International News

Date: Sat, 13 Dec 2008 20:02:09 -0500
TOP STORIES as of 0900 HKT -- 14 December, 2008

OFFICIAL: MUMBAI SUSPECT ASKS PAKISTAN FOR HELP
The only surviving suspect in last month's bombings in Mumbai
has written a letter to the Pakistan High Commission, or
embassy, seeking legal aid, CNN's sister network in India
reported Saturday, quoting a Mumbai police official.
Investigators there say all 10 attackers were from Pakistan.
Pakistani officials, however, have blamed "stateless actors."

23 PIRATES CAPTURED OFF SOMALIA, INDIA SAYS
The Indian navy captured 23 piracy suspects who tried to take
over a merchant vessel in the Gulf of Aden near Somalia, Indian
officials said. Included in the seized items were seven AK-47
automatic rifles, three other automatic weapons and 13 loaded
magazines; a rocket-propelled grenade launcher along with
rockets, cartridges and grenades.

BRITAIN TO HELP FUND AFGHAN VOTER REGISTRATION
Britain will help Afghanistan with upcoming elections and has
offered to set up a task force to fight corruption, British
Prime Minister Gordon Brown said Saturday in Afghanistan.

GATES: AFGHANISTAN WON'T NEED IRAQ TROOP LEVEL
U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who arrived in Iraq in a
surprise visit on Saturday, said he doubts U.S. troop presence
in Afghanistan will reach the levels attained in Iraq.

BROWN CONDEMNS TALIBAN 'CHILD BOMBER'
Gordon Brown flew into Afghanistan's violent Helmand province
Saturday as four Royal Marines were killed in a series of
Taliban attacks one of which the British prime minister said was
carried out by a 13-year old suicide bomber. He added that
Britain's 8,100 troops in Afghanistan were preventing a "chain
of terror" sweeping across Europe.

OBAMA NAMES MAN TO TACKLE MORTGAGE CRISIS
President-elect Barack Obama has chosen Shaun Donovan, New York
City's former housing commissioner, to be his secretary of
Housing and Urban Development. Obama used his weekly radio
address to announce the selection. He said HUD is essential in
the effort to address the mortgage crisis, which he said "not
only shakes the foundation of our economy, but the foundation of
the American Dream."

170 ARRESTED IN GLOBAL CHILD PORN PROBE
More than 170 people around the globe have been arrested in a
major operation targeting international child pornographers,
U.S. officials said. The probe and arrests stretched from North
America and Europe to Australia.

U.S. COURTHOUSE KILLER JAILED FOR LIFE
A Georgia judge threw the book at Brian Nichols on Saturday,
giving him four consecutive sentences of life without parole for
a 2005 shooting rampage that started in an Atlanta courthouse.

BUSINESS:

WHITE HOUSE MAY BAIL OUT BIG 3
The Bush administration says it will consider using the money
set aside to help banks and Wall Street to rescue the auto
industry.

STOCKS SLIDE ON U.S. AUTO BAILOUT NEWS
World markets endured fresh punishment Friday as U.S. lawmakers'
rejection of a $14 billion bailout for the ailing Detroit auto
industry, weakening currencies in the U.S. and the UK and the
bleak economic outlook weighed on investors' minds.

EU APPROVES $267B BAILOUT PLAN
European Union leaders meeting in Brussels have approved a
€200 billion ($267 billion) stimulus plan for the 27-nation
bloc's battered economy.

News Alert!

Date: Sat, 13 Dec 2008 16:06:57 -0800 (PST)

23 suspected pirates captured, Indian navy says
12/13/08 01:20 PM, EST
The Indian navy captured 23 piracy suspects who tried to take over a
merchant vessel in the Gulf of Aden, between the Horn of Africa and
the Arabian Peninsula, Indian officials said.

Gates: Iraq-level U.S. troops not needed in Afghanistan
12/13/08 10:35 AM, EST
U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who arrived in Iraq in a surprise
visit on Saturday, said he doubts U.S. troop presence in Afghanistan
will reach the levels attained in Iraq.

Judge gives courthouse killer life without parole
12/13/08 10:13 AM, EST
A Georgia judge threw the book at Brian Nichols on Saturday, giving
him four consecutive sentences of life without parole for a 2005
shooting rampage that started in an Atlanta courthouse.

News Alert!

Date: Sat, 13 Dec 2008 14:06:42 -0800 (PST)

Obama names choice for housing secretary
12/13/08 06:50 AM, EST
President-elect Barack Obama has chosen Shaun Donovan, New York City's
former housing commissioner, to be his secretary of Housing and Urban
Development.

U.S. military considers options to deal with Somali pirates
12/13/08 01:09 AM, EST
The Pentagon is looking at options, but there are no plans for U.S.
forces to go ashore in pursuit of pirates in Somalia, a spokesman for
the Joint Chiefs of Staff said Friday.

News Alert!

Date: Sat, 13 Dec 2008 09:35:39 -0800 (PST)

170 arrested in global child porn investigation
12/12/08 10:29 PM, EST
More than 170 people around the globe, including at least 61 in the
United States, have been arrested in a major operation targeting
international child pornographers, officials said Friday.

International News

Date: Sat, 13 Dec 2008 05:02:09 -0500
TOP STORIES as of 1000 GMT -- 13 December, 2008

170 ARRESTED IN GLOBAL CHILD PORN PROBE
More than 170 people around the globe have been arrested in a
major operation targeting international child pornographers,
U.S. officials said. The probe and arrests stretched from North
America and Europe to Australia.

WHITE HOUSE MAY BAIL OUT BIG 3
The Bush administration says it will consider using the money
set aside to help banks and Wall Street to rescue the auto
industry.

ZIMBABWE: CHOLERA IS GENOCIDE BY UK
One of Zimbabwe's top officials blamed his country's spreading
cholera outbreak on what he calls "a genocidal onslaught" by
Zimbabwe's former colonial ruler -- Britain.

ECUADOR WON'T PAY FOREIGN DEBT INTEREST
Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa said Friday he will not pay
interest on the nation's foreign debt and that he was prepared
to accept any consequences.

TAIWAN'S EX-PRESIDENT CHEN RELEASED ON BAIL
Former Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian was indicted Friday on
several corruption charges, including embezzlement and accepting
bribes.

PRESSURE GROWS ON EMBATTLED ILLINOIS GOVERNOR
Embattled Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, asked by reporters
today whether he plans to resign, said only that he'll "have a
lot to say at the appropriate time." Hours earlier, Illinois
Attorney General Lisa Madigan had asked the state Supreme Court
to remove Blagojevich -- accused of trying to sell off a U.S.
Senate seat -- temporarily from office.

PENTAGON WEIGHS OPTIONS OVER SOMALI PIRATES
The Pentagon is looking at options, but there are no plans for
U.S. forces to go ashore in pursuit of pirates in Somalia, a
spokesman for the Joint Chiefs of Staff said Friday.

