Breaking News Sat., January 3, 2009

Date: Sat, 03 Jan 2009 11:01:06 -0800 (PST)

Israeli ground forces cross into Gaza, Israeli defense officials say

News Alert!

Date: Sat, 03 Jan 2009 05:37:45 -0800 (PST)

Burris, Senate Dems prepare to clash over appointment
01/02/09 08:16 PM, EST
A clash over the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack
Obama will intensify next week on Capitol Hill when Illinois Gov. Rod
Blagojevich's pick to fill that seat arrives in Washington.

Bush blames Hamas for Gaza conflict
01/02/09 08:11 PM, EST
U.S. President Bush laid the blame for recent fighting in Gaza
squarely at the feet of Hamas, accusing militants of waging a campaign
of violence against Israel with little regard for its people.

Senate GOP prepared to fight if Dems try to seat Franken
01/02/09 05:58 PM, EST
Sen. John Cornyn weighed in on Minnesota's close and still unresolved
U.S. Senate race, saying Friday that no one should be seated until a
winner is made official by both Minnesota Secretary of State Mark
Ritchie and Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

International

Date: Sat, 3 Jan 2009 05:02:08 -0500
TOP STORIES as of 1000 GMT -- 03 January, 2009

ISRAELI GROUND ATTACK SPECULATION MOUNTS
Israel has continued to pound Hamas targets in Gaza as the world
waits to see whether Israel will launch a ground attack.
Meanwhile, Israel and Hamas have settled into a steady but
deadly exchange of rockets and missiles,
:reports.

JOHN TRAVOLTA'S SON, 16, DIES IN BAHAMAS
The 16-year-old son of actor John Travolta died Friday morning
after suffering a seizure while vacationing with his family in
the Bahamas.

IRAQ SUICIDE BOMBING KILLS AT LEAST 30
At least 11 people were killed and 17 wounded Friday afternoon
in a suicide bombing in Yusifiya, a city about 25 kilometers
(15.5 miles) southwest of Baghdad, an official with the Ministry
of Interior siad.

AIRTRAN APOLOGIZES AFTER MUSLIM FAMILY REMOVED
A day after a Muslim family was removed from a flight at Reagan
National Airport near Washington, officials of AirTran Airways
and the family stood their ground Friday, each accusing the
other of misconduct.

TEEN: I WAS TRICKED INTO TRAINING AS A BOMBER
A 14-year-old who was trained to kill by radicals in the tribal
regions of Pakistan now sits in a crowded classroom at a
detention facility in Kabul. His only wish? To see his parents
again.

AUSTRALIA AGAIN SAYS NO TO GITMO DETAINEES
Australia declined a request from the Bush administration to
resettle detainees held by the United States at Guantanamo Bay,
the Australian Associated Press agency (AAP) reported Saturday.

OBAMA TO MEET LAWMAKERS TO DISCUSS STIMULUS
President-elect Barack Obama is expected to meet with
congressional leaders Monday to discuss his proposal for the new
economic stimulus plan, which leaders are now referring to as an
"economy recovery plan," a Senate Democratic leadership aide
said Friday.

SRI LANKA: SUICIDE BLAST AFTER REBEL CAPITAL FALLS
Sri Lankan troops recaptured the former seat of the Tamil Tiger
rebel movement after days of heavy fighting, military officials
said Friday.

----------------------------------------------
BUSINESS

UKRAINE SEEKS HELP FROM EUROPE IN GAS STANDOFF
Ukraine has sent a delegation to meet European leaders a day
after Russian energy giant Gazprom cut its gas supply and as
fears mount the rest of the continent could be affected. The
delegation left after Gazprom chief executive Alexey Miller,
pictured, upped the ante by saying Ukraine would pay the full
market price of $418 dollars per 1,000 cubic meter.

WALL STREET STARTS YEAR WITH A BANG
Stocks rallied today, with investors starting off the new year
on the right foot after an abysmal 2008. The Dow closed above
9,000 for the first time since November. Analysts and investors
are cautiously optimistic that Wall Street will recover some in
2009, but the extent of any recovery will depend on a variety of
factors.

FORMER SANLU CHIEF FAULTS POOR REGULATION
The head of major Chinese dairy firm Sanlu Group argues that
the country's lack of regulations regarding a toxic chemical
contributed to a tainted milk scandal that sickened nearly
300,000 infants, state-run media reports.

Breaking News

Date: Sat, 3 Jan 2009 11:18:03 -0500

Israeli airstrike hits a mosque in Gaza killing nine people and
wounding 60, Palestinian medical sources say.

Tech: Sector kicks off year with rally, led by Apple, Amazon, AMD

Date: Fri, 02 Jan 2009 18:00:09 -0500
Tech Stocks: Sector kicks off year with rally, led by Apple, Amazon, AMD
1/2/2009 4:15 PM ET
Technology stocks open the year with a rally, led by Seagate, Apple,
Amazon and Advanced Micro Devices.

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Seagate Technology soars on upgrade
1/2/2009 4:42 PM ET
Shares of Seagate Technology rally nearly 15% after an analyst upgrade
to neutral from sell.

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Worldwide semiconductor sales fall 9.8% in November
1/2/2009 4:38 PM ET
Worldwide sales of semiconductors fall 9.8% to $20.8 billion, the
Semiconductor Industry Association.

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Microsoft's browser sees notable decline in usage
1/2/2009 2:27 PM ET
Microsoft Corp.'s Internet browser lost a notable number of users
during the last half of 2008, according to recently published data, a
trend that underscores the growing competition in a market long
dominated by the software giant.

U.S. stocks tally solid weekly gains; Dow ends above 9,000

Date: Fri, 02 Jan 2009 17:01:29 -0500

U.S. stocks tally solid weekly gains; Dow ends above 9,000

U.S. stocks surge -- with the Dow colsing atop 9,000 for the first
time in two months -- as investors begin 2009 by shaking off one of
the most bruising years on record.

ECONOMIC REPORT: U.S. MANUFACTURING DROPS TO 28-YEAR LOW IN DECEMBER

U.S. manufacturing contracts for a fifth straight month in December,
according to the Institute for Supply Management, as no manufacturing
category reports growth in the month.

WORLDWIDE SEMICONDUCTOR SALES FALL 9.8% IN NOVEMBER

Worldwide sales of semiconductors fall 9.8% to $20.8 billion, the
Semiconductor Industry Association.

RUSSIA'S GAZPROM ACCUSES UKRAINE OF 'STEALING' GAS: REPORTS

Russian state-controlled gas giant Gazprom accuses Ukraine of
"stealing" gas meant for other European customers, a day after Russia
cut off natural-gas supplies to its neighbor because of a dispute over
bills.

CURRENCIES: DOLLAR RISES AS POOR EUROPEAN DATA OFFSET WEAK ISM READING

The U.S. dollar gains Friday as traders return to their desks after
the New Year's holiday, but the greenback gives back some of those
gains after a surprise drop in a U.S. manufacturing survey.

Stocks start 2009 with a bang, as Dow rises about 250 points to top 9,000.

Date: Fri, 2 Jan 2009 16:01:04 -0500

Stocks start 2009 with a bang, as Dow rises about 250 points to top 9,000.

Oil settles up $1.74 at $46.34 a barrel amid renewed global concerns about supply.

Date: Fri, 2 Jan 2009 14:56:04 -0500

Oil settles up $1.74 at $46.34 a barrel amid renewed global concerns
about supply.

Private equity group, including computer magnate Michael Dell, to pay $13.9 billion for failed IndyMac Bank.

Date: Fri, 2 Jan 2009 15:20:06 -0500

Private equity group, including computer magnate Michael Dell, to pay
$13.9 billion for failed IndyMac Bank.

Dow industrials up 200 points

Date: Fri, 02 Jan 2009 13:44:28 -0500

Dow industrials up 200 points
1:42:25 PM EDT

U.S. stocks climb in first 2009 session; GM leads Dow

Date: Fri, 02 Jan 2009 12:01:02 -0500

U.S. stocks climb in first 2009 session; GM leads Dow

U.S. stocks pulled higher Friday as investors looked to begin 2009 by
shaking off one of the most bruising years on record.

WORLDWIDE SEMICONDUCTOR SALES FALL 9.8% IN NOVEMBER

Worldwide sales of semiconductors fell 9.8% to $20.8 billion in
November, compared to $23.1 billion in the year-earlier period, the
Semiconductor
Industry Association said

RUSSIA REASSURES EUROPE OVER GAS AMID UKRAINE DISPUTE: REPORT

Russia has sent its assurances to several European Union countries
that they won't face any disruption in natural-gas supplies amid a
dispute over unpaid
bills and pricing to the Ukraine.

