blog for sinoam: 12/14/2008

International

Date: Sat, 20 Dec 2008 20:02:08 -0500
TOP STORIES as of 0900 HKT -- 21 December, 2008

U.S. MAY DOUBLE TROOP STRENGTH IN AFGHANISTAN
Up to 30,000 additional U.S. troops could be sent to Afghanistan
next year, roughly doubling the number already there, military
officials said Saturday. Some 20,000 of the additional personnel
would be combat troops, said Col. Gregory Julian, spokesman for
U.S. forces in Afghanistan.

IRAQ'S FIRST TRY AT LAW TO KEEP FOREIGN TROOPS FAILS
After heated arguments, the Iraqi parliament turned down the
first draft of a bill Saturday that would have allowed foreign
troops, including British forces, to remain in Iraq after
December 31.

TERROR-DEVASTATED MUMBAI HOTELS TO REOPEN
Two luxury hotels in Mumbai are due to partially reopen Sunday
less than a month after being caught up in the terror attacks on
the Indian city in which more than 160 people died. The tower
wing of the Taj Mahal Palace and the Oberoi-Trident both
suffered extensive damage during three days of sieges and fierce
fighting.

IRAQI MILITARY 'PLOTTERS' RELEASED FROM JAIL
Iraqi Interior Minister Jawad al-Bolani said the recent arrests
of military and security officers linked to Saddam Hussein's
Baath Party were based on fabricated charges and rebutted
implications that those seized were plotting to overthrow the
government.

PALESTINIAN MILITANT KILLED IN ISRAELI AIRSTRIKE
A Palestinian militant was killed Saturday during an Israeli
airstrike, Palestinian sources said.

BECKHAM PRESENTED AS AN AC MILAN PLAYER
David Beckham revealed that he has missed playing football "at
the highest level" after being presented as an AC Milan player
ahead of his three-month loan deal from the Los Angeles Galaxy.

6.5-MAGNITUDE QUAKE OFF JAPANESE COAST
A strong earthquake centered about 90 miles off Japan's east
coast, measuring a 6.5 magnitude, was recorded by seismologists
at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) on Saturday.

OBAMA TEAM DISCUSSES NEW STIMULUS PLAN
Senior Democratic congressional staffers met Friday with senior
aides from President-elect Barack Obama's transition team to
discuss the broad outlines of an economic stimulus package.l

BUSINESS

BANKING GROUP HYPO SLASHES WORKFORCE
German financial giant Hypo Real Estate said Saturday it planned
to halve its 1,800 strong workforce by 2013 as part of
cost-cutting measures. The banking group received €50 billion
($70 billion) in emergency government funding in October.

BUSH ANNOUNCES $13.4B AUTO BAILOUT
U.S. President George W. Bush has announced a short-term $13.4B
rescue plan from federal loans to aid ailing U.S. automakers.
The money will come from the $700 billion fund set aside to
bailout Wall Street firms and banks in October.

MEXICAN AUTOMAKERS LOOK FOR BAILOUT
Mexicans welcomed Friday's report that U.S. automakers will get
federal money to help them survive the economic crisis, but
industry here is already talking about a possible bailout for
the Mexican market as well.

News Alert!

Date: Sat, 20 Dec 2008 12:34:54 -0800 (PST)

Canadian auto industry gets bailout too
12/20/08 02:25 PM, EST
Canada will provide roughly $3.3 billion in aid to its automotive
sector, officials announced Saturday, honoring a previous pledge to
provide 20 percent of what the U.S. government offered automakers.

Breaking News

Date: Sat, 20 Dec 2008 06:31:04 -0500

6.5-magnitude earthquake detected 145 kilometers (90 miles) off
Japan's east coast, U.S. Geological Survey reports.

International

Date: Sat, 20 Dec 2008 05:02:09 -0500
TOP STORIES as of 1000 GMT -- 20 December, 2008

U.S. TO SEND MORE TROOPS TO AFGHANISTAN
U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates has signed a deployment
order to move an additional 3,000 troops to Afghanistan next
year, U.S. military officials said.

IRAQI MILITARY 'PLOTTERS' RELEASED FROM JAIL
Iraqi Interior Minister Jawad al-Bolani said the recent arrests
of military and security officers linked to Saddam Hussein's
Baath Party were based on fabricated charges and rebutted
implications that those seized were plotting to overthrow the
government.

BAMA TEAM WORKING ON NEW STIMULUS PLAN
Senior Democratic congressional staffers met Friday with senior
aides from President-elect Barack Obama's transition team to
discuss the broad outlines of an economic stimulus package.

GOVERNOR DENIES TRYING TO SELL OBAMA'S SEAT
The U.S. state governor who allegedly tried to sell the vacant
Senate seat of President-elect Barack Obama denied any
wrongdoing. "I have done nothing wrong ... I have on my side the
most powerful ally there is, and it is the truth," he said Friday.

U.S. NORTHWEST BRACES FOR WINTER STORM
After blanketing parts of the Southwest with snow, a major
winter storm headed eastward late Thursday with new strength,
the National Weather Service said.

GROUP AIMS TO NULLIFY CALIFORNIA GAY MARRIAGES
Sponsors of the California ballot measure that banned same-sex
marriage are seeking to nullify thousands of marriages performed
between gay and lesbian couples.

BELGIAN GOVERNMENT OFFERS RESIGNATION
Belgium's Prime Minister Yves Leterme has offered his
government's resignation amid a row over the break-up of the
stricken Fortis bank, according to national media reports.
Leterme is en route to the Royal Palace to offer his
resignation, state TV reported.

BUSH STARTS AUTOMAKERS' BAILOUT
President George W. Bush announced a short-term $13.4B rescue
plan for ailing U.S. automakers. "In the midst of a financial
crisis and a recession, allowing the U.S. auto industry to
collapse is not a responsible course of action," Bush said.

BUSINESS

MEXICAN AUTOMAKERS LOOK FOR BAILOUT
Mexicans welcomed Friday's report that U.S. automakers will get
federal money to help them survive the economic crisis, but
industry here is already talking about a possible bailout for
the Mexican market as well.

LABOR UNIONS PRAISE OBAMA PICK
Labor unions praised U.S. President-elect Barack Obama's
selection to head the Labor Department, California Congresswoman
Hilda Solis.

MONEY WOES HITS WORLD'S RICHEST LEAGUE
The falling value of the pound against the euro might be good
for British exporters, but for the country's football clubs it's
a kick in the teeth.

International

Date: Fri, 19 Dec 2008 20:02:08 -0500
TOP STORIES as of 0900 HKT -- 20 December, 2008

GOVERNOR DENIES TRYING TO SELL OBAMA'S SEAT
The U.S. state governor who allegedly tried to sell the vacant
Senate seat of President-elect Barack Obama denied any
wrongdoing. "I have done nothing wrong ... I have on my side the
most powerful ally there is, and it is the truth," he said
Friday.

BELGIAN GOVERNMENT OFFERS RESIGNATION
Belgium's Prime Minister Yves Leterme has offered his
government's resignation amid a row over the break-up of the
stricken Fortis bank, according to national media reports.
Leterme is en route to the Royal Palace to offer his
resignation, state TV reported.

BUSH STARTS AUTOMAKERS' BAILOUT
President George W. Bush announced a short-term $13.4B rescue
plan for ailing U.S. automakers. "In the midst of a financial
crisis and a recession, allowing the U.S. auto industry to
collapse is not a responsible course of action," Bush said.

IRAQI SHOE THROWER WINS HEARTS IN IRAN
The Iraqi journalist who hurled his shoes at President George W.
Bush has won some hearts in neighboring Iran, where one cleric
dubbed the act "the shoe intifada (rebellion)."

TSVANGIRAI THREATENS TO HALT ZIMBABWE TALKS
The man who would be Zimbabwe's prime minister under a
power-sharing pact said Friday his party will withdraw from
efforts to implement the unity government unless 42 abducted
members of his party are freed by New Year's Day.

PROTESTS IN GREECE AFTER SECOND TEEN IS SHOT
Thousands of youths have demonstrated in central Athens in a
dramatic flare-up of violence after a teen was shot and wounded
earlier in the week. Greece has suffered simmering anger since
the death of another teen sparked anger about the economy,
education and jobs.

GATES ASKS FOR GUANTANAMO CLOSURE PLANS
Defense Secretary Robert Gates has asked Pentagon staff to draw
up plans for shutting the U.S. prison camp at Guantanamo Bay,
Cuba, a Pentagon spokesman said.

RICHEST FOOTBALL LEAGUE FEELS CASH CRUNCH
The falling value of the pound against the euro might be good
for British exporters, but for the country's football clubs it's
a kick in the teeth. Buying talent from mainland Europe has
proved popular for the clubs, but the slumping pound is making
euro stars more expensive.

BUSINESS

LABOR UNIONS PRAISE OBAMA PICK
Labor unions praised U.S. President-elect Barack Obama's
selection to head the Labor Department, California Congresswoman
Hilda Solis.

NEW ZIMBABWE $10B NOTE BUYS BREAD
Zimbabwe's central bank introduced a $10 billion note worth less
than 20 U.S. dollars, as the once-prosperous southern African
nation battles against spiraling hyperinflation.

POLAROID FILES FOR CHAPTER 11
Polaroid Corp. announced it was filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
protection.

Tech: Oracle, Research In Motion lead tech advance

Date: Fri, 19 Dec 2008 18:00:08 -0500

Tech Stocks: Oracle, Research In Motion lead tech advance
12/19/2008 4:23 PM ET
Technology stocks shoot higher, led by Oracle and Research In Motion,
which rally after issuing upbeat forecasts.

Lam Research lowers quarterly revenue outlook
12/19/2008 4:27 PM ET
Lam Research lowers its revenue outlook, saying that the market for
chip making equipment has deteriorated further in recent weeks.

Palm shares jump despite poor results; analysts skeptical
12/19/2008 2:11 PM ET
Palm Inc. shares get a strong bounce Friday despite the fact that the
smart-phone maker posted lower-than-expected results for its second
fiscal quarter and Wall Street analysts said the odds are getting long
that the company can mount an effective comeback.

