Wednesday, January 4, 2012

What's In The News: January 4, 2012 MF Global (MFGLQ) Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM)

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This is what's in the news for Wednesday January 4, 2012. The Wall Street Journal reports Federal Reserve officials will soon begin detailing their plans for short-term interest rates, a move that could show that the central bank's easy money policies will remain in place for years and boost the economy. The Wall Street Journal also reports with increased competition and weaker markets, investment banks are lowering expectations and cutting costs in Asia which has been a key source of growth for the industry. Reuters reports MF Global (MFGLQ) unloaded hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of securities to Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) days before its collapse, but it did not immediately receive payment from its clearing firm and lender, JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:JPM), sources say. Finally, Reuters also reports Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM) is in talks to sell most of its 50% stake in TonenGeneral Sekiyu KK back to its Japanese refining partner and unload other assets in Japan in a deal that could be worth as much as $5B, sources say.
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Cabot Oil & Gas Announces Spit And Boosts Dividend
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Cabot Oil & Gas (NYSE:COG) announced a 2-for-1 stock split with a distribution date of January 25th and raised its dividend on a pre-split basis to $0.16 per share from its prior $0.12 per share.

The firm added that it more than doubled production in the Marcellus shale to 600 million cubic feet per day during the final two days of 2011.

Cabot Oil & Gas (NYSE:COG) has potential upside of 25.5% based on a current price of $76.8 and an average consensus analyst price target of $96.38.
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Reliance And Apollo Global In Talks To Acquire El Paso Unit
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India's Reliance and private equity firm Apollo Global (NYSE:APO) are among the suitors in talks to acquire El Paso's (NYSE:EP) oil and gas exploration and production unit, according to a Bloomberg report.

Kinder Morgan (NYSE:KMI) is looking to spin off the business, which carries a price tag of approximately $8.1 billion, in an effort to help finance its $21 billion acquisition of El Paso.

El Paso (NYSE:EP) has potential upside of 0.9% based on a current price of $26.5 and an average consensus analyst price target of $26.75.
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Teva Pharmaceutical Jumps On Lipitor Market Share Increase And CEO Appointment
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Teva Pharmaceutical (NASDAQ:TEVA) rose to its highest level in almost six months on news that Ranbaxy Laboratories picked up market share in with its Lipitor drug, as well as news that the firm's choice of CEO was well received by analysts.

Shares of Teva rose 3.3% to $43.16 in Tel Aviv trading on the news following yesterday's 6.8% rise in US trading.

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (NASDAQ:TEVA) has potential upside of 27.6% based on a current price of $43.1 and an average consensus analyst price target of $55.
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Yahoo To Name New CEO According to AllThingsD
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According to All Things Digital, Yahoo (NASDAQ:YHOO) is set to name a new CEO after firing former CEO Carol Bartz back in September. Their likely candidate is PayPal President Scott Thompson who has been running the online payments unit since early 2008.

The move for a new CEO comes as Yahoo trails behind other online powerhouses such as Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) and Facebook. Recently, the online portal has been discussing slashing its stakes in China's Alibaba Group and its Japanese affiliate as part of a share deal worth about $17 billion.

Yahoo! (NASDAQ:YHOO) has potential upside of 12.4% based on a current price of $16.28 and an average consensus analyst price target of $18.3.
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Reliance Industries And BP Gain Government Approval For $1.5 Billion Gas Development
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Billionaire Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries Ltd (NYSE:RS) and BP (NYSE:BP) landed government approval to spend $1.5 billion to develop four discoveries that could boost output from India's largest natural gas field, according to three inside sources.

The plan could result in the production of 10 million cubic meters of gas per day from the satellite fields in the KG-D6 block of India's east coast.

The sources requested to remain unidentified because the news hadn't been made public yet.