EUROPE MARKETS: EUROPEAN SHARES MOVE HIGHER TO START 2009

European shares move higher Friday in the first trading session of
2009, helped by gains for the mining sector and a solid start to the
year from most banking stocks.

U.S. stocks at morning's highs after slow start; Dow industrials up 110 points

Date: Fri, 02 Jan 2009 10:46:46 -0500

U.S. stocks at morning's highs after slow start; Dow industrials up 110 points
10:44:42 AM EDT

Energy: Petroleum shares add to recent gains

Date: 2 JAN 2009 15:15:52 GMT

Energy stocks continued their upward momentum on Friday, rising with
the broad market to kick off 2009 trading in the green column.

Manufacturing activity in December contracted to its lowest level in over 28 years, according purchasing managers group ISM.

Date: Fri, 2 Jan 2009 10:04:03 -0500

Manufacturing activity in December contracted to its lowest level in
over 28 years, according purchasing managers group ISM.

Stocks open higher on first trading day of '09 as investors await a key manufacturing report. Dow starts the year above 8800.

Date: Fri, 2 Jan 2009 09:33:03 -0500

Stocks open higher on first trading day of '09 as investors await a
key manufacturing report. Dow starts the year above 8800.

International

Date: Fri, 2 Jan 2009 05:02:08 -0500
TOP STORIES as of 1000 GMT -- 02 January, 2009

HAMAS: 'AVENGE BLOOD OF OUR PEOPLE'S MARTYRS'
A Hamas spokesman calls on Palestinian militants to avenge the
death of slain military commander Nizar Rayan, as well as "the
blood of our people's martyrs," following his death in an
Israeli airstrike. Rayan was killed on a sixth day of bombings
in Gaza -- but rockets continue to land in the Jewish state's
territory.

SRI LANKAN ARMY RETAKES FORMER REBEL CAPITAL
Sri Lankan troops recaptured the former seat of the Tamil Tiger
rebel movement after days of heavy fighting, military officials
said Friday.

19 DEAD UNIDENTIFIED AFTER BANGKOK BLAZE
Investigators posted photos of the unidentified victims of a
catastrophic nightclub fire outside a Bangkok police station
Friday in hopes that relatives would be able to identify them.

SUSPECTED U.S. STRIKE KILLS 4 IN PAKISTAN
The second suspected U.S. missile strike in two days killed four
suspected Islamic militants in northwest Pakistan, intelligence
officials said Friday.

SINGAPORE'S GDP SLUMPS 12.5 PERCENT
In a further indication of the weakening Asian economy,
Singapore on Friday said GDP had declined by 12.5 percent in
real terms in the fourth quarter of 2008 and revised downwards
its growth estimates for 2009.

MUSLIM FAMILY SENT OFF PLANE FOR ALARMING TALK
A Muslim family removed from an airliner Thursday after
passengers became concerned about their conversation say AirTran
officials refused to rebook them, even after FBI investigators
cleared them of wrongdoing.

REPORT: CHINA, VIETNAM AGREE ON LAND BORDER
China and Vietnam have settled a lengthy border dispute nearly
30 years after a month-long war that left tens of thousands of
people dead, state-run media reported.

MYANMAR RELEASES NORTH KOREAN DEFECTORS
Nineteen North Korean defectors have been released from
detention in Myanmar and sent to Thailand, Burmese officials
told the U.S.-funded Voice of America news service Thursday.

-------------------------------------------------
BUSINESS

FORMER SANLU CHIEF FAULTS POOR REGULATION
The head of major Chinese dairy firm Sanlu Group argues that
the country's lack of regulations regarding a toxic chemical
contributed to a tainted milk scandal that sickened nearly
300,000 infants, state-run media reports.

ASIAN, PACIFIC MARKETS OPEN 2009 MOSTLY HIGHER
Asian stock exchanges were mixed on the first trading day of the
new year, with Hong Kong and South Korean markets showing gains
Friday and Australia slumping.

GAZPROM CUTS OFF GAS SUPPLIES TO UKRAINE
Russian energy monopoly Gazprom said Thursday it had cut off
supplies of natural gas to Ukraine after a payment deadline
expired. Ukraine owes the energy giant about $2 billion for past
natural gas deliveries.

Energy: Stock futures mixed ahead of first trading session of 2009

Date: 2 JAN 2009 11:22:46 GMT

U.S. stock market futures are mixed ahead of the first trading session
of 2009 as investors eye a sharp drop in crude-oil prices and look
ahead to a reading on manufacturing activity.

WORLD NEWS Happy 2009! going green!

Date: Thu, 1 Jan 2009 20:02:08 -0500
TOP STORIES as of 0900 HKT -- 02 January, 2009

TOP HAMAS LEADER KILLED IN GAZA AIRSTRIKE
The Israeli air force has bombed the homes of two top Hamas
military figures, killing at least one of them. The Hamas
television showed the body of Nizar Rayan, a commander in
northern Gaza, being pulled from the rubble of his house in
Jabalya, pictured.

CLUB FIRE VICTIMS DIED FROM SMOKE, TRAMPLING
At least 58 people are dead following a fire at a Bangkok
nightclub where hundreds of revelers had gathered to celebrate
the New Year. Police said sparks from a fireworks display may
have caused the blaze. Many of the victims were killed in a
stampede for the exits as panicked clubbers attempted to escape
the flames.

IRAQIS TAKE CONTROL OF 'GREEN ZONE'
The U.S. military formally handed authority over Baghdad's
"Green Zone" to Iraqis on Thursday as new pacts governing the
mission of international troops replaced a U.N. mandate.

LONGTIME U.S. SEN. CLAIBORNE PELL DIES
Former U.S. Sen. Claiborne Pell, who was largely responsible for
the Pell grant program for U.S. college students, died Thursday
morning at his Rhode Island home, his family said.

PROTESTERS ATTACK TEHRAN HOME OF NOBEL WINNER
A group of demonstrators attacked the Tehran home and office of
Nobel peace laureate Shirin Ebadi on Thursday, trampling a sign
in the front yard and accusing her of supporting Israel, her
office said.

TRIBUTES PAID TO ANTI-APARTHEID CRUSADER
Anti-apartheid campaigner Helen Suzman, twice nominated for a
Nobel Peace prize, died Thursday at her home in Johannesburg,
South Africa. She was 91.

DISPUTE OVER DEATHS OF AFGHAN POLICE OFFICERS
Taliban fighters ambushed the home of an Afghan government
official in the southern Helmand province, killing 20
bodyguards, a spokesman for the provincial governor said
Thursday.

SUSPECT SURRENDERS IN DANISH MALL SHOOTING
Two Israeli citizens were shot and suffered minor injuries
Wednesday at a shopping mall in the Danish town of Odense, a
police spokesman has said.

-------------------------------------------------
BUSINESS

GAZPROM CUTS OFF GAS SUPPLIES TO UKRAINE
Russian energy monopoly Gazprom said Thursday it had cut off
supplies of natural gas to Ukraine after a payment deadline
expired. Ukraine owes the energy giant about $2 billion for past
natural gas deliveries.

SLOVAKIA HOPES EURO MOVE BRINGS STABILITY
Slovakia became the first of the larger ex-communist EU members
to join the European single currency on Thursday amid hope the
move will provide stability in the global economic storm.

Happy 2009! Transition to green!

WORLD NEWS

Date: Thu, 1 Jan 2009 05:02:05 -0500
TOP STORIES as of 1000 GMT -- 01 January, 2009

2008 CAPTURED IN PICTURES
A boy confronted by a baton-wielding police officer during
election protests in Kenya, Nairobi; a baby thrown to safety
from an apartment fire in Germany; Michael Phelps' historic
success at the Olympic Games; and one house standing alone after
Hurricane Ike -- from triumph to tragedy, 2008's best
photographs tell the story of a memorable year.

BANGKOK NIGHTCLUB FIRE KILLS 58
A fire and resulting stampede left nearly 60 dead early Thursday
at one of Bangkok's most upscale nightclubs, where about 1,000
revelers were ringing in the new year, Thai police said.

OLMERT: NO PEACE IN GAZA UNTIL ROCKETS STOP
The first day of 2009 dawned in Gaza with a sixth day of Israeli
airstrikes, a bombardment Israel's prime minister vowed would
not end until Hamas militants quit firing rockets into the
Jewish state.

U.N. MULLS CEASE-FIRE RESOLUTION ON GAZA
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday called for an
immediate cease-fire in Gaza, condemning the recent actions of
both Hamas and Israel. He appealed to the international
community to do more to end the violence.