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RIM shares climb on strong forecast
12/19/2008 2:11 PM ET
Research In Motion sees its earnings climb 7% in its fiscal third
quarter, while the company surprises investors with a
better-than-expected forecast.

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Oracle shares climb as Wall Street cheers results
12/19/2008 2:10 PM ET
Shares of Oracle Corp. trade higher in premarket trading a day after
the company posts slightly lower second-quarter profit in a period
when concerns were raised about the business software maker's health
as the broader economy sputtered.

Indications: Stock futures pare declines on federal help for automakers
12/19/2008 9:22 AM ET
U.S. stock market futures pare losses following news of a bailout for
the auto industry, while oil prices continue to edge lower as demand
worries outweigh a recent production cut.

China to encourage foreign acquisitions, minister says
12/19/2008 9:21 AM ET
China's industry minister says Friday the nation will use trade
policy, tax reform and the promotion of foreign acquisitions to help
support key industries, including petrochemicals and automaking,
according to state-run media.

Markets Friday, 12/19/2008

Date: Fri, 19 Dec 2008 17:31:06 -0500

MARKETS:
Auto bailout spurs dollar buying
$13.4 billion loan mutes risk of industrywide collapse, sparking
demand for short-term Treasurys, which investors need dollars to buy.

Detroit gets its wish -- $17 billion in U.S. loans

Date: Fri, 19 Dec 2008 17:01:36 -0500

Detroit gets its wish -- $17 billion in U.S. loans

Ending months of roller-coaster negotiations, President Bush moves to
extend up to $17.4 billion in loans to troubled U.S. auto makers.

MARKET SNAPSHOT: U.S. STOCKS POISED FOR MIXED WEEKLY RESULTS AFTER AUTO RESCUE

U.S. stocks moved higher on Friday after the White House says it would
loan the ailing auto industry $17.4 billion in loans to prevent their
"disorderly liquidation."

AS VALUES TANK, S&P REDEFINES LARGE-CAP

The price of entry into the large-cap universe is
today officially 25% cheaper than it was less than three months ago.
HERALD HEDGE FUNDS SUSPEND REDEMPTIONS ON MADOFF EXPOSURE

Bank Medici, an Austrian private bank part owned
by Italy's UniCredit Group, said Friday that hedge funds it runs had
almost all their money invested with Bernard Madoff, who's been
accused of what could be a $50 billion Ponzi scheme.

FRANKEN ASSUMES FIRST LEAD IN MINNESOTA SENATE RACE

Former comedian and political activist Al Franken
has opened his first lead in the hotly contested U.S. Senate race in
Minnesota over incumbent Norm Coleman, according to reports.

Stocks end mixed after auto-fueled rally fades; Nasdaq gains 1.5% in week

Date: Fri, 19 Dec 2008 16:07:39 -0500

Stocks end mixed after auto-fueled rally fades; Nasdaq gains 1.5% in week
12/19/2008 4:05:17 PM EDT

Breaking News: Blagojevich insists he is innocent

Date: Fri, 19 Dec 2008 14:23:00 -0600

CHICAGO (AP) - Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich said Friday he is not
guilty of any criminal wrongdoing and plans to stay on the job. In his
first substantial statement since his arrest on corruption charges
last week, Blagojevich said he will fight until he takes his "last
breath."

Obama to introduce labor, trade chief picks Friday

Date: 19 DEC 2008 17:55:43 GMT

President-elect Barack Obama will round out his picks for his Cabinet
in his final press conference of the year on Friday, naming chiefs of
the departments of Labor and Transportation as well as the head of the
Small Business Administration and the top U.S. trade negotiator.

Breaking News

Date: Fri, 19 Dec 2008 12:07:03 -0500

The Belgian government is on the brink of collapsing, according to
local media reports.

Auto makers to get more than $17 billion in loans

Date: Fri, 19 Dec 2008 12:01:12 -050
0
Auto makers to get more than $17 billion in loans

The White House announces plans to extend $13.4 billion in loans to
troubled Detroit auto makers GM and Chrysler, with another $4 billion
likely available. in February.

MOVERS & SHAKERS: BIGGEST GAINING AND LOSING STOCKS ON FRIDAY

Stocks expected to move significantly in Friday's trading include
Oracle Corp., Research in Motion Ltd. and Weyerhaeuser Co.

RETAILERS SLASH PRICES, AGAIN, IN LAST BID TO WIN HOLIDAY SALES

Retailers from AnnTaylor Stores Corp. to Gap Inc.'s
Banana Republic this week began marking down their holiday and winter
merchandise and added additional promotions to previously already
discounted products, with bargains to be had at up to more than 80%
off.

BOJ CUTS KEY RATE, PLANS TO BUY CORPORATE DEBT

The Bank of Japan cut its key interest rate to 0.1% from 0.3% Friday,
marking its second rate reduction this year in the wake of worsening
economic. indicators and increasing pressure from the government to do
more to help the economy.

News Alert!

Date: Fri, 19 Dec 2008 08:05:57 -0800 (PST)

Opposition leader threatens to halt Zimbabwe unity talks
12/19/08 09:17 AM, EST
The man who would be Zimbabwe's prime minister under a power-sharing
pact said Friday his party will withdraw from efforts to implement the
unity government unless 42 abducted members of his party are freed by
New Year's Day.

News Alert!

Date: Fri, 19 Dec 2008 07:36:03 -0800 (PST)

Report: Coleman ahead by 5 in Minnesota Senate race
12/19/08 08:42 AM, EST
Republican U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman's unofficial lead over Democrat Al
Franken shrank to five votes as a Minnesota Canvassing Board continued
analyzing ballots from the November 4 Senate election, the Minneapolis
Star-Tribune reported Friday.

Defense chief asks for plans to close Guantanamo camp
12/19/08 07:45 AM, EST
Defense Secretary Robert Gates has asked Pentagon staff to draw up
plans for shutting the U.S. prison camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, a
Pentagon spokesman said.

Bad weather thwarts Pakistan leader's Afghan trip
12/19/08 04:41 AM, EST
A meeting between the leaders of Pakistan and Afghanistan was canceled
Friday when bad weather prevented Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari
from traveling to the Afghan capital, Kabul.

Bank of Japan cuts key interest rate to 0.1% from 0.3%: reports

Date: Fri, 19 Dec 2008 00:15:27 -0500

B: Bank of Japan cuts key interest rate to 0.1% from 0.3%: reports
12:13:12 AM EDT

Breaking News: 'Deep Throat' dead at 95

Date: Fri, 19 Dec 2008 00:23:31 -0600

SANTA ROSA, Calif. - W. Mark Felt, the former FBI second-in-command
who revealed himself as the Watergate scandal's "Deep Throat" source
has died at the age of 95. The shadowy central figure in the one of
the most gripping political dramas of the 20th century, Felt gave
Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein damaging
information about President Richard Nixon and his aides.

Energy: Energy stocks rise with broad market, Southwestern jumps

Date: 19 DEC 2008 15:04:14 GMT

Investors wade into energy stocks as oil and natural gas producers
recover from losses in the previous session on optimism tied to the
latest government bailout plan for Detroit.

International

Date: Fri, 19 Dec 2008 05:02:08 -0500
TOP STORIES as of 1000 GMT -- 19 December, 2008

ZIMBABWEAN CHILDREN FLEE RAVAGED HOMELAND
The United Nations and Save the Children report there has been
an increase in the number of children under 18 years who are
making the risky journey south from their homes in Zimbabwe to
South Africa in search of work and food.

WINTER STORM TRACKS EASTWARD ACROSS U.S.
After blanketing parts of the Southwest with snow, a major
winter storm headed eastward late Thursday with new strength,
the National Weather Service said.

WATERGATE 'DEEP THROAT' SOURCE DEAD AT 95
W. Mark Felt, who leaked information to reporters under the
moniker, "Deep Throat," about the Watergate break-in, died
Thursday at the age of 95, according to published reports.

JAPAN CUTS KEY RATE TO 0.1 PERCENT
The Bank of Japan on Friday cut its key interest rate to 0.1
percent from 0.3 in an effort boost the country's economy in the
midst of a global downturn Friday.

REPORT: AFGHAN POLICE NEED TO REFOCUS
Efforts to reform the Afghan National Police force have been
stymied by "corruption and lack of political will," and police
are wrongly being used to help fight the insurgency instead of
crime, an independent research group said in a report.

TAIWAN EX-PRESIDENT REMAINS FREE AFTER HEARING
Former Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian, accused of embezzling
about $18 million, has remained free on bail after a nearly
eight-hour court hearing in which prosecutors argued that he
should be jailed.

PIRATES LIKELY TO GET ARMS SHIP RANSOM
Pirates holding a ship full of tanks and ammunition off the
coast of Somalia are likely to be paid millions of dollars in
ransom within days, senior U.S. military officials said.

TRIO FOUND GUILTY OF RWANDAN GENOCIDE
A U.N. tribunal has found Theoneste Bagosora, a colonel in the
Rwandan army, and two other men, guilty of genocide, crimes
against humanity and war crimes. Bagosora ordered Hutu militia
to slaughter rival Tutsis during a 100-day spree of violence in
1994.

BUSINESS

LABOR UNIONS PRAISE OBAMA PICK
Labor unions praised U.S. President-elect Barack Obama's
selection to head the Labor Department, California Congresswoman
Hilda Solis.

EUROPE LOWER; BANK OF JAPAN CUTS RATES
Tokyo stocks closed down 0.9 percent, despite briefly rallying
after the Bank of Japan cut a key interest rate in an attempt to
boost the nation's economic fortunes.

NEW ZIMBABWE $10B NOTE BUYS BREAD
Zimbabwe's central bank introduced a $10 billion note worth less
than 20 U.S. dollars, as the once-prosperous southern African
nation battles against spiraling hyperinflation.

Breaking News: Bush announces help for automakers

Date: Fri, 19 Dec 2008 08:13:56 -0600

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Bush says the federal government will
grant $17.4 billion in loans to ailing U.S. automakers in exchange for
concessions from the firms and their workers.