BP (NYSE:BP) has potential upside of 10.6% based on a current price of $44.14 and an average consensus analyst price target of $48.81.
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Starbucks Raises Prices to Recoup Higher Costs
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Seattle-based coffee maker Starbucks (NYSE:SBUX) raised its prices by an average of about 1 percent in select cities throughout the United States. Coffee drinkers in New York, Boston, Washington, Atlanta, Dallas, and Albuquerque will have to cough up more dough for that cup of joe.

The reason for the hike? Starbucks says it expects high costs for things like coffee, milk and fuel that will cut into profits this year. Just like many other restaurants, the coffee company is raising prices to help offset some cost pressure.

In New York City, the price for a 12-ounce "tall" brewed coffee or latte went up 10 cents. The prices on about half a dozen other beverages will increase as well.

Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX) has potential upside of 7.9% based on a current price of $45.28 and an average consensus analyst price target of $48.86.
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Britain - John Lewis sees 'outstanding' Christmas sales

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Strong sales of clothes and electrical items helped the department store, John Lewis, take more than half a billion pounds over Christmas.

It says like-for-like sales were up 6.2% in the final five weeks of last year.

However, John Lewis conceded that its performance was weaker in the first week of the post-Christmas sales period, down 4.8% from a year ago.

The managing director of John Lewis, Andy Street, says that despite their success he expects 2012 to be another difficult year.
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Britian - Indian student Anuj Bidve murder: Accused remanded until March

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The man charged with murdering Indian student Anuj Bidve in Salford on 26 December will remain in custody until his next court hearing in March.

Kiaran Stapleton, aged 20, appeared at Manchester Crown Court on Tuesday via videolink from prison.
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Japan - 'God help us' say business leaders have been making their tradition annual new year visit to pray

Published on Jan 4, 2012 by
http://www.euronews.net/ Japanese business leaders have been making their tradition annual new year visit to pray at a shrine in Tokyo which is considered to be lucky for business.

Amid concerns about the global economy and Europe's debt problems, the ancient Kanda Myoujin shrine is braced for more visitors than usual; 110,000 each day where they pray to Ebisu, the Japanese god of commerce.
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USA - President Barack Obama remobilising Democrats

Published on Jan 4, 2012 by
http://www.euronews.net/ US Democratic President Barack Obama, fresh from a vacation in Hawaii, steps back into the campaign spotlight. Ohio is his priority today, a state considered crucial for his re-election chances.

Addressing Iowa supporters by video on Tuesday evening, Obama said his initial win there had made his later achievements possible:
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Russell Grant's Daily Horoscopes for Thursday 5th January 2012