ISRAEL USES YOUTUBE, TWITTER TO SHARE VIEWS
Israel has taken its barrage of airstrikes in Gaza to the Web,
creating a YouTube channel this week to post footage of its air
force dropping bombs on Hamas targets.

REPORT: GAZPROM CUTS OFF UKRAINE'S GAS
Russian energy monopoly Gazprom cut off supplies of natural gas
to Ukraine after a payment deadline expired Thursday, Russian
state television reported.

1 MILLION CELEBRATE NEW YEAR IN NEW YORK
Strong winds, frigid weather and blowing snow will help
celebrators from around the world usher in 2009 Wednesday night
in New York's Times Square.

MISSILE ATTACK IN PAKISTAN KILLS 3
A suspected U.S. missile strike killed three people and wounded
two others in one of Pakistan's northwestern tribal districts,
Pakistani intelligence officials said Thursday.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
BUSINESS

SLOVAKIA READY FOR EURO SWITCH
Slovakia becomes the first of the larger ex-communist EU members
to join the European single currency on Thursday, hoping that
the move will provide stability amid the global economic storm.

CONSUMER CONFIDENCE IN U.S. SLUMPS
A key measure of U.S. consumer confidence fell to an all-time
low in December amid a dismal job market and uncertain outlook
for the new year.

International

Date: Wed, 31 Dec 2008 20:02:09 -0500
TOP STORIES as of 0900 HKT -- 01 January, 2009

DOZENS KILLED IN BANGKOK NIGHTCLUB FIRE
At least 59 people were killed in a fire that broke out in a
nightclub in Bangkok during New Year's Eve celebrations, Thai
police said. The fire, at a club called Zantika, started at
about 12:35 a.m. (1735 GMT), police told CNN. Most of the
fatality victims were Thai, but foreigners have been identified
from Australia, the Netherlands, Nepal and Japan, police said.

OLMERT: NO PEACE IN GAZA TILL HAMAS ROCKETS STOP
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert vowed Wednesday that Israel's air
assault on Gaza would not end until Hamas militants quit firing
rockets into Israeli territory. Despite a French proposal for a
humanitarian truce, Israel earlier Wednesday decided to continue
the operation.

EARS FOR IRANIAN NOBEL WINNER AFTER RAIDS
Iranian raids on the office of dissident attorney Shirin Ebadi
may have put her and her clients in "grave danger," Ebadi's
fellow Nobel laureates say.

AVALANCHE SURVIVOR: 'WE DID EVERYTHING WE COULD'
Wiping tears from his cheeks, a man who survived avalanches that
killed eight snowmobilers in western Canada said Wednesday that
he and two others tried to save their friends but eventually
left the mountain because of the threat of more slides.

TWO ISRAELIS WOUNDED IN DANISH MALL SHOOTING
Two Israeli citizens were shot and suffered minor injuries
Wednesday at a shopping mall in the Danish town of Odense, a
police spokesman has said.

U.S. ARMY PROBES DEATH OF AL QAEDA SUSPECT
The U.S. Army is investigating allegations that Special Forces
troops killed an al Qaeda suspect in cold blood and cut off his
finger during an overnight operation near Baghdad earlier this
month.

BRITISH, AUSTRALIAN TROOPS TO STAY IN IRAQ
Iraq has signed troop withdrawal agreements that will have
British and Australian troops out of the country by the end of
July, Iraqi Defense Ministry said.

FIFTY YEARS ON, CUBA'S REVOLUTION SHOWS ITS AGE
Thursday marks the 50th anniversary of the Cuban revolution,
when Fidel Castro and a group of guerrillas toppled a
longstanding U.S.-backed dictator.
-------------------------------------------------------------
BUSINESS

MARKETS MOSTLY HIGHER AT DISMAL YEAR'S END
Global markets were solidly in positive territory during limited
trading for the final session of 2008 -- a year that brought
several high-profile investment banks to their knees and shook
the financial world to near-ruin

SLOVAKIA READY FOR EURO SWITCH
Slovakia becomes the first of the larger ex-communist EU members
to join the European single currency on Thursday, hoping that
the move will provide stability amid the global economic storm.

OIL SLIDES NEARLY 60% DURING 2008
Crude continues its downward spiral as weak economic data and
Middle East tensions add to pessimism about oil demand. Crude
oil hit an all-time high of more than $147 in July but prices
have collapsed in the last six months as the credit crisis has
pushed the industrialized world into recession.

Tech : Google, Yahoo rise as tech sector's bad year aims for upbeat end

Date: Wed, 31 Dec 2008 18:00:10 -0500

Tech Stocks: Google, Yahoo rise as tech sector's bad year aims for upbeat end
12/31/2008 4:20 PM ET
Technology stocks closed higher Wednesday as the broader market staged a final
rally to wrap up a year stained by red ink.

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Stocks to Watch: Stocks in focus for Friday
12/31/2008 5:29 PM ET
Among the companies whose shares are expected to see active trade in
Friday's session after the New Year's holiday are Flir Systems Inc.,
Scana Corp., and Citigroup Inc.

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Two top Dell execs to depart amid major reorganization
12/31/2008 4:44 PM ET
Dell Inc. said Wednesday that two senior executives are ling the
company, and the computing giant also unveiled a major reorganization
that trades structure
based on geographic boundaries for customer segments.

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Analyst expects cheaper iPhone, MacBook models in 2009
12/31/2008 4:22 PM ET
Apple may be gearing up to introduce cheaper iPhone and MacBook models
in 2009, possibly including a device dubbed the iPhone nano, an
analyst says.

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Latin American Markets: Mexico closes higher, but ends year down 24%
12/31/2008 4:11 PM ET
Mexico's benchmark index edges higher Wednesday, putting a positive
end note on a year that battered stocks markets in Latin America and
around the globe.

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Microsoft's Zune player experiencing problems
12/31/2008 12:37 PM ET
Microsoft warns customers using the 30-gigabyte version of its Zune
media player that they "may experience issues when booting their Zune
hardware."

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Canadian Markets: Second-half rout punishes TSX, set to end year down 36%
12/31/2008 12:08 PM ET
Canadian stocks edge higher during the last trading session of 2008, a
bruising year during which the credit crunch and tumult in the
commodities markets have delivered a one-two punch for Toronto
investors.

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Indications: Futures edge broadly higher in final session of 2008
12/31/2008 9:15 AM ET
Stock market futures edge higher ahead of the final trading session of
2008 as. investors take stock of a terrible year for global markets.

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Before the Bell: Dell, American International Group, crude-oil in the spotlight
12/31/2008 8:49 AM ET
Stock market futures were mostly higher Wednesday ahead of the final
trading session of 2008 as investors took stock of a terrible year for
global markets.

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London Markets: U.K. shares close higher to end year as oil majors,
Vodafone gain
12/31/2008 8:17 AM ET
U.K. shares move higher to end a terrible year for the British market,
with Aberdeen Asset Management surging after it agrees a deal to buy a
fund management business from Credit Suisse.

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Motorola cutting 400 more jobs as troubles continue
12/30/2008 8:48 PM ET
Embattled cellphone maker Motorola Inc. said Tuesday it is eliminating
400 more jobs, which will help add $25 million in pre-tax charges to
the company's fourth-quarter results.

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After Hours: Banks ricochet as Fed details planned mortgage purchases
12/30/2008 5:51 PM ET
Banks extend their Tuesday gains in the late session as the Federal
Reserve says it'll start buying mortgage securities backed by Fannie
Mae and Freddie Mac in January.

Markets Wednesday, 12/31/2008

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

| Dow : 8776.39 up 108.00 | S & P : 903.25 up 12.61 |
|
| NASDAQ: 1577.03 up 26.33 | Bond (10Y): 2.24%, 113.19 |

MARKETS:
Wall Street: Bring on '09
Investors close the books on Wall Street's worst year since the 1930s.

Treasurys ease on last day of a very good year

Date: Wed, 31 Dec 2008 17:01:27 -0500

Treasurys ease on last day of a very good year

Treasurys lower amid very thin trading, after the government said initial
claims for jobless benefits fell last week.

ECONOMIC REPORT: INITIAL JOBLESS CLAIMS FALL; CONTINUING CLAIMS AT 26-YEAR HIGH

First-time applications for state unemployment benefits fall 94,000 to
stand at 492,000 in the week ended Dec. 27, as the Labor Department
cites seasonal
volatility in explaining the surprising drop.