U.S. ENVOY URGES INTERNATIONAL MUMBAI PROBE
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte called Friday for
international support to help India investigate the deadly
terrorist attacks in Mumbai.

BUSINESS:

STOCKS SLIDE ON U.S. AUTO BAILOUT NEWS
World markets endured fresh punishment Friday as U.S. lawmakers'
rejection of a $14 billion bailout for the ailing Detroit auto
industry, weakening currencies in the U.S. and the UK and the
bleak economic outlook weighed on investors' minds.

EU APPROVES $267B BAILOUT PLAN
European Union leaders meeting in Brussels have approved a
€200 billion ($267 billion) stimulus plan for the 27-nation
bloc's battered economy.

FORMER NASDAQ CHAIRMAN CHARGED WITH FRAUD
Former Nasdaq chairman Bernard Madoff was arrested Thursday and
charged with a single count of securities fraud for allegedly
operating a multibillion-dollar Ponzi scheme from his investment
advisory business, federal authorities said.

International News

Date: Fri, 12 Dec 2008 20:02:08 -0500
TOP STORIES as of 0900 HKT -- 13 December, 2008

TEEN DISAPPEARS: 'MOM, I'M IN SOMALIA'
Seventeen-year-old Burhan Hassan told his family he was catching
a ride to school with a friend just before he vanished from his
home in the U.S. Midwest. A month later, he rang home to say:
"Mom, I'm in Somalia!" The FBI says he is not the only young
U.S. citizen heading to Somalia "potentially to fight."

ZIMBABWE: CHOLERA IS GENOCIDE BY UK
President Robert Mugabe was ridiculing what he believes are
Western designs to invade Zimbabwe when he said "there is no
cholera" in the country, a government spokesman says.

U.S. ENVOY URGES INTERNATIONAL MUMBAI PROBE
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte called Friday for
international support to help India investigate the deadly
terrorist attacks in Mumbai.

STOCKS SLIDE AS U.S. AUTO BAILOUT FAILS
Asian and European markets fell sharply on Friday after
Washington's automaker bailout plan floundered on Republican
opposition. More bleak economic data from the U.S. and news of
35,000 job cuts at Bank of America added to the gloom.

POLICE NOT CLEARED IN UK SUBWAY KILLING
Jurors at the inquest into the mistaken shooting of an unarmed
Brazilian man the day after the failed suicide bombings in
London returned an open verdict in the case Friday, the
coroner's spokesman said.

ROME ON FLOOD ALERT
Officials monitoring the River Tiber in Rome fear it could break
its banks as early as Friday evening after a spate of bad
weather in Italy, the country's Civil Protection Department has
said.

ATHENS ROCKED BY 7TH DAY OF CLASHES
Youths smashed windows and threw rocks at police in central
Athens Friday, the seventh day of clashes that erupted after a
police officer killed a 15-year-old boy last Saturday.

ZIMBABWE UNVEILS $500 MILLION NOTE
Zimbabwe's central bank is introducing a $500 million note --
the highest current denomination -- as the once-prosperous
southern African nation battles against spiraling
hyperinflation.

BUSINESS

EU APPROVES $267B BAILOUT PLAN
European Union leaders meeting in Brussels have approved a
€200 billion ($267 billion) stimulus plan for the 27-nation
bloc's battered economy.

FORMER NASDAQ CHAIRMAN CHARGED WITH FRAUD
Former Nasdaq chairman Bernard Madoff was arrested Thursday and
charged with a single count of securities fraud for allegedly
operating a multibillion-dollar Ponzi scheme from his investment
advisory business, federal authorities said.

DIAMOND SELLS FOR RECESSION-BUSTING $24.3M
What recession? Christie's, the famed auction house, this week
sold a nearly 36-carat diamond for $24.3 million, which it said
was the highest price for a diamond sold at auction.

FDIC, state regulators seize Sanderson State Bank of Texas, 25th bank to fail this year

Date: Fri, 12 Dec 2008 18:34:16 -0500

FDIC, state regulators seize Sanderson State Bank of Texas, 25th bank
to fail this year
12/12/2008 6:32:10 PM EDT

Haven Trust Bank of Duluth, Ga., is 24th U.S. bank failure of year

Date: Fri, 12 Dec 2008 17:16:50 -0500

Haven Trust Bank of Duluth, Ga., is 24th U.S. bank failure of year
12/12/2008 5:14:43 PM EDT

Tech: Amazon, eBay lead technology sector rally

Date: Fri, 12 Dec 2008 18:00:16 -0500

Tech Stocks: Amazon, eBay lead technology sector rally
12/12/2008 4:20 PM ET
Technology stocks recover from their opening lows to trade in positive
territory as the White House says it may use existing bailout funds to
rescue the struggling U.S. auto industry.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Fairchild Semiconductor to cut 12% of workforce
12/12/2008 4:27 PM ET
Fairchild Semiconductor is cutting 12% of its workforce, or 1,100
people, in anattempt to reduce expenses.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Chip business seeing very tough times
12/12/2008 2:33 PM ET
Gartner gave some grim predictions for the semiconductor business next
year, and based on their prior research, the firm's outlook is
probably going to be fairly accurate.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Chip sales to fall for just fifth time in 25 years
12/12/2008 1:56 PM ET
The semiconductor industry will post a decline in annual sales this
year, only the fifth time that has happened in past quarter of a
century, an industry research group says.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Markets Friday, 12/12/2008

Date: Fri, 12 Dec 2008 17:31:08 -0500

| Dow : 8629.68 up 64.59 | S & P : 879.73 up 6.14 |

| NASDAQ: 1540.72 up 32.84 | Bond (10Y): 2.57%, 110.22 |

MARKETS:
Stocks rally on bailout hopes
Wall Street gains at end of choppy session on bets that the automakers
will get help after all.

Stocks end week with mixed results and hope for carmakers

Date: Fri, 12 Dec 2008 17:06:47 -0500

Stocks end week with mixed results and hope for carmakers

U.S. stocks on Friday erase early losses to finish nearly flat for the
week after the Bush administration said it would step in to prevent a
failure of U.S. automakers amid worries that more layoffs would deepen
the recession.

WHITE HOUSE PLEDGE REVIVES HOPES FOR AUTO INDUSTRY

The Treasury Department says it would step in and lend funds to the
Big Three automakers until Congress has time to consider a long-term
rescue package for the beleaguered U.S. industry.

CHIP SALES TO FALL FOR JUST FIFTH TIME IN 25 YEARS

The semiconductor industry will post a decline in annual sales this
year, only the fifth time that has happened in past quarter of a
century, an industry research group says.

INVESTOR SUITS EXPECTED AGAINST FUND PONZI SCHEME

High-net-worth and pension-fund investors are expected to launch a
rash of investor lawsuits on the federal and state levels against
Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC, whose founder was
arrested and charged with securities fraud in what federal prosecutors
are calling a Ponzi scheme that could involve losses of more than $50
billion.