Energy: Oil futures near $42 a barrel in early trade

Date: 19 DEC 2008 14:25:58 GMT

Oil futures trades near $42 a barrel, as traders prepare to wrap up a
week that saw oil prices tumble to their lowest level since the middle
of 2004.

International

Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2008 20:02:08 -0500
TOP STORIES as of 0900 HKT -- 19 December, 2008

TRIO FOUND GUILTY OF RWANDAN GENOCIDE
A U.N. tribunal has found Theoneste Bagosora, a colonel in the
Rwandan army, and two other men, guilty of genocide, crimes
against humanity and war crimes. Bagosora ordered Hutu militia
to slaughter rival Tutsis during a 100-day spree of violence in
1994.

PIRATES LIKELY TO GET ARMS SHIP RANSOM
Pirates holding a ship full of tanks and ammunition off the
coast of Somalia are likely to be paid millions of dollars in
ransom within days, senior U.S. military officials said.

IRAQI SHOE-THROWER ASKS FOR LENIENCY
The journalist who hurled his shoes at U.S. President George W.
Bush describes his attack as "ugly" and asks the Iraqi
government for leniency.

U.S. AIR FORCE NUCLEAR UNIT FAILS INSPECTION
For the fifth time this year, a U.S. Air Force nuclear weapons
unit failed an inspection, this time because of failure to
document its handling of nuclear missiles and other critical
issues, Air Force officials said.

POISONED MEDICINE KILLS DOZENS OF CHILDREN
Nneka and Chimezie Ononaku unwittingly poisoned their own son,
giving him what they believed was teething medicine -- but which
in fact had been dosed with anti-freeze. Their four-month old
son is now one of more than 30 Nigerian children thought to have
died after taking baby medication.

WOMEN'S RIGHTS ACTIVIST BEHEADED IN IRAQ
Gunmen broke into the house of a women's rights activist in the
volatile northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk on Thursday and beheaded
her, police say.

ORGANIZED LABOR 'THRILLED' WITH OBAMA PICK
Labor unions Thursday praised President-elect Barack Obama's
selection to head the Labor Department, Rep. Hilda Solis.

ADOPTION TUG-OF-WAR GIRL ON NEW LIFE IN CHINA
Anna He is like a lot of kids about to turn 10. She plays with
her brother, fights with her sister, practices piano, and hates
vegetables. For six years, she was at the center of a bitter
custody battle between her parents and the American family who
agreed to help take care of her. Today, Anna is struggling to
adapt to her new life in China.

BUSINESS

OBAMA TAPS SCHAPIRO FOR SEC
President-elect Barack Obama, citing the need for tighter
oversight of the U.S. financial markets, on Thursday named
veteran regulator Mary Schapiro as his choice to head the
Securities and Exchange Commission.

CHINA CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF ECONOMIC REFORM
China's president has vowed to continue the economic reforms
that have transformed the once poverty-riddled nation into an
industrial powerhouse.

BA, QANTAS END MERGER TALKS
British Airways and Qantas announced Thursday they have failed
to reach agreement on a potential merger.

Tech: Take-Two plunges, while Micron soars

Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2008 18:00:11 -0500

Tech Stocks: Take-Two plunges, while Micron soars
12/18/2008 4:20 PM ET
Technology stocks sink as Take-Two Interactive Software shares plunge
after the company issues a grim forecast.

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Oracle profit slips, says stronger dollar undercut results
12/18/2008 5:13 PM ET
Oracle says its fiscal second-quarter profit fell slightly in a period
when concerns were raised about the business software maker's health
as the broader economy sputtered.

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RIM earnings climb as forecast beats estimates
12/18/2008 4:50 PM ET
Research In Motion sees earnings climb 7% in its fiscal third quarter
as the BlackBerry maker issued a forecast for the current period that
came in above Wall Street's estimates.

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Palm sees net loss grow on tax charge; smartphone sales down
12/18/2008 4:47 PM ET
Palm Inc. on Thursday reported a bigger fiscal second-quarter net loss
as the company struggled through what its chief executive described as
"an undeniably difficult period."

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CORRECT: Intel, STMicro unveil flash-memory joint venture

12/18/2008 4:41 PM ET
Intel and STMicroelectronics unveil a new company that will develop
and manufacture flash-memory products.

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Chip tools spending to fall 32% in 2009, Gartner says
12/18/2008 2:09 PM ET
Spending on chip-making equipment will fall 32% in 2009 as
semiconductor manufacturers shift to "panic mode" in the face of "an
economic recession of unknown proportion," an industry report says.

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Analysts say chip investors should hold off until next year
12/18/2008 1:44 PM ET
Analysts said Thursday that semiconductor companies are likely to
remain weak into the new year as the sector continues to reel from
weakening demand.

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Smart-phone makers RIM, Palm on deck for earnings
12/18/2008 12:51 PM ET
Research In Motion Ltd. and Palm Inc. still face worries on Wall
Street about their earnings reports slated for Thursday afternoon
despite the fact that both smart-phone makers warned of disappointing
results two weeks ago.

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London Markets: Drug, telecom shares enable London investors to play defense
12/18/2008 12:29 PM ET
London shares end slightly higher, as strong performance from
drugmakers and telecom carriers counterbalance losses from oil
producers, miners and banks.

Markets Thursday, 12/18/2008

Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2008 17:31:05 -0500

| Dow : 8604.99 down 219.35 | S & P : 885.28 down 19.14
| NASDAQ: 1552.37 down 26.94 | Bond (10Y): 2.07%, 114.94

MARKETS:
Stocks plunge at the end of day
After flip-flopping most of the session, Wall Street falls sharply;
the Dow plunges more than 200 points, one day ahead of a slew of
options expirations.

Obama to propose stimulus up to $775 billion: report

Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2008 17:01:45 -0500

Obama to propose stimulus up to $775 billion: report

The president-elect plans to propose a stimulus package of up to $775
billion over two years, news reports say.

RIM EARNINGS CLIMB AS FORECAST BEATS ESTIMATES

Research In Motion sees earnings climb 7% in its fiscal third quarter
as the BlackBerry maker issued a forecast for the current period that
came in above
Wall Street's estimates.

MADOFF'S RISE FUELED BY LEVERAGE, CONTROVERSIAL FEES

Bernard Madoff, the alleged perpetrator of what
could be the largest Ponzi scheme in history, relied on a network of
leverage providers and controversial fee arrangements built up over
more than a decade to feed his operation.

FUTURES MOVERS: OIL FUTURES TUMBLE 10% TO END BELOW $37 A BARREL

Crude touches lowest level in at least four years, underscoring the
market's preoccupation with a sharp slowdown in oil demand.
VETERAN REGULATOR MARY SCHAPIRO TAPPED TO LEAD SEC

The president-elect makes two major picks to head key regulatory
agencies, and calls for significant changes to the
financial-regulatory system in the wake of the credit and economic
crisis.

PAY RAISES IN 2009 WILL BE MEASLIEST IN 32 YEARS, SURVEY FINDS

Thanks in large part to the hit companies are taking from the current
financial crisis, millions of U.S. workers will find their 2009 pay
raises are less than
3%, the lowest average in 32 years.

U.S. stocks finish sharply lower, pressured by energy sector and oil at four-year lows

Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2008 16:02:54 -0500

U.S. stocks finish sharply lower, pressured by energy sector and oil
at four-year lows
12/18/2008 4:01:06 PM EDT

Dow industrials down 200 points; GM paces blue-chip index's decline, down 15%

Date: Thu, Dec 18, 2008 at 3:20 PM

Dow industrials down 200 points; GM paces blue-chip index's decline, down 15%
3:18:24 PM EDT

News Alert!

Date: Thu, Dec 18, 2008 at 12:37 PM

Clinton's foundation got millions from Saudis, Gates
12/18/08 11:37 AM, EST
Former President Clinton published a list of donors to his foundation
Thursday to help clear the way for his wife to become secretary of
state.

Fitness boot camp helps fight childhood obesity
12/18/08 11:36 AM, EST
One of the best gifts you can give a child this holiday season may not
be the latest gadget, toy, or tasty treat, but instead the gift of a
healthy lifestyle.

Obama to propose stimulus package of up to $775 billion over two years: WSJ

Thu, Dec 18, 2008 at 2:57 PM

Obama to propose stimulus package of up to $775 billion over two years: WSJ
2:55:01 PM EDT

Energy: VeraSun leaves corn farmers in limbo as ethanol industry founders

Date: 18 DEC 2008 17:10:08 GMT

VeraSun leaves corn farmers in limbo as ethanol industry founders

For many American farmers, once-lucrative corn shipments to ethanol
plants run by VeraSun Energy Corp. are now in limbo.

U.S. stocks little changed amid auto woes, oil slides below $40

Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:01:21 -0500

U.S. stocks little changed amid auto woes, oil slides below $40

GM, CHRYSLER REPORTEDLY TALK MERGER AHEAD OF EXPECTED AID PACKAGE

The struggles at General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC take a
surprising turn with the two automakers reportedly jumping back in to
merger talks as they await word from the White House on a crucial cash
lifeline.

VETERAN REGULATOR MARY SCHAPIRO TAPPED TO LEAD SEC

The choice of Mary Schapiro to head the Securities and Exchange
Commission indicates that President-elect Barack Obama is serious
about combining the agency and the Commodities Futures Trading
Commission, observers say.

ECONOMIC REPORT: INITIAL JOBLESS CLAIMS FALL 21,000; TREND AT 26-YEAR HIGH

Labor market conditions are weak and jobs are hard to get, according
to government data reported Thursday that showed a 26-year high in the
trend for
initial jobless claims.

News Alerts!

Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2008 08:36:20 -0800 (PST)

Women's rights activist beheaded in Iraq
12/18/08 10:47 AM, EST
Gunmen broke into the house of a women's rights activist in the
volatile northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk on Thursday and beheaded her,
police said.

Taliban on agenda as Zardari visits Afghanistan
12/18/08 09:19 AM, EST
Pakistan's president will use his first visit to Afghanistan to
discuss how the country's can unite to defeat terrorists.

News Alert!

Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2008 01:07:14 -0800 (PST)

Commentary: If Clinton could do it, why not Kennedy?
12/17/08 08:10 AM, EST
When Hillary Clinton announced in November 1999 that she was running
for the U.S. Senate to replace the legendary Sen. Patrick Moynihan,
she had never cast a single vote as an elected officeholder. She had
never put forth an agenda the voters could use to decide whether she
was the best candidate.

Philly Fed manufacturing gauge still well under water but shows improvement

Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:05:51 -0500

Philly Fed manufacturing gauge still well under water but shows improvement
12/18/2008 10:03:35 AM EDT

International

Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2008 05:02:08 -0500
TOP STORIES as of 1000 GMT -- 18 December, 2008

BAGOSORA GUILTY OF RWANDA GENOCIDE
A U.N. tribunal has found Theoneste Bagosora, a colonel in the
Rwandan army, guilty of genocide, crimes against humanity and
war crimes. Bagosora, pictured, ordered Hutu militia to
slaughter rival Tutsis during a 100-day spree of violence in
1994.

REPORTS: CHINA SENDING SHIPS TO FIGHT PIRATES
China plans to send a fleet of ships to help patrol the
pirate-infested waters off the Horn of Africa, Chinese media
reported Thursday. The move would be rare for Beijing, which has
not sent military ships far from its shores in centuries.

15 ARRESTED FOR BAHRAIN 'TERROR PLOT'
Fifteen people were arrested in Bahrain on Wednesday for what
government officials said was a plot to detonate explosives
during a series of Shia Muslim observances.

BRITISH AIRWAYS, QANTAS END MERGER TALKS
British Airways and Qantas announced Thursday they have failed
to reach agreement on a potential merger.

FACE TRANSPLANT DOC: WE HOPE SHE SMILES AGAIN
Surgeons have successfully performed the first near-total face
transplant in the United States, doctors announced Wednesday.
The procedure replaced 80 percent of the face of a woman
disfigured by severe trauma. "Our hope is she should be able to
smile again," one doctor said.

'TALIBAN AMERICAN' ASKS BUSH FOR RELEASE
The man dubbed the "Taliban American" is asking the president to
commute the remaining years of his federal prison sentence,
according to a statement released by his attorneys Wednesday.

LAWMAKERS ARGUE OVER SHOE-THROWING JOURNALIST
In a chaotic session, Iraqi lawmakers have argued over the fate
of the man who threw a shoe at U.S. President George W. Bush.

BUSINESS

CHRYSLER SHUTS DOWN ALL PRODUCTION
Chrysler LLC announced it is stopping all vehicle production in
the United States after the last shift on Friday for at least a
month, citing "continued lack of consumer credit for the
American car buyer."

ASIAN MARKETS FLAT AHEAD OF BOJ DECISION
Asian and Pacific markets were mixed on Thursday, shaking off
modest losses on Wall Street.

EXXON MOBIL FINED OVER AIR POLLUTION
Federal officials have fined Exxon Mobil more than $6 million
after it violated a three-year-old agreement to decrease air
pollution at four of its refineries.

Breaking News

Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2008 04:44:04 -0500

International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda finds Theoneste Bagosora
guilty of ordering genocide which left 800,000 dead

International

Date: Wed, 17 Dec 2008 20:02:08 -0500
TOP STORIES as of 0900 HKT -- 18 December, 2008

'WE HOPE SHE SMILES AGAIN'
Surgeons have successfully performed the first near-total face
transplant in the United States, doctors announced Wednesday.
The procedure replaced 80 percent of the face of a woman
disfigured by severe trauma. "Our hope is she should be able to
smile again," one doctor said.

CHRYSLER SHUTS PLANTS FOR A MONTH
Chrysler said late today that it is stopping all vehicle
production in the United States for at least a month,
CNNMoney.com reports. All 30 of the carmaker's plants will close
after the last shift on Friday, and employees won't be asked
back before January 19 -- about two weeks longer than the
company's typical holiday break.

LAWMAKERS ARGUE OVER SHOE-THROWING JOURNALIST
In a chaotic session, Iraqi lawmakers have argued over the fate
of the man who threw a shoe at U.S. President George W. Bush.

OIL DROPS DESPITE OPEC CUT
The OPEC group of oil-producing nations is to reduce output by
2.2 million barrels a day from next month in a bid to stabilize
oil prices which have fluctuated wildly during the last year.
But shortly after the much-anticipated cut was announced, the
price of a barrel of U.S. crude for January delivery slipped
$1.55 to $42.05.

'TALIBAN AMERICAN' ASKS BUSH FOR RELEASE
The man dubbed the "Taliban American" is asking the president to
commute the remaining years of his federal prison sentence,
according to a statement released by his attorneys Wednesday.

WHITE POWDER ALERT AT 16 U.S. EMBASSIES
A "suspicious letter" containing white powder prompted an alert
at the U.S. embassy in Madrid, Wednesday, an official said.

OBAMA ADDS ANOTHER REPUBLICAN TO CABINET
President-elect Barack Obama on Wednesday will announce former
Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack as his choice for agriculture secretary
and Colorado Sen. Ken Salazar as his choice for secretary of the
interior.

STUDENTS FORCED INTO CELL-LIKE SECLUSION ROOMS
A few weeks before 13-year-old Jonathan King killed himself, he
told his parents that his teachers had put him in "time-out."

BUSINESS

MORGAN STANLEY HIT BY Q4 LOSS
Morgan Stanley, the second biggest U.S. investment bank, has
reported a massive $2.3 billion loss for the fourth quarter
which far exceeded analysts' predictions.

BRITISH AIRWAYS, VIRGIN CUT FUEL SURCHARGE
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have announced they are
reducing their fuel surcharges as the price of oil has
plummeted.

HONDA CUTS EARNINGS, SITUATION 'WORSENING'
Honda Motor Co. slashed its earnings forecast for 2008 on
Wednesday, citing "no prospect for recovery" in the midst of a
global recession and slumping worldwide auto sales.

Energy: Cash crunch may usher in consolidation wave for oil companies

Date: 18 DEC 2008 00:04:26 GMT

Once-stellar but highly-leveraged energy companies look like potential
takeover targets in what is poised to become a new wave of
consolidation in the industry.

Obama to pick financial regulator Mary Schapiro to head SEC: report

Date: Wed, 17 Dec 2008 18:29:16 -0500

Obama to pick financial regulator Mary Schapiro to head SEC: report
12/17/2008 6:27:26 PM EDT

Tech: Apple leads retreat as expo move rattles investors

Date: Wed, 17 Dec 2008 18:00:11 -0500

Tech Stocks: Apple leads retreat as expo move rattles investors
12/17/2008 4:20 PM ET
Technology stocks tumble back into the red, led by Apple Inc. as the
Silicon Valley icon's move to withdraw from Macworld Expo rattles
investors.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Take-Two posts disappointing forecast, signs Rockstar talent
12/17/2008 4:55 PM ET
Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. posts a small gain in sales for the
fourth fiscal quarter and issues a forecast for the current period
that is sharply lower than Wall Street's projections.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Apple hit after Macworld decision; analyst downgrades stock
12/17/2008 4:26 PM ET
The company's dramatic decision to pull out of future Macworld showsn
also has raised fresh speculation about the health of Chief Executive
Steve Jobs.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Western Digital to cut 2,500 jobs, lowers outlook
12/17/2008 4:21 PM ET
Western Digital Corp. says it is cutting 2,500 jobs, or 5% of its
workforce, as the tech company also lowers its quarterly outlook
citing weakening demand.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Adobe posts higher profit, sticks to forecast
12/17/2008 2:21 PM ET
Shares of Adobe Systems Inc. fell Wednesday,
after the company met already-lowered expectations for its fiscal
fourth quarter but also said it anticipates a difficult year ahead.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Motorola to freeze salaries, pensions in cost-cutting move
12/17/2008 1:07 PM ET
Responding to a global recession, Motorola says it will freeze its
pension plan and employee salaries, suspend matching 401(k)
contributions and cut the pay of top executives in an effort to reduce
costs.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
SSTI, flash-memory producer, cuts revenue view and 17% of jobs
12/17/2008 2:59 AM ET
Silicon Storage Technology Inc. raises the top and bottom of the range
of its estimated fourth-quarter loss, cut its revenue expectation and
plans to pare 17% of its workforce as slower consumer spending hits
another maker of
flash-memory technology.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Apple says next year's Macworld Expo will be its last
12/16/2008 7:58 PM ET
Apple stuns investors and the technology industry by announcing that
it's withdrawing from the annual gathering in San Francisco where the
Silicon Valley icon has unveiled, often in dramatic fashion, its most
successful products.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Stocks to Watch: Stocks in focus for Wednesday
12/16/2008 6:54 PM ET
Among the companies whose shares are expected to see active trade in
Wednesday's session are Nike Inc., General Mills Inc., and Morgan
Stanley.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Adobe hits high end of fourth-quarter projections
12/16/2008 6:45 PM ET
Adobe Systems Inc. on Tuesday met already-lowered expectations for its
fiscal fourth-quarter financial results, as the software company
hunkers down for a trying period of slowing sales and job cuts.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Xilinx lowers sales forecast, citing weak demand
12/16/2008 5:27 PM ET
Xilinx Inc. cuts its revenue forecast for its December quarter, citing
weak sales.

Markets Wednesday, 12/17/2008

Date: Wed, 17 Dec 2008 17:31:07 -0500

MARKETS:
Dollar falls against yen, euro
Japanese currency surges to 13-year high against greenback following
U.S. central bank slashing rates.

Breaking News Wed., December 17, 2008

Date: Wed, 17 Dec 2008 14:25:00 -0800 (PST)

CHRYSLER TO CLOSE ALL 30 OF ITS MANUFACTURING PLANTS FOR A MONTH [5:15 PM EST]

OPEC cuts oil output further by 2.2 million barrels a day

Date: Wed, 17 Dec 2008 17:03:01 -0500

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries decides to slash
its daily production by a record 2.2 million barrels from current
levels, but the oil market ignores the widely expected move and sends
oil prices tumbling below $40 a barrel.