ANALYST EXPECTS CHEAPER IPHONE, MACBOOK MODELS IN 2009

Apple may be gearing up to introduce cheaper iPhone and MacBook models in 2009,
possibly including a device dubbed the iPhone nano, an analyst says.
MADOFF'S ALLEGED FRAUD CLAIMS SOME FAMOUS VICTIMS: REPORTS

Among those who have lost money in the alleged Ponzi scheme run by
Bernard Madoff are some high-profile names, such as economist Henry
Kaufman and actor Kevin Bacon, according to media reports.

Breaking News

Date: Wed, 31 Dec 2008 17:37:05 -0500

At least 59 people killed in nightclub fire in Bangkok during New
Year's Eve celebrations, Thai police said.

Wall Street ends one of its most dismal years ever with a gain; Dow up 105 points at the close, Nasdaq gains 1.6%, S&P rises 1.5%.

Date: Wed, 31 Dec 2008 16:01:04 -0500

Wall Street ends one of its most dismal years ever with a gain; Dow up
105 points at the close, Nasdaq gains 1.6%, S&P rises 1.5%.

Oil settles up $5.57 to $44.60 a barrel, a 14% gain, on Russia-Ukraine gas dispute.

Date: Wed, Dec 31, 2008 at 11:59 AM

Oil settles up $5.57 to $44.60 a barrel, a 14% gain, on Russia-Ukraine
gas dispute.

1

VIX stock-market volatility gauge at lowest level since October

Date: Wed, 31 Dec 2008 12:52:02 -0500

VIX stock-market volatility gauge at lowest level since October
12:49:50 PM EDT

Treasurys slightly lower to end very good year

Date: Wed, 31 Dec 2008 12:01:15 -0500

Treasurys lower amid very thin trading, after the government said
initial claims for jobless benefits fell last week.

ECONOMIC REPORT: INITIAL JOBLESS CLAIMS FALL; CONTINUING CLAIMS AT 26-YEAR HIGH

First-time applications for state unemployment benefits fall 94,000 to
stand at 492,000 in the week ended Dec. 27, as the Labor Department
cites seasonal volatility in explaining the surprising drop.

EUROPE MARKETS: LONDON ENDS HIGHER TO CAP OFF A DISMAL YEAR; FLAT ACTION IN
PARIS

European shares move broadly higher at the end of a dismal year for
global markets, with London scoring gains and Paris ending all but
flat.

MADOFF'S ALLEGED FRAUD CLAIMS SOME FAMOUS VICTIMS: REPORTS

Among those who have lost money in the alleged Ponzi scheme run by
Bernard Madoff are some high-profile names, such as economist Henry
Kaufman and actor Kevin Bacon, according to media reports. Key
disclosures about investors losses are due later Wednesday.

CAPITOL REPORT: OBAMA'S 'GOING GREEN' POLICIES HOLD PROMISES -- AND PITFALLS

They're calling it the "transition to green," a motto fashioned by
environmental groups' pining for the first 100 days of Barack Obama's
presidency. It envisions, among other things, increased funding for
alternative-energy development. Federal outlays for new jobs in this
sector would also constitute a "massive" transition to an economy that
looks favorablyon emissions-free energy sources and rewards ways to
save energy, and potentially create many jobs along the way. But such
ambitious policy proposales carry pitfalls as well as promises.

U.S. benchmark 30-year mortgage rate falls to latest record low

Date: Wed, 31 Dec 2008 10:10:35 -0500

U.S. benchmark 30-year mortgage rate falls to latest record low
12/31/2008 10:08:32 AM EDT

Energy: Energy stocks ending rocky year with modest losses

Date: 31 DEC 2008 15:09:03 GMT

Petroleum, natural gas shares and oil service shares fall ahead of
weekly inventory data in the last trading day of 2008, closing the
books on a wild and weaker year.

Breaking News

Date: Wed, 31 Dec 2008 05:23:05 -0500

Bomb explodes near TV headquarters in northern Spanish city of Bilbao
following warning from Basque separatist group ETA.

Energy: Oil falls ahead of supply data, heading for its worst year

Date: 31 DEC 2008 14:12:11 GMT
Headline: Futures Movers - Oil falls ahead of supply data, heading for
its worst year

Crude-oil futures fell for a second session ahead of the government's
petroleum inventories data, heading for their worst year on record on
concerns that the economic recession will cut energy demand.

The number of people filing initial jobless claims fell last week by 94,000 to 492,000 - fewer than expected.

Date: Wed, 31 Dec 2008 08:34:04 -0500

The number of people filing initial jobless claims fell last week by
94,000 to 492,000 - fewer than expected.

Energy: Dell, American International Group, crude-oil in the spotlight

Date: 31 DEC 2008 13:50:50 GMT
Headline: Before the Bell - Dell, American International Group,
crude-oil in the spotlight

Stock market futures were mostly higher Wednesday ahead of the final
trading session of 2008 as investors took stock of a terrible year for
global markets.

International

Date: Wed, 31 Dec 2008 05:02:09 -0500
TOP STORIES as of 1000 GMT -- 31 December, 2008

ISRAEL TO CONTINUE GAZA CAMPAIGN
Israel decides to continue its offensive in the Palestinian
territory of Gaza despite a French proposal for a humanitarian
truce, a spokesman says. Israel's fourth day of attacks has sent
the Palestinian death toll to more than 375.

ZIMBABWE ACTIVISTS REMAIN LOCKED UP
A court in Zimbabwe ordered 14 activists to remain in jail
Wednesday, pending a Supreme Court hearing over their alleged
participation in a plot to topple the government of President
Robert Mugabe. Two other activists facing lesser charges were
released.

BRAZILIAN ACCUSED IN NUN'S MURDER ARRESTED
A lengthy investigation into the erratic behavior of a Brazilian
accused of ordering the murder of a 73-year-old American nun led
to his recent arrest.

FOUR EXECUTIVES ON TRIAL IN CHINA MILK SCANDAL
Four executives working for the Sanlu Group, the major dairy at
the heart of a contaminated milk scandal in China that sickened
nearly 300,000 infants, went on trial Wednesday in the country's
north, state-run media reported.

GHANA VOTE RESULTS EXPECTED FRIDAY
Ghana's new president won't be determined until Friday when
voters in one constituency return to the polls to recast their
ballots, the chairman of the Ghana Electoral Commission
announced.

NASA DETAILS FINAL SECONDS FOR COLUMBIA
A NASA report on the last minutes of space shuttle Columbia
cited problems with the crew's helmets, spacesuits and
restraints, which resulted in "lethal trauma" to the seven
astronauts aboard. But the report also acknowledged that "the
breakup of the crew module ... was not survivable by any
currently existing capability."

'JENA 6' FIGURE TRIED SUICIDE, POLICE SAY
A teenager whose arrest in a racially charged assault case drew
thousands of protesters to his rural Louisiana hometown was in a
hospital Tuesday after a shooting that his lawyer said was
accidental.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
BUSINESS

CONSUMER CONFIDENCE IN U.S. SLUMPS
A key measure of U.S. consumer confidence fell to an all-time
low in December amid a dismal job market and uncertain outlook
for the new year.

ASIA, PACIFIC MARKETS MOSTLY HIGHER
Most Asia and Pacific markets were solidly in positive territory
Wednesday during limited trading on the final session of a
dismal year.

COLOMBIA FREEZES FUEL PRICES
Colombia will freeze prices for gasoline and other petrofuels
through March, the government has announced.

International

Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2008 20:02:09 -0500
TOP STORIES as of 0900 HKT -- 31 December, 2008

OLMERT: AIRSTRIKES MERELY 'FIRST STAGE' IN GAZA
Israel's fourth day of attacks in Gaza sent the Palestinian
death toll to more than 375 Tuesday as Prime Minister Ehud
Olmert warned that the air offensive marked only the beginning
of its campaign against Hamas militants. However, an Israeli
defense official later said it was considering a proposal for a
two-day truce to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.

NASA DETAILS FINAL SECONDS FOR COLUMBIA
A NASA report on the last minutes of space shuttle Columbia
cited problems with the crew's helmets, spacesuits and
restraints, which resulted in "lethal trauma" to the seven
astronauts aboard. But the report also acknowledged that "the
breakup of the crew module ... was not survivable by any
currently existing capability."

CONGO GROUPS: 400 MASSACRED ON XMAS DAY
A Catholic aid organization operating in the Democratic Republic
of Congo and the country's government have accused Uganda-based
rebels of massacring 400 civilians during Christmas celebrations
last week.

U.S. DEATHS IN IRAQ DOWN 66 PERCENT IN 2008
American military deaths in Iraq have dropped dramatically this
year, a trend observers attribute to the lasting effects of the
U.S.-led surge offensive, more robust Iraqi security performance
and civilians' disgust with warfare.

