Freitag, 30. April 2010

Goldman Saga Continues, Health Reform Might Up Prices - Week in Review

Monday

This week, full of Goldman news, kicked off with FOX Business learning Goldman Sachs (GS) CEO Lloyd Blankfein would defend at the congressional hearing later in the week the Goldman trader who was charged with fraud.

The investment bank, as well as Fabrice Tourre, was charged with misleading investors by the SEC.


Immigration Law Isn’t Staying in Arizona
Imus and Cavuto Square Off
Pickens, Turner on Energy Alternatives
Why Loan Modification Doesn't WorkTuesday
Nationwide Average
$2.88 a gallon

Blankfein himself, however, took quite a beating at the congressional hearing investigating the SEC charges Tuesday. The Goldman CEO was asked over and over whether he felt it was moral to sell clients securities the firm was at the same time betting against.

Blankfein said it is not Goldman Sachs’ responsibility to tell its customers how to invest.


Ford’s Mulally on Sales, Economy
Thomas on Obama’s Business Stance
Money on Sidelines on Wall Street
Senate Showdown Drags OnWednesday

VAT Dept.: Despite recently arguing a value-added tax might be an option worth looking into in the U.S., Obama advisor Paul Volker said a VAT was not something on the table in the near future. Volker said the nation needs to begin with the Social Security program in its attempts to reduce the deficit. One suggestion he had: raising the retirement age.


‘Glee’ Star Lea Michele on Show’s Tour

Vicente Fox on AZ Immigration Law
Caterpillar CEO on Recovery

Why You Should Buy a ‘Green’ HomeThursday

The health-care reform law may push employer-provided health insurance out of financial reach for some people. As FOX Business’ Gerri Willis reported Thursday, one of the unintended consequences of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act recently pushed through Congress is that 38% of the nation’s employers may find that they have some employees unable to afford their health care.

"More than a third of the nation’s employers – 38% – have at least some employees for whom coverage would be considered ‘unaffordable,’” according to an annual employer health plan survey by consulting firm Mercer.

Small business will be hit the hardest, as 31% of companies with 500 or more employees will have some employees unable to afford coverage, while 20% of employers with over 20,000 employees will face this situation, according to the survey.


Expert: Good Time to Invest

Cape Wind Pres.: MA Supports Turbines

NBC Loses $223M Over Olympics, Leno
Immigration Protests 'Don't Lie'Friday

Goldman Saga Continues Dept.: Federal prosecutors have reportedly begun investigations into Goldman. This is beyond the SEC’s civil charges of fraud, and indicates a possible criminal charge.

Meanwhile, shares of the bank hit nine-month lows as two firms, Standard & Poor’s and Bank of America (BAC), downgraded the company to a “sell” Friday.


Can DOJ Make the Case on Goldman?

Realter Starts Own Housing Program
Stossel vs. Dobbs on Free Trade

How Free Trade Helped Kenya

  

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Many workers will see health insurance changesThis Week’s Top 10 Articles

This Week's Top 10 Articles

Miss out on business news this week? Fret not. Here are FOX Business' 10 most-read articles from April 23-April 30:

1) Goldman Standing Behind ‘Fabulous Fab’

The investment bank is standing behind the controversial investment banker who is at the heart of a civil fraud charge that the big bank misled investors.

2) Young Guns: Phone Home: This Device Still Works

A green-friendly startup is breathing new life into old electronics.

3) $200M in Health Bill for Healthy Companies

New legislation offers incentives to small business owners who initiate wellness programs for employees.

4) Contagion Fears Cripple Wall Street

Fears that Greece’s debt debacle will contaminate other euro-zone nations came crashing down on Wall Street on Tuesday, shoving the Dow back below the pivotal 11000 level and fueling its first 200-point plunge since early February.

5) Don't Invite Trouble into the Office

In the third quarter of 2009, the FDIC reported that over $120 million was lost due to online banking fraud. While a major corporation could recover from that, a small business could go under as a result.

6) Even the Boss Needs Time off

In truth, there is such a thing as an entrepreneur on vacation.

7) Merck Says Health-Care Reform to Reduce Revenue

Merck & Co. said Friday that its first-quarter revenue, full-year revenue and revenue next year will be negatively impacted by U.S. health-care legislation.

8) Protect Assets From the Next Bernie Madoff

Financial advisers with the right education, credentials and references may still be unscrupulous.

9) Senators Tell Facebook: Tighten Privacy Policy

In a letter to Facebook Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg dated April 27, Senators Charles Schumer, Michael Bennet, Mark Begich and Al Franken objected to changes that made a user's current city, hometown, likes, interests and friends publicly available, where they were previously only seen by friends.

10) BP, Transocean Shares Fall Sharply On Deepening Gulf Crisis

Late Wednesday, the U.S. Coast Guard said it believes oil is pouring out of the broken well at a rate five times greater than originally estimated by BP. Some experts are predicting the spill could be bigger than the 1989 Exxon Valdez spill in Alaska's Prince William Sound.

Compiled By Katy Finneran

Tennessee Commerce Bancorp makes a profit, despite bad loansDoes Raising Taxes on the Wealthy Boost Government Revenue? Maybe Not

Donnerstag, 29. April 2010

Jihua Group Gets OK To Sell 1.16 Billion Shares In Shanghai IPO

SHANGHAI -(Dow Jones)- The China Securities Regulatory Commission said Thursday it approved military uniform maker Jihua Group Corp.'s plan to launch an initial public offering.

Jihua Group said earlier it planned to sell up to 1.16 billion shares, or 30% of its enlarged share capital, ahead of a listing on the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

The Beijing-based company didn't say how much it plans to raise but said it will use CNY3.25 billion of the proceeds to enlarge capacity.

UBS Securities Co. is the deal's underwriter, the company said.

-Wynne Wang contributed to this article; Dow Jones Newswires; (86-21) 6120-1200; wynne.wang@dowjones.com

Copyright 2009 Dow Jones Newswires

Tractor Supply shares up on higher 2010 earnings outlookIndia Regulator Cuts Time Gap Between IPO Close And Listing To 12 Days

Derivatives Group Defends Sovereign CDSs In Greek Debt Woes

WASHINGTON -(Dow Jones)- Credit default swaps aren't to blame for Greece's rapidly escalating debt troubles, a top official from the International Swaps and Derivatives Association will tell U.S. lawmakers Thursday.

Robert Pickel, executive vice chairman of the trade group, will tell a House panel that trading in Greek CDSs is too small to make a dent in the market for the country's government bonds--and could even help shore up confidence in Greek sovereign debt.

"Over the past several months, the use of sovereign CDS has received scrutiny as some have suggested trading in sovereign CDS could be responsible for putting pressure on government bond markets. The data suggest otherwise," Pickel said in prepared remarks for a House Financial Services subcommittee hearing on the impact of CDSs in Greece's debt crisis.

Spreads of Greek CDSs have soared to record highs in recent days amid concerns about whether the joint European Union-International Monetary Fund rescue fund under discussion will be enough to stem the country's debt implosion.

Speculation in CDSs, which allow investors to insure against the default of debt issuers, has been blamed for exacerbating the turmoil in Greek bonds. The European Commission is considering an outright ban on so-called "naked" CDSs, where those taking out the insurance don't hold the underlying debt, while the U.S. Senate is nearing a vote on a bill that would force much of the market onto trading platforms.