FUNDWATCH: INVESTORS DUMP STOCK AND BOND FUNDS, BUT SELLING PRESSURE EASES

Investors pulled more than $40 billion from stock- and bond mutual
funds in November, but the panicked selling of the past several months
seems to be subsiding, according to figures released Wednesday by
research firm Lipper Inc.

APPLE HIT AFTER MACWORLD DECISION; ANALYST DOWNGRADES STOCK

The company's dramatic decision to pull out of future Macworld showsn
also has raised fresh speculation about the health of Chief Executive
Steve Jobs.

SEC CHIEF: INTERNAL REVIEW COULD MEAN AGENCY CHANGES

Trying to contain the damage from what appears to be a major fumbling
by the Securities and Exchange Commission to uncover an alleged $50
billion "Ponzie
scheme," SEC chairman says he may change how the agency examines
investment funds if an internal review finds that regulators dropped
the ball.

Chrysler idling all its plants until at least Jan. 19

Date: Wed, 17 Dec 2008 17:02:19 -0500

Chrysler idling all its plants until at least Jan. 19
12/17/2008 4:59:55 PM EDT

U.S. stocks finish volatile day in the red, pressured by utilities and financials

Date: Wed, 17 Dec 2008 16:04:45 -0500

U.S. stocks finish volatile day in the red, pressured by utilities and
financials
12/17/2008 4:02:36 PM EDT

Apple hit after Macworld decision; analyst downgrades stock

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

Apple hit after Macworld decision; analyst downgrades stock

The company's dramatic decision to pull out of future Macworld showsn
also has raised fresh speculation about the health of Chief Executive
Steve Jobs.

MORGAN STANLEY POSTS WORSE-THAN-EXPECTED $2.3 BILLION LOSS

Morgan Stanley on Wednesday posts its own quarterly deficit, dogged,
like rivalGoldman Sachs reported a day earlier, by frozen credit
markets, falling asset
prices and stagnant underwriting.

SEC CHIEF ADMITS REGULATOR FAILED TO ACT ON MADOFF WARNINGS

A key congressional lawmaker plans an inquiry into the activities of
accused Ponzi schemer Bernard Madoff, as the chairman of the
Securities and Exchange Commission says the agency failed to look into
allegations dating back nearly adecade.

FUNDWATCH: WORLD FUND MANAGERS SAY ECONOMIC DETERIORATION IS SLOWING

The rate of deterioration of the global economy has started to slow,
according to asset allocators polled by Merrill Lynch for its December
fund manager survey, which was released Wednesday.

Energy: Energy stocks close to flat line ahead of inventory data

Date: 17 DEC 2008 15:15:47 GMT

An expected rise in petroleum supplies and a likely production cut by
the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries kept energy stocks
little-changed in early action.

International

Date: Wed, 17 Dec 2008 05:02:08 -0500
TOP STORIES as of 1000 GMT -- 17 December, 2008

SKIERS SAVED FROM GONDOLAS AS TOWER SNAPS
Skiers describe their lucky escapes from a gondola dangling over
a freezing creek after the tower snaps in half at a Canadian ski
resort. "I thought the whole cable system was going to come
down. I couldn't even breathe," said one passenger.

BRITISH TROOPS TO LEAVE IRAQ 'BY JULY'
UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri
al-Maliki say British forces will have "completed their tasks"
in Iraq in the first half of 2009 and will then leave the
country.

HONDA SEES 'NO PROSPECT FOR RECOVERY'
Honda slashes its earnings forecast for 2008 on Wednesday,
citing "no prospect for recovery" in the midst of a global
recession and slumping worldwide auto sales.

REBELS: 130 SRI LANKAN TROOPS KILLED
Tamil Tigers claimed on Wednesday killing 130 government troops
and wounding 300 others during heavy fighting in northern Sri
Lanka.

U.N.: FORCES CAN PURSUE SOMALI PIRATES ON LAND
The United Nations Security Council has passed a resolution
aimed at combating piracy along the Horn of Africa by allowing
military forces to chase pirates onto land in cases of "hot
pursuit."

GREEK PROTESTERS STORM TELEVISION STATION
Dozens of protesters in the Greek capital storms the
headquarters of state television station ERT, interrupting
broadcasting and unfurling a black banner that read, "Do not
watch television. Everyone out on the streets."

U.S.: NORTH KOREA TALKS HAVE STALLED
Nuclear negotiations with North Korea have stalled but still
could be reactivated before the Bush administration leaves
office next month, chief U.S. negotiator in the talks
Christopher Hill acknowledged.

BANGLADESH LIFTS STATE OF EMERGENCY
Bangladesh lifted a two-year-old state of emergency on
Wednesday, less than two weeks ahead of elections, state media
reported.

BUSINESS

SEC PROBES 'MULTIPLE FAILURES' IN MADOFF CASE
The U.S. government commission tasked with protecting investors
has launched an internal probe into why, despite credible
allegations for at least 10 years, there were "multiple
failures" in investigating what may have been the largest Ponzi
scheme in history.
n/index.html

ASIA, PACIFIC MARKETS RALLY ON FED RATE CUT
Asia and Pacific markets rallied Wednesday, piggybacking on the
Wall Street surge that was fueled by the U.S. Federal Reserve
cut to a key short-term interest rate.

FED SLASHES KEY RATE TO NEAR ZERO
The U.S. Federal Reserve cut a key rate Tuesday to a range of
between zero and 0.25 percent, moving away from its tradition of
naming a target rate.

Energy: Valero cuts refinery capacity as gasoline prices sink

Date: 17 DEC 2008 14:22:52 GMT

Valero says it's slashing production to cope with a money-losing
gasoline refining business, as market prices pushed down by depressed
crude demand continue to plumb multi-year lows.

Motorola to freeze U.S. pension plans, hold salaries steady under cost-cutting program

Date: Wed, 17 Dec 2008 09:21:35 -0500

Motorola to freeze U.S. pension plans, hold salaries steady under
cost-cutting program
12/17/2008 9:19:29 AM EDT

Energy: OPEC eyes production cut of 2 million barrels a day

Date: 17 DEC 2008 13:46:13 GMT

NEW YORK -- The Organization of Oil Exporting Countries began a key
meeting on Wednesday with the Saudi oil minister saying before the
start that the cartels members have already agreed on a cut of about 2
million barrels a day.

U.S. stocks skid 1% and more in opening minute as investors rethink Fed gains

Date: Wed, 17 Dec 2008 09:33:56 -0500

U.S. stocks skid 1% and more in opening minute as investors rethink Fed gains
12/17/2008 9:31:39 AM EDT

Breaking News

Date: Wed, 17 Dec 2008 02:52:04 -0500

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown arrives in Baghdad for talks with
Iraq's Prime Minister, Iraqi state TV reports.

International News

Date: Tue, 16 Dec 2008 20:02:05 -0500
TOP STORIES as of 0900 HKT -- 17 December, 2008

U.S. FED SLASHES KEY RATE TO NEAR ZERO
The U.S. Federal Reserve cut a key rate Tuesday to a range of
between zero and 0.25 percent. The Fed said the U.S. economy,
already in recession, is in danger of getting weaker. The
federal funds rate is key to spurring the economy as it is used
as a benchmark to set rates for a variety of consumer loans.

DIABETES FOUND TO RAISE CANCER MORTALITY RISK
Two of the most common diseases in the United States -- cancer
and diabetes -- are not often linked together in the public
mind. But they may have a stronger link than most people think.
Cancer patients who already have diabetes have a greater chance
of dying of the disease than cancer patients who do not have the
blood-sugar disorder, according to a report in the Journal of
the American Medical Association.

ISRAEL: 24 DEAD AS BUS PLUNGES DOWN RAVINE
At least 20 people were killed in Israel Tuesday when a tourist
bus plunged down a ravine near the southern Israeli city of
Eilat, ambulance services reported.

BUSH ON AUTO BAILOUT AND DODGING SHOES
President Bush said Tuesday that he is "considering all options"
in aiding the U.S. auto industry because doing nothing could
lead to further economic decline.

CHENEY DEFENDS WAR IN IRAQ
In his first TV interview since the presidential election, U.S.
Vice President Dick Cheney once again staunchly defends the Bush
administration's record in the war on terror and, more
specifically, the decision to go to war in Iraq.

DYNAMITE FOUND AT PARIS DEPARTMENT STORE
A major department store in central Paris has been evacuated
after five sticks of dynamite were found inside, French police
have said.

FIRST DETAINEES RELEASED FROM GITMO SINCE RULING
Three Guantanamo Bay prisoners were released to their families
Tuesday, becoming the first detainees to be sent home as a
result of a U.S. court ruling.

MEKONG DELTA'S SECRET 'TREASURE TROVE'
A rat believed to be extinct for 11 million years, a spider with
a foot-long legspan, and a hot pink cyanide-producing "dragon
millipede" are among the thousand newly discovered species in
the largely unexplored Mekong Delta region.

BUSINESS

MADOFF INVESTORS GET REPRIEVE
A U.S. federal judge issues an order that may help investors
allegedly swindled by New York financier Bernard Madoff in what
appears to be the largest "pyramid scheme" in history recover
some of their money.

CHINA, TAIWAN REOPEN REGULAR TRANSPORT LINKS
Regularly scheduled commercial flights, shipping, and mail
between Taiwan and China resumed Monday for the first time since
the 1949 revolution that brought the Communist Party to power on
the Chinese mainland.

SUZUKI QUITS WORLD RALLY SCENE AS SALES DIP
Japanese automaker Suzuki Motor Corporation has pulled out of
next year's FIA World Rally Championship citing a drop in sales
due to the global financial crisis.

Breaking News: Fed cuts key interest rate to record low

Date: Tue, 16 Dec 2008 13:32:19 -0600

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Federal Reserve has cut its target for a key
interest rate to the lowest level on record and pledged to use "all
available tools" to combat the current financial crisis. The central
bank says it reduced the federal funds rate, the interest that banks
charge each other, to a range of zero to 0.25%. That is down from the
1% target rate in effect since the last meeting in October.