BRITAIN FEARED ANNIHILATION BY SOVIETS
Britain feared that it would have been overwhelmed in the event
of a Soviet attack because of the depleted state of its armed
forces, according to secret files made public on Tuesday.

HOLOCAUST 'GREATEST' LOVE STORY A HOAX
Oprah Winfrey once dubbed it the "greatest love story" she had
ever heard: a boy held at a Nazi concentration camp during World
War II and a girl on the outside who tossed him apples to keep
him alive. They eventually married and grew old together.

OBAMA CHIDES SENATE SEAT DECISION
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is expected Tuesday to name former
Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris to the U.S. Senate, CNN
affiliates the Chicago Tribune and WLS-TV reported, citing
sources familiar with the decision.

EIGHTH BODY FOUND AFTER CANADIAN AVALANCHES
Authorities Tuesday recovered the body of an eighth missing
snowmobiler buried in avalanches in southern British Columbia, a
spokesman for the the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said.

----------------------------------------------------
BUSINESS

GAZPROM MAKES UKRAINE THREAT AS PROFITS SOAR
Russian gas giant Gazprom has reiterated its threat to cut
supplies to Ukraine on January 1 if it does not settle an
outstanding debt. Gazprom chief executive Alexei Miller,
pictured, repeated the threat on the same day the company
announced a 85 percent jump in net profit to $20.8 billion for
the six months ended June 30.

LOANS TO U.S. AUTOMAKERS DELAYED
Emergency loans for two of the nation's top automakers didn't
materialize Monday, but the Treasury Department said it would
finalize the loans in time to meet the needs of the struggling
companies.

KUWAIT SCRAPS $17B CHEMICAL DEAL
Kuwait decides to cancel a deal to form a $17.4 billion
petrochemical joint venture with U.S. company Dow Chemical. The
move may put Dow's plan to use the money to repay a large part
of its $13 billion debt in peril.

Energy: Americans continue to curb driving even as gas prices plunge

Date: 30 DEC 2008 23:47:54 GMT

Most Americans who adjusted their driving habits in a big way when
gasoline prices surged are sticking with their economizing ways,
according to a Gallup poll released Tuesday.

Tech: Chip issues pace tech gains; key index down 42% in '08

Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2008 18:00:08 -0500
Tech Daily: Chip issues pace tech gains; key index down 42%
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Tech Stocks: Chip issues pace tech gains; key index down 42% in '08
12/30/2008 4:33 PM ET
Most U.S. technology stocks close higher, led by chip makers like
Intel and Advanced Micro Devices.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Tech Stocks: Amazon.com stock drops 4.5% as tech sector ends lower
12/29/2008 5:14 PM ET
Technology stocks slump, with shares of online retailer Amazon.com
closing nearly 5% lower.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
After Hours: Banks ricochet as Fed details planned mortgage purchases
12/30/2008 5:51 PM ET
Banks extend their Tuesday gains in the late session as the Federal
Reserve says it'll start buying mortgage securities backed by Fannie
Mae and Freddie Mac in January.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Speculation about Microsoft cutbacks heats up
12/30/2008 4:08 PM ET
Speculation has surfaced that Microsoft Corp. might have to move
beyond its current hiring slowdown and even cut jobs, as Wall Street
analysts pare their outlook for the company amid the economic gloom.

Markets Tuesday, 12/30/2008

Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2008 17:31:05 -0500

| Dow : 8668.39 up 184.46 | S & P : 890.64 up 21.22 |
|
| NASDAQ: 1550.70 up 40.38 | Bond (10Y): 2.06%, 115.00

MARKETS:
Stocks surge near year end
Wall Street gains in a thinly-traded session at the end of an abysmal year.

U.S. blue-chips get a boost from GM; financials rally late

Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2008 17:01:54 -0500

U.S. blue-chips get a boost from GM; financials rally late

U.S. stocks rise after the government expands its bailout plans for General
Motors, which in turn says it will make more financing options
available to consumers.

ECONOMIC REPORT: HOME PRICES OFF RECORD 18% IN PAST YEAR, CASE-SHILLER SAYS

Home prices in 20 major U.S. cities drop a further 2.2% in October
from September, with their annualized drop working out to a record 18%
, according to the Case-Shiller price index compiled by Standard &
Poor's. An IHS Global Insight analysts sees little respite for
homeowners.

AUTO SECTOR MOVES HIGHER AS GMAC SECURES U.S. FUNDING

Shares of U.S. automakers General Motors and Ford rally ahead of the
opening bell, buoyed by news that GMAC Financial Services had received
government funding.

CAPITOL REPORT: OBAMA'S 'GOING GREEN' POLICIES HOLD PROMISES -- AND PITFALLS

They're calling it the "transition to green," a motto fashioned by
environmental groups' pining for the first 100 days of Barack Obama's
presidency. It envisions, among other things, increased funding for
alternative-energy development. Federal outlays for new jobs in this
sector would also constitute a "massive" transition to an economy that
looks favorably on emissions-free energy sources and rewards ways to
save energy, and potentially create many jobs along the way. But such
ambitious policy
proposales carry pitfalls as well as promises.

ECONOMIC REPORT: U.S. CONSUMER CONFIDENCE HITS RECORD LOW ON JOB, BUSINESS
WORRIES

Consumer confidence hit a record low in December, according to the monthly
Conference Board index reported Tuesday, as worries increased about current
business and labor-market conditions.

News Alert!

Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2008 13:37:21 -0800 (PST)

GOP to Dems: Slow down on stimulus bill
12/30/08 02:07 PM, EST
Top congressional Republicans Tuesday cautioned Democrats not to rush
through a massive stimulus package that lawmakers hope to send to
President-elect Barack Obama shortly after he takes office next month.

Commentary: Please, no more scandal in 2009
12/30/08 12:30 PM, EST
As poll after poll quantifies the public's immense admiration for
Barack Obama as the incoming 44th president of the United States,
other politicians, especially those elected to serve in the U.S.
Congress, continue to yield approval numbers low enough to
flash-freeze an elephant (or a donkey) in under a minute.

Congo groups: 400 massacred on Xmas day
12/30/08 12:17 PM, EST
A Catholic aid organization operating in the Democratic Republic of
Congo and the country's government have accused Uganda-based rebels of
massacring 400 civilians during Christmas celebrations last week.

Stocks rally on the government's $6 billion GMAC investment. Dow up 183 points at the close, S&P gains 2.4%, Nasdaq 2.6% higher.

Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2008 16:01:06 -0500

Stocks rally on the government's $6 billion GMAC investment. Dow up
183 points at the close, S&P gains 2.4%, Nasdaq 2.6% higher.

Oil settles 99 cents lower at $39.03 a barrel on continuing signs of a weak economy.

Date: Tue, Dec 30, 2008 at 2:47 PM

Oil settles 99 cents lower at $39.03 a barrel on continuing signs of a
weak economy.

Breaking News

Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2008 13:25:07 -0500

Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak considering truce proposal to
allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, official says.

News Alert!

Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2008 09:38:15 -0800 (PST)

Gaza relief boat damaged in encounter with Israeli vessel
12/30/08 09:23 AM, EST
An Israeli patrol boat struck a boat carrying medical volunteers and
supplies to Gaza early Tuesday as it attempted to intercept the vessel
in the Mediterranean Sea, witnesses and Israeli officials said.

Roadside bombings double in Afghanistan
12/30/08 09:22 AM, EST
The U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan said roadside bombs have doubled
and kidnapping have increased over the last year in the war-torn
country, but said the cultivation of opium poppies that is used to
produce heroin has declined.

Commentary: Cut taxes, don't raise spending
12/30/08 06:38 AM, EST
When the Obama administration takes office in January, it will propose
a fiscal stimulus consisting of increased government spending and
lower taxes.

Pakistan shuts down NATO supply route
12/30/08 05:17 AM, EST
Pakistani security forces launched an operation against Taliban
militants in the nation's tribal region along the border with
Afghanistan on Tuesday, shutting down NATO supply routes, Pakistani
military sources said.

Home prices off record 18% in past year, Case-Shiller says

Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2008 12:01:09 -0500

Home prices off record 18% in past year, Case-Shiller says

Home prices in 20 major U.S. cities drop a further 2.2% in October
from September, with their annualized drop working out to a record 18%
, according to the Case-Shiller price index compiled by Standard &
Poor's. An IHS Global Insight analysts sees little respite for
homeowners.