In announcing the hearing, Rep. Paul Kanjorski (D., Pa.) said Greece's situation could hold "important implications for the issuance of all government debt, especially when bankers act as casino operators by first helping governments to issue bonds and then facilitating bets against the failure of that debt."

But the ISDA's Pickel said the fact that the net volume of Greek CDSs amounts to just 2% of outstanding Greek bonds "reflects the overall role of derivatives generally, to adjust risk positions at the margin."

At the end of September 2009, there was a net $8.3 billion in Greek CDSs outstanding, versus $426.8 billion in government debt. Globally, the $196 billion in net sovereign CDSs amounts to about 0.5% of sovereign debt, according to the ISDA.

"At the same time, for large investors, the mere availability of CDS gives them more confidence to take on bond positions, since they can use CDS in the future to hedge against emerging or unforeseen risk," he said.

Pickel also defended trading in naked CDSs, saying the majority of investors "likely are hedging legitimate economic risks, not speculating, even if they do not own the actual asset referenced in the CDS."

Copyright 2009 Dow Jones Newswires

Debt crisis fuels clash of cultures in EuropeCost Of Greek Sovereign Debt Insurance Drops On Aid News

Mittwoch, 28. April 2010

Spain Government: Policymakers Need To Finalize Greek Support

MADRID -(Dow Jones)- European policymakers need to finalize a support package for Greece to stave off a contagion of its financial problems to other highly indebted euro-zone countries, a top Spanish official said Wednesday.

"I don't know if there is a contagion effect on the Spanish economy, but our [bond] spreads are at exceptional levels that we think are temporary," Jose Manuel Campa, Spain's deputy finance minister, said in an interview.

"Considering that they have been affected by the Greek situation, the sooner it is resolved, the better," Campa said.

Copyright 2009 Dow Jones Newswires

Cost Of Greek Sovereign Debt Insurance Drops On Aid NewsToyota faces $16.4 million fine over accelerator problems

DNA Decade: Complete Coverage From the 2010 GET Conference

In June 2000, the Human Genome Project did the unthinkable: it compiled the first draft of the full set of human DNA. Ten years later, FOX Business takes a look at just how this breakthrough has changed our lives. We’re talking to the lead researchers and investors in the field of genetics and biotech — and you won't believe what they're working on now.

Your Very Own Genome Sequence
Professor George Church on creating personal genome sequences for individuals and how this will affect our health in the future.

Health reform means big changes for businessesReliance Industries to Pay $1.7 Billion for Stake in Atlas Field

Dienstag, 27. April 2010

Early-Market Movers: Biostar Pharmaceuticals, Zoran Corp

Stock futures were pointing to a slightly lower opening ahead of the Goldman Sachs testimony on Capitol hill later this morning.

Here are some of the early-market movers for Tuesday.

Biostar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (BSPM)

The Chinese pharmaceutical company received approval from the Shaanxi State Food and Drug Administration to market its Xin Aoxing Oleanolic Acid Capsules for treating Hepatitis B. Shares were up 11.9% in pre-market trading.

Cirrus Logic, Inc. (CRUS)

The company, which manufactures precision signal processing components, posted fourth-quarter results of earnings of 16 cents per share and revenue of $62.6 million. Revenue increased 87% from the same period last year and shares gained 5.9% in pre-market trading.

Cavium Networks Inc (CAVM)

Shares of the semiconductor company were up 6.8% in pre-market trading after posting first-quarter results which beat expectations reporting non-GAAP earnings of 14 cents per share on revenue of $41.6 million. Analysts had estimated earnings of 11 cents per share and revenue of $40.73 million.

Digirad Corp. (DRAD)

Shares continued to move to gain another 6.7% in pre-market trading Tuesday following Monday’s announcement that it received FDA approval for its general-purpose portable medical imaging system.

China BAK Battery, Inc. (CBAK)

The Chinese manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries posted second-quarter earnings reporting a loss of four cents per share on revenue of $50.4 million. While revenue increased 23.5% from the same period last year, shares were down 8.2% in pre-market trading.

Zoran Corp (ZRAN)

Shares of the digital entertainment company slipped 6.6% in pre-market trading after reporting a first quarter adjusted loss of three cents per share. This was in-line with expectations but revenue of $90.5 million came in below analyst estimates of $92.62 million.



Business briefs: Community Health’s profits increaseChubb Corp 1Q Beats Estimates

S&amp;P Says Greece's Debt Now "Junk"

Credit rating agency Standard & Poor's cut its rating on Greece to "junk" status on Tuesday, citing a quickly-deteriorating financial situation and a strong possibility that Greece may default on its obligations.

It was the second downgrade of a European country S&P analysts made today, following its downgrade of Portugal earlier in the day.

In a statement, S&P cut its rating on Greece three notches to "BB+" from "BBB+" while keeping a negative outlook on the Athenian nation.

"Our updated assumptions about Greece's economic and fiscal prospects lead us to conclude that the sovereign's credit worthiness is no longer compatible with an investment-grade rating," said S&P credit analyst Marko Mrsnik in a statement.

S&P said its reasoning for the downgrade was partially that Greece's austerity measures may be "too little, too late" and pressures from the nation's influential trade unions may make it difficult to cut anything further.

Greece's debt levels may not recover until 2017, according to S&P estimates, and for this year the government's deficit will reach 13% of GDP - an extremely high level for a euro zone nation.

The euro, which was already down after S&P cut its credit rating on Portugal, slipped even further and was now down 0.9% against the dollar, to $1.3272.

"This is a very, very aggressive move, but the rating agencies are clearly trying to play catch-up after missing the boat on this earlier,"said Win Thin, senior currency strategist with Brown Brothers Harriman.

Pinnacle posts loss because of problem loansCost Of Greek Sovereign Debt Insurance Drops On Aid News

Sonntag, 25. April 2010

Scotland's SNP Says Won't Enter UK Coalition Government

LONDON (Dow Jones)�The Scottish National Party, the governing party in Scotland, said it wouldn't enter into a U.K. coalition government with either Labour or the Conservatives if the May 6 national election results in a hung parliament, where no single party has a majority.

"We wouldn't form a coalition or any other agreement with either the Conservative or Labour parties," SNP leader Alex Salmond told the British Broadcasting Corporation.

However, Salmond said: "What you can do in a balanced parliament...is as each vital vote comes along you can progress the interest" of the party's agenda."

Salmond said a commitment not to renew the U.K.'s submarine-based Trident nuclear deterrent would be "a major issue" which could win his party's support.

He said "that would free up massive resources that would be devoted to things that are more important."

The SNP, a left-leaning party that supports Scottish independence, has been the largest party in the Scottish parliament since 2007.

The party has allied with Welsh nationalist party Plaid Cymru during the U.K. election, insisting it would fight hard under a hung parliament to ensure that Scotland and Wales don't bear the brunt of budget cuts aimed at paring down the U.K.'s huge budget deficit.

Copyright 2009 Dow Jones Newswires

Thai State Of Emergency To Weigh On Local Equities - AnalystsGM expects to pay off loans years early

IMF Head: Sovereign Debt, Unemployment Main Downside Risks

WASHINGTON -(Dow Jones)- Unemployment and the growing burden of sovereign debt in the developed world are the two largest threats to the global economic recovery, International Monetary Fund Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn said Saturday.

"All the ministers and governors are clearly aware that the recovery is here...but we really have to take into consideration the different downsides that may materialize," Strauss-Kahn told a press conference.