BOSSES TURN TO GRINCHES AS LIGHTS GO OUT ON HOLIDAY PARTIES

Companies big and small are giving the pink slip to traditional
once-a-year gatherings that spread good cheer, give thanks for a tough
year and let the maintenance crew rub elbows and tell tales at the bar
with the higher ups.

The Dow gains 65 points to close at 8,630 amid talk that the White House may provide help for Detroit carmakers.

Date: Fri, 12 Dec 2008 16:03:04 -0500

The Dow gains 65 points to close at 8,630 amid talk that the White
House may provide help for Detroit carmakers.

Energy: Ecuador defaults on its foreign debt

Date: 12 DEC 2008 20:40:38 GMT

Ecuador's President Rafael Correa made good on his threat to default
on the country's foreign debt Friday, saying Ecuador will not make a
payment due Dec. 15, according to media reports.

Energy: Obama energy team to boost solar, wind, biofuel, analyst predicts

Date: 12 DEC 2008 20:31:02 GMT

President-elect Barack Obama's expected nominee for energy secretary,
Steven Chu, boasts a résumé that includes not only a 1997 Nobel prize
for physics, report analysts at Lazard, but a record of solar, wind
and ethanol support.

Stocks off session lows as Treasury vows to help auto industry

Date: Fri, 12 Dec 2008 12:01:14 -0500

Stocks off session lows as Treasury vows to help auto industry

U.S. stocks stage a partial recovery from earlier lows after the
Treasury Department says it would step in to prevent a failure of the
U.S. auto industry amid intensifying worries that more layoffs would
deepen the recession.

WHITE HOUSE BREATHES NEW LIFE INTO AUTO BAILOUT

The Treasury Department says it would step in and lend funds to the
Big Three automakers until Congress has time to consider a long-term
rescue package for the beleaguered U.S. industry.

CURRENCIES: FAILED AUTO BAILOUT SENDS DOLLAR TO 13-YEAR LOW VS. YEN

The dollar tumbles to a 13-year low versus the Japanese yen and falls
against most major currencies after a $14 billion loan package
targeted for the U.S. auto industry collapses.

ECONOMIC REPORT: PRODUCER PRICES FALL SHARPLY AGAIN IN NOVEMBER

U.S. wholesale prices fall sharply for the second straight month as
weak demand pulls down prices for energy supplies and other raw
materials.

BANK OF AMERICA TO CUT UP TO 35,000 JOBS OVER THREE YEARS

Bank of America plans to cut up to 35,000 jobs over the next three
years as the financial giant adjusts to a recession and completes the
pending acquisition of brokerage firm Merrill Lynch.

News Alerts

Date: Fri, 12 Dec 2008 08:06:17 -0800 (PST)

1950s pin-up model Bettie Page dead at 85
12/12/08 03:57 AM, EST
Legendary pin-up queen Bettie Page died of pneumonia at the age of 85
in a Los Angeles, California, hospital Thursday, a week after
suffering a heart attack, according to her agent.

Japan extends Indian Ocean mission
12/12/08 02:47 AM, EST
Japan's refueling mission in the Indian Ocean has been extended for
another year by the country's parliament.

Environmentalists blast changes to Endangered Species rules
12/12/08 01:19 AM, EST
The Bush administration cleared the way Thursday for federal agencies
to skip consultations with government scientists when embarking on
projects that could impact endangered wildlife, the interior secretary
said.

White House says it will consider using money from $700B bailout to 'prevent a collapse of troubled automakers.'

Date: Fri, 12 Dec 2008 09:23:05 -0500

White House says it will consider using money from $700B bailout to
'prevent a collapse of troubled automakers.'

U.S. stock indexes open lower amid car-industry doubts; Dow off 125 points

Date: Fri, 12 Dec 2008 09:40:13 -0500

U.S. stock indexes open lower amid car-industry doubts; Dow off 125 points
12/12/2008 9:37:59 AM EDT

International News

Date: Fri, 12 Dec 2008 05:02:08 -0500
TOP STORIES as of 1000 GMT -- 12 December, 2008

STOCKS PLUNGE AS U.S. AUTO BAILOUT FAILS
Asian and European markets fell sharply on Friday after
Washington's automaker bailout plan floundered on Republican
opposition. More bleak economic data from the U.S. and news of
35,000 job cuts at Bank of America added to the gloom.

TAIWAN'S EX-PRESIDENT CHEN INDICTED
Former Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian was indicted Friday on
several corruption charges, including embezzlement and accepting
bribes.

JAPAN EXTENDS NAVAL REFUELING MISSION
Japan's refueling mission in the Indian Ocean has been extended
for another year by the country's parliament.

FEMALE 'AL QAEDA LEGEND' SEIZED IN BELGIUM
Belgian police Thursday arrested a woman they called an "al
Qaeda living legend" as part of an operation to thwart a terror
attack being planned to coincide with an EU summit in Brussels. : Report.

NORTH KOREAN NUCLEAR DEAL MAY ELUDE BUSH
The Bush administration signaled Thursday that it may not be
able to reach an agreement with North Korea on its nuclear
program before President Bush leaves office next month but said
it will continue to try.

PAKISTAN DETAINS TERROR GROUP FOUNDER
The founder of the terrorist group India blames for last month's
Mumbai attacks has been placed under house arrest.The move comes after the
Pakistani government banned his group, Jamaat-ud-Dawa, a charity
affiliated with Lashkar-e-Tayyiba that India says is behind the
deadly siege.

U.S. ENDANGERED SPECIES RULES RELAXED
The Bush administration cleared the way Thursday for federal
agencies to skip consultations with government scientists when
embarking on projects that could impact endangered wildlife, the
interior secretary said.

MASSIVE INAUGURAL TURNOUT PLANNED FOR OBAMA
Federal and local officials are bracing for an expected massive
turnout for the January inauguration of President-elect Barack
Obama, but say predictions of 4 or 5 million visitors to
Washington are too high.

BUSINESS

FORMER NASDAQ CHAIRMAN CHARGED WITH FRAUD
Former Nasdaq chairman Bernard Madoff was arrested Thursday and
charged with a single count of securities fraud for allegedly
operating a multibillion-dollar Ponzi scheme from his investment
advisory business, federal authorities said.

U.S. JOBLESS CLAIMS AT 26-YEAR HIGH
The number of Americans filing new unemployment insurance claims
jumped last week to a 26-year high, surpassing economists' worst
expectations. The U.S. economy has lost 1.9 million jobs so far
this year.

U.S. producer prices decline sharply for second consecutive month

Date: Fri, 12 Dec 2008 08:35:54 -0500

U.S. producer prices decline sharply for second consecutive month
8:31:59 AM EDT

Retail sales slip for the 5th straight month - down 1.8% - while wholesale prices fall 2.2%, the government reports.

12/12/08

Retail sales slip for the 5th straight month - down 1.8% - while
wholesale prices fall 2.2%, the government reports.

Breaking News

Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2008 22:31:03 -0500

The $14 billion auto bailout bill is set to die in the U.S. Senate
after compromise talks collapse, sources said.

