Market Update Close: Today marked the fifth consecutive day of a higher start that fizzled. The difference today, though, was that the market's majors clung to modest gains and finished the session on positive turf. A plethora of M&A activity, some strong reports on the earnings front, and good third quarter GDP data collectively catalyzed an bullish air that dominated, but faded, during the session's final hour.Wide-spread buying across the Materials sector (+1.6%) allowed it to occupy the driver's seat for the duration of trading. The soaring steel industry, following positive analyst comments...
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General Health Tip
An Unhealthy Salad? Going to a salad bar doesn't guarantee a healthy meal. For the most nutritious plate, choose dry vegetables (not soaked in sauces and oils) of many colors.
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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!
Senate Passes Patriot Act Extension Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff speaks at a joint news conference on the Patriot Act at the Justice Department in Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2005. (AP Photo/Yuri Gripas)
9:52 pm PT On The Wires :CPI (CPY) announces that its board authorized the repurchase of up to 1.5 mln shares of its common stock through a modified Dutch Auction self- tender offer. The tender offer is expected to commence during the week of December 26, 2005 and extend through approx the end of January 2006... Invitrogen (IVGN) and Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy announce a new collaboration to identify biological targets that are linked to the causes and symptoms of Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Financial terms were not disclosed... Rainier Pacific Financial Group (RPFG) announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Rainier Pacific Bank, has entered into an agreement to purchase the property and casualty insurance businesses of Christopherson-Boze Insurance Services and Holman Insurance Agency. Co expects purhcases to be modestly accretive to 2006 earnings.
2:05 pm PT First Data announces agreement with Brooks Eckerd Pharmacy (FDC) :FDC unit Western Union Financial Services has signed an agreement with The Jean Coutu Group to provide money transfer services at its Brooks Eckerd Pharmacy locations in the United States. Brooks Eckerd drugstores will implement the Western Union Money Transfer service throughout the course of 2006, making it available to consumers at up to 1,850 Brooks Eckerd locations across the states.
2:05 pm PT Market Wrap :Today marked the fifth consecutive day of a higher start that fizzled. The difference today, though, was that the market's majors clung to modest gains and finished the session on positive turf. A plethora of M&A activity, some strong reports on the earnings front, and good third quarter GDP data collectively catalyzed an bullish air that dominated, but faded, during the session's final hour. More...