07:28 ET WSJ suggests dozens of stocks could get hit due to investor withdrawls : The Wall Street Journal's "Heard on the Street" column suggests dozens of stocks could get hit if investors continue to pull money out of fund companies caught up in the mutual fund scandal. According to the article, assets under management at Putnam Investments fell by a staggering $14 billion last week, with $4 billion coming out of the firm's mutual funds. To help make up for the investor withdrawals, Putnam said it sold stocks in its mutual-fund portfolios totaling $5 billion to $7 billion, or 3% to 4% of its assets. The article notes this particular selling is of concern as it could affect the prices of stocks in Putnam's portfolio and even hurt the market in general. In addition, some stocks are particularly vulnerable given Putnam, Janus, Strong and Alliance Capital collectively owning a hefty 24.6% of the shares outstanding of auto parts maker LEA; almost 21% of ATN, which sells motor-sports merchandise; 20.8% of cable operator CMCSA; and 19.7% of JNPR.

TG- Bloomberg reported today that the BIS announced a 20% increase in derivatives. 170 Trillion, 5 times global GDP. Makes sense for program trading to increase as well in response to the attempts to spread the risk around. I doubt there are many LTBH hedges.<g> Heck, if here in Zeev's little corner of the world we see folks attempting to maximize captital with ETFs, mutual fund rotation, physical commodities, futures, etc gotta think the big money is doing the same. We are playing with the velociraptors and the speed of the game has quickened.

OT Didn't you notice that he did not describe the "rather large dinner" he had? The victim will be entombed with the others and just the two small fang marks visible.

OT- Opie- Lee will also receive along with the Yankee T shirt to wear until pitchers report in February, one absolutely free sign courtesy of WFAN which reads

1918!

Any Questions?

and it has pinstripes. LOL

Zeev

07:18 ET Cabot Micro CEO/Chairman resigns to pursue other professional opportunities (CCMP) 57.00: Co announces resignation of CEO/Chairman Dr. Matthew Neville. He will be replaced by William P. Noglows, who previously served as an outside director to Cabot. "In the future, I want to pursue other professional opportunities and use my experience to develop and grow high-tech businesses and take on a different set of challenges," comments Dr. Neville. He will continue in an advisory role to Cabot for an extended period to contribute to a smooth transition process.

Zeev

09:41 ET Both TEVA and SCRI halted for trading : Note that companies recently confirmed merger discussions

Fred- more China

07:25 ET Sohu.com to provide services for Disney's web site (SOHU) 37.17: Co announces an agreement with Walt Disney Internet Group (WDIG) that will leverage SOHU.com's China market expertise and consumer reach with WDIG's experience as a leading content provider across multiple business lines to deliver innovative Disney online and wireless content and services to China. Beginning today SOHU.com will provide design, production and hosting services for Disney's web site. The co also has licensed Disney Mobile Short Messaging Services and Multimedia Messaging Services content for distribution via Disney.com.cn and the SOHU.com portal

I like this attitude. Makes boards work. Thanks to both of you as well as our host.

OT- Thank you Lee, it will be a long cold winter for us both. I told you that when I saw the Series logo being painted at Fenway during the play-offs I felt the Sox were doomed.

I felt much the same way when I saw David Wells remarks at the press conference before his start. Hubris- the Greeks have a whole series of mythic tales about it. They end badly as did the Yankees.

Fred- check it

08:56 ET Yangtze Telecom signs SMS pact with China Unicom : Co announces that its wholly owned Chinese subsidiary has signed a Cooperation Agreement with China Unicom. Under the agreement, Yangtze Telecom will offer its unique and innovative SMS (Short Messaging Service) services to China Unicom's 80 mln mobile customers across China. The signing of this agreement eliminates the necessity for agreements with each of China Unicom's provincial operators. "The the signing of this Cooperation Agreement is particularly important, as it allows the Company to provide its core SMS services, through our national SMS access number, to all of China Unicom's customers." -- watch for potential reaction in SOHU, NTES and SINA.

delete duplicate

Zeev- SKX

08:47 ET Skechers USA misses by $0.13, guides Q4 much lower (SKX) 7.57: Reports Q3 (Sep) loss of $0.15 per share, $0.13 worse than the Reuters Research consensus of ($0.02); revenues fell 15.1% year/year to $221.8 mln vs the $219.7 mln consensus. Co sees Q4 revs and EPS of $155-$165 mln and a loss of $(0.55)-$(0.45) vs R.R. consensus of $185.3 mln and $(0.10)... Q3 sales were higher than anticipated due to the co's aggressive approach in reducing inventory levels, which resulted in lower gross margins and earnings. Co believes it's prudent to assertively work through its inventories. Co is also in the process of reviewing its cost structure in order to reduce overhead expenses, which should help in Q1.

