Market Update

News Corp Offers $5 B for Dow Jones

123jump.com Staff
01 May, 2001
New York City

Major averages climbed higher on several deal news in banking, publishing and steel indsurties. News Corp controlled by Rupert Murdoch offered $65 per share or $5 billion for Dow Jones. The company publication Wall Street journal said that the board has declined the offer. Microsoft is reported to be in a deal to buy for $1 billion 24/7 Real Media, an internet adveertising firm. A report on housing markets showed 4.9% declined in signed contracts for pending home sales.

Community Banks up 34% on Buyout Offer

Elena
01 May, 2007
New York City

U.S. stock market averages turned mixed, reflecting robust manufacturing data and weak housing report reignited concerns that the Fed Reserve may not cut interest rates in the near future. The ISM''s April manufacturing index came in at 54.7%, higher than the reading in March and above forecasts. In another report, the National Association of Realtors said pending sales of existing homes fell by 4.9% in March to their lowest point in four years.

MAF Bancorp Soars 35% on Deal News

Elena
01 May, 2007
New York City

MAF Bancorp surged 35% after National City Corp. said Tuesday it will buy the company for $56 per share, or $1.9 billion in an all-stock deal. The move is aimed to help National City to enter the Wisconsin market and expand its presence in Chicago. The price represents a 39% premium to MAF Bancorp''s Monday closing price of $40.15.

Manitowoc Q1 Profit Doubles

Elena
01 May, 2007
New York City

U.S. stocks opened in the positive, helped by deal news. Microsoft is reported interested in buying Internet advertising firm 24/7 Real Media which soared 30%. Manitowoc gained 4% in early trading as the provider of lifting equipment reported late Monday Q1 net earnings of $1.01 a share, up from 48 cents a share a year ago, beating expectations of earnings of 87 cents. Manitowoc also lifted its 2007 outlook. The company named Glen Tellock as a new CEO.

FTSE Dips on Pub Tavern

Ivaylo
01 May, 2007
New York City

The UK benchmark index sank on Tuesday on a quiet day for stocks trading in London. Pub owner Punch Taverns declined despite a 12% rise in first-half pre-tax profit. Shopping centre developer Liberty International led the advancers after posting a solid increase in first quarter profit. With most countries in Europe closed for the May day holiday, the FTSE 100 was down 30.5 points at 6,418.7 by late morning.

Market to Open Moderately Higher

Elena
01 May, 2007
New York City

U.S. stock futures indicated a moderately higher opening on Tuesday ahead of a reading on the nation

Japan Declines in Thin Trading

Ivaylo
01 May, 2007
New York City

Japanese stocks declined in subdued trading Tuesday as traders tracked Wall Street where stocks sagged overnight. Traders took profits in recent advancers such as real-estate company Mitsui Fudosan and machinery maker Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, which reported earnings last week. Markets in China, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand were closed for a public holiday.

Procter & Gamble Profit and Outlook Up

Elena
01 May, 2007
New York City

The company posted quarterly profit of $2.51 billion, or 74 cents per share, compared with $2.21 billion, or 63 cents per share a year earlier. The company

Cocoa Ends Lower, Gold Climbs

Ivaylo
01 May, 2007
New York City

U.S. cocoa futures declined to seven-week lows Monday as beneficial rains falling over West African growing regions raised supply concerns among investors. The Ivory Coast and Ghana account for 70% of the world cocoa production. Gold advanced, silver remained unchnaged, while palladium dipped.

Nasdaq Up 4.3%, S&P 500 Up 4.5%

123jump.com Staff
30 Apr, 2007
New York City

Market averages closed lower as worries of inflation overshadowed earnings. Nasdaq closed lower led by a weakness in tech stocks but managed to close 4.3% up in April, S&P 500 gained 4.5% and Dow jumped 5.7% in the month. The broader market paid attention to lower than expected rise in personal income and speding report released by the Commercce Deaprtment. China raised its reserve requirement for banks to cool the fast growing economy and Indian rupee surged 5% in April against dollar.

U.S. Movers: Humana, Hilton, Wrigley

123jump.com Staff
30 Apr, 2007
New York City

Market averages traded sideways after the morning report of lower than expected grwoth in personal spending and disposal income in March. Humana reported lower but better than expecte earnings in steady increase in medicare plan memberships. Wrigley, gum maker, reported 30% rise in earnings on 27% advance in sales outside the U.S. Hotel operator Hilton reported 29% increase in revenue. ICICI Bank, Indian bank slumped 8% in New York trading on a plan to raise $4.5 billion.

Energy, Telecom Stocks Help Europe

Elena
30 Apr, 2007
New York City

European stock markets finished in the green on Monday, driven higher by gains in the shares of Cable & Wireless and strength among energy-producing conglomerates and utility companies. Eni rose 0.6% after the Italian oil group agreed to buy Gulf of Mexico fields from Dominion for $4.8 B. The German DAX 30 increased 0.4%, the French CAC-40 advanced 0.5%, and the U.K.''s FTSE 100 rose 0.5%.

ISE up 42% on $2.8 B Bid Speculation

Elena
30 Apr, 2007
New York City

U.S. market averages traded mixed in late morning trading amid economic reports which revealed tame inflation, as well as weak spending, manufacturing and construction data. The Dow hit another record high, boosted by optimism over corporate profits. 3M and Procter & Gamble led gainers, rising 1% and 2%, respectively. In merger-and-acquisition news, International Securities Exchange surged 42% amid reports that it is in talks to be acquired by Deutsche Boerse for $2.8 billion.

Delta Air Lines Down 66%

Elena
30 Apr, 2007
New York City

In merger-and-acquisition news, International Securities Exchange surged 41% amid reports that it is in talks to be acquired by Deutsche Boerse for $2.8 billion. In another deal, Dominion Resources agreed to sell its Gulf of Mexico fields to Eni for $4.76 billion.

Merrill Lynch to Repurchase $6 B Shares

Elena
30 Apr, 2007
New York City

Wall Street opened in the negative on Monday, as investors digested data which showed tame inflation and spending growth. Upbeat earnings from Verizon Communication and a share buyback from Merrill Lynch failed to give a strong boost. Verizon quarterly results topped expectations but the stock added only 0.2%. Merrill Lynch inched up 0.2% on plans to buy back up to $6 billion of its own stock under a new share repurchase program.