Tech: Tech stocks rally on rate cut; Nasdaq up 5%

Date: Tue, 16 Dec 2008 18:00:14 -0500

Tech Stocks: Tech stocks rally on rate cut; Nasdaq up 5%
12/16/2008 4:14 PM ET
Technology stocks gain, led by Amazon.com and eBay Inc. as the broader
market advances with Wall Street anticipating another federal funds
rate cut.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Apple says next year's Macworld Expo will be its last
12/16/2008 5:46 PM ET
Apple Inc. says the upcoming Macworld Expo in January will be the
computing giant's last, and CEO Steve Jobs will not give a final
keynote at the popular event.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Xilinx lowers sales forecast, citing weak demand
12/16/2008 5:27 PM ET
Xilinx Inc. cuts its revenue forecast for its December quarter, citing
weak sales.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Adobe hits high end of fourth-quarter projections
12/16/2008 4:32 PM ET
Adobe Systems Inc. meets already lowered expectations for its fiscal
fourth-quarter financial results, as the software company hunkers down
for a trying period of slowing sales and job cuts.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Atmel blasts Microchip's move for board seats
12/16/2008 4:23 PM ET
Atmel Corp. blasts Microchip Technology's decision to field an
alternate slate of directors to its board, as the bitter merger battle
between the two chip
makers flares up once again.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Vishay cuts quarterly sales forecast
12/16/2008 4:21 PM ET
Semiconductor manufacturer Vishay Intertechnology Inc. slashes its
sales forecast for the second time in several months as a global
recession weakens demand.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Europe Markets: Drugmakers, telecom pace gains in Europe
12/16/2008 12:40 PM ET
European shares end a volatile session in positive territory, with
drugmakers and telecom stocks pacing gains.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Telecom Stocks: Alcatel-Lucent, Clearwire lead telecoms in mild rally
12/16/2008 12:02 PM ET
Shares of telecommunications companies rallied in
Tuesday trades along with the broader market, with equipment suppliers
such as Alcatel-Lucent and Qualcomm Inc. taking the lead.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Chips to suffer back-to-back years of lower sales: Gartner
12/16/2008 11:24 AM ET
The chip industry will suffer back-to-back years
of lower revenue for the first time in its history in 2009, a technology
research group said Tuesday.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
PartyGaming rallies as it nears settlement with U.S. authorities
12/16/2008 10:16 AM ET
Shares in PartyGaming climb almost 7% Tuesday after the online
gambling group says any settlement it pays to the U.S. Department of
Justice is likely to be "significantly lower" than the $300 million
that co-founder Anurag Dikshit is reportedly set to hand over.

Markets Tuesday, 12/16/2008

Date: Tue, 16 Dec 2008 17:31:05 -0500

MARKETS:
Wall Street cheers rate cut
Stocks surge after the central bank cuts a key interest rate to the
lowest level on record.

U.S. stocks rally as investors applaud Fed's easing moves

Date: Tue, 16 Dec 2008 17:01:31 -0500

U.S. stocks rally as investors applaud Fed's easing moves

U.S. stocks soar higher, with banks fronting the surge, as the Federal
Reserve axes its benchmark interest rate to a record low and says it
would buy large amounts of debt and securities to flood the financial
system with money.

THE FED: FED SLASHES RATES AND VOWS TO KEEP THEM LOW FOR SOME TIME

The Federal Reserve pulled out all the stops in its campaign to save
the U.S. economy, slashing interest rates to just about zero and
promising to try an array of new economic measures to stimulate
spending.

MARKETWATCH FIRST TAKE: THE FED GOES TO DEFCON 1

With conventional monetary policy options exhausted, the Federal
Reserve has declared war, promising to do whatever it takes to prevent
a depression.

U.S. home builders start construction of new homes at a November pace
far below the worst levels seen in 50 years, Commerce Department data
show. Building
permits, considered a forward-looking indicator, underscore the weakness in
construction.

Stocks end sharply higher after Fed cuts rate target to near zero. Dow up 369 points at the close, Nasdaq and S&P up 5%.

Date: Tue, 16 Dec 2008 16:01:07 -0500

Stocks end sharply higher after Fed cuts rate target to near zero. Dow
up 369 points at the close, Nasdaq and S&P up 5%.

Fed cuts target rate by three-quarters of a point to 0.25%, vows to use all tools

Date: Tue, Dec 16, 2008 at 2:25 PM

Fed cuts target rate by three-quarters of a point to 0.25%, vows to use all tools
2:23:35 PM EDT

Drop in consumer prices is most since 1932

Date: Tue, 16 Dec 2008 12:01:09 -0500

Drop in consumer prices is most since 1932

U.S. consumer prices fell in November at the fastest rate since 1932,
the Labor Department reports.

ECONOMIC REPORT: HOUSING STARTS DROP 18.9% TO PLUMB RECORD LOW, U.S. DATA SHOW

U.S. home builders start construction of new homes at a November pace
far below the worst levels seen in 50 years, Commerce Department data
show. Building permits, considered a forward-looking indicator,
underscore the weakness in
construction.

THE FED: PULLING OUT ALL THE STOPS

The Federal Reserve is going to do whatever it takes to help offset
the economic downturn, analysts say.

PAY RAISES IN 2009 WILL BE MEASLIEST IN 32 YEARS, SURVEY FINDS

Thanks in large part to the hit companies are taking from the current
financial crisis, millions of U.S. workers will find their 2009 pay
raises are less than 3%, the lowest average in 32 years.

LIQUIDATION OF MADOFF SECURITIES FIRM UNDER WAY

Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC will be liquidated to try
to salvage some money for the brokerage firm's customers, the
Securities Investor Protection Corporation says.

News Alert!

Date: Tue, 16 Dec 2008 05:05:29 -0800 (PST)

Obama names first 'climate czar' for U.S.
12/15/08 11:49 PM, EST
U.S. President-elect Barack Obama announced key members of his energy
team on Monday, naming physicist Steven Chu as secretary of energy,
and former EPA administrator Carol Browner to a new post in the White
House to coordinate energy and climate policy.

Goldman Sachs posts fourth-quarter loss of $2.12 billion amid negative net revenue

Date: Tue, 16 Dec 2008 08:22:30 -0500

Goldman Sachs posts fourth-quarter loss of $2.12 billion amid negative
net revenue
12/16/2008 8:20:22 AM EDT

U.S. housing starts plunge nearly 19% in November to record low

Date: Tue, 16 Dec 2008 08:32:51 -0500

U.S. housing starts plunge nearly 19% in November to record low
12/16/2008 8:30:54 AM EDT

U.S. consumer prices fall 1.7% in November; energy prices down 17%

Date: Tue, 16 Dec 2008 08:36:46 -0500

U.S. consumer prices fall 1.7% in November; energy prices down 17%
12/16/2008 8:32:59 AM EDT

Consumer prices fall 1.7% in November, the biggest monthly drop ever. Housing starts and building permits plummet to record lows.

Date: Tue, 16 Dec 2008 08:34:03 -0500

Consumer prices fall 1.7% in November, the biggest monthly drop ever.
Housing starts and building permits plummet to record lows.

Breaking News

Date: Tue, 16 Dec 2008 06:21:05 -0500

Police defuse several explosive packages found in Paris department
store, say media reports.

Energy: Energy stocks rise with broad market, crude's gain

Date: 16 DEC 2008 15:14:29 GMT

Energy shares get an early lift from higher crude-oil prices and gains
in the broader stock market, ahead of an expected interest-rate cut by
the Federal Reserve.

International News

Date: Tue, 16 Dec 2008 05:02:18 -0500

TOP STORIES as of 1000 GMT -- 16 December, 2008

SHOE-THROWER WANTED TO 'HUMILIATE TYRANT'
The brother of the journalist who hurled his shoes at U.S.
President George W. Bush said his sibling's actions were
"spontaneous" and represented the wishes of millions of Iraqis
who want to "humiliate the tyrant." Muntadhar al-Zaidi, pictured
above, remains in jail after the incident, a government official
said.

JUDGE AIDS INVESTORS IN $50B 'SCAM'
A U.S. federal judge issues an order that may help investors
allegedly swindled by New York financier Bernard Madoff in what
appears to be the largest "pyramid scheme" in history recover
some of their money, CNNMoney reports. It is estimated losses by
financial firms, charities and individual investors, could reach
$3 billion.

BASQUE TERROR SUSPECTS CAPTURED IN POLICE RAID
Spanish police arrested four suspected members of the Basque
separatist group ETA Tuesday, a week after the group's alleged
new military chief and five other ETA suspects were detained: Report

ASEAN SETS SUMMIT DATE, FORGES CHARTER
A summit of Association of Southeast Asian Nations leaders will
take place late February in Thailand, its government announced,
a day after Abhisit Vejjajiva was picked as prime minister and
ASEAN's charter came into force.

U.N.: ZIMBABWE CHOLERA DEATHS NEARLY 1,000
The number of cholera deaths in Zimbabwe is approaching 1,000,
according to new U.N. figures. The latest death toll came amid
claims by one of Zimbabwe's top officials blaming the cholera
outbreak on "a genocidal onslaught" by Zimbabwe's former
colonial ruler -- Britain. The United States and Britain quickly
denounced the accusations.

SOURCES: OBAMA PICKS EDUCATION, INTERIOR CHIEFS
President-elect Barack Obama is set to name Sen. Ken Salazar as
his choice for interior secretary and Chicago public schools
boss Arne Duncan as his pick for education secretary, sources
said Monday.

FORMER ECUADORIAN PRESIDENT CORDERO DIES
Former Ecuadorian President Leon Febres Cordero died of cancer
Monday afternoon. He was 77.

CANADA: TWO DIPLOMATS MISSING IN NIGER
Two Canadian diplomats have been reported missing in Niger, the
Canadian government said Monday, adding that both men work for
the United Nations.

BUSINESS

ASIA, PACIFIC MARKETS MIXED
Stocks were mixed Tuesday across Asia as investor's worries
about U.S. automakers, an alleged international pyramid scheme
and a U.S. Federal Reserve meeting weighed on markets.

CHINA, TAIWAN REOPEN REGULAR TRANSPORT LINKS
Regularly scheduled commercial flights, shipping, and mail
between Taiwan and China resumed Monday for the first time since
the 1949 revolution that brought the Communist Party to power on
the Chinese mainland.