ECONOMIC REPORT: U.S. CONSUMER CONFIDENCE HITS RECORD LOW ON JOB,
BUSINESS WORRIES

Consumer confidence hit a record low in December, according to the
monthly Conference Board index reported Tuesday, as worries increased
about current business and labor-market conditions.

AUTOMAKERS SET TO RALLY AS GMAC SECURES U.S. FUNDING

Shares of U.S. automakers General Motors and Ford rally ahead of the
opening bell, buoyed by news that GMAC Financial Services had received
government funding.

MARK HULBERT: GOLD TIMERS MORE BULLISH THAN THEY'VE BEEN IN FIVE MONTHS

The editor of the average gold-timing newsletter is more bullish today
than he has been in nearly six months.

ISRAEL VOWS A 'LONG' GAZA CAMPAIGN: REPORTS

As Israel marks the fourth day of a fierce air assault on Gaza, the
country's interior minister Meir Sheetrit rejects the possibility of a
ceasefire, vowing the attacks will continue until the threat of
rockets from Hamas is completely eliminated.

Breaking News

Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2008 12:08:03 -0500

Attempt will be made at a two-day truce and suspension of Israel's
operations in Gaza, Israel's Haaretz newspaper reports.

Key measure of consumer confidence shows surprise plunge to an all-time low in December.

Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2008 10:03:03 -0500

Key measure of consumer confidence shows surprise plunge to an
all-time low in December.

Stocks open higher as investors cheer government's $6 billion intervention to prop up GM financing arm GMAC.

Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2008 09:32:08 -0500

Stocks open higher as investors cheer government's $6 billion
intervention to prop up GM financing arm GMAC.

International

Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2008 05:02:08 -0500
TOP STORIES as of 1000 GMT -- 30 December, 2008

ISRAEL POUNDS HAMAS BUILDINGS IN 'ALL-OUT WAR'
Israel bombs a Hamas government compound, leveling at least
three structures, including the foreign ministry building,
eyewitnesses and Hamas security sources tell CNN. Airstrikes
have killed more than 375 Palestinians, most of them Hamas
militants, Palestinian medical sources say.

AWAMI LEAGUE WINS BANGLADESH ELECTION
Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League won a
landslide victory in Bangladesh's first national elections in
seven years, claiming nearly 230 of the 300 seats in parliament,
the country's electoral commission reported.

THAI PM GIVES KEY SPEECH AMID PROTESTS
Thousands of red-shirted supporters of Thailand's former prime
minister gathered outside the Parliament for a third day on
Tuesday, vowing to prevent the country's new leader from
delivering his first policy speech.

TOKYO'S NIKKEI ENDS YEAR 42.1% DOWN
Major Asia and Pacific markets traded higher Tuesday in the
waning days of a dismal year.

TAIWAN'S EX-PRESIDENT RETURNED TO JAIL
A Taiwan court early Tuesday ordered ex-President Chen
Shui-bian, who is facing corruption charges, back to jail after
deeming him a flight risk.

POLICE: SANTA SHOOTER'S MOM ON HIT LIST
The man who police say dressed as Santa Claus and killed nine
people at a Christmas Eve party may have also had plans to kill
his mother and his former wife's divorce attorney, police said
Monday night.

BODIES OF 7 SNOWMOBILERS FOUND IN CANADA
Eight snowmobilers remain unaccounted for after two avalanches
in British Columbia, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said.
Three others survived the incident, which occurred south of the
town of Fernie. The 11 had been in Harvey Pass, a popular
backcountry snowmobile destination.

GERRARD CHARGED OVER ALLEGED ASSAULT
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard was charged on Tuesday with
assault following an incident at a local nightclub, Merseyside
Police said.
----------------------------------------------------------------
BUSINESS

LOANS TO U.S. AUTOMAKERS DELAYED
Emergency loans for two of the nation's top automakers didn't
materialize Monday, but the Treasury Department said it would
finalize the loans in time to meet the needs of the struggling
companies.

KUWAIT SCRAPS $17B CHEMICAL DEAL
Kuwait decides to cancel a deal to form a $17.4 billion
petrochemical joint venture with U.S. company Dow Chemical. The
move may put Dow's plan to use the money to repay a large part
of its $13 billion debt in peril.

MICROSOFT WEIGHS PAY-AS-YOU-GO COMPUTING
Microsoft has applied for a patent on metered, pay-as-you-go
computing. The application details Microsoft's vision of a
situation where a standard PC is given away or heavily
subsidized. The consumer then pays to use the computer, with
charges based on length of usage time and performance levels.

Energy: Israel vows a 'long' Gaza campaign: reports

Date: 30 DEC 2008 10:38:38 GMT

As Israel marks the fourth day of a fierce air assault on Gaza, the
country's interior minister Meir Sheetrit rejects the possibility of a
ceasefire, vowing the attacks will continue until the threat of
rockets from Hamas is completely eliminated.

Home prices plummeted a record 18% in October, according to a closely watched index tracking 20 metro areas.

Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2008 09:01:03 -0500

Home prices plummeted a record 18% in October, according to a closely
watched index tracking 20 metro areas.

Treasury to invest $5 billion in GMAC as part of automaker bailout plan.

Date: Mon, 29 Dec 2008 20:12:05 -0500

Treasury to invest $5 billion in GMAC as part of automaker bailout plan.

International

Date: Mon, 29 Dec 2008 20:02:09 -0500
TOP STORIES as of 0900 HKT -- 30 December, 2008

ISRAEL VOWS 'ALL-OUT WAR' AGAINST HAMAS
Israel is now in a state of "all-out war" with Palestinian
militants Hamas, Defense Minister Ehud Barak said Monday as
Israeli forces bombarded Gaza for a third day. Calling for an
immediate cease-fire, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
condemned Hamas rocket attacks and Israel's "excessive use of
force."

GAZA ASSAULT SPARKS PROTESTS WORLDWIDE
Israeli attacks on suspected Hamas strongholds in Gaza have
triggered protests in more than a dozen countries.
.
OBAMA COULD INHERIT GAZA CRISIS
As the violence rages in Gaza, President Bush is putting the
blame squarely on Hamas, while President-elect Barack Obama is
keeping a low profile and sticking by his belief that "there is
only one president at a time."

ZIMBABWE CHOLERA DEATHS PASS 1,500
The number of cholera deaths in Zimbabwe continues to increase,
a World Health Organization spokesman said Monday.

RIVERS HIGH IN HEAVY METALS AFTER SLUDGE SPILL
The head of the largest public power company in the nation has
pledged to clean up the massive spill that has dumped more than
a billion gallons of coal waste in central Tennessee.

STOCKS FALTER AT START OF FINAL WEEK FOR 2008
Stocks fell Monday, closing lower on one of the final trading
days of a dismal year, amid global tensions and downbeat
corporate news.

BODIES OF 6 SNOWMOBILERS FOUND IN CANADA
Eight snowmobilers remain unaccounted for after two avalanches
in British Columbia, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said.
Three others survived the incident, which occurred south of the
town of Fernie. The 11 had been in Harvey Pass, a popular

backcountry snowmobile destination.
FOUR DEAD IN AFGHAN BOMB ATTACKS
Bombings at a governor's compound and a bazaar in Afghanistan on
Monday killed four civilians and wounded a few dozen others, the
NATO command in the country said.

---------------------------------------------------------
BUSINESS

KUWAIT SCRAPS $17B CHEMICAL DEAL
Kuwait decides to cancel a deal to form a $17.4 billion
petrochemical joint venture with U.S. company Dow Chemical. The
move may put Dow's plan to use the money to repay a large part
of its $13 billion debt in peril.

JAPAN'S INDUSTRIAL OUTPUT SEES RECORD FALL
Japan's industrial output took the largest drop in history in
November over October, tumbling 8.1 percent -- nearly double the
previous high of 4.3 percent in January 2001, according to a
report from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

CHINA DAIRIES TO COMPENSATE VICTIMS
Victims of tainted baby formula, which caused hundreds of
thousands of infants to become sick, six of whom died, are
expected to be compensated by 22 Chinese dairy producers that
made the milk.

Tech : Amazon.com stock drops 4.5% as tech sector ends lower

Date: Mon, 29 Dec 2008 18:00:10 -0500

Tech Stocks: Amazon.com stock drops 4.5% as tech sector ends lower
12/29/2008 5:14 PM ET
Technology stocks slump, with shares of online retailer Amazon.com
closing nearly 5% lower.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Stocks to Watch: Stocks in focus for Monday
12/27/2008 2:01 PM ET
Companies whose shares are expected to see active trading on Dec. 29.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
After Hours: First Solar, F5 on move in low-volume late session
12/26/2008 5:32 PM ET
First Solar and F5 Networks are among the most active stocks in
Friday's after-hours session, as most investors appear to have
extended the Christmas holiday.