www.russellgrant.com
Russell Grant’s Monthly Horoscopes January 2012
Russell Grant’s Weekly Horoscopes w.b. 31 December 2011
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Aries (Mar21/Apr20) Low tolerance for dullards gets you in trouble. It looks like you'll be thrown in with a group of bores. Smiling and nodding at their pointless stories seems hypocritical, but it's the only way to get a foothold to an important organisation. Naturally, everyone is drawn to your dynamic personality, and you'll find several admirers fighting for your attention. By maintaining your poise, you'll progress to the next level of success. Just grin and bear it; your future hangs in the balance!
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Taurus (Apr21/May21) You'll have to take a risk if you're going to fulfil your potential. You've been blessed with tremendous creative ability. By entering an artistic field like film, fashion, or music, you'll flourish. Of course, this means making some temporary financial sacrifices. You might even have to take a job with unconventional hours. Stop worrying what others will think of your unorthodox lifestyle, and start obeying your heart. It would be a shame to waste your gifts at a routine 9 to 5 job.
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Gemini (May22/Jun21) Your progressive views don't sit well with a conservative crowd. Although you enjoy being a provocateur, you must refrain from burning bridges. You've worked too hard to let all of your contacts go to waste. Be respectful with everyone, especially those with whom you disagree. By showing you are a valuable team player, you'll start to convert people to your views. It's all a matter of strategy. After all, it's easier to attract flies with honey than vinegar.
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Cancer (Jun22/Jul23) An unconventional financial arrangement is no longer working. Protect your interests, even if it means taking your money out of a joint account. This will put added strain on a relationship, but it can't be helped. You simply can't gamble with your long term security. Fortunately, a dynamic executive will help you take the plunge. Lean on this bigwig for support when your resolve starts to falter. It's time to begin a new chapter. The Crab who hesitates is lost!
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Leo (Jul24/Aug23) Is your partner a tad needy, making you feel nervous and claustrophobic. You've got a big heart with a tremendous capacity for love. That means you must spend time on the many people and activities you enjoy. Limiting your focus to a single admirer curtails your enthusiasm for life. Tell your amour of your need to spread yourself around. A temporary separation may be necessary to prove your point. Think about visiting an exotic country you've always wanted to see.
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Virgo (Aug24/Sep23) You want nothing more than to go your own way at work, but it simply isn't possible. Check with colleagues before making any changes to a project. Just because you're one of the most talented members of the group doesn't mean you're a free agent. If you want to exercise your independence, take up a creative project after hours. Writing a story or screenplay will prove engrossing. You may want to craft an unusual love story, based on the principle of opposites attracting.
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Libra (Sep24/Oct23) A love affair hits a snag. You're having a hard time letting go of your inhibitions. Lovemaking seems so undignified. The sooner you get in touch with your sensual side, the better. Let your partner guide you down some unconventional pathways. Pretend like you're playing a game. Pretty soon, you'll forget how you look and abandon yourself to pleasure. If you're single, think about making a bold pass at someone who has turned your head. Their response will be gratifying.
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Scorpio (Oct24/Nov22) It's hard to get a handle on your emotions. A loved one is playing hot and cold with you. While you enjoy a challenge, you can't be left in the dark for too long. If you don't get a firm commitment from your amour, move on to greener pastures. Luckily, you'll have a chance to meet new people after accepting a work assignment. Showing off your technical abilities will attract lots of admiring glances. Your star will rise even higher when you embark on a rigorous fitness routine.
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Sagittarius (Nov23/Dec21) You're not thinking too clearly, thanks to an emotional work situation. A colleague has developed a crush on you, and you don't return the sentiment. Be very clear about your feelings, even at the risk of hurting your admirer. Sometimes it's kinder to be honest. Besides, you've developed an attachment to an exciting newcomer. Their adventuresome spirit and keen intellect are irresistible. You have no interest in leading a calm, predictable domestic life.
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Capricorn (Dec22/Jan20) You've got to be realistic about your income. Although you'd love to make a sizable donation to charity, you simply can't afford it. Think about volunteering instead. Every organisation needs people to keep it organised and productive. Don't balk if you're given seemingly menial tasks. Every contribution is meaningful. It may be necessary to move to a temporary abode while your permanent home is undergoing repair. Don't attempt to fix an electrical problem by yourself.
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Aquarius (Jan21/Feb19) An impersonal, detached manner is getting you in trouble. Your relatives don't know where they stand with you. It's not that you are ungrateful for their support; it's just that you don't like emotional displays. Still, it wouldn't hurt to issue a warm 'thank you' every now and then. Coming to a friend or relative's rescue is a good way to restore your reputation. Look for ways to protect them from the up and coming problems we will all have to face.
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Pisces (Feb20/Mar20) It's time to get your head out of the clouds and attend to practical matters. Review your bank balance, organise your work area and return phone calls. Follow up on a professional call, especially if you've been dreading this task. By devoting the entire day to necessary evils, you'll buy yourself a prolonged stretch of leisure time. An unexpected financial windfall allows you to take a friend along on a holiday. The two of you will benefit from some beautiful natural scenery.

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'Black people still second class citizens'

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The US civil rights activist says the "two trophies" convicted of
murdering Stephen Lawrence should not distract political leaders from the
wider problems of racism in the UK.
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Australia - surfer survives shark attack at Avoca Beach Gosford

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A 28-year-old man survived an attack when a shark mounted his board while surfing at Avoca Beach, in the city of Gosford, 47 miles north of Sydney, Australia.
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