He declined immediately to give any details of negotiations with the Greek Finance Minister George Papaconstantinou, after the country formally applied for the activation a support package jointly financed by the IMF and the European Union, saying only that "Greek citizens shouldn't fear the IMF: We are there to help them."

Separately, Strauss-Kahn said there was broad consensus on the need for consensus and coordination in the reform of the global financial sector.

Web site: http://www.imf.org

Copyright 2009 Dow Jones Newswires

Cost Of Greek Sovereign Debt Insurance Drops On Aid NewsEconomy picks up with service sector growth, more home contracts

Freitag, 23. April 2010

US Biden Predicts Job Growth Will Grow 250,000-500,000 Monthly

WASHINGTON -(Dow Jones)- Vice President Joe Biden on Friday predicted at a Pennsylvania fundraiser the economy would add between 250,000 and 500,000 jobs monthly starting in a few months, according to a report of the event.

Biden acknowledged he's "got in trouble" before for making job growth predictions but shrugged off such concerns. "Even some in the White House said, 'hey, don't get ahead of yourself,'" Biden began at a fundraiser for Democrat Mark Critz. "Well, I'm here to tell you some time in the next couple of months we're going to be creating between 250,000 jobs a month and 500,000 jobs a month."

He added, "Because I'm telling you something, folks. We caught a lot of bad breaks on the way down. We're going to catch a few good breaks because of good planning on the way up."

In November 2009, Biden predicted job growth would begin in February. But those predictions proved wrong. The economy lost jobs in February but did start adding jobs in March.

Biden was speaking at a former railroad terminal in Pennsylvania as part of a fund-raising event for Critz, who is running to fill the seat left by Rep. John Murtha, who died in February.

Copyright 2009 Dow Jones Newswires

Treasury’s Krueger: Unemployment Report Shows Jobs Are ReturningEconomy picks up with service sector growth, more home contracts

Calendar Of Investment-Grade Debt: Agency Bills

==========High-Grade Debt Week Of April 26==================

Fannie Mae: Three- and six-month benchmark bills are auctioned on a weekly basis. One-year bills are auctioned once a month. Every Monday, an announcement is made and on Wednesday the auctions are held. Settlement usually scheduled for Wednesday or Thursday.

Freddie Mac: Three- and six-month benchmark bills are auctioned on a weekly basis. One-year bills are auctioned once a month. Every Friday, an announcement is made and on Monday the auctions are held.

=========Investment-Grade Debt On The Horizon============

There are no issues firmly scheduled.

212-416-2225; kellie.geressy@dowjones.com

Copyright 2009 Dow Jones Newswires

Portugal Sells EUR1.075 Billion Treasury BillsGM expects to pay off loans years early

Donnerstag, 22. April 2010

Chubb Corp 1Q Beats Estimates

Chubb Corp. (CB) posted first-quarter results that topped expectations sending shares slightly higher after the bell on Thursday.

The company warned that it had included a 7 cent one-time charge in first-quarter results as a result of expenses related to health-care legislation.

The insurer said profit rose to $464 million, or $1.39 per share, compared with year-ago earnings of $341 million, or 95 cents a share, in the year-ago quarter. Operating income fell to $1.14 a share from $1.43 per share one year ago.

Net written premiums rose 1% to $2.77 billion, compared to last year’s net written premiums of $2.74 billion.

Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters had predicted earnings of 95 cents a share on net written premiums of $2.67 billion.

"The headline for the property and casualty insurance industry in the first quarter was the extraordinary level of natural catastrophes worldwide, including the earthquake in Chile, storms in Australia and Europe and several severe storms on the East Coast of the U.S.," said John D. Finnegan, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. Finnegan said these catastrophes negatively impacted first-quarter earnings by 67 cents per share.

Shares of Chubb fell 3 cents, or 0.06%, to close Thursday’s session at $52.31. The stock gained 18 cents, or 0.34%, in after-hours trading.

Business briefs: Community Health’s profits increaseRIMM Co-CEO: Mobile Video to Strain Networks

SUBSCRIBERS: NYSE Program Trading Percentage For July 13-17 Already Reported

Please disregard the headline "NYSE: Program Trading Averaged 32.9% Of Volume During July 13-17." The news was reported on July 23.

(MORE TO FOLLOW) Dow Jones Newswires

Copyright 2009 Dow Jones Newswires

Business briefs: Community Health’s profits increaseWorld Bank Pledges $500 Million A Year For New Kenyan Program

Mittwoch, 21. April 2010

World Bank Pledges $500 Million A Year For New Kenyan Program

NAIROBI -(Dow Jones)- The World Bank said Wednesday it has pledged annual commitments of $500 million for the next three years to support a new development program in Kenya.

The new Country Partnership Strategy covers the period 2010-2013 and succeeds the Country Assistance Strategy that had been approved in 2004.

"This new strategy builds on a 50-year partnership between Kenya and the World Bank. It recognizes that Kenya demonstrated significant development progress over 2003 to 2007, and it aims to help Kenya to continue that progress, through sustaining high levels of growth, with equity and environmental sustainability," said Johannes Zutt, the Country Director for Kenya.

The cash will come from two World Bank units--$400 million from the International Development Association and $100 million from the International Finance Corporation.

Copyright 2009 Dow Jones Newswires

Regulators Close Lakeside Community Bank, Sterling Heights, MichiganFirst Horizon shareholders grill executives over pay

Portugal Sells EUR1.075 Billion Treasury Bills

DOW JONES NEWSWIRES

Portugal's Treasury and Government Debt Agency sold EUR1.075 billion of three- and nine-month treasury bills at auction Wednesday, it said.

The amount sold is slightly above the combined target volume of EUR1 billion.

The following are details of the auction, with amounts in euros. Figures in brackets are data from the previous auction of three-month t-bills, held Dec. 16. Portugal hasn't conducted nine-month t-bill auction lately.

Issue three-month t-bills Maturity July 23, 2010 Amount on offer 500 mln Bids received 1.375 bln Bids accepted 575 mln Bid-to-cover ratio 2.4 (1.7) Average yield 0.476% (0.414%) Average price 99.880 (99.895) Maximum yield 0.490% (0.432%) Minimum price 99.876 (98.891) % of bids allocated at lowest price 100.00% (100.00%) Settlement day April 23, 2010 Issue nine-month t-bills Maturity Jan. 21, 2011 Amount on offer 500 mln Bids received 885 mln Bids accepted 500 mln Bid-to-cover ratio 1.8 Average yield 1.079% Average price 99.188 Maximum yield 1.098% Minimum price 99.174 % of bids allocated at lowest price 100.00% Settlement day April 23, 2010

Web site: www.igcp.pt

Copyright 2009 Dow Jones Newswires

JGBs Fall As Greece Concerns Wane; This Week’s Auctions EyedTractor Supply shares up on higher 2010 earnings outlook

NY AG Sues NY Sen Espada; Alleges Looting Of Not-For-Profit

NEW YORK -(Dow Jones)- New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo sued New York state Senate Majority Leader Pedro Espada Jr. and 19 current and former officers and directors of a Bronx not-for-profit corporation, alleging they looted the group.

In a statement, Cuomo said the lawsuit alleges Espada diverted charitable assets from Comprehensive Community Development Corp., which is also known as Soundview, and used the money for himself, his family, his friends and his political operation.

The lawsuit claims Espada, a Democrat, siphoned more than $14 million from Soundview in the past five years, including an unconditionally guaranteed severance package worth an estimated $9 million.