SUZUKI QUITS WORLD RALLY SCENE AS SALES DIP
Japanese automaker Suzuki Motor Corporation has pulled out of
next year's FIA World Rally Championship citing a drop in sales
due to the global financial crisis.

U.S. stock indexes start higher Tuesday; Nasdaq, up 1.5%, makes biggest move

Date: Tue, 16 Dec 2008 09:35:49 -0500

U.S. stock indexes start higher Tuesday; Nasdaq, up 1.5%, makes biggest move
12/16/2008 9:33:38 AM EDT

International News

Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2008 20:02:08 -0500

TOP STORIES as of 0900 HKT -- 16 December, 2008

SHOE-THROWER WANTED 'TO HUMILIATE TYRANT'
The brother of the journalist who hurled his shoes at U.S.
President George W. Bush said his sibling's actions were
"spontaneous" and represented millions of Iraqis who want to
"humiliate the tyrant." Muntadhar al-Zaidi, pictured above,
remains in jail after the incident, a government official said.

ARMIES RAID REBEL CAMP IN EASTERN CONGO
Three African armies launched a raid on a rebel camp in the
Democratic Republic of Congo, the three armies announced on
Monday. Targeting rebel hideouts in Garamba, the force from
Congo, Uganda and Sudan said it was trying to rescue hostages
and hunt down rebel leaders.

BANKS FACE HUGE LOSSES FROM $50B 'SCAM'
Some of the biggest names in global finance say they have lost
hundreds of millions of dollars in an alleged $50 billion
"pyramid scheme" that led to the arrest of a New York financier
last week. Former Nasdaq chairman Bernard Madoff, pictured
above, has been arrested and charged with a single count of
securities fraud.

OBAMA NAMES ENERGY TEAM
President-elect Barack Obama unveiled his energy and environment
team on Monday, ushering in what's likely to be a dramatic shift
in the way the nation tackles the challenges of climate change,
energy efficiency and the development of cleaner sources of
fuel.

U.S.: INDIA PREPARED FOR STRIKE ON PAKISTAN
The United States believes that India's air force began
preliminary preparations for a possible attack against Pakistan
in the immediate aftermath of the recent massacre in Mumbai, CNN
has learned.

TOXIC SMOKE WORRIES RETURNING TROOPS FROM IRAQ
The pervasive smoke spewing from the junk heap at Balad Air
Force Base in Iraq is causing many returning troops to be
concerned about the effects on their long-term health.

ANTI-KIDNAPPING CONSULTANT SEIZED IN MEXICO
An American anti-kidnapping consultant was kidnapped in Mexico,
according to the Houston-based security firm he works for.

U.N.: ZIMBABWE CHOLERA DEATHS NEARLY 1,000
The number of cholera deaths in Zimbabwe is approaching 1,000,
according to U.N. figures published Monday.

BUSINESS

CHINA, TAIWAN REOPEN REGULAR TRANSPORT LINKS
Regularly scheduled commercial flights, shipping, and mail
between Taiwan and China resumed Monday for the first time since
the 1949 revolution that brought the Communist Party to power on
the Chinese mainland.

SUZUKI QUITS WORLD RALLY SCENE AS SALES DIP
Japanese automaker Suzuki Motor Corporation has pulled out of
next year's FIA World Rally Championship citing a drop in sales
due to the global financial crisis.

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.

Liquidation of Madoff's firm under way to repay brokerage customers

Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2008 18:15:35 -0500

Liquidation of Madoff's firm under way to repay brokerage customers
6:13:38 PM EDT

Energy: Obama rolls out energy, climate team

Date: 15 DEC 2008 23:23:54 GMT

The president-elect introduces members of his energy and environment
team, saying that both the future of the U.S. economy and national
security are linked to energy.

Tech Daily: Apple, Atmel lead technology stocks lower

Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2008 18:00:33 -0500

Tech Daily - DECEMBER 15, 2008
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Tech Stocks: Apple, Atmel lead technology stocks lower
12/15/2008 4:17 PM ET
Technology stocks sink as the broader market retreats on concerns over
the fallout from a major Wall Street fraud case and the auto
industry's uncertain future.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Atmel shares fall on lower outlook
12/15/2008 4:21 PM ET
Shares of Atmel Corp. fall after the company lowers its fourth-quarter
revenue outlook and announces a plan to cut jobs in reaction to the
economic downturn.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
MarketWatch First Take: Wall Street gets nervous about Apple ahead of Macworld
12/15/2008 3:18 PM ET
Among other things to be nervous about on Wall Street, analysts are
now fearfulthat Apple Inc. may disappoint investors at its
all-important Macworld show in January.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Google disputes 'Net neutrality' report as 'confused'
12/15/2008 2:35 PM ET
The search giant is dismissing a report that it has reversed course on
the issue of "Net neutrality" as "confused," saying that it's merely
making technology available to cut down on network congestion.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
The Ratings Game: Apple shares tumble on downgrade; tough 2009 is forecast

Shares of Apple Inc. fall as much as 5% after Goldman Sachs downgrades
the stock, citing the likelihood of weaker sales in the first half of
2009 amid a global recession and a lack of compelling new products.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Telecom Stocks: AT&T leads telecoms mostly lower
12/15/2008 10:51 AM ET
Shares of AT&T Inc. fell more than 4% Monday after a
brokerage downgrade and most other telecommunications also declined.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Economic Report: Industrial output falls 0.6% in November
12/15/2008 10:50 AM ET
The output of the nation's factories, mines and utilities fell 0.6% in
November on broad-based weakness across manufacturing industries, the
Federal Reserve reports.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Israel Stocks: Market lower 3rd day; CPI awaited, TA-25 rebalanced
12/15/2008 9:27 AM ET
Israel stocks were lower for a third day, led by banks and Oil
Refineries, before the government reports the consumer-price index for
November, which analysts generally expect to be negative.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Before the Bell: Apple, Honeywell, auto industry in the spotlight
12/15/2008 8:40 AM ET
U.S. stock market futures were broadly lower Monday as the Bush
administration examined how to proceed with a bailout for the auto
industry and firms began to provide details on their exposure to an
alleged $50 billion fraud by Bernard Madoff.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Netbooks aim to capture share of PC market
12/15/2008 12:15 AM ET
Call it going small to get big, but a weak economy and expected
declines in personal computer sales have nearly all the major PC
makers looking at low-cost, streamlined laptops, commonly known as
netbooks, as a way to revive the market in the coming years.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Israel Stocks: Tel Aviv shares lower, as Teva sued over patent
12/14/2008 1:21 PM ET
Israeli stocks fall for a second day, led lower by Bank Leumi,
Makhteshim-Agan and Teva Pharmaceutical, as well as some key tech
names.

Obama names energy team: Physicist Steven Chu as Energy secretary and former EPA chief Carol Browner in new role of climate czar.

Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2008 17:09:03 -0500

Obama names energy team: Physicist Steven Chu as Energy secretary and
former EPA chief Carol Browner in new role of climate czar.

Markets Monday, 12/15/2008

Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2008 17:31:04 -0500

MARKETS:
Stocks slump ahead of Fed decision
Wall Street retreats as investors mull the central bank's rate
meeting, the outlook for automakers and the Madoff scandal.

U.S. stocks decline as firms detail Madoff exposure

Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2008 17:01:41 -0500

U.S. stocks decline as firms detail Madoff exposure

U.S. stocks fall, with financial shares weighing on the broader market
as firms detailed their exposure to the alleged $50 billion fraud by
Bernard Madoff.

MADOFF ARREST RAISES QUESTIONS ABOUT SEC OVERSIGHT

The arrest of investment manager Bernard Madoff on allegations that he
ran a $50 billion "Ponzi scheme" raises questions about the
effectiveness of the Securities and Exchange Commission's oversight of
the $1.5 trillion hedge-fund industry.

THE FED: FED IS COMING TO THE END OF THE LINE ON RATE CUTS

The Federal Reserve is likely to cut the federal funds rate as low as
it can go at this week's meeting, and to begin shifting its focus to
nontraditional policies.

EUROPEAN BANKS REVEAL EXPOSURES TO ALLEGED MADOFF FRAUD

European and Asian banks reveal billion of dollars of exposure to
Bernard Madoff and his alleged ponzi scheme, with customers of Spain's
Santander potentially facing some of the biggest losses.

STATE BUDGETS EXPECTED TO DROP FOR FIRST TIME IN A GENERATION

States will experience a bleak fiscal 2009, a new report says, with
spending expected to decrease for the first time since 1983 and budget
cuts to follow in coming fiscal years.

Stocks ease on concerns about the economy, the automakers and an investing scandal. Dow down 57 points, Nasdaq off nearly 2%.

Date: Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 1:01 PM

Stocks ease on concerns about the economy, the automakers and an investing scandal. Dow down 57 points, Nasdaq off nearly 2%.

Oil settles down $1.77, at $44.51 a barrel, as a weak economic outlook trumped expectations of an OPEC production cut.

Date: Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 11:46 AM

Oil settles down $1.77, at $44.51 a barrel, as a weak economic outlook trumped expectations of an OPEC production cut.

Breaking News Mon., December 15, 2008

Date: Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 11:12 AM

Caroline Kennedy to Pursue Hillary Clinton's Senate Seat [1:57 p.m. ET]

Breaking News

Date: Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 10:40 AM

Madonna agrees divorce settlement with Guy Ritchie for at least 50 million ($75 million), singer's spokeswoman says.

U.S. stocks decline as Madoff losses hit home

Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2008 12:01:04 -0500

U.S. stocks decline as Madoff losses hit home

U.S. stocks declined after a mixed start, with financial shares
weighing on the broader market as firms detailed their exposure to the
alleged $50 billion fraud by Bernard Madoff.

EUROPEAN BANKS REVEAL EXPOSURES TO ALLEGED MADOFF FRAUD

European and Asian banks reveal billion of dollars of exposure to
Bernard Madoff and his alleged ponzi scheme, with customers of Spain's
Santander potentially facing some of the biggest losses.

ECONOMIC REPORT: INDUSTRIAL OUTPUT FALLS 0.6% IN NOVEMBER

The output of the nation's factories, mines and utilities fell 0.6% in
November on broad-based weakness across manufacturing industries, the
Federal Reserve reports.