International News

Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2008 20:02:08 -0500
TOP STORIES as of 0900 HKT -- 12 December, 2008

'AL QAEDA LEGEND' SEIZED IN RAID
Belgian police Thursday arrested a woman they called an "al
Qaeda living legend" as part of an operation to thwart a terror
attack being planned to coincide with an EU summit in Brussels:
a Belgian police source

NORTH KOREAN NUCLEAR DEAL MAY ELUDE BUSH
The Bush administration signaled Thursday that it may not be
able to reach an agreement with North Korea on its nuclear
program before President Bush leaves office next month but said
it will continue to try.

PAKISTAN DETAINS TERROR GROUP FOUNDER
The founder of the terrorist group India blames for last month's
Mumbai attacks has been placed under house arrest, a senior
Pakistani government official said. The move comes after the
Pakistani government banned his group, Jamaat-ud-Dawa, a charity
affiliated with Lashkar-e-Tayyiba that India says is behind the
deadly siege.

MUGABE: CHOLERA CONTAINED IN ZIMBABWE
A South African province has declared a health emergency after
more than 600 refugees from Zimbabwe arrived with cases of
cholera, a government official said Thursday.

55 DIE IN IRAQ RESTAURANT BOMBING
A suicide bomber killed at least 55 people Thursday at a
restaurant in northern Iraq where Arab and Kurdish politicians
were working on ways to ease tensions. The attack on the eatery
outside Kirkuk wounded 109 others, but none of the politicians
was seriously hurt.

OBAMA: SENATE SEAT NOT FOR TRADE
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan said Thursday she is
prepared to "take action" against Gov. Rod Blagojevich if he
does not resign.

INVENTOR BUILDS HIS OWN ROBOT GIRLFRIEND
An inventor who claims he has never had time to find a human
girlfriend has created his own perfect woman -- a robot.

BUSH OPENS UP ON STRUGGLE WITH ALCOHOL ABUSE
President Bush reflected on his own struggle with alcohol in a
White House meeting Thursday that touted gains in the war on
drug abuse.

BUSINESS
~~~~~~~~~~~

U.S. JOBLESS CLAIMS AT 26-YEAR HIGH
The number of Americans filing new unemployment insurance claims
jumped last week to a 26-year high, surpassing economists' worst
expectations. The U.S. economy has lost 1.9 million jobs so far
this year.

SONY UNVEILS PLAYSTATION COMMUNITY SITE
Electronics giant Sony launched its eagerly anticipated
social-networking site Thursday for PlayStation 3 users.

WORLD BANK OFFERS $2B TO DEVELOPING NATIONS
The World Bank announced a "fast-track" assistance program for
countries in dire economic straits Wednesday, aiming to make $2
billion in financial aid available more quickly for struggling
nations.

Tech: Ciena's warning, job losses lead tech sector down at close

Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2008 18:00:18 -0500
Tech Stocks: Ciena's warning, job losses lead tech sector down at close
12/11/2008 4:12 PM ET
Technology stocks ended up putting in a
disappointing performance Thursday, with most of the sector closing
lower afternetworking equipment maker Ciena Corp. reported a
fourth-quarter loss and the
latest jobless claims figures added to pressure to the market.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Analyst upgrades Intel, notes chip maker still faces headwinds
12/11/2008 11:58 AM ET
Intel Corp. shares are upgraded by one analyst who says that, though
the chip giant still faces a rough road ahead, "sentiment and
expectations" appear to be bottoming.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Ciena swings to quarterly loss, gives disappointing outlook
12/11/2008 10:25 AM ET
Network-equipment maker Ciena Corp. swings to a fourth-quarter loss,
citing a "challenging macroeconomic and industry environment," and
gave a first-quarter
revenue forecast below Wall Street's expectation.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Israel Stocks: Market snaps 5-session up streak; DIC cuts stake in Cellcom
12/11/2008 9:00 AM ET
Israel stocks were heading toward snapping a
five-session winning streak on Thursday, with technology and real
estate taking the brunt of the selling.

Bank of America to cut up to 35,000 jobs over three years

Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2008 17:01:26 -0500

Bank of America to cut up to 35,000 jobs over three years

Bank of America plans to cut up to 35,000 jobs over the next three
years as the giant lender adjusts to a recession and completes the
pending acquisition of brokerage firm Merrill Lynch.

MARKET SNAPSHOT: U.S. STOCKS TRADE LOWER AS AUTO BAILOUT UNCERTAINTY WEIGHS

U.S. stocks rebound from early weakness to flirt with positive
territory, with energy stocks rising as crude oil prices surged
another 11% on a weak dollar and expectations of upcoming production
cuts.

FUTURES MOVERS: OIL SOARS 10% ON POSSIBLE OPEC OUTPUT CUT, DOLLAR TUMBLE

The benchmark crude contract extends its rally on rising expectations
that the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries will cut
production at its meeting next week. A weak dollar also lends a
helping hand. Energy traders bid reformulated gasoline and heating oil
to big gains as well.

HOUSE AUTO BAILOUT IMPERILED IN SENATE

Senate Republicans and Democrats are at odds with each other over a
$14 billion package of loans for the struggling U.S. auto industry,
making passage of the House-approved package unlikely in the Senate.

Bank of America says it plans to slash up to 35,000 jobs over the next three years, citing Merrill merger and weak economy.

Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2008 16:32:08 -0500

Bank of America says it plans to slash up to 35,000 jobs over the next
three years, citing Merrill merger and weak economy.

Bank of America to cut up to 35,000 jobs over the next three years

Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2008 16:21:41 -0500

Bank of America to cut up to 35,000 jobs over the next three years
12/11/2008 4:19:43 PM EDT

Dow drops 195 points to close at 8,565 as investors worry about Senate opposition to Detroit bailout bill.

Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2008 16:02:08 -0500

Dow drops 195 points to close at 8,565 as investors worry about Senate
opposition to Detroit bailout bill.

Dow industrials down 200 points with GM, J.P. Morgan, B. of A. pacing slide

Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2008 15:16:17 -0500

Dow industrials down 200 points with GM, J.P. Morgan, B. of A. pacing slide
| 3:14:24 PM EDT

US News

Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2008 12:07:15 -0800 (PST)

Weak economy puts more kids in line for free meals, report says
12/11/08 01:21 PM, EST

The sagging economy is taking a bite out of federal school-meal
subsidies as more students take advantage of free or low-price
breakfasts and lunches, nutritionists say in a report released
Thursday.

Crude-oil futures jump 10%

Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2008 12:35:27 -0500

Crude-oil futures jump 10%
12:33:32 PM EDT

U.S. stocks trade all but flat; energy gains offset auto jitters

Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2008 12:01:12 -0500
U.S. stocks trade all but flat; energy gains offset auto jitters

U.S. stocks rebound from early weakness to flirt with positive
territory , with energy stocks rising as crude-oil prices surge
another 7% on a weak dollar and expectations of upcoming production
cuts. GM and Ford shares are back on the defensive.

FATE OF AID TO BIG THREE AUTOMAKERS RESTS IN SENATE

Senators begin considering a $14 billion package of emergency loans to
the Big Three automakers, as Republicans in the chamber threaten to
block the bill a day after the House approved the aid.

MORTGAGES: 30-YEAR FIXED-RATE IS LOWEST SINCE MARCH 2004: FREDDIE MAC

Rates on fixed-rate mortgages fell again this week, bringing the
30-year fixed-rate to its lowest level in more than four years,
according to Freddie Mac's weekly survey.

FUTURES MOVERS: CRUDE-OIL FUTURES SOAR 8%, EXTENDING RALLY

Oil futures extend their rally on rising expectations that the
Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries will cut production at
its meeting next week.

CURRENCIES: DOLLAR FALLS SHARPLY ON GRIM ECONOMIC DATA

The British pound rebounds slightly versus the euro Thursday, a day
after tumbling to another record low against the single currency amid
aggressive monetary and fiscal easing by U.K. authorities

Energy: U.S. trade gap widens in Oct.

Date: 11 DEC 2008 13:31:08 GMT

The weak U.S. economy pushed exports and imports down in October, but
the overall deficit rose as the volume of oil imports spiked, a
government report showed Thursday.

Average 30-year U.S. mortgage rate at 4 1/2-year low

Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2008 10:27:08 -0500

Average 30-year U.S. mortgage rate at 4 1/2-year low
12/11/2008 10:25:23 AM EDT

Oil and natural gas shares rise with commodity prices

Date: 11 DEC 2008 15:16:28 GMT

Investors move into energy stocks despite weakness in the broad market
on Thursday, as shares of oil and natural gas stocks tapped into
rising commodity prices.

Energy: Crude-oil futures soar 4%, extending rally

Date: 11 DEC 2008 13:38:18 GMT

Oil futures extended their rally Thursday on rising expectations that
the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries will cut production
at its meeting next week.

Breaking News Thu., December 11, 2008

Breaking News Thu., December 11, 2008

New Jobless Claims Jump to 573,000, Highest Level in 26 Years [8:40 a.m. ET]

U.S. stocks dip early Thursday; top blue-chip decliners: GM, Bank of America, Citi

Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2008 09:56:37 -0500

U.S. stocks dip early Thursday; top blue-chip decliners: GM, Bank of
America, Citi
12/11/2008 9:54:43 AM EDT

International News

TOP STORIES as of 1000 GMT -- 11 December, 2008

TASTE FOR BUSH MEAT RISKS DEADLY EPIDEMIC

Unable to afford basic supplies, communities in Central Africa
are increasingly turning to the forests for food. In doing so,
hunters expose themselves to microscopic pathogens living in the
blood of forest animals. These viruses, which jump from animals
to humans, raise fears of a potential global epidemic.

INDIA MAINTAINS PAKISTAN LINK TO MUMBAI ATTACKS

India's top law enforcement official calls for an overhaul of
the country's intelligence and counterterrorism agencies,
declaring the country was in "the eye of a storm of terror."
Home Minister Palaniappan Chidambaram took office when his
predecessor resigned after the Mumbai attacks, which killed over
160.

U.S. HOUSE PASSES AUTO BAILOUT
The U.S. House passes a stopgap $14 billion bailout to U.S.
automakers, but Republican opposition cast doubts about its fate
as it moves on to the Senate. The bill sets strict oversight of
the companies.

SUSPECTED PIRATES FACE TRIAL IN KENYA
Eight suspected pirates arrived in a Kenyan court Thursday to
face trial on charges stemming from their attempted hijacking of
a Danish freighter in November.

U.N. SOURCES: U.S. PROPOSES PURSUING PIRATES
The United States is circulating a proposal that could allow
military forces to enter Somali territory in "hot pursuit" of
pirates, sources on the U.N. Security Council said Wednesday.

OBAMA CALLS ON ILLINOIS GOVERNOR TO RESIGN
U.S. President-elect Barack Obama has called for Illinois Gov.
Rod Blagojevich to resign. Blagojevich was arrested Tuesday on
federal corruption charges, including trying to sell Obama's
vacant Senate seat.

STELLAR SHOW FOR NOBEL PEACE PRIZE WINNER
A week of events to mark the presentation of the Nobel Peace
Prize to former Finnish president Martti Ahtisaari continues
Thursday with a stellar concert in Oslo to be shown live on CNN
International.

WORLD BANK OFFERS $2B TO DEVELOPING NATIONS
The World Bank announced a "fast-track" assistance program for
countries in dire economic straits Wednesday, aiming to make $2
billion in financial aid available more quickly for struggling
nations.

