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Market Update: 110404
3:30 pm : Commodities, save for industrials (-0.7%), finished higher today, led once again by a rally in grains (+2.2%). July wheat gained 4% to finish at $7.99 per bushel.

Precious metals added 1.2%, led by a rally in May silver, which finished higher by 2.1% to $38.49 per ounce. Earlier in the session silver traded to a fresh ~31 yr high at $38.62 er ounce. June gold finished a modest 0.3% higher to $1433.00 per ounce. Unlike silver, gold pulled back from its highs through the afternoon to give back some of its gains.

It was an uneventful session for May crude oil, which settled higher by 0.6% to $108.47 per barrel, its highest settling price since Sept of 2008. It spent most of the session chopping around the flat line, before spiking ~40 cents with minutes left in pit trade. May natural gas shed 1.6% to finish at $4.29 per MMBtu. DJ30 +20.21 NASDAQ -3.80 SP500 -0.49 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 1249/1.3 bln/1365 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 1468/502.8 mln/1484

3:00 pm : The final hour of trade has arrived, but stocks continue to drift sideways. The lackluster action comes as participants use today's lack of catalysts as an excuse for taking a breather following last week's strong performance.

There hasn't been any domestic data posted today, but Fed Chairman Bernanke is scheduled to speak at 7:15 PM ET tonight. His comments precede the minutes from the most recent FOMC meeting -- due tomorrow afternoon. DJ30 +10.37 NASDAQ -6.85 SP500 -1.62 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 1274/1.23 bln/1329 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 1553/458 mln/1387

2:30 pm : Stocks have recovered from their recent slip, but action remains listless.

Oil prices have also pushed higher with the arrival of pit trade's close. The commodity had been near the unchanged mark for most of the afternoon, but a spike has oil futures priced at $108.45 per barrel, which is near the two-year high that it set earlier today.

Despite oil's price spike, energy stocks are stuck at the flat line, which is where they have spent the past few hours. DJ30 +9.46 NASDAQ -6.56 SP500 -1.62 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 1273/1.15 bln/1333 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 1513/425 mln/1411

2:00 pm : Stocks have dropped another leg lower so that the S&P 500 and Nasdaq are at new session lows and the Dow is barely below the neutral line. Bank of America (BAC 13.44, +0.07) and General Electric (GE 20.48, +0.14) have been a couple of key sources of support for the Dow.DJ30 -4.23 NASDAQ -9.45 SP500 -2.88 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 1292/1.05 bln/1319 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 1508/385 mln/1397

1:30 pm : Both the Nasdaq Composite and the S&P 500 are flirting with fresh session lows. Their slip comes as the tech sector drifts deeper into the red -- tech stocks are now down with a collective loss of 0.8%.

Although stocks have come under increased pressure in recent trade, Treasuries haven't been able to break out of their recent trading range. In turn, the yield on the benchmark 10-year Note is still just above 3.40%. DJ30 +10.98 NASDAQ -4.47 SP500 -1.13 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 1362/962 mln/1224 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 1611/650 mln/1296

1:00 pm : An absence of catalysts has left stocks to trade listlessly for the entire session. That has kept the major equity averages mired near the neutral line.

Stocks started the session with slight gains, but overseas markets failed to provide any kind of additional spark as participants in Europe showed restraint after producer prices climbed ahead of a couple of the continent's key central bank meetings. In turn, the broad market failed to find any follow through buying interest.

Renewed weakness among tech stocks, which collectively represent the largest sector by market weight, has hampered action. The tech sector is down 0.6% as semiconductor issues slide to a loss of about 1%.

Meanwhile, materials stocks have managed to put together an enviable 0.7% gain, but the sector's lack of weight has undermined its leadership.

Although not quite as strong, health care stocks have also caught a bid. The sector's 0.6% gain comes amid news that Pfizer (PFE 20.50, +0.12) cut its forecast after it sold its Capsugel buisness to investment outfit KKR (KKR 17.10, +0.19). Elsewhere in the health care sector, Sanofi-Aventis (SNY 35.61, -0.07) successfully completed its exchange offer for Genzyme (GENZ 76.33, +0.32). DJ30 +15.93 NASDAQ -1.37 SP500 -0.07 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 1397/880 mln/1161 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 1599/325 mln/1306

12:30 pm : The Nasdaq is holding steady just above the neutral line. Underlying action has shares of Baidu.com (BIDU 142.35, +3.50), Amgen (AMGN 54.19, +1.11), Sandisk (SNDK 46.69, +1.18), and Express Scripts (ESRX 57.20, +1.03) trading as the four top performers. Meanwhile, NetApp (NTAP 46.22, -1.98), NVIDIA (NVDA 17.57, -0.63), Apollo (APOL 40.46, -0.95), and Qualcomm (QCOM 53.32, -1.15) represent four of the worst performers.DJ30 +21.7 NASDAQ +2.81 SP500 +0.85 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 1423/799 mln/1112 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 1621/295 mln/1265

12:00 pm : The dollar is gaining ground against competing currencies so that the Dollar Index is now at its session high with a 0.2% gain. Most of the greenback's gain today has come against the euro, which was recently quoted at $1.422.