"Taxpayer money was given to this not-for-profit to provide healthcare services to underprivileged patients, but our investigation has found the funds flowed into the pockets of Senator Espada and his supporters," Cuomo said in a statement.

Soundview was founded by Espada for the purpose of providing health care to people in the South Bronx, Cuomo said. Espada serves as president and chief executive of Soundview, Cuomo said.

Copyright 2009 Dow Jones Newswires

Dickson woman charged in ex-boss’ scamRegulators Close Lakeside Community Bank, Sterling Heights, Michigan

US Rep Hoyer: House Will Not Vote On Bill Giving DC Voting Member Of House

WASHINGTON -(Dow Jones)- The U.S. House of Representatives will not vote on legislation that would have provided the District of Columbia with a voting member of Congress, a senior House Democrat said Tuesday.

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D., Md.) said he was "profoundly disappointed" that a deal allowing the bill to come to the House floor had fallen apart.

He said he didn't see the ability to bring it forward for a vote in the House this Congress.

Asked where the deal had come apart, Hoyer replied "the price was too high."

(MORE TO FOLLOW) Dow Jones Newswires

Copyright 2009 Dow Jones Newswires

Nashville People in BusinessNEC Summers: Dialogue Is Behind Exchange Rate Report Delay

Sonntag, 18. April 2010

EU, Asia Must Better Coordinate Monetary policies - Spain

MADRID -(Dow Jones)- European Union and Asian countries need to better coordinate their monetary policies, Spanish Finance Minister Elena Salgado said Sunday.

Improved cooperation would help the two regions emerge from the economic downturn and "avoid currency movements that disrupt the situation," Salgado told a news conference, following a summit in Madrid between EU finance ministers and their Asian counterparts.

Salgado said the group didn't discuss specific currency issues or the EU's concerns about the Chinese yuan. EU officials have said previously that China's currency, which is held in a narrow band against the dollar, gives the country's exports an unfair advantage in global markets.

Chinese officials weren't able to participate in the weekend summit due to canceled flights caused by the volcanic eruption in Iceland, Salgado said. Other Asian countries sent lower-level officials to the meeting because of travel restrictions. Several EU officials, in Madrid for an earlier meeting of the bloc's finance ministers, left town before the meeting with Asian officials, taking buses and trains across Europe to return home.

In a statement published after the meeting, Salgado said that there was a risk the economic imbalances between the EU and Asia will widen as the global economy recovers. Many EU countries are struggling to emerge from recession, while Asian states are recording stronger economic expansion.

These imbalances are "a challenge for global macroeconomic and financial stability," Salgado said in the statement, which summarized subjects discussed during the meeting.

Salgado said the officials in attendance also agreed to avoid trade protectionism between EU and Asian countries.

(Jeffrey T. Lewis and Adam Mitchell in Madrid contributed to this article.)

Copyright 2009 Dow Jones Newswires

NEC Summers: Dialogue Is Behind Exchange Rate Report DelayEconomy blamed for U.S. birth rate decline in 2008

European Airports, Airlines Want Flight Restrictions Review

Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES

PARIS -(Dow Jones)- European airports and airlines on Sunday called for a reassessment of Europe-wide flight restrictions that have caused passenger traffic chaos throughout the region.

A joint statement released by the Association of European Airlines and the European branch of Airports Council International calling for an "immediate reassessment of the present restrictions at European level," that have been introduced to avoid the threat of aircraft accidents due to a cloud of volcanic ash drifting over much of Europe.

The statement highlights growing criticism of the drastic measures imposed by European civil aviation authorities.

"For the fourth consecutive day, airlines and airports across Europe are facing the unprecedented closure of almost all the continent's air space, due to the threat of volcanic ash dispersion. The situation has resulted in the total standstill of intra-European mobility by air, coupled with a huge ripple effect on long-haul aviation to the US, Asia and elsewhere," the statement says.

"With over 63,000 flights canceled since Thursday, many millions of passengers affected so far and a devastating impact for the aviation industry, the consequences are now expanding to the wider economy given the reliance of businesses on aviation," the AEA and ACI said.

"While Europe's airlines and airports consider safety to be an absolute priority, they are questioning the proportionality of the flight restrictions currently imposed. The eruption of the Icelandic volcano is not an unprecedented event and the procedures applied in other parts of the world for volcanic eruptions do not appear to require the kind of restrictions that are presently being imposed in Europe."

Ulrich Schulte-Strathaus, Secretary General of the AEA, noted that verification flights carried out by some airlines over the weekend "have revealed no irregularities at all; this confirms our requirement that other options should be deployed to determine genuine risk."

Olivier Jankovec, Director General ACI Europe, said European airports have lost close to EUR136 million so far due to the flight restrictions that began on Thursday.

Copyright 2009 Dow Jones Newswires

Regulators Close Lakeside Community Bank, Sterling Heights, MichiganTN firms feel impact from volcanic eruption

Samstag, 17. April 2010

Regulators Close Lakeside Community Bank, Sterling Heights, Michigan

WASHINGTON -(Dow Jones)- U.S. federal bank regulators announced on Friday the closure of two banks, Lakeside Community Bank in Sterling, Mich., and First Federal Bank of North Florida in Palatka, Fla.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. said it couldn't find another financial institution to acquire Lakeside's banking operations. Checks for depositors' insured funds will be put in the mail Monday, the FDIC said in a statement.

First Michigan Bank of Troy, Mich., will take over the failed bank's direct deposits from the federal government such as Social Security and Veterans' payments, the FDIC said.

The Office of Thrift Supervision, meanwhile, on Friday closed the First Federal Bank of North Florida, and appointed the FDIC as receiver.

Depositors' accounts are covered by FDIC deposit insurance up to the statutory limits, the OTS said in a statement.

Copyright 2009 Dow Jones Newswires

Dickson woman charged in ex-boss’ scamTreasury’s Krueger: Unemployment Report Shows Jobs Are Returning

RIMM Co-CEO: Mobile Video to Strain Networks

Research in Motion Ltd. (RIMM) said Friday that mobile video will pose a challenge to networks as video requires significant bandwidth, according to a report by Reuters.

Mike Lazaridis, Co-CEO of the company, which makes the BlackBerry mobile device, said bandwidth is already in short supply thanks to smartphones that require more bandwidth than regular mobile phones.

"If you think that today's 3G as a browsing experience is a challenge to these data networks, imagine what a video streaming or download experience is going to be as these screens start to look like HD televisions in terms of resolutions." Lazaridis said at a conference on Friday, according to Reuters.

The increased bandwidth usage as a result of smartphones, which display video and offer popular applications, has reportedly strained networks and led to service interruptions for calls.

Shares of RIMM fell $1.55, or 2.11% in Friday’s session, closing at $72.03. The stock was down another 7 cents in after-hours trading.

Tractor Supply shares up on higher 2010 earnings outlookCURRENCIES: Dollar Add To Gains After U.S. Payrolls Jump

Mittwoch, 14. April 2010

Does Raising Taxes on the Wealthy Boost Government Revenue? Maybe Not

The budget gap is an issue politicians constantly promise to fix, but in practice rarely do. While some propose slashing spending, others often say the rich can pay for it all with additional taxes. But would that really work to boost revenue?