News Alert!

Date: Mon, 29 Dec 2008 13:41:16 -0800 (PST)

Kerik pleads not guilty in new corruption indictment
12/29/08 03:13 PM, EST
Former New York City police Commissioner Bernard Kerik pleaded not
guilty in federal court Monday to a revised indictment charging him in
a corruption and tax evasion case, according to a spokesman for the
New York District Attorney.

World rallies around Palestinians amid Gaza offensive
12/29/08 03:01 PM, EST
Israeli attacks on suspected Hamas strongholds in Gaza have triggered
protests in more than a dozen countries.

Report: Police officer deaths down in 2008
12/29/08 01:43 PM, EST
Deaths of law enforcement officers in the line of duty fell sharply in
2008, with the number killed by gunfire reaching its lowest level in
more than five decades, according to a report published Monday.

Microsoft outlines vision of pay-as-you-go computing
12/29/08 10:48 AM, EST
Microsoft has applied for a patent on metered, pay-as-you-go computing.

Will energy savings jump-start the economy?
12/29/08 05:48 AM, EST
It looks like America may be getting a whole lot more energy-efficient
as part of any new stimulus package.

From greed to green: Investing in the future
12/29/08 05:29 AM, EST
Green isn't usually thought of as being good for business, and
industry is rarely linked to a healthy environment.

Markets mixed, but lower across Asia
12/29/08 01:25 AM, EST
Asia and Pacific markets were mixed but mostly lower Monday as a
brutal trading year neared its end.

Strong quake rattles Afghanistan
12/28/08 11:30 PM, EST
A 5.8-magnitude earthquake rattled northeastern Afghanistan early
Monday, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.

Arabs protest their governments' reaction to Gaza attacks
12/28/08 09:00 PM, EST
The dramatic developments in Gaza over the past three days have driven
Arab citizens to the streets, where they have displayed anger directed
first and foremost at their own governments.

Markets Monday, 12/29/2008

Date: Mon, 29 Dec 2008 17:31:03 -0500 |

| Dow : 8483.93 down 31.62 | S & P : 869.42 down 3.38 |
| NASDAQ: 1510.32 down 19.92 | Bond (10Y): 2.09%, 114.63
MARKETS:
Stocks falter to start the week
Major indexes slump after a high-profile deal falls through and
geopolitical tensions arise.

U.S. stocks fall as rising oil prices pressure consumer stocks

Date: Mon, 29 Dec 2008 17:01:29 -0500

U.S. stocks fall as rising oil prices pressure consumer stocks

Rising oil prices pressured consumer-related stocks, while investors
ditched some of their worst-performing financial stocks in the final
week of 2008.

U.S. BLAMES HAMAS FOR MIDDLE EAST VIOLENCE

For a third day, Israeli air forces strike targets linked to militant group
Hamas in the Gaza Strip Monday, bringing the death toll to more than 300,
according to a BBC report.

FUTURES MOVERS: OIL FUTURES RALLY AS ISRAELI AIR RAIDS IN GAZA CONTINUE

Crude-oil futures pare their early strong gains as Israel kept up its
air raids in the Gaza Strip, raising fears that escalating
geopolitical tensions could lead to a disruption of oil supplies from
the Middle East.

BOND REPORT: TREASURYS UP AS FLIGHT TO SAFETY RESUMES AFTER GAZA FIGHTING

Treasurys higher pushing short-term yields down by the most in almost
two months, as investors seek the safety of U.S. government debt.

REAL ESTATE: FOUR REFINANCING STRATEGIES FOR TODAY'S LOW-INTEREST-RATE CLIMATE

Lured by low mortgage rates, many homeowners have been rushing to
refinance. Interest is gaining for good reason: Eligible borrowers can
lock in rates that
haven't been this attractive in decades.

Energy: Energy, materials stocks likely to catch late-traders' focus

Date: Mon, Dec 29, 2008 at 3:42 PM

Oil and mining companies may get another round of trading action in
Monday's after-hours session, after rising crude-oil prices jolted
commodities firms in dayside trade.

Stocks finish lower in lackluster holiday trade. Dow industrials down 35 points at the close, Nasdaq slides 1.4%, S&P off 0.5%.

Date: Mon, Dec 29, 2008 at 4:01 PM

Stocks finish lower in lackluster holiday trade. Dow industrials down
35 points at the close, Nasdaq slides 1.4%, S&P off 0.5%.

Oil settles at $40.02 a barrel, up $2.31, as Mideast fighting raises concern about supply.

Date: Mon, Dec 29, 2008 at 11:49 AM

Oil settles at $40.02 a barrel, up $2.31, as Mideast fighting raises
concern about supply.

Breaking News

Date: Mon, 29 Dec 2008 12:20:21 -0500

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon calls on Israel and Palestinian
militant group Hamas to declare immediate cease-fire.

Oil pares gains as Israeli air raids in Gaza continue

Date: Mon, 29 Dec 2008 12:01:19 -0500

Oil pares gains as Israeli air raids in Gaza continue
Crude-oil futures pare their early strong gains as Israel kept up its
air raids in the Gaza Strip, raising fears that escalating
geopolitical tensions could lead to a disruption of oil supplies from
the Middle East.

MARKET SNAPSHOT: U.S. STOCKS FALL AS RISING OIL PRICES PRESSURE CONSUMER STOCKS

U.S. stocks erase early gains as rising crude oil prices pressure
consumer-related stocks and after news that Kuwait scrapped plans for
a $17.4 billion joint venture with Dow Chemical.

ISRAELI AIR FORCES STRIKE MORE HAMAS TARGETS IN GAZA

For a third day, Israeli air forces strike targets linked to militant
group Hamas in the Gaza Strip Monday, bringing the death toll to more
than 300, according to a BBC report.

LONDON MARKETS: OIL PRODUCERS, MINERAL EXTRACTORS CLIMB IN HIGHER LONDON

London shares advance, as investors return from a two-session holiday
break and buy up oil producers and mineral extractors.

ASIA MARKETS: TOKYO, HONG KONG END UP AFTER ROLLER-COASTER RIDE

Most Asian markets retreat in light trading Monday, shadowed by a weak
economic outlook for 2009, with Japanese stocks lower as exporters
such as Canon Inc. and Toyota Motor Corp. decline after advancing
during the previous two sessions.

Energy: Jump in crude price lifts energy stocks

Date: 29 DEC 2008 16:13:18 GMT

Oil and gas stocks move as oil traders pushed crude prices back above
$40 a barrel on concerns over violence in the Middle East as Israeli
forces bombed Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip for a third straight
day.

Dow tumbles 100 points as selling accelerates in thin holiday-week trading.

Date: Mon, 29 Dec 2008 11:17:08 -0500

Dow tumbles 100 points as selling accelerates in thin holiday-week trading.

Energy: Canadian stocks rise, led by mining and energy shares

Date: 29 DEC 2008 15:15:45 GMT

Canadian stocks post strong gains with energy and mining shares
leading the market higher as oil prices rallied on continuing Israeli
air raids against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

Energy: Stock futures edge higher as oil price rebounds

Date: 29 DEC 2008 10:56:48 GMT

U.S. stock market futures point slightly higher Monday as oil prices
continue to recover from lows and after Kuwait scraps plans for a
$17.4 billion joint venture with Dow Chemical.

Stocks open mixed in holiday-shortened week as investors count down the days to the end of one of the worst years on Wall Street.

Date: Mon, 29 Dec 2008 09:33:05 -0500

Stocks open mixed in holiday-shortened week as investors count down
the days to the end of one of the worst years on Wall Street.

Energy: Oil futures rally 6% amid Israeli air raids in Gaza

Date: 29 DEC 2008 13:22:44 GMT

Crude-oil futures rally above $40 a barrel in electronic trading
Monday, as Israeli air raids continued in the Gaza Strip, heightening
geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

International

Date: Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:02:08 -0500
TOP STORIES as of 1000 GMT -- 29 December, 2008

ISRAEL CONTINUES ATTACKS ON GAZA
The death toll from a weekend of Israeli airstrikes on Gaza tops
300, Palestinian medical sources say as the Hamas-ruled
territory endures a third day of air raids. Each side blames the
other for violating an Egyptian-brokered cease-fire that
formally expired on Friday, December 19.

U.N.: GAZA HUMANITARIAN PLIGHT 'DISASTROUS'
Israeli airstrikes pounding Gaza are deepening the humanitarian
crisis in an area that was already in deep distress, according
to a United Nations aid official.