The dollar's advance has cut into precious metals prices in recent trade. Gold is now up just $3.60 to $1432.50 per ounce while silver was last quoted with a $0.61 gain at $38.34 per ounce.

As for stocks, trade remains largely listless, but the Nasdaq has managed to move back into positive territory so that it trades with a slight gain. DJ30 +19.83 NASDAQ +2.63 SP500 +0.91 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 1396/715 mln/1142 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 1605/263 mln/1248

11:30 am : Although stocks are stuck in a lackluster fit of trade, shares of Ford Motor (F 15.66, +0.50) have made an impressive push higher, which has made it this session's top performer. Strength in shares of F is partly owed to an upgrade by analysts at Credit Suisse.

Southwest Airlines (LUV12.29, -0.39) shares are down about 3% after paring some of their losses. Still, the stock is among this session's worst performing issues. Its weakness comes after a tear in the roof of a plane prompted the company to cancel hundreds of flights over the weekend. DJ30 +18.88 NASDAQ +2.23 SP500 +1.08 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 1405/610 mln/1100 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 1559/225 mln/1287

11:00 am : The stock market is mired near the neutral line after it made a narrow advance in the first few minutes of trade. The dip comes as tech stocks, which collectively represent the largest sector by market weight, come under pressure. Tech stocks are currently near session lows with a 0.6% loss.

In contrast, materials stocks continue to push higher, but their lack of weight has undermined their leadership. Nonetheless, the sector is up 0.6% as metals and steel plays push higher. Newmont Mining (NEM 55.32, +0.95) and AK Steel (AKS 16.15, +0.27) are currently the top two performers by percent gained. Both stocks are up 1.8%. DJ30 +9.92 NASDAQ -0.62 SP500 +0.16 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 1399/490 mln/1061 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 1562/185 mln/1247

10:30 am : The dollar index moved into positive territory in recent trade, adding selling pressure on most commodities.

May crude oil sold off from overnight highs of $108.78, falling into negative territory and to new session lows of $107.58 per barrel. It's erased almost half of its losses and is currently at $108.06/barrel, up 0.1%.

May natural gas has been in negative territory all session. It traded just modestly lower overnight, but sold-off earlier this morning to new session lows of $4.23/MMBtu. It's recovered approx. half of its losses and is now at $4.30/MMBtu, down 1.5%.

Precious metals have been higher all morning, while silver futures is the best performing commodity in the CRB Index. May silver is currently 2.2% higher at $38.56/ounce, while June gold is up 0.7% at $1439.10/ounce.

Grains extended gains from last week as wheat rose 1.7% overnight, corn rose 1.6% and soybeans gained 0.3%DJ30 +11.62 NASDAQ -1.6 SP500 +0.55 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 1286/336.5 mln/1105 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 1484/138.7 mln/1277

10:00 am : Tech stocks have come under increased pressure in recent trade. The sector had traded with only a fractional loss in the first few minutes of trade, but it has since fallen to a 0.5% loss.

Weakness among tech stocks is relatively broad, but heavyweight Apple (AAPL 342.00, -2.51) is having one of the most adverse impacts on the space. Semiconductor stocks are also contributing to the sector's slide; they are collectively down 0.7%.

Advancing Sectors: Materials (+0.5%), Health Care (+0.3%), Energy (+0.3%), Telecom (+0.1%), Financials (+0.1%)
Unchanged: Consumer Staples
Declining Sectors: Tech (-0.5%), Industrials (-0.2%), Utilities (-0.1%), Consumer Discretionary (-0.1%)DJ30 +10.37 NASDAQ +0.08 SP500 +1.08 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 1414/158 mln/847 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 1688/85 mln/933

09:45 am : The broad market is up with a slight gain in the first few minutes of trade. Early support is broad, but materials stocks currently boast the best gains. The sector is up an enviable 0.6%. Tech stocks have actually fallen to a slight loss, though. The weakness comes after tech stocks had already lagged this past Friday.DJ30 +20.36 NASDAQ +3.82 SP500 +2.58

09:15 am : S&P futures vs fair value: +2.20. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: +5.90. Stock futures point to a slightly higher start to the week. The modest bid comes as participants continue to display a preference for risk, even in the absence of any catalysts like data or corporate news. Oil prices also attracted renewed buying interest earlier this morning, such that the energy component climbed to a new two-year high of $108.48 per barrel, but it has since pulled back to trade flat near $108 per barrel. Although they are mostly modestly higher, major overseas markets have also given little direction to early morning traders. The generally tepid tone there precedes some key central bank meetings in Europe later this week.

