4:20 pm : The indices closed near their best levels of the day, as a more favorable earnings outlook, especially in tech following a strong report and upside guidance�from Hewlett-Packard (HPQ 34.02 +2.35), as well as strong economic data gave investors reasons to extend recent buying efforts. The Dow closed at its highest level since June 2001, led by a 7.4% surge in HPQ to a five-year high, as all ten economic sectors finished in positive territory.
Before the bell, Jan. housing starts rose 14.5% to 2.28 mln units (consensus 2.02 mln), the highest rate since 1973
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The so-called Piltdown Man, supposed to be the fossil of a primitive human, turned out to be spurious, although who created the hoax is still uncertain.
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!
Rice highlights fear of nuclear Iran to enlist Arabs U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice testifies about 'The International Affairs Budget Request for Fiscal 2007' at the U.S. House International Relations Committee hearings on Capitol Hill February 16, 2006. REUTERS/Larry Downing
2:36 pm PT Peet's Coffee: Webcast summary (PEET) 31.82 0.47 : Upbeat and confident, the CEO reported that PEET experienced the strongest growth rate in 2005�it has ever�had in its 40 year history. The co opened 20 new stores over the year, 18 of which were in California. The CEO felt that FY2005 was an example of what to expect from the co, they met the "upper end" of their goals. They exceeded the 20% growth goal for the first time, exceeded same store sales goals, and the retail business grew by 45%, also above expectations. He noted that they are heavily investing in infrastructure designed for long term growth. The CFO added that sales grew 20-23% excluding options, but gross margins were down 50-100 basis points this year due to higher coffee and natural gas prices, and they expect this to continue into 2006. The CFO expects EPS to be flat for�1H06 and increase during the 2H06; new store openings will also be biased towards the second half with only 2�during 1Q06 and the remainder of the 20-25 stores to be opened in 2H06.
2:33 pm PT Kyphon announces Arthur Taylor to be new COO (KYPH) : Co announces that effective Feb 15, Arthur Taylor was promoted to chief operating officer.�Taylor has served as our vice president, chief financial officer, and treasurer since Aug 2004 and will continue to serve in that role during the interim period until his successor is hired.
2:30 pm PT Barrier Therapeutics announces FDA approves Vusion ointment for treatment of Diaper Dermatitis complicated by Candidiasis (BTRX) 9.30 : �
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