~~~~~~~~~~~
BUSINESS
~~~~~~~~~~~

ASIA, PACIFIC MARKETS MIXED
Asian and Pacific markets opened generally down Thursday as
optimism faded that Washington would pass a bailout bill for
Detroit's ailing automakers, although a record low benchmark
interest rate in South Korea pushed the KOSPI index up in early
trading.

CHICAGO WINDOW PLANT SIT-IN TO END
Laid-off workers at a Chicago window factory ended a five-day
sit-in after banks agreed to lend the failed company $1.75
million for outstanding wages and benefits, union officials said
Wednesday.

IRISH PORK SALES GET ALL-CLEAR
The Republic of Ireland will resume sales of pork and bacon
following a food safety scare that prompted the recall of all
Irish pork, the country's Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith
announced Wednesday.

Breaking News

Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2008 06:59:03 -0500

Belgian police arrest 3 people with alleged al Qaeda links close to
committing terrorist act, local media report.

House passes auto industry bailout

Date: Wed, 10 Dec 2008 19:55:46 -0600

WASHINGTON - The U.S. House approved a bill Wednesday to lend up to
$14 billion to the three struggling U.S. automakers, General Motors,
Ford Motor and Chrysler. Introduced by Democrats, the bill is nearly
identical to one pending in the Senate, where Republican opposition
was making its chances for passage look uncertain.

U.S. House approves $14 billion automaker bailout on 231-170 vote

Date: Wed, 10 Dec 2008 21:02:23 -0500

U.S. House approves $14 billion automaker bailout on 231-170 vote
12/10/2008 9:00:24 PM EDT

Breaking News Wed., December 10, 2008

Date: Wed, 10 Dec 2008 18:05:16 -0800 (PST)

House Approves Bill to Lend Up to $14 Billion to Bail Out U.S. Auto
Companies [8:55 p.m. ET]

International News

Date: Wed, 10 Dec 2008 20:02:09 -0500

OBAMA CALLS ON ILLINOIS GOVERNOR TO RESIGN
U.S. President-elect Barack Obama has called for Illinois Gov.
Rod Blagojevich to resign. Blagojevich was arrested Tuesday on
federal corruption charges, including trying to sell Obama's
vacant Senate seat.

U.N. SOURCES: U.S. PROPOSES PURSUING PIRATES
The United States is circulating a proposal that could allow
military forces to enter Somali territory in "hot pursuit" of
pirates, sources on the U.N. Security Council said Wednesday.

GHANA PRESIDENTIAL RUNOFF ON DECEMBER 28
A presidential runoff election in Ghana will be held December
28, the nation's electoral commission announced Wednesday.

ASSISTED SUICIDE BROADCAST SPARKS ROW
A British TV channel was scheduled to air a controversial
documentary Wednesday night showing a terminally ill man
committing assisted suicide. The film follows retired university
professor Craig Ewert during the last four days of his life in
2006, when he visited a Swiss clinic with his wife, Mary, in
order to die.

CLASHES, STRIKE SHUT DOWN ATHENS
Riot police and protesters clashed in central Athens on
Wednesday during demonstrations to mark a nationwide labor
strike called following the fatal police shooting of a teenager.
Images showed protesters lobbing missiles at lines of police
wearing body armor and carrying riot shields. Police retaliated
by firing tear gas, according to reports.

OFFICIALS: DEAL ON U.S. AUTO BAILOUT
The White House and leading congressional Democrats reach an
agreement on legislation to provide a stopgap $14 billion
bailout to ailing U.S. automakers, according to officials from
the administration and Congress. But strong Republican
opposition in the Senate make prospects there less certain.

PAKISTAN ARRESTS 'LEADERS' OVER MUMBAI ATTACKS
Pakistani authorities have arrested two top leaders of the
Islamic militant group India blames for the November massacre in
Mumbai, Pakistan's prime minister confirmed Wednesday.

HUGE BLACK HOLE FOUND AT CENTER OF GALAXY
German astronomers say they discovered conclusive proof of a
supermassive black hole at the heart of the galaxy