09:05 am : S&P futures vs fair value: +2.20. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: +6.40. Oil prices had pushed up to a new two-year high of about $108.48 per barrel earlier this morning, but the energy component recently pulled back with the approach of pit trade. It was most recently quoted with a fractional gain at $108.10 per barrel. Gold prices are up with a more impressive gain of about 0.7% at $1438 per ounce. Silver is even stronger as it sports a 1.8% gain at $38.42 per ounce.

08:35 am : S&P futures vs fair value: +2.60. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: +7.20. Germany's DAX is up 0.2% at the moment, but France's CAC is currently flat. Vivendi shares are among the top performing stocks in France following news that the firm has acquired from Vodafone (VOD) a 44% stake in French telecom play SFR in a transaction valued at about $11.3 billion. The deal has also helped support shares of VOD on Britain's FTSE, which is up 0.4%. The generally muted tone of trade across the continent's major bourses comes ahead of the Thursday meetings of the European Central Bank and the Bank of England. This morning it was learned that eurozone producer prices climbed 0.8% in February after they had climbed 1.3% in the prior month. Meanwhile, Britain's PMI Construction reading for March came in at 56.4, which is only slightly lower than the 56.5 that had been recorded for February.

Overnight action in Asia left Japan's Nikkei to eke out a 0.1% gain. Tokio Marine was a primary leader, as was Fast Retailing, but their strength was largely offset by losses in Mizuho Financial (MFG) and Sumitomo Realty. Broad-based buying took Hong Kong's Hang Seng to a 1.5% gain. The move took the Hang Seng to a new two-month high. China's Shanghai Composite was closed for holiday observance, but data out of the country featured a PMI Services reading of 60.2, which is up sharply from the 44.1 that was posted for February.

08:05 am : S&P futures vs fair value: +2.00. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: +6.40. An empty economic calendar and few corporate announcements have made for a relatively quiet morning, but stock futures are still up a bit relative to fair value. The bid comes amid modest gains by Europe's major bourses, yet follows a heady move by Hong Kong's Hang Seng, which climbed 1.5% overnight. Oil prices continue to push higher. In fact, the energy component set a new two-year high well above $108 per barrel earlier this morning.

06:42 am : [BRIEFING.COM] S&P futures vs fair value: +1.90. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: +6.20.

06:42 am : Nikkei...9718.89...+10.50...+0.10%. Hang Seng...24150.58...+348.70...+1.50%.

http://finance.yahoo.com/marketupdate?u


6:34PM VAALCO Energy expects to resume full production in Gabon within 24 hours (EGY) 7.32 -0.02 : VAALCO Energy, (EGY) announced that the Co has been informed that the strike in Gabon by the National Organisation of Oil Employees, which began at midnight, March 31, 2011, has ended. VAALCO expects to resume full production offshore Gabon within 24 hours. Daily gross production in the Etame Marin block offshore Gabon has been recently averaging ~23,500 barrels of oil per day.

6:29PM Pre-Paid Legal Services announces 2011 Q1 membership and recruiting results (PPD) 65.99 +0.06 : Co reported new memberships produced and new sales associates enrolled for the 2011 Q1. During Q1 of 2011, new sales associates enrolled decreased 56.5% compared to Q1 of 2010. Memberships produced decreased by 18.3% while new membership fees written decreased by 23.5% and our active membership base decreased 4.9% compared to the comparable period of the previous year. On a sequential quarterly basis, new associates enrolled decreased 41.8%, new memberships produced decreased 6.7%, new membership fees written decreased 9.0% and our active membership base decreased by 23,483 memberships.

6:13PM Farmer Bros CEO to Retire (FARM) 12.86 +0.55 : Co announced that Roger M. Laverty III, President and Chief Executive Officer, is stepping down as an executive officer of the Company effective April 19, 2011, and will retire at the end of the Company's fiscal year on June 30, 2011. The Co's board of directors has appointed Jeffrey Wahba, the Company's Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, and Patrick Criteser, President and CEO of Coffee Bean International (a subsidiary of FARM), to share the office of Chief Executive on an interim basis effective April 19, 2011, pending the board's search and consideration of a permanent successor to Mr. Laverty. In addition to these added responsibilities, Mr. Wahba will continue as the Company's Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, and Mr. Criteser will continue as President and CEO of Coffee Bean International.