OT-That is true , Lee does not hate the Yankees. It is far far more serious than hate. LOL

OT- So.... you want the bet or don't you? Squawking and clucking I see, but no bet so far. Just think, you could chop two months off your sentence! LOL

OT- Lee, I fear you mis-understood me. Not wagering money on sports is a policy of mine , nothing to do with its legality.
I will however, give you an opportunity to get out of the Yankee shirt on New Years Eve, and your side is to keep wearing it until... shall we say Opening Day. How could I be fairer than that? LOL

Welcome, here's more

13:50 ET SOHU: details from Piper Jaffray note 33.45 -2.06: -- Update -- Piper Jaffray says their research indicates that a number of minor issues may have slowed the rate of SMS growth down temporarily in Q3 (China Mobile's SMS message growth was substantially below previous qtrs, China Unicom gaining share on China Mobile); however, firm believes that SOHU (and SINA and NTES) would not be impacted by mkt share shift from one carrier to the other, and believes that SOHU is likely to report in-line results when they report on Oct 23, with any shortfall from their SMS rev est very likely to be offset by strong advertising; in addition, firm believes their ests going forward may be a bit aggressive, as they may not have properly factored in Chinese seasonality (Q4 weakness). Maintains Outperform rating and $44 target on SOHU.

OT- Lee, Lee, Lee- always bucking the trend. When will you learn? Is it not enough that you will be wearing a Yankee t shirt at the coffee shop until pitchers report in February? In any case, I never wager money on sports. That is gambling.

13:32 ET Sohu.com: SMS growth in Q3 may be light, overall growth intact - Piper (SOHU) 33.18 -2.33: More to follow...

I have a spike like that from IB as well. Who knows?

MMM beats



http://www.marketwatch.com/news/yhoo/story.asp?source=blq/yhoo&siteid=yhoo&dist=yhoo&gui...

C beats , reports record earnings

http://biz.yahoo.com/rf/031020/financial_citigroup_earns_2.html

Yankees win in 11 inning classic 6-5. Lee Kramer loses bet and will be wearing a Yankee T shirt until pitchers report in February. The Yankees ARE the PPT.

Zeev- expecting logic? Believe the TA someone said. LOL

Zeev - 07:09 ET Lexar Media cut to Sell at WR Hambrecht (LEXR) 21.90: WR Hambrecht downgrades to Sell from Hold based on their belief that the co is at risk of: 1) heavy product gross margin compression in the coming qtrs, 2) decreasing license and royalty revs beginning in Q2, and 3) an increasingly competitive landscape in the flash card/USB drive arena, particularly from the likes of SNDK; firm also believes valuation at a 49x their 2004 est (71x on a fully-taxed basis) has run well ahead of fundamentals.

10:13 ET Biovail cuts Q3 guidance (BVF) 37.77:

OT Lee does not need sleep. He needs human blood.

OT Sure Lee, Boston 0 Baltimore 0 pre-game; Yankees 8-3 over Jays 5 1/2 played. Hope that helps.

OT And they out trade you too both on and off the field.

OT Federal Reserves ! Kudo's !!

My absentee ballot did not get counted! See you in court!

CRIS lifts on takeover rumor; AMGN cited as potential buyer 3.13 +0.06:

OT- Fred It is a fake.

http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/toc/modeng/public/HolKora.html

OT Definitely watch the golf, these guys are playing in the same places you do. Might get some tips for playing out of deep rough.

14:39 ET MO -- Illinois judge reinstates $12 bln bond in "lights" case; gives Philip Morris 60 days to comply with bond requirements -- Reuters 39.05 -0.80:

OT Then start your own call center op. May pay more than a nursery. <g>

OT LOL, nope game was blacked out down here but after I finished the lawn I happened to find it on the radio. Some rally, no doubt we will talk on Monday, have a good weekend

OT Hmmm gotten kinda quiet now that the Orioles are leading 10-4

Ummm, I think Hungarian makes the task even more difficult. <g>

Is IB down or is it me ? Thx

Telemarketing law effective October I believe. eom