IRELAND TO INJECT UP TO $13.5 BILLION IN BANKING SECTOR

The Irish government said late Sunday that it will provide as much as
10 billion euros ($13.5 billion) to recapitalize the country's banking
sector.

JAPAN INC. SENTIMENT PLUNGES

Confidence among large manufacturers fell at its fastest pace since
August 1974, the Bank of Japan's quarterly tankan survey showed
Monday, pointing to a deepening recession and rapidly deteriorating
conditions in the world's second-largest economy.

U.S. stocks slump after flat open; Nasdaq paces indexes' decline

Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2008 10:24:39 -0500

U.S. stocks slump after flat open; Nasdaq paces indexes' decline
12/15/2008 10:22:53 AM EDT

International News

Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2008 05:01:05 -0500
TOP STORIES as of 1000 GMT -- 15 December, 2008

U.S.: INDIA PREPARED FOR STRIKE ON PAKISTAN
The United States believes that India's air force began
preliminary preparations for a possible attack against Pakistan
in the immediate aftermath of the recent massacre in Mumbai, CNN
has learned.

KIDNAPPED DOCTOR FREED FROM PARENTS
A British-based doctor has been freed by the courts in
Bangladesh after being held captive by her family and put under
pressure to marry against her will, media reports said Monday.

THAI PARLIAMENT PICKS NEW PM
Thailand's parliament chose opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva
as the country's new prime minister, drawing angry protests from
supporters of the recently banned ruling party outside.

BUSH DUCKS SHOES ON FINAL IRAQ VISIT
U.S. President George W. Bush headed back to Washington on
Monday after a farewell visit to Iraq and Afghanistan, where
American troops are still fighting the wars that dominated his
presidency.

FERRY CAPSIZES OFF PHILIPPINES, KILLING 23
A ferry capsized off the coast of the northern Philippines near
the town of Aparri, killing 23 people and leaving 29 others
missing, authorities said.

MCCAIN WON'T SAY HE'D BACK PALIN FOR PRESIDENT
Sen. John McCain said Sunday he would not necessarily support
his former running mate if she chose to run for president.

GREEK PROTESTERS: WE WILL NOT STOP
Greek students have called for daily protests starting Monday,
10 days after the police killing of a 15-year-old boy in Athens
sparked demonstrations that have thrown the country into
turmoil.

IRANIAN TO BE BLINDED FOR BLINDING WOMAN
An Iranian woman, blinded by a jilted stalker who threw acid in
her face, has persuaded a court to sentence him to be blinded
with acid himself under Islamic law demanding an eye for an eye.

BUSINESS

ASIA, PACIFIC MARKETS RISE ON BAILOUT HOPES
Asian and Pacific markets soared on Monday, riding higher on
hopes of a bailout for America's troubled automakers.

CHINA, TAIWAN REOPEN REGULAR TRANSPORT LINKS
Regularly scheduled commercial flights, shipping, and mail
between Taiwan and China resumed Monday for the first time since
the 1949 revolution that brought the Communist Party to power on
the Chinese mainland.

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: Sun, 14 Dec 2008 23:05:09 -0800 (PST)

Hundreds protest New York immigrant's fatal beating
12/14/08 11:58 PM, EST
A few hundred people on Sunday marched in Brooklyn to protest last
week's fatal beating of a 31-year-old Ecuadorean man -- an incident
authorities say may have been a hate crime.

Energy: Industrial output falls 0.6% in November

Date: 15 DEC 2008 14:17:08 GMT

The output of the nation's factories, mines and utilities fell 0.6% in
November on broad-based weakness across manufacturing industries, the
Federal Reserve reports.

Stocks open higher as investors weigh new hope for auto bailout plan. Dow, Nasdaq, S&P 500 all begin the day in the black.

Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2008 09:32:18 -0500

Stocks open higher as investors weigh new hope for auto bailout plan.
Dow, Nasdaq, S&P 500 all begin the day in the black.

Energy: Oil rallies 6% on expectations OPEC will cut output

Date: 15 DEC 2008 13:50:01 GMT

Oil futures rallied 6% Monday, boosted by expectations that the OPEC
oil cartel will agree on a substantial production cut at its meeting
later this week.

Energy: CORRECT: Obama energy duo to boost alternatives, analyst predicts

Date: 15 DEC 2008 12:45:38 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.

Breaking News

Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2008 00:14:03 -0500

Thailand's parliament chooses opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva as
the country's new prime minister Monday.

International News

Date: Sun, 14 Dec 2008 20:02:05 -0500
TOP STORIES as of 0900 HKT -- 15 December, 2008

ANGRY IRAQI THROWS SHOES AT BUSH IN BAGHDAD
U.S. President Bush made an unannounced farewell visit Sunday to
Baghdad, Iraq, where a man threw shoes at him. As the man
continued to scream from another room, Bush said: "That was a
size 10 shoe he threw at me, you may want to know."

IRANIAN TO BE BLINDED FOR BLINDING WOMAN
An Iranian woman, blinded by a jilted stalker who threw acid in
her face, has persuaded a court to sentence him to be blinded
with acid himself under Islamic law demanding an eye for an eye.

CARTER MEETS WITH POLITICAL LEADER OF HAMAS
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter met Sunday in Damascus,
Syria, with Khaled Meshaal, the exiled leader of Hamas'
political wing, a Hamas official said.

BROWN: PAKISTAN LINK TO MOST UK TERROR PLOTS
Britain's prime minister says he wants UK police to interview
Mumbai siege suspects and outlines claims that three quarters of
the most serious terrorism cases investigated by British police
have links to al Qaeda in Pakistan.

90 ARRESTED IN KASPAROV-ORGANIZED RALLY
Police detained 90 people Sunday at an unsanctioned political
opposition rally organized by former chess champion Garry
Kasparov, the Moscow police press service said.

MCCAIN WON'T SAY HE'D BACK PALIN FOR PRESIDENT
Sen. John McCain said Sunday he would not necessarily support
his former running mate if she chose to run for president.

GREEK PROTESTERS: WE WILL NOT STOP
Greek students have called for daily protests starting Monday,
10 days after the police killing of a 15-year-old boy in Athens
sparked demonstrations that have thrown the country into
turmoil.

SOMALI PM: PRESIDENT CAN'T FIRE ME
Somalia's president said Sunday he has dismissed his prime
minister for failing to do his job, a move that could threaten
peace efforts in the the violence-ravaged African nation.

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.

Breaking News

Date: Sun, 14 Dec 2008 08:22:03 -0500

U.S. President George W. Bush arrives in Baghdad on farewell visit to
Iraq as he prepares to leave office.

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Saturday, December 20, 2008

International

News Alert!

Breaking News

International

Friday, December 19, 2008

International

Tech: Oracle, Research In Motion lead tech advance

Markets Friday, 12/19/2008

Detroit gets its wish -- $17 billion in U.S. loans

Stocks end mixed after auto-fueled rally fades; Nasdaq gains 1.5% in week

Breaking News: Blagojevich insists he is innocent

Obama to introduce labor, trade chief picks Friday

Breaking News

Auto makers to get more than $17 billion in loans

News Alert!

News Alert!

Bank of Japan cuts key interest rate to 0.1% from 0.3%: reports

Breaking News: 'Deep Throat' dead at 95

Energy: Energy stocks rise with broad market, Southwestern jumps

International

Breaking News: Bush announces help for automakers

Energy: Oil futures near $42 a barrel in early trade

Thursday, December 18, 2008

International

Tech: Take-Two plunges, while Micron soars

Markets Thursday, 12/18/2008

Obama to propose stimulus up to $775 billion: report

U.S. stocks finish sharply lower, pressured by energy sector and oil at four-year lows

Dow industrials down 200 points; GM paces blue-chip index's decline, down 15%

News Alert!

Obama to propose stimulus package of up to $775 billion over two years: WSJ

Energy: VeraSun leaves corn farmers in limbo as ethanol industry founders

U.S. stocks little changed amid auto woes, oil slides below $40

News Alerts!

News Alert!

Philly Fed manufacturing gauge still well under water but shows improvement

International

Breaking News

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

International

Energy: Cash crunch may usher in consolidation wave for oil companies

Obama to pick financial regulator Mary Schapiro to head SEC: report

Tech: Apple leads retreat as expo move rattles investors

Markets Wednesday, 12/17/2008

Breaking News Wed., December 17, 2008

OPEC cuts oil output further by 2.2 million barrels a day

Chrysler idling all its plants until at least Jan. 19

U.S. stocks finish volatile day in the red, pressured by utilities and financials

Apple hit after Macworld decision; analyst downgrades stock

Energy: Energy stocks close to flat line ahead of inventory data

International

Energy: Valero cuts refinery capacity as gasoline prices sink

Motorola to freeze U.S. pension plans, hold salaries steady under cost-cutting program

Energy: OPEC eyes production cut of 2 million barrels a day

U.S. stocks skid 1% and more in opening minute as investors rethink Fed gains

Breaking News

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

International News

Breaking News: Fed cuts key interest rate to record low

Tech: Tech stocks rally on rate cut; Nasdaq up 5%

Markets Tuesday, 12/16/2008

U.S. stocks rally as investors applaud Fed's easing moves

Stocks end sharply higher after Fed cuts rate target to near zero. Dow up 369 points at the close, Nasdaq and S&P up 5%.

Fed cuts target rate by three-quarters of a point to 0.25%, vows to use all tools

Drop in consumer prices is most since 1932

News Alert!

Goldman Sachs posts fourth-quarter loss of $2.12 billion amid negative net revenue

U.S. housing starts plunge nearly 19% in November to record low

U.S. consumer prices fall 1.7% in November; energy prices down 17%

Consumer prices fall 1.7% in November, the biggest monthly drop ever. Housing starts and building permits plummet to record lows.

Breaking News

Energy: Energy stocks rise with broad market, crude's gain

International News

U.S. stock indexes start higher Tuesday; Nasdaq, up 1.5%, makes biggest move

Monday, December 15, 2008

International News

Liquidation of Madoff's firm under way to repay brokerage customers

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