"Wallstreet" Reader

"Wallstreet" Reader

Despite Weak GDP, Tokyo Leads Asian Shares Higher

Posted: 13 Feb 2011 07:21 PM PST

Asian shares were higher Monday as investors in Japan looked beyond weak local economic data, with the resignation of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak providing early impetus in markets from Tokyo to Sydney.

GE to Buy Well-Support Division

Posted: 13 Feb 2011 06:59 PM PST

General Electric agreed to buy John Wood Group's well-support division for $2.8 billion in cash.

Korean Group Makes Offer for Whitehaven

Posted: 13 Feb 2011 06:00 PM PST

A South Korean consortium has made a nonbinding offer to buy Australian miner Whitehaven Coal, which is valued at about $3.51 billion.

Recovery Redefines G-20 Challenge

Posted: 13 Feb 2011 07:35 PM PST

The global economy's recovery, though still fragile, is easing pressure on world leaders to address lingering financial and economic risks at the upcoming meeting of finance ministers from the Group of 20 leading economies in Paris.

Rising China Bests a Shrinking Japan

Posted: 13 Feb 2011 06:38 PM PST

China passed Japan in 2010 to become the world's second-largest economy, a historic shift that has drawn mixed emotions in the two Asian powers.

Zynga Valuation Rises to Over $7 Billion

Posted: 13 Feb 2011 07:29 PM PST

In talks with investors, Zynga seeks more than $250 million in new funding in a deal that would value the social-gaming company at more than $7 billion.

For Big Board Chief, It's Hero or Goat

Posted: 13 Feb 2011 04:14 PM PST

The stakes are high for Duncan Niederauer as he navigates the deal to merge NYSE Euronext with Deutsche Börse.

Genzyme Exam Finished

Posted: 13 Feb 2011 04:18 PM PST

Sanofi-Aventis finished its due diligence of Genzyme's books and facilities but the two drug makers have yet to settle on a price.

J.P. Morgan Plans New-Media Fund

Posted: 13 Feb 2011 07:21 PM PST

J.P. Morgan Chase plans to start a fund that would invest in Internet and digital-media companies.

Threat Builds on the Margins

Posted: 13 Feb 2011 07:17 PM PST

U.S. earnings season saw strong revenue growth, but the rising cost of raw materials, from copper to cotton to corn, is squeezing profit margins more than many analysts had anticipated.

GOP to Block Renewal of Build America Bonds Program

Posted: 13 Feb 2011 01:17 PM PST

Key Republicans signaled they would block renewal of the Build America Bonds program as the Obama administration prepared to reinstate the bonds in the 2012 budget plan due Monday.

Borders' Woes Help E-Books

Posted: 13 Feb 2011 02:54 PM PST

A bankruptcy reorganization by Borders is expected to chop the number of bookstores, which in turn is likely to accelerate the transition to electronic books.

NYSE Deal Moves Ahead

Posted: 13 Feb 2011 03:28 PM PST

NYSE Euronext's board of directors met for an update on the exchange operator's potential merger with Germany's Deutsche Börse, and an announcement on the deal is expected as soon as Tuesday pending board approvals.

Chesapeake Feels Icahn's Presence

Posted: 13 Feb 2011 07:27 PM PST

Chesapeake Energy, under the leadership of CEO Aubrey McClendon, spent big to become one of the nation's top producers of natural gas. Now, as it sells off assets and cuts spending, some see the influence of another billionaire: activist investor Carl Icahn.

Boeing Shows Off New 747

Posted: 13 Feb 2011 05:20 PM PST

Boeing unveiled the latest passenger version of its iconic 747 jumbo jet, hopeful it can win new orders for a model that for now boasts only two airline customers.

Parties Clash Over Sliver of Spending

Posted: 13 Feb 2011 05:27 PM PST

President Obama's budget proposal sets up a clash with Republicans over a narrow slice of federal spending—the 15% devoted to discretionary programs unrelated to security and defense.

Nokia Expects Billions From Microsoft

Posted: 13 Feb 2011 07:23 PM PST

Finnish phone maker Nokia said it will receive billions of dollars in financial support from Microsoft under the alliance unveiled Friday.

Apple Develops Less-Expensive iPhones

Posted: 13 Feb 2011 07:24 PM PST

Apple is working on a line of smaller, less-expensive iPhones and a software overhaul that would make it easier for customers to access entertainment and personal photos and videos.

Schumer Reserves Judgment on NYSE Deal

Posted: 13 Feb 2011 12:39 PM PST

Sen. Charles Schumer will reserve final judgment on NYSE Euronext's planned tie-up with Deutsche Börse until an announcement on the deal is made.

Chinese Express Faith in Fannie, Freddie

Posted: 13 Feb 2011 07:33 AM PST

China's government voiced confidence that Washington would continue to stand behind the obligations of the U.S. mortgage giants after the Obama administration outlined options for phasing them out.