Wall Street Journal wealth reporter Robert Frank told FOX Business Wednesday that, intuitively, it may sound like raising taxes would naturally increase revenue. But history, according to Frank, paints a different picture. Generally in the past when taxes were raised on the wealthy, it has resulted in a decline in government revenue. On the other hand, when taxes were lowered, it's typically resulted in an increase.

Appearing on FOX Business’ Varney and Co. , Frank explained that while the government is in a sudden need for a lot of money, given the massive amount of cash spent in an attempt to ward off a depression, wealthier Americans have taken a huge financial hit during the recession.

With the comeback of the stock market and the Dow crossing back over the 11000 mark, wealthier Americans have seen some improvements. So now that these individuals have more cash on hand, leaders in Washington propose taxing them more heavily to shore up the government's revenue.

Why is this? On a state basis, the wealthy sometimes leave the state they’re in to avoid heavy taxes, flocking to lower-tax states, said Frank.

At the federal level, the wealthy are much better able to manage their earnings in a way that minimizes their income during higher tax years, he added. They can put money into IRA accounts, use business losses to offset gains, among other strategies to shield income from taxation.

Frank said that it seems dishonest when politicians talk about just taxing the rich, who proportionately don't make up a large number of people. “What always ends up happening is that you never get enough money from those at the top... so it always come out to everyone is going to be taxed more."

You Make It. They Take It.



French Finance Minister: Will Use All Measures To Boost EmploymentTennesseans’ diagnoses vary on health-care plan

UPDATE: Economy Up In Nearly All US Regions - Fed Beige Book

(Updates to add details on regional activity and economist comment.)

WASHINGTON -(Dow Jones)- The U.S. economy continued to improve across much of the country last month, the Federal Reserve said in a report released Wednesday.

The Fed in its Beige Book said overall economic activity rose in 11 of its 12 districts between the end of February and April 5. St. Louis was the lone Fed district to report that economic activity had softened during the period.

The St. Louis Fed district extends from Arkansas into Kentucky.

In the St. Louis area, more manufacturing plants closed than opened and even temporary Census employment couldn't rally the services sector.

"Several manufacturers reported plans to consolidate operations and lay off employees, including firms in the appliance; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning; steel; and machinery manufacturing industries," the Fed said.

Across much of the rest of the country, however, manufacturing activity, retail sales and tourism spending rose while consumers appeared to be more confident.

"Managers at mountain resorts in the Richmond District reported that this winter was one of their best ski seasons ever," the Fed said in its report.

Looking north, the Fed said, "New York and Minneapolis noted that shopping by Canadians was strong at businesses near the border."

Several districts reported an increase is housing market activity. In Atlanta, for example, builders reported improved new home sales across the region.

The commercial real estate sector, however, remained weak across most of the country. But Richmond saw commercial leasing activity increase and Fed's contacts in Dallas believed the area commercial real estate woes were nearing bottom.

Class A office rents in Manhattan were down by 20% to 25% on an annual basis in March, the Fed noted.

Other weak points lingered in the economy, too. "Loan demand is still shrinking, and credit quality is still deteriorating," Steven Wood, chief economist for Insight Economics, wrote in a note.

But in one sign of thawing in labor markets, several of the Fed's districts reported an increase in the hiring of temporary workers.

"Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, and Chicago reported strong demand for temporary workers," the Fed said.

In Richmond, "one temporary agency reported that clients were now filling positions that had been eliminated at the depth of the economic downturn."

Some workers also may begin to see more money in the paychecks, the Fed's contacts suggested.

"Most New England employers are no longer shedding workers, and many are restoring recession-induced cuts in wages and benefits," the report said. "Dallas reported that just a handful of firms were planning on partially reinstating employer matches to retirement plans or giving small pay increases."

The overall labor market, however, remained weak, the Fed noted.

Copyright 2009 Dow Jones Newswires

DATA SNAP: Durable Goods Orders Slightly Below ExpectationsEconomy picks up with service sector growth, more home contracts

Montag, 12. April 2010

Cost Of Greek Sovereign Debt Insurance Drops On Aid News

LONDON -(Dow Jones)- The cost of insuring Greek sovereign debt against default dropped sharply in early trading Monday, after details of a European Union and International Monetary Fund aid deal for Greece emerged over the weekend.

Greece's five-year sovereign credit default swaps were around 350 basis points Monday, according to one trader, from 420 basis points late Friday, although bid-offer spreads were wide.

That represents a EUR70,000 fall in the annual cost of insuring EUR10 million of Greek government debt for five years.

Euro-zone finance ministers said Sunday that Greece could borrow up to EUR30 billion in three-year loans from other euro-zone members at rates of around 5%.

Greece could also apply for IMF loans.

Copyright 2009 Dow Jones Newswires

GM expects to pay off loans years earlyReport: EU Officials Reach Deal on Greek Loan Terms

JGBs Fall As Greece Concerns Wane; This Week's Auctions Eyed

At 0600 GMT Change TFX Sept 3-Mos Euroyen Price: 99.635 Unchanged TSE June 10-Yr JGB Futures Price: 138.23 -0.17 10-Yr 1.4% JGB No. 306 Yield: 1.395 +0.015%

TOKYO -(Dow Jones)- Japanese government bonds fell in Tokyo Monday as investors sold safe-haven assets after European leaders agreed over the weekend on the details of a bail-out for Greece, damping concerns the country's sovereign debt woes could worsen.

For the week, JGBs could remain weak if global equities gain further, though strong results at auctions on Tuesday and Thursday may support the market, analysts said.

In Tokyo Monday, lead June futures closed down 0.17 at 138.23. The benchmark 10-year yield was up 1.5 basis point at 1.395% as of 0600 GMT.

The futures contract could fall to 138.00, while the 10-year yield could rise to 1.410%, later in the week, said Jun Ishii, chief fixed income strategist at Mitsubishi UFJ Securities.

European Union finance ministers on Sunday agreed to provide up to EUR30 billion to Greece at below-market interest rates, with an additional EUR15 billion from the International Monetary Fund.

Investors interpreted the large loan and generous conditions as a sign that Greece's fiscal crisis may stabilize, which could encourage investors to channel more assets away from safe-haven JGBs and other investments and into risk-sensitive assets.

The Japanese Ministry of Finance's auction of Y600 billion in 30-year JGBs Tuesday and Y2.4 trillion in 5-year notes on Thursday will offer clues to current demand levels at opposite ends of the curve.

The 30-year tender Tuesday should go smoothly on demand from Japanese life insurance companies, regular buyers in the maturity, and from dealers who need to cover short-positions in the super-long end, analysts said.

But Thursday's five-year sale could highlight weaker demand in the front of the curve, as banks have refrained from aggressive buying since the start of the Japanese fiscal year on April 1 as they await further price falls, analysts said.

"We believe it may take some time to absorb the (5-year) issue assuming the yen continues to depreciate and stocks rise," said Makoto Yamashita, chief Japan interest rate strategist at Deutsche Securities.

If that occurs, the gap between long- and short-maturity yields may continue narrowing, a process called bull flattening, said Chotaro Morita, head of Japan fixed income at Barclays Capital.

"Over the past few weeks bull flattening pressure has emerged, and though in the long-term it's uncertain whether it's sustainable, in the short-term it may increase further," Morita said.

Yet while banks have hesitated to buy actively in the shorter-end of the curve so far this fiscal year, that could change later as a continued fall in bank lending leaves the financial institutions with even more excess cash, Morita said.