~~~~~~~~~~~
BUSINESS
~~~~~~~~~~~

IRISH PORK SALES GET ALL-CLEAR
The Republic of Ireland will resume sales of pork and bacon
following a food safety scare that prompted the recall of all
Irish pork, the country's Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith
announced Wednesday.

MINING GIANT RIO TINTO TO CUT 14,000 STAFF
British-based mining giant Rio Tinto announced plans to cut
14,000 jobs on Wednesday, just weeks after a planned buyout by
rival BHP Billiton collapsed.

CHINA SLOWDOWN PROMPTS UNREST FEARS
China's sharp economic slowdown is set to cause more labor
unrest amid factory closures and mass layoffs triggered by the
global financial crisis, a government minister and economists
have warned.

Tech: Yahoo gains help give sector a lift

Date: Wed, 10 Dec 2008 18:00:41 -0500

Tech Stocks: Yahoo gains help give sector a lift
12/10/2008 4:25 PM ET
Technology stocks closed with broad gains, with Yahoo leading the
advancers after one of the Web portal's shareholders called on the
company to salvage a deal with Microsoft.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Eastman Kodak pulls outlook as customer spending freezes up
12/10/2008 5:06 PM ET
Eastman Kodak withdraws its second-half and full-year forecasts for revenue
growth, saying global economic gloom and the dramatic changes in the value of
the dollar have hit consumer and commercial customers.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Large Yahoo shareholder pushes for new Microsoft deal
12/10/2008 4:08 PM ET
A large shareholder of Yahoo Inc. says that the Web portal should revive
discussions with Microsoft Corp. for a sale of its search business.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Electronic Arts' shares slump on lowered outlook
12/10/2008 4:06 PM ET
Shares of Electronic Arts tumble after a warning from the video-game
publisher that its crucial fourth quarter would come in below
expectations due to disappointing sales.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Nortel seeking legal advice on bankruptcy: WSJ
12/10/2008 2:12 PM ET
Nortel Networks Corp. is seeking legal advice to explore the
possibility of filing for bankruptcy protection should its planned
restructuring fail, according to a media report.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Israel Stocks: Market higher; Teva wins an accord in Germany
12/10/2008 9:20 AM ET
Israel stocks modestly higher and trade in a tight range, with the gainers led
by a few of the banks.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Indications: Auto-bailout progress lifts U.S. stock-index futures
12/10/2008 8:53 AM ET
U.S. stock-index futures pointed to a higher open for Wall Street on Wednesday,
boosted by progress toward a bailout program for troubled automakers.

Stocks settle higher. Nasdaq and S&P gain about 1% as investors are heartened by movement on a $14B auto bailout.

Date: Wed, 10 Dec 2008 16:04:03 -0500

Stocks settle higher. Nasdaq and S&P gain about 1% as investors are
heartened by movement on a $14B auto bailout.

Treasury: U.S. budget deficit reaches $402B in first 2 months of fiscal year – compared to a $455B shortfall for all of last year.

Date: Wed, 10 Dec 2008 14:06:04 -0500

Treasury: U.S. budget deficit reaches $402B in first 2 months of
fiscal year – compared to a $455B shortfall for all of last year.

Congressional Democrats and the White House have struck deal to provide $15 billion bailout to U.S. auto industry.

Date: Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:45:06 -0500

Congressional Democrats and the White House have struck deal to
provide $15 billion bailout to U.S. auto industry.

Auto-industry bailout bill finalized by White House, congressional Democrats: report

Date: Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:12:02 -0500

Auto-industry bailout bill finalized by White House, congressional
Democrats: report
11:09:56 AM EDT

Energy: Canadian stocks rise, boosted by commodities rally

Date: 10 DEC 2008 15:37:41 GMT

Canadian stocks rise, propelled by strong gains in commodity prices
and optimism about the U.S. government's possible bailout of the auto
industry.

Stocks jump out of the gate as Wall Street welcomes news of progress on auto bailout.

Date: Wed, 10 Dec 2008 09:40:20 -0500

Stocks jump out of the gate as Wall Street welcomes news of progress
on auto bailout.

International News

Date: Wed, 10 Dec 2008 05:01:05 -0500

PAKISTAN ARRESTS 'LEADERS' OVER MUMBAI ATTACKS

Pakistani authorities have arrested two top leaders of the
Islamic militant group India blames for the November massacre in
Mumbai, Pakistan's prime minister confirmed Wednesday.

Crude futures rise more than 4% ahead of U.S. petroleum data

Date: 10 DEC 2008 13:43:05 GMT

Crude-oil futures move up more than 4% in early Globex action, as
energy traders get ready for data on U.S. petroleum stockpiles that
are expected to show an increase in crude supplies last week.

International News

Date: Tue, 9 Dec 2008 20:01:07 -0500
INDIA IDENTIFIES MUMBAI ATTACKERS

Indian authorities in Mumbai have released the identities of the
10 gunmen responsible for the three-day siege in India's
financial capital that killed more than 160 people.

Tech : Semiconductors' rise can't lift rest of tech sector

Date: Tue, 09 Dec 2008 18:00:13 -0500
Tech Stocks: Semiconductors' rise can't lift rest of tech sector
12/9/2008 4:24 PM ET

Technology stocks showed some signs of life in early trading Tuesday
as chip stocks took the spotlight following earnings warnings from
Texas Instruments
Inc. and Broadcom Corp.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Electronic Arts warns of disappointing game sales
12/9/2008 4:47 PM ET

Video-game publisher says revenue and earnings for its crucial fourth
quarter will come in below expectations due to disappointing video
game sales.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Novellus to cut workforce by 10%
12/9/2008 4:30 PM ET

Novellus Systems Inc. says it plans to cut 10% of its workforce and
warned that its results for the current quarter will be "below the low
end" of its outlook due to weakening demand.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Chip shares jump despite earnings, sales warning
12/9/2008 4:25 PM ET
A volatile tech market got a pleasant, if puzzling, surprise Tuesday
as shares of chip companies jumped -- despite serious earnings and
revenue warnings from major players.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Texas Instruments lowers outlook
12/9/2008 4:20 PM ET

