq dips
4/7/2008 4:04:51 PM

Reports say Chinese banks given permission to buy U.S. stocks, mutual funds

Date: Mon, 07 Apr 2008 05:11:16 -0400

Reports say Chinese banks given permission to buy U.S. stocks, mutual
funds
4/7/2008 5:08:25 AM

Stocks rise in the first minutes of trade Monday as investors mull news of numerous percolating corporate deals.

Date: Mon, 7 Apr 2008 09:31:21 -0400

Stocks rise in the first minutes of trade Monday as investors mull news
of numerous percolating corporate deals.

Breaking News

Date: Mon, 7 Apr 2008 11:40:23 -0400

Coroner's jury rules Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed unlawfully killed;
blames reckless actions of her driver and paparazzi.

U.S. stocks rise as WaMu cash report spurs financials

Date: Mon, 07 Apr 2008 16:01:04 (GMT)

U.S. stocks rise as WaMu cash report spurs financials

U.S. stocks open firmly higher on Monday, with a report of a $5 billion
injection into Washington Mutual fueling hopes that ailing financial
firms are on course to restoring their financial health.

Washington Mutual rallies on report of talks for cash infusion

NEW YORK
Beleaguered thrift Washington Mutual Inc. is in negotiations to receive
a $5 billion cash infusion from private-equity firm TPG and a consortium
of other investors, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

Motorola to add Icahn allies to board
WASHINGTON

Motorola Inc. said Monday it will add two allies of activist investor
Carl Icahn to its board, defusing a potential proxy fight that could
have distracted the wireless device maker's management at a critical
time.

Yahoo fires back at Microsoft after threat of proxy battle

Yahoo Inc. responds to Microsoft's dig about its falling stock price
with its own critique, arguing that the software giant's share price
fall makes its takeover bid even less attractive than when the search
firm initially rejected it.

China agrees to let banks buy U.S. stocks and mutual funds

Banking and securities regulators from China and the U.S. are laying the
groundwork to enable Chinese investors to buy and sell U.S. securities.

Reconciliation In Iraq "Isn't Happening"

Breaking News
April 6, 2008
Reconciliation In Iraq "Isn't Happening"

Recent clashes in Basra, and renewed fighting in Baghdad, are signs of
how brutal the past few weeks have been, including for Gen. David
Petraeus, who must report before Congress this week on progress in
Iraq.
--------------------
U.S.

Police Enter Polygamist Sect's Temple

Law enforcement agents got access to an enormous temple on the grounds
of a polygamist compound, but by Sunday morning they still had not found
a 16-year-old girl whose initial report of abuse led to the raid. 
--------------------
World

Bush, Putin Remain Apart On Missile Plan

American and Russian leaders failed to resolve their differences over a
U.S. missile defense system at a farewell meeting, with Mr. Bush saying
the system is not aimed at Russia but at regimes that "could try to hold
us hostage."
--------------------
Politics

Clinton Keeps Spotlight On Disputed Votes

Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton strengthened her pitch to allow disputed
primaries in Michigan and Florida to be counted in the nominating
contest, noting the vote totals had been officially recognized in each
state. 
--------------------
Business

Microsoft To Yahoo: You've Got 3 Weeks

Microsoft Corp. sent a letter to the Yahoo Board of Directors setting a
three-week deadline for moving forward on its more than $40 billion
buyout offer. 

Breaking News: Actor Charlton Heston dies at 84

Date: Sun, 06 Apr 2008 00:59:43 -0500

LOS ANGELES (AP)- Charlton Heston, who won the 1959 best actor Oscar as
the chariot-racing Ben-Hur and portrayed Moses, Michelangelo, El Cid and
other heroic figures in movie epics of the '50s and '60s, has died. He
was 84.