Earlier in the day, data showed total Japanese bank lending, excluding credit unions, fell 2.0% on year in March, the sharpest drop since August 2005.

The report highlights how "the lending and deposit gap that has widened drastically since last year will continue to encourage banks to increase their JGB holdings more," Morita said. Banks often park their excess funds in the five-year and other shorter-dated maturities.

Other Cash Bond Yields At 0600 GMT Change 2-Year 0.2% JGB No. 291 Yield: 0.155% Unchanged 5-Year 0.5% JGB No. 88 Yield: 0.550% +0.010 20-Year 2.2% JGB No. 116 Yield: 2.120% +0.015 30-Year 2.3% JGB No. 32 Yield: 2.225% +0.010

Copyright 2009 Dow Jones Newswires

UPDATE:Cyprus Central Bank Governor: World On Way To RecoveryCorker: GOP erred on financial reform

Freitag, 9. April 2010

Reliance Industries to Pay $1.7 Billion for Stake in Atlas Field

Reliance Industries will pay Atlas Energy Inc. (ATLS) $1.7 billion for a 40% stake in its Marcellus Shale natural-gas field. Reliance will pay $340 million at the close of the deal and $1.36 billion in the form of a drilling carry for 120,000 acres.

The two companies agreed to a five-year development plan which includes the drilling of 45 horizontal Marcellus Shale wells for the rest of 2010, increasing to 108 wells in 2011, 178 wells in 2012, and 300 wells in 2013 and 2014.

“We are excited by this opportunity to partner with Reliance, one of the world's largest vertically integrated energy companies, and one that has demonstrated exceptional capability in all aspects of the energy business. We believe that this joint venture will greatly increase the value of Atlas' business," said Edward E. Cohen, chairman and chief executive of Atlas Energy, in a statement.

Reliance Industries Limited is an India-based industrial enterprise and petrochemical producer. Atlas Energy Inc. is an independent natural gas producer in the Appalachia and Michigan Basins and a producer in the Marcellus Shale in Pennsylvania.

Shares of Atlas surged on the news, jumping 17.3% to $37.32.

Nashville People in BusinessDutch Economy Minister: Current Price Of Oil Is ‘Decent’

Report: EU Officials Reach Deal on Greek Loan Terms

BRUSSELS--Euro zone deputy finance ministers and senior central bankers have reached an agreement on the terms of possible emergency loans for Greece, a European Union source said on Friday.

"A deal has been reached," said the source, who has close knowledge of the discussions. Asked about the interest rate that the euro zone would charge for such loans, the source said:

"It is almost a carbon copy of International Monetary Fund terms."

Asked what the IMF terms were, the source said:

"For loans up to three years, it is the SDR rate plus 300 bps plus 50 bps service charge."

CURRENCIES: Dollar Pares Gains; Hit 11-month High Vs. EuroMortgage help is expanded

Donnerstag, 8. April 2010

Thailand's Abhisit Cancels Plan To Attend Asean Meeting In Vietnam

BANGKOK -(Dow Jones)- Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has decided to cancel his plan to join the meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Vietnam, a government official said Thursday.

The move follows the declaration of a state of emergency in the country. Abhisit was scheduled to be in Vietnam Thursday and Friday.

Abhisit late Wednesday declared a state of emergency in the capital and surrounding areas in response to escalating anti-government protests.

The decree came after red-shirted supporters of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra forced their way into the country's parliamentary compound, stepping up protests held over recent weeks aimed at toppling the government.

Copyright 2009 Dow Jones Newswires

Dickson woman charged in ex-boss’ scamThai State Of Emergency To Weigh On Local Equities - Analysts

Thai State Of Emergency To Weigh On Local Equities - Analysts

BANGKOK -(Dow Jones)- Intensifying political tension in Thailand that has led to a state of emergency being declared in Bangkok and surrounding areas will likely put pressure on local stocks in the short-term, analysts said Thursday.

As it becomes more likely that the government might either use force to disperse anti-government protests or succumb to demands that an election should be called sooner than planned, investors may abandon Thai assets to limit risk from the uncertain situation.

"We could see the stock index fall by 5-10 points as the state of emergency declaration will likely pressure foreign investors to turn to sell shares in the short-run," Asia Plus Securities said in a note Thursday.

The Stock Exchange of Thailand Index ended Wednesday up 0.6% at 812.63 points. The index has surged 16.7% since the end of January, mainly on buying by foreign investors who see Asia as having big growth potential.

However, market watchers say that while the situation remains under control with a peaceful conclusion still possible, the market is unlikely to see sharp declines.

Despite the state of emergency announcement, acting government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said Thursday the government has no plan to use armed force to dismantle the demonstration.

"I think any downside would likely be limited as things will likely remain peaceful. If violence was going to emerge, it would probably have happened last night right after the state of emergency declaration," said BFIT Securities strategist Aphisit Limsupanark.

If the SET Index can remain above 795-800 points on Thursday, there is a good chance that it could soon rebound to test the 820 resistance again, he said.

Tens of thousands demonstrators have gathered in central Bangkok since March 12, demanding a snap election. After negotiations with the government last week failed to reach any resolution, protesters stepped up pressure by blocking off a key business intersections where several luxurious shopping malls and five-star hotels are located.

Some protesters Wednesday forced their way into Parliament, forcing several ministers to evacuate by helicopter, but the crowds retreated shortly afterwards.

Some analysts noted that the state of emergency is the very last tool the government can use against protesters. If that strategy doesn't work, then the dissolution of parliament might be the only option left.

Copyright 2009 Dow Jones Newswires

Dickson woman charged in ex-boss’ scamCURRENCIES: Dollar Add To Gains After U.S. Payrolls Jump

Mittwoch, 7. April 2010

CURRENCIES: Dollar Pares Gains; Hit 11-month High Vs. Euro

The dollar pared gains versus major currencies on Wednesday, after touching a new 11-month high against the euro as comments from Federal Reserve speakers and a well-received U.S. bond auction caused traders to reverse expectations that U.S. interest rates will rise quickly.

Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke said economic conditions continued to improve, though continued weak bank lending and a sluggish housing market remain concerns.

"There's greater assurance that the Fed is not going to be raising interest rates anytime soon," said David Watt, senior currency strategist for RBC Capital Markets. "That's taking some steam out of the rates market and undercutting the U.S. dollar."

Meanwhile, an unscheduled meeting of Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and a top Chinese economic official drew attention amid mounting speculation over whether China will soon alter its currency policy.

The euro (CUR_EURUSD) fell for a third day, down to $1.3375, from $1.3398 in late North American trading Tuesday. The shared currency touched $1.3325 during the session, which would be the lowest on a closing basis since early May.

The dollar index (DXY), which measures the U.S unit against a trade-weighted basket of six major currencies, rose to 81.446, up from 81.379 Tuesday. It touched 81.722 earlier in the session.

The Treasury Department garnered record-high demand for $21 billion in 10-year notes (UST10Y) sold during the session.

Bernanke also said inflation appears well contained. Fed officials William Dudley and Thomas Hoenig also weighed in, sounding cautious about the role of ultra-easy monetary policy on asset bubbles.

The British pound (CUR_GBPUSD) recovered from an earlier decline to buy $1.5271, little changed from $1.5276 on Tuesday.

Sterling has been tossed around by polls about the expected outcome of the upcoming elections, with analysts trying to gauge if one party will win enough support to be able to convincingly reduce the U.K.'s deficit.