Shares of Texas Instruments Inc. close higher in seesaw session after
the company slashes its outlook but outlines steps to cut costs.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
MarketWatch First Take: Sony tries yet another big restructuring
12/9/2008 2:16 PM ET

Sony Corp.'s restructuring plan seems like a massive revamping to
reduce its overhead, but some on Wall Street believe that even more
cuts could come, as the sprawling conglomerate sees its sales slide in
the global recession.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Israel Stocks: Market turns lower after 3 up days; Teva funds the Barr deal
12/9/2008 10:40 AM ET

Israel's benchmark stock index falls Tuesday, breaking three days of
gains, as some major banks and Teva Pharmaceutical decline, offset by
strength in Israel Chemicals.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Indications: Stock futures turn negative as weekly chain-store sales drop
12/9/2008 9:15 AM ET

U.S. stock futures erased gains and pointed to a lower start on
Tuesday after Texas Instruments Inc. and FedEx Corp. cut their
earnings forecasts and a measure of chain-store sales declined last
week, further illustrating the weakened economy.

Markets Tuesday, 12/9/2008

Date: Tue, 9 Dec 2008 17:31:04 -0500

| Dow : 8691.33 down 242.85 | S & P : 888.67 down 21.03 |
| NASDAQ: 1547.34 down 24.40 | Bond (10Y): 2.63%, 109.72

MARKETS:
Stocks slump after rally
Wall Street retreats after surging 21% in 2 1/2 weeks.

U.S. stocks slide as corporate outlooks disappoint

Date: Tue, 09 Dec 2008 17:01:34 -0500
U.S. stocks slide as corporate outlooks disappoint

U.S. stocks decline, putting the brakes on two sessions of gains, as
companies including Texas Instruments Inc., FedEx Corp. and Danaher
Corp. offer gloomy earnings projections.

GOVERNOR CHARGED WITH SOLICITING BRIBES FOR OBAMA'S SEAT

Federal agents arrest Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and his chief of
staff on fraud and bribery charges related to the appointment of a
successor for President-elect Barack Obama in the U.S. Senate and a
threat to withhold state assistance to the Tribune Co.

BOND REPORT: TREASURYS UP; GOVERNMENT SELLS T-BILLS AT 0%

Treasurys head higher, helped by a strong bill auction that showed
investors simply wanted assurance that they'd get their principal
back.

LAWMAKERS: FANNIE MAE CEO MADE POOR CHOICES

Mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac made irresponsible
investments in recent years that cost taxpayers billion of dollars,
said House Oversight Committee chairman Henry Waxman, citing internal
documents.

CONSUMERS TRADING DOWN ON FOOD, GROCER KROGER SAYS

More shoppers are hunting for bargains in grocery stores and willing
to pay less for a no-name brand, the big U.S. supermarket chain says.
----------------------------------------
The percentage of U.S. mortgage holders who were behind in their
payments soared to a record 6.99% of loans outstanding in the third
quarter, the Mortgage Bankers Association said Friday, and the number
of mortgages somewhere in the foreclosure process was also at a new
high.

Dow ends about 240 points lower, ending a 2-day rally, as investors mull negative corporate news and possible Detroit bailout.

Date: Tue, 9 Dec 2008 16:05:05 -0500

Dow ends about 240 points lower, ending a 2-day rally, as investors
mull negative corporate news and possible Detroit bailout.

Oil prices fall $1.21 a barrel to settle at $42.50, as traders fear a possible OPEC cutback may not be enough to sustain prices.

Date: Tue, Dec 9, 2008 at 3:05 PM

 

Oil prices fall $1.21 a barrel to settle at $42.50, as traders fear a possible OPEC cutback may not be enough to sustain prices.

Dow drops 200 points, sliding after a 2-day rally, as Wall Street weighs possible Detroit bailout.

Date: Tue, 9 Dec 2008 14:09:05 -0500

Dow drops 200 points, sliding after a 2-day rally, as Wall Street
weighs possible Detroit bailout.

U.S. stocks trim losses after sign of some stability in housing

Date: Tue, 09 Dec 2008 12:01:08 -0500

U.S. stocks trim losses after sign of some stability in housing

U.S. stocks scale back losses as a leading indicator of the housing
market proves less dire than expected, offsetting disappointing
forecasts from Texas Instruments and FedEx.

FUTURES MOVERS: OIL TRADES FLAT NEAR $44 A BARREL AFTER MONDAY'S RALLY

Oil futures traded little changed near $44 a barrel Tuesday after
surging 7% in the previous session, as traders considered a possible
production cut by the OPEC oil cartel at its upcoming meeting.
NEW YORK TIMES WARNS OF 'CHALLENGING' YEAR IN 2009

New York Times Co. says it expects next year to be "among the most
challenging" it has ever faced as advertising revenues fall further.

U.K. RETAIL SALES FELL IN NOVEMBER AND 2009 LOOKS EVEN WORSE

Total U.K. retail sales fall for a second month in November, a survey
from the British Retail Consortium shows Tuesday, as cash-strapped
customers rein in. their holiday spending.

SONY TO CUT 8,000 JOBS AND CLOSE 10% OF MANUFACTURING SITES

Sony Corp. plans to cut 8,000, or 5%, of the jobs in its electronics
division and close about 10% of its 57 manufacturing sites worldwide
in an effort to save more than 100 billion yen ($1.08 billion) by
March 2010.

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich taken into federal custody: report

Date: Tue, 09 Dec 2008 09:29:33 -0500

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich taken into federal custody: report
12/9/2008 9:27:46 AM EDT

Realtors group says pending home sales fell 1% in October compared to 2007 - less than expected.

Date: Tue, 9 Dec 2008 10:02:08 -0500

Realtors group says pending home sales fell 1% in October compared to
2007 - less than expected.

Stocks fall at the open as investor optimism over a proposed auto bailout is tempered by ongoing economic worry.

Date: Tue, 9 Dec 2008 09:31:03 -0500

Stocks fall at the open as investor optimism over a proposed auto
bailout is tempered by ongoing economic worry.

Tech: Broad gains help sector start week on a high note

Date: Mon, 08 Dec 2008 18:00:10 -0500
Tech Stocks: Broad gains help sector start week on a high note

Technology stocks rise, with most bellwethers gaining ground along
with the broader market following reports that a deal could be near to
help bail out the U.S. auto industry.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
National Semi sees slumping sales, moves to cut output
12/8/2008 5:38 PM ET

National Semiconductor will scale back production, citing a sharply
