4:20 pm : For the fifth consecutive session, the equity market's major averages closed higher and extended the momentum with which they rang in 2006. While they had maintained positive footing since the morning, the Dow's clearance of a key technical level at which it had not closed since 2001, 11,000, helped increase afternoon buying efforts.
The market lacked much trading catalyst today, as both the corporate and economic fronts were deficient of much market-moving news. Nonetheless, a bullish bias dominated and sent seven of the ten economic sectors higher. On account of
Men: Eat More Tomatoes. Research suggests that lycopene, a substance found in tomatoes, may play a role in lowering men's odds of developing prostate cancer. Cooked tomato products, such as tomato sauce, are particularly healthful.
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JESSICA'S DIVA DEMANDS
Jessica Simpson, 25, likes to act clueless, but she can swing her celebrity weight like a pro. According to a studio source, weeks before the press tour for The Dukes of Hazzard began, "we were bombarded with a six-page pamphlet of demands for Jessica from the office of her dad, Joe Simpson." Among Jessica's requests: paid accommodations for her hairstylist and assistant in the same hotel as Jessica; a wardrobe budget estimated in the thousands of dollars; cases of Evian water; and paid private... JEN FREAKS OVER ANGELINA'S NEW BABY JULIA STILES, GWYNETH PALTROW AND MORE!
Alito vows to administer equal justice Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito (L) arrives at his Senate confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill with Ranking Democratic Member Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) in Washington January 9, 2006. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)
3:28 pm PT AFC Reports Q4 Op Results and Issues Y06 Guidance (AFCE) 15.17 : Co reported sales growth was up 6.9% for the 4Q05, compared to up 3.2% for 4Q04. Co opened 43 Popeyes restaurants during Q4, compared to 28 in 4Q04. For 2006, Co expects domestic same-store sales growth of 2.0-3.0% driven by the introduction of new menu items, increased promotional activity, continued operational improvements, and more effective food-focused advertising.
3:11 pm PT Belo provides Y06 Outlook (BLC) 22.45 : Revenues are expected to increase in the high-single digits with a mid-to-high single digit increase in expenses. Consolidated EBITDA and earnings from operations are projected to increase in the high-single digits for full-year 2006.
2:46 pm PT Market Wrap : For the fifth consecutive session, the equity markets major averages closed higher and extended the momentum with which they rang in 2006. While they had maintained positive footing since the morning, the Dows clearance of a key technical level at which it had not closed since 2001, 11,000, helped increase afternoon buying efforts.