OBAMA CLOSELY MONITORING GAZA, ADVISER SAYS
The U.S. president-elect's senior adviser said that while Barack
Obama is monitoring the situation in Gaza closely, "the fact is
that there is only one president at a time."

WORLD MARKETS FIGHT BACK AFTER BRUTAL YEAR
Europe's major markets opened in solidly positive territory on
Monday, heading into the final trading days of a
brutal-but-historic year. Asia and Pacific markets were mixed on
Monday, but gained strength at the end of the trading day.

PRO-INDIA PARTIES WIN MAJORITY IN KASHMIR POLLS
Pro-India parties have won enough seats in the state assembly to
form a ruling alliance in Indian-administered Kashmir, according
to initial tallies.

BANGLADESHIS VOTE ON RETURN TO DEMOCRACY
Bangladesh went to the polls Monday in an election that civil
rights groups hailed as a return to democracy after almost two
years of an army-backed government, but one many citizens viewed
with a tinge of apprehension.

RICE: PEOPLE WILL THANK BUSH FOR ACHIEVEMENTS
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said that despite
President George W. Bush's low approval ratings, people will
soon "start to thank this president for what he's done."

$10K STATUE STOLEN FROM MADOFF'S ESTATE
Police say a sizable statue worth more than $10,000 was stolen
this month from the Florida estate of Bernard Madoff, the Wall
Street investment adviser accused of operating a $50 billion
Ponzi scheme.

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BUSINESS

KUWAIT SCRAPS $17B CHEMICAL DEAL
Kuwait decides to cancel a deal to form a $17.4 billion
petrochemical joint venture with U.S. company Dow Chemical. The
move may put Dow's plan to use the money to repay a large part
of its $13 billion debt in peril.

JAPAN'S INDUSTRIAL OUTPUT SEES RECORD FALL
Japan's industrial output took the largest drop in history in
November over October, tumbling 8.1 percent -- nearly double the
previous high of 4.3 percent in January 2001, according to a
report from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

CHINA DAIRIES TO COMPENSATE VICTIMS
Victims of tainted baby formula, which caused hundreds of
thousands of infants to become sick, six of whom died, are
expected to be compensated by 22 Chinese dairy producers that
made the milk.

International

Date: Sun, 28 Dec 2008 20:02:20 -0500
TOP STORIES as of 0900 HKT -- 29 December, 2008

ISRAEL CONTINUES ATTACKS AS DEATH TOLL NEARS 300
Israeli jets have pounded more Hamas facilities in Gaza Monday
as Hamas retaliated with more rockets and the U.N. Security
Council called for an immediate halt to hostilities.

PRO-INDIA PARTIES WIN MAJORITY IN KASHMIR POLLS
Pro-India parties have won enough seats in the state assembly to
form a ruling alliance in Indian-administered Kashmir, according
to tallies announced Sunday.

IRAQ LETS BRITISH, OTHER FOREIGN TROOPS STAY
The Iraqi Presidency Council approved a resolution Sunday that
will allow non-U.S. foreign troops to remain in Iraq after a
U.N. mandate expires at year's end.

MDC: MUGABE ISSUES PASSPORT TO RIVAL
Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe's government has issued a new
passport to opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, according to a
senior official with Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change
party.

AFGHAN CAR BOMB KILLS 14 CHILDREN
A suicide car bomb blast near a voter registration site killed
16 people, 14 of them children, and wounded 58 in southeastern
Afghanistan Sunday morning, according to a senior police
official and the U.S. military.

24 HITCHHIKERS KILLED IN TRUCK CRASH
At least 24 day laborers who had hitched a ride on a truck
loaded with iron rods were killed Sunday when the vehicle
flipped over into a ditch, impaling some and crushing others
under the weight of its load, police in northern Bangladesh
said.

BOMB KILLS 37 AT PAKISTAN POLLING STATION
A suicide car bomb apparently targeting voters killed at least
37 people and wounded 16 others in the Bunair district of
Pakistan's North West Frontier Province Sunday, a police
official said.

RICE: PEOPLE WILL THANK BUSH FOR ACHIEVEMENTS
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said that despite President
Bush's low approval ratings, people will soon "start to thank
this president for what he's done."

BUSINESS

JAPAN'S INDUSTRIAL OUTPUT SEES RECORD FALL
Japan's industrial output took the largest drop in history in
November over October, tumbling 8.1 percent -- nearly double the
previous high of 4.3 percent in January 2001, according to a
report from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

CHINA DAIRIES TO COMPENSATE VICTIMS
Victims of tainted baby formula, which caused hundreds of
thousands of infants to become sick, six of whom died, are
expected to be compensated by 22 Chinese dairy producers that
made the milk.

AMERICANS KEEP TIGHTER GRIP ON CASH
In a troubling sign that U.S. consumers are retrenching this
holiday season, consumer spending and orders for durable goods
fell further in November, according to government reports.

Energy: Kuwait reportedly cancels $17 billion venture with Dow Chemical

Date: 28 DEC 2008 18:28:13 GMT

Kuwait terminates plans for its $17.4 billion dollar joint venture
with Dow amid political opposition, dealing a heavy blow to the U.S.
chemical giant.

U.N. urges halt to Gaza-Israel violence

Date: Sun, 28 Dec 2008 07:37:14 -0800 (PST)

U.N. urges halt to Gaza-Israel violence
12/28/08 04:01 AM, EST
United Nations Security Council members "expressed serious concern"
and called for "an immediate halt to all violence," as Israeli
airstrikes against Hamas targets continued Sunday.

Breaking News

Date: Sun, 28 Dec 2008 02:26:03 -0500

The death toll in Gaza rises to 255, with more than 600 wounded, as
Israel responds to Hamas rockets with airstrikes.

International

Date: Sun, 28 Dec 2008 05:02:08 -0500
TOP STORIES as of 1000 GMT -- 28 December, 2008

GAZA DEATHS RISE IN ISRAELI STRIKES
At least 275 people have died, and 600 others have been wounded
in Gaza since Israeli air strikes began, Palestinian medical
sources in the territory say. Meanwhile Israeli airstrikes are
continuing against Hamas targets, as United Nations Security
Council members express "serious concern" and seek "an immediate
halt to all violence."

PAKISTAN PLAYS DOWN TENSIONS WITH INDIA
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari plays down cross-border
tensions with India in a speech, telling citizens democracy and
dialogue will end discord and increase regional stability.

GHANAIANS SET TO ELECT NEW PRESIDENT
Ghanaians are voting in a presidential runoff election to choose
a successor to President John Kufuor, who will step down after
two terms.

U.S. TEEN SPARKS STOVE AID FOR DARFUR
In Sudan's Darfur region, where violence and genocide are
rampant, women risk their lives every day performing tasks as
seemingly mundane as seeking out firewood. But one American
teenager has decided to raise money to purchase fuel-efficient
stoves to send to Darfur. The stoves burn 75 percent less
firewood.

24 HITCHHIKERS KILLED IN TRUCK CRASH
At least 24 day laborers who had hitched a ride on a truck
loaded with iron rods were killed Sunday when the vehicle
flipped over into a ditch, impaling some and crushing others
under the weight of its load, police in northern Bangladesh
said.

POLICE: BLAST KILLS SRI LANKA OFFICERS
Sri Lanka's navy on Sunday said it had destroyed a Tamil Tiger
rebel boat allegedly attempting to smuggle in military supplies
through the northern coast.

CHINA DAIRIES TO COMPENSATE VICTIMS
Victims of tainted baby formula, which caused hundreds of
thousands of infants to become sick, six of whom died, are
expected to be compensated by 22 Chinese dairy producers that
made the milk.

SENIOR REPUBLICAN SLAMS 'MAGIC NEGRO' SONG
A senior member of the U.S. Republican party says he is
"appalled" by a song called "Barack the Magic Negro" on a CD
distributed by one of his political rivals.

BUSINESS

JAPAN'S INDUSTRIAL OUTPUT SEES RECORD FALL
Japan's industrial output took the largest drop in history in
November over October, tumbling 8.1 percent -- nearly double the
previous high of 4.3 percent in January 2001, according to a
report from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

AMERICANS KEEP TIGHTER GRIP ON CASH
In a troubling sign that U.S. consumers are retrenching this
holiday season, consumer spending and orders for durable goods
fell further in November, according to government reports.

POLL: MOST BACK OBAMA'S $800B STIMULUS PLAN
A new national poll suggests most Americans favor an economic
stimulus package even if it comes with an $800 billion price
tag, although that support doesn't indicate the public wants to
see a new era of big government.