lower sales outlook and a drop in its quarterly profit.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Texas Instruments drastically cuts earnings, sales
12/8/2008 5:28 PM ET

Texas Instruments drastically slashes its earnings and revenue outlook
for the fourth quarter, yet another sign of a slowing market for
technology.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
AMD to get smaller stake in 'asset smart' spinoff
12/8/2008 4:37 PM ET

Advanced Micro Devices Inc. will get a smaller stake in the planned
multibillion-dollar joint venture with an Abu Dhabi investment firm,
as the "challenging economic environment" prompts the renegotiation of
the chip giant's "asset smart" deal.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Analyst says Google, search ads face tough quarter
12/8/2008 2:46 PM ET

Internet search, which has so far served as a dependable source of
growth for online advertising, could possibly see its first-ever
sequential decline in the first quarter of next year, according to a
Wall Street analyst.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Online shopping jumps in shortened holiday season
12/8/2008 11:54 AM ET

Online shopping saw a sharp boost in the first week of December,
thanks in part to a shortened holiday season, as consumers scoured the
Web seeking deals ahead of Christmas.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Israel Stocks: Market higher for third day; Merrill sees a tough 4th quarter

12/8/2008 10:08 AM ET

Israeli stocks rose on Monday for a third day, with
all but one of the blue chips higher, led by Israel Chemicals, the
banks and Teva Pharmaceutical.

Markets Monday, 12/8/2008

Date: Mon, 8 Dec 2008 17:31:05 -0500

| Dow : 8934.18 up 298.76 | S & P : 909.70 up 33.63 |
| NASDAQ: 1571.74 up 62.43 | Bond (10Y): 2.74%, 108.69

MARKETS:
Stocks rally for a second day
Wall Street advances on Obama's comments on the economy and hopes for
an automaker bailout.

Stocks end sharply higher as deal to help automakers takes shape

Date: Mon, 08 Dec 2008 17:01:41 -0500
Stocks end sharply higher as deal to help automakers takes shape

U.S. stocks climb, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average closing at
its highest level in a month, as investors cheer President-elect
Barack Obama's pledge of massive infrastructure investment and a
likely deal for the auto industry.

TRIBUNE CO. FILES FOR BANKRUPTCY; CUBS FRANCHISE NOT IN FILING

The media company files for bankruptcy protection to restructure its
nearly $13 billion debt load, a move that dramatically underscores the
dire circumstances clouding the near-term future of the newspaper
industry.

DEAL SEEN ON AID FOR AUTOMAKERS BY END OF DAY

A deal on as much as $17 billion in loans for the struggling Big Three
automakers is likely by the end of the day, according to the White
House and a top Democratic lawmaker.

3M LOWERS FULL-YEAR OUTLOOK, CUTS 1,800 JOBS

The St. Paul, Minn.-based maker of office, display graphics and
industrial products slashes its full-year forecast following a sharp
sales decline, and is reducing its workforce by nearly 2%.

ANALYST SAYS GOOGLE, SEARCH ADS FACE TOUGH QUARTER

Internet search, which has so far served as a dependable source of
growth for online advertising, could possibly see its first-ever
sequential decline in the first quarter of next year, according to a
Wall Street analyst.

Stocks finish solidly higher as auto rescue plan takes shape; GM rallies 20%; Ford up 24%

Date: Mon, 08 Dec 2008 16:07:11 -0500

Stocks finish solidly higher as auto rescue plan takes shape; GM
rallies 20%; Ford up 24%
12/8/2008 4:05:21 PM EDT

Tribune Co. files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

Date: Mon, 08 Dec 2008 13:49:53 -0500

Tribune Co. files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
12/8/2008 1:48:02 PM EDT

InBev cutting 6% of U.S. jobs after Anheuser-Busch acquisition

Date: Mon, 08 Dec 2008 13:33:06 -0500

InBev cutting 6% of U.S. jobs after Anheuser-Busch acquisition
1:31:11 PM EDT

Breaking News Mon., December 8, 2008

Date: Mon, 08 Dec 2008 12:38:59 -0800 (PST)

F-18 Military Jet Crashes Into Residential Neighborhood in San Diego
[3:29 p.m. ET]

Stocks rally on hopes for government auto bailout

Date: Mon, 08 Dec 2008 12:01:17 -0500

U.S. stocks extend prior session's rally, with investors cheered by

President-elect Barack Obama's pledge of massive infrastructure
investment and reports a deal is in the works to help the failing auto
industry.

WHITE HOUSE, LAWMAKERS NEAR AUTO BAILOUT DEAL

The broad outlines of a deal to bail out the failing U.S. auto
industry have been agreed on between congressional Democrats and the
White House, though a leading Republican senator is threatening a
filibuster.

3M LOWERS FULL-YEAR OUTLOOK, CUTS 1,800 JOBS

3M slashes its full-year forecast following a sharp sales decline, and
says it reduced its workforce by nearly 2%.

DOW CHEMICAL CUTS 11% OF WORKFORCE; CLOSES PLANTS

Dow Chemical Co. says it will slash about 5,000 full-time jobs, or
about 11% ofits global staff, and eliminate an additional 6,000
positions in its contractor workforce as it moves to address "current
economic realities."

Energy: Oil drillers, natural gas producers post generous gains

Date: 8 DEC 2008 15:37:15 GMT

Natural gas shares and drilling stocks rose sharply Monday after
Chesapeake Energy scrapped plans to issue stock and announced a
healthy cash position.

Energy: Chesapeake shares soar 28% after it scraps stock sale

Date: 8 DEC 2008 14:49:22 GMT

Shares of Chesapeake Energy Corp. soar after it cancels plans to issue
stock, cuts back its capital spending for the fourth time in recent
months, and says it has more than enough cash on hand.

Dow Chemical slashing workforce by 11%, closing 20 facilities, idling 180 plants

Date: Mon, 08 Dec 2008 08:15:42 -0500

Dow Chemical slashing workforce by 11%, closing 20 facilities, idling 180 plants
12/8/2008 8:13:57 AM EDT

Dow industrials up 191 points as U.S. stocks rise at Monday's open

Date: Mon, 08 Dec 2008 09:35:59 -0500

Dow industrials up 191 points as U.S. stocks rise at Monday's open
12/8/2008 9:34:14 AM EDT

Energy: U.S. stock futures rise; auto and infrastructure plans in focus

Date: 8 DEC 2008 12:20:48 GMT

U.S. stock-market futures on Monday pointed to an extension of the
previous session's rally, rising after lawmakers reportedly agreed the
outline of a deal to rescue the auto industry and President-elect
Barack Obama pledged massive new infrastructure investment.