The dollar turned lower against the Japanese yen, to buy 93.29 yen, down from 93.83 yen late Tuesday.

The Bank of Japan's policy board on Wednesday voted unanimously to keep its key interest-rate target steady at 0.1%, as widely expected.

Still, the gap between U.S. yields and yields on European debt continues moving in favor of the U.S., making its currency more attractive to investors, RBC's Watt said. And even if the market delays expectations of a fed rate hike once again, it's still likely to boost rates before the European Central Bank, the bank of England, and certainly the Bank of Japan.

Keeping the dollar up versus the euro, Greek government bonds tanked after the country said it would revise up its deficit forecast for the year. The revision comes as uncertainty mounted over a joint European-International Monetary Fund standby aid package for Greece announced last month.

"Market participants are sending signals to the E.U. and to Greek officials that they want to see some sort of intervention, be it from the ECB or a coordinated inter-government effort to mitigate rollover risks for the Greek government," said Stephen Gallo, head of market analysis at Schneider Foreign Exchange.

The euro registered little reaction to a downward revision to fourth-quarter euro-zone gross domestic product data, and final purchasing managers' index data for March showed private-sector activity expanded at the fastest pace since August 2007.

Chinese policy

Meanwhile, Geithner plans to visit with a top Chinese economic official on Thursday amid mounting speculation that Beijing will soon alter currency policy.

Geithner will meet with Wang Qishan, the Chinese vice premier responsible for economic affairs, after a two-day trip to India, a Treasury spokesman told reporters in Mumbai.

"There are good reasons that China will want to take action for its own good," said Manpreet Gill, head of investment strategy in Asia at Barclays Wealth.

Inflation pressures in China are rising, as are import prices, he said. A stronger currency tends to rein in inflation.

The firm recommends positioning for that appreciation by owning a basket of currencies of other Asian countries that should benefit from a revaluation, as regional competitors would be more comfortable with letting their own currencies strengthen.

The currencies of Singapore, Taiwan, India, Indonesia and Korea are what Barclays Wealth suggests holding.

The Chinese yuan was allowed to appreciate 20% from 2005 until 2008, when it was again "pegged" to the dollar, Gill said. Forward contracts on the currency indicate it's expected to appreciate 2.7% in the next year.

Copyright 2009 Dow Jones Newswires

Fed wants job gains before raising rateCURRENCIES: Dollar Add To Gains After U.S. Payrolls Jump

Fed's Bernanke: Budget Deficit Cuts Needed To Avoid Higher Rates

Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES

DALLAS -(Dow Jones)- Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke Wednesday warned long-term interest rates could rise without a credible plan to cut the U.S. debt.

Answering a question on whether the rising fiscal deficits could bring higher inflation, Bernanke said that was not his concern as the Fed will 'not monetize the debt.' That's a term for printing money to finance the budget deficits.

But the Fed chief cautioned the budget imbalances could lead investors to lose faith in the U.S.'s ability to meet its debt obligations, leading to higher rates on Treasurys. That, in turn, could hurt a still-fragile recovery, Bernanke said.

Copyright 2009 Dow Jones Newswires

Dickson woman charged in ex-boss’ scamFrench Government To Pursue Reforms Despite Poll Setback-Spokesman

Dienstag, 6. April 2010

India, US Launch Dialogue For Economic, Financial Cooperation

NEW DELHI -(Dow Jones)- India and the U.S. Tuesday agreed to cooperate on economic and financial issues as the two democracies sought to foster ties to achieve sustainable and balanced growth.

"The newly launched dialogue will encompass discussions of economic developments in both countries as well as bilateral policy actions in the broader context of the Group of 20 commitment to strong, sustainable and balanced growth," the Indian government said in a statement.

Discussions will also be held on infrastructure financing, including the potential of private-public partnerships for critical investments, it said.

The partnership--India-U.S. Financial and Economic Partnership--was launched by Indian Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, who is on a two-day visit to India.

A cabinet-level meeting led by Geithner and Mukherjee will next be held in the U.S. Senior officials of both countries will continue to consult closely on issues of mutual interest during the year, the statement added.

Copyright 2009 Dow Jones Newswires

Spending growth hints at economic ‘revival’NEC Summers: Dialogue Is Behind Exchange Rate Report Delay

India Regulator Cuts Time Gap Between IPO Close And Listing To 12 Days

MUMBAI -(Dow Jones)- India's capital markets regulator Tuesday reduced the time gap between the closing of an initial public offering and the listing of shares in a bid to make the public issue process more efficient.

The time gap has been reduced to 12 days from the existing up to 22 days, the Securities and Exchange Board of India said on its Web site. This will be applicable to public issues opening on or after May 1, it said.

In November, SEBI Chairman C.B. Bhave had said the regulator aims to slash the time gap to about a week over one year. He had said that the more the gap, the higher is the risk that issuers and investors carry.

Copyright 2009 Dow Jones Newswires

Dickson woman charged in ex-boss’ scamFrench Government To Pursue Reforms Despite Poll Setback-Spokesman

Sonntag, 4. April 2010

NEC Summers: Dialogue Is Behind Exchange Rate Report Delay

WASHINGTON -(Dow Jones)- White House economic adviser Lawrence Summers says an important exchange-rate policy report has been delayed because of upcoming international meetings.

"It's being delayed because that's part of our international economic dialogue, which is directed at supporting a crucial issue for jobs creation, doubling our level of exports, and that depends on what other countries do," Summers said Sunday on ABC's This Week.

Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner said Saturday the U.S. will postpone a scheduled April 15 report on global exchange-rate policies. The Obama administration has faced demands to label China a currency manipulator.

But Summers, director of the White House's National Economic Council, cited meetings coming up, including a dialogue that takes place every year with China.

"Those are opportunities to engage with China, to engage with other countries that have large trade surpluses, other countries who think they can continue to rely on the United States as an importer of last resort," Summers said.

Copyright 2009 Dow Jones Newswires

Dickson woman charged in ex-boss’ scamPeru Welcomes First Visit By An Argentine President In 16 Years

Twenty-One Militants Killed In Pakistan's Tribal Area

Urgent: 21 militants killed in Pakistan's tribal area

ISLAMABAD, April 4 (Xinhua) -- At least 21 militants were killed in clashes with security forces Sunday in Pakistan's Orakzai tribal area, according to local TV reports.

Copyright 2009 Dow Jones Newswires

Corker: GOP erred on financial reformIMF Completes Hungary Review; Makes $1.1 Billion Available

Freitag, 2. April 2010

CURRENCIES: Dollar Add To Gains After U.S. Payrolls Jump

The dollar rose to the highest since August against the Japanese yen and gained versus other major currencies on Friday after the Labor Department said the U.S. economy added 162,000 jobs in March, the most in three years.

"People are buying the V-shaped recovery story," said T.J. Marta, chief market strategist at Marta on the Markets. "The markets are celebrating that."

The euro (CUR_EURUSD) fell to $1.3488 from $1.3584 in late North American trading on Thursday.

The dollar index (DXY), which measures the greenback against a basket of six major currencies, rose for the first time in three days to 81.256, from 80.719 late Thursday.

The dollar bought 94.70 Japanese yen (CUR_USDYEN), up from 93.87 yen Thursday. It hasn't closed above 94 yen since August 2009.

The British pound (CUR_GBPUSD) slipped to $1.5203, from $1.5288.

Most of European markets and some Asian markets were closed for Good Friday, as are U.S. equity and commodity markets. The U.S. bond market is expected to close at noon Eastern.

Economists polled by MarketWatch expect a gain of 200,000, but that included predictions of more hiring for the U.S. Census than materialized. Private sector job creation topped expectations, indicating more strength in the U.S. economy, supporting the dollar.

The unemployment rate remained at 9.7%. On Wednesday, a report from ADP indicated private-sector hiring would be weaker.

"This didn't disappoint as much as ADP would have suggested," Marta said. "That gave an overall upside tone to the market."

On Thursday, the dollar fell against the euro but rose to a seven-month high versus the Japanese yen on bullish data on the employment and manufacturing fronts.

Also aiding the dollar, the Federal Reserve may again increase the discount rate at its meeting on Monday, further widening the gap to the more closely-watched fed funds rate, analysts said Friday.

The Board of Governors will meet on Monday to consider the discount rate, now at 0.75%, to be changed by Fed banks to institutions seeking emergency funds, the Fed said in a release.

The discount window is rarely used now, so has little impact on the economy and a sign of normalizing financial markets, since the discount rate used to be 1% above the fed funds rate. It is now 0.5 percentage points. When the central bank last raised the discount rate, it said it is not an indication of monetary policy.

Japan, China

In Asian news, Japan's finance minister said Friday that he will not pressure China over its foreign-exchange policy when he visits Beijing over the weekend, according to reports.

"I'm fully aware that this issue is very important," Finance Minister Naoto Kan was quoted as saying by the Kyodo news service. "But I believe it would not necessarily be good to be thought of as putting pressure" on China's government to allow its currency to appreciate.

Copyright 2009 Dow Jones Newswires

Price drop means low interest ratesBears Call in Sick on Jobs Day: Dow Jumps 122

Treasury's Krueger: Unemployment Report Shows Jobs Are Returning

WASHINGTON -(Dow Jones)- The top economist at the U.S. Treasury Department said Friday that the job growth shown in the March unemployment report suggests the labor market is stabilizing and federal policies targeting the jobs crisis are working.

Treasury Chief Economist and Assistant Secretary for Economic Policy Alan Krueger gave his reaction to the Labor Department's monthly jobs report in a Friday morning briefing with reporters. "The report confirms that our policies are helping to improve the jobs picture," he said, although he noted the report at the same time "makes us aware of how much damage the recession has caused."

U.S. employers created 162,000 jobs in the month of March, which is less than expected but also represents the largest gain in job growth in three years.

Still, economists have warned not to rush to interpret the results as a recovery to the labor market. Despite the March job gains, 48,000 of them were due to temporary hiring by the federal government for the 2010 decennial Census. Additionally, the national unemployment figure still stood at 9.7%, a rate that many economists don't think will drop much for the remainder of the year.

Krueger called the 9.7% unemployment rate "unacceptably high" and reiterated that the Obama administration's own forecast for unemployment still expects the figure to remain high for 2010.

"We can expect further bumps along the road to recovery," he said.

He added, however, that the gain in the employment figures from the Census was smaller than anticipated and that the latest jobs statistics also show positive signs of job growth in the private sector as well.

"The job growth that we've seen it the private sector is a healthy sign," he said.

Since the start of the recession the U.S. economy has lost 8.5 million jobs. Although the worst of the crisis is now over, employers have remained reluctant to hire new workers and have instead met rising demand by having existing employees work more.

The March jobs report isn't expected to change the Federal Reserve's view that short-term interest rates should remain at record-lows.

(Luca Di Leo and Jeff Bater contributed to this article.).

Copyright 2009 Dow Jones Newswires

Jobless rate high but steady at 10.7 percentCavuto: Focus on Jobs, Not Snow Jobs

Donnerstag, 1. April 2010

JPMorgan's Dimon Considering Raising Dividend

In his annual letter to shareholders, JPMorgan Chase (JPM) CEO Jamie Dimon said he is looking to increase the bank's annual dividend as long as financial markets and economic conditions continue to improve.

Dimon said he hopes to increase the dividend to between 75 cents to $1 a share from its current level of 20 cents a share. JPMorgan cut its annual dividend to 20 cents a share from $1.52 in early 2009 as financial markets continued to deteriorate and the bank was trying to preserve capital.

Dimon cited three conditions necessary for the bank to increase its dividend, including several months of improvement in the jobs markets and a reduction in consumer charge-offs related to mortgages and credit cards. Dimon also said the bank would need "more certainty around the regulatory requirements for bank capital levels" as well.

Since the health-care changes became law last week, both the White House and Democratic leaders in Congress have turned their attention to a financial regulatory overhaul package. Rep. Barney Frank, (D-Mass.), who is also chairman of the House Financial Services Committee said Thursday that he expects President Obama will sign a bill around Memorial Day.

"Possible changes in capital and liquidity requirements as well as some tax proposals are creating uncertainty around our future capital needs," Dimon said. "We hope there will be more clarity regarding these issues soon."

Dimon's 36-page letter focused on a whole host of other issues and outlook, including how the bank plans to use the assets it acquired from its 2008 purchase of Bear Stearns to grow its prime brokerage business, increase retail locations and grow particular credit card programs, along with executive compensation. Read the letter below.

Shares of JPMorgan Chase rose 1.1% Thursday afternoon to $45.20 a share.

Jamie Dimon 2009 AR Letter to Shareholders

LifePoint beats Q4 estimates, forecast higher 2010 earningsJPMorgan’s Dimon Paid $1.32 Million in 2009

PRESS RELEASE: Fitch: Dresdner Funding Trust IV Upgraded To A

Fitch Ratings-London/Frankfurt-01 April 2010: Fitch Ratings has today upgraded Dresdner Funding Trust IV's silent participation certificates to 'A' from 'CCC' and removed the Rating Watch Negative (RWN) on the instrument.

The upgrade follows changes in the certificates' terms and conditions made by Germany-based parent Commerzbank AG (Commerzbank, rated A+/Stable/F1+).

In Fitch's opinion, such changes are rare. In agreement with the investor base, the previous coupon deferral triggers have been removed and the subordination of the instrument has been altered from hybrid Tier 1 capital to lower Tier 2 capital. The agency understands that this instrument now does not have either any coupon deferral option or any loss absorption capacity as a going concern, but only - like other lower Tier 2 instruments - in the case of a liquidation of the bank. It now ranks pari passu with other lower Tier 2 instruments of the bank. As a result, Fitch no longer assigns any equity credit to this issue.

Applicable criteria "Global Financial Institutions Rating Criteria", dated 29 December 2009, "Rating Hybrid Securities", dated 29 December 2009, and "Equity Credit for Hybrids & Other Capital Securities", dated 29 December 2009, are available at www.fitchratings.com.

Contacts: Michael Steinbarth, London, Tel: +44 (0) 20 7682 7468; Simone Brehmer, Frankfurt, Tel: +49 69 768076263.

Media Relations: Christian Giesen, Frankfurt am Main, Tel: + 49 (0) 69 7680 762 32, Email: christian.giesen@fitchratings.com; Hannah Warrington, London, Tel: +44 (0) 207 417 6298, Email: hannah.warrington@fitchratings.com.

Additional information is available at www.fitchratings.com.

Related Research: Global Financial Institutions Rating Criteriahttp://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=493146Rating Hybrid Securitieshttp://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=493086Equity Credit for Hybrids & Other Capital Securities - Amendedhttp://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=493112

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