6:00PM Builders FirstSource announces offering of senior secured notes (BLDR) 3.04 +0.19 : Co announced its intention to offer $250 million aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes due 2019. The notes will be secured by a first priority lien on certain non-current assets and a second priority lien on certain current assets of the Company and will be guaranteed on a senior secured basis by each of the Company's existing and future domestic subsidiaries.

5:58PM Navarre announces sale of FUNimation Entertainment for $24 mln (NAVR) 1.82 -0.04 : Co announced that it has sold FUNimation Entertainment for $24 million in an all cash transaction. Purchasers in the transaction are a group of entities that were newly formed by an investment group that includes Gen Fukunaga, FUNimation Entertainment's chief executive officer, as a minority stakeholder. In connection with the sale, the Company has entered into an agreement to act as FUNimation Entertainment's exclusive distributor in the United States on a continuing basis, and will also act as FUNimation Entertainment's logistics and fulfillment services provider.

5:53PM ICF International announces CFO Transition for Personal Reasons; co reaffirms Q1 and FY11 guidance (ICFI) 21.88 +0.11 : Co announced that Ron Vargo, chief financial officer, plans to leave the company for personal reasons effective May 11, 2011, and will relocate out of the Washington, D.C., area. ICF reaffirms its guidance for first quarter and full year 2011 financial results contained in its earnings release of March 2, 2011, which was as follows 'co issues guidance for Q1, sees EPS of $0.34-0.38 vs. $0.36 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees Q1 revs of $192-197 mln vs. $197.51 mln Thomson Reuters consensus. Co reaffirms guidance for FY11, sees EPS of $1.63-1.73 vs. $1.68 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees FY11 revs of $830-865 mln vs. $850.86 mln Thomson Reuters consensus.'

5:53PM Highwoods Properties announces termination of proposed development project (HIW) 35.27 +0.22 : Co announced that its proposed $58 mln, government incentive-free, build-to-suit for the law firm of Polsinelli Shughart PC in Kansas City has been terminated by the law firm. Given that the regulatory approvals necessary for the project have not yet been obtained, Polsinelli Shughart has informed the Company that it has elected to pursue recently arisen proposals at other locations in Missouri and Kansas.

5:50PM XL Group plc announces preliminary loss estimates for Japanese earthquake and tsunami that occurred on March 11, 2011 (XL) 25.00 +0.22 : Co announced preliminary net loss estimates for the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan (the "Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami"). The Co's preliminary loss estimates related to the Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami, pretax and net of reinsurance and reinstatement premiums, range from ~$190 million to $290 million, with ~70%attributable to XL's reinsurance segment. The wide range reflects the continued uncertainty regarding the event, including whether coverage levels will be reached under certain policies.

5:40PM Penn Virginia announces amendment and extension of the tender offer for its 4.50% convertible senior ubordinated notes due 2012 (PVA) 16.24 -0.50 : Co announced that it has amended certain terms of its previously announced tender offer for any and all of its outstanding 4.50% Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes due 2012. PVA has amended the tender offer to extend the tender offer until 12:00 Midnight, New York City time, on Monday, April 11, 2011 and to state that the noteholder consent condition described in the Offer to Purchase has been satisfied.

5:30PM Sprott Physical Gold Trust announces follow-on offering of trust units in an aggregate amount of up to $340 mln (PHYS) : Sprott Physical Gold Trust (PHYS), a trust created to invest and hold substantially all of its assets in physical gold bullion and managed by Sprott Asset Management LP, announced today that it has launched a follow-on offering of transferable, redeemable units of the Trust ("Units") in an aggregate amount of up to $340 million at a price of $12.54 per unit (the "Offering"). Certain lead investors, including certain funds managed by Sprott Asset Management LP, have agreed to purchase no less than $115 million of Units in this Offering. The Trust will use the net proceeds of this Offering to acquire physical gold bullion in accordance with the Trust's objective and subject to the Trust's investment and operating restrictions described in the prospectus related to this Offering. Under the trust agreement governing the Trust, the net proceeds of the Offering per unit must be not less than 100% of the most recently calculated net asset value per Unit of the Trust prior to, or upon determination of, pricing of the offering.

5:15PM Health Care REIT announced an increase of its full-year 2011 FFO per share guidance solely to reflect the closings of previously announced transactions (HCN) 52.41 +0.11 : Co announced an increase of its full-year 2011 FFO per share guidance solely to reflect the closings of previously announced transactions, including the acquisition of substantially all of the real estate assets of Genesis HealthCare and related capital markets financing activity. The co is increasing FFO guidance by $0.07 per diluted share from a range of $3.25-3.35 per diluted share to a range of $3.32-3.42 per diluted share, which represents an increase of 8-11% from 2010. (Thomson Reuters consensus for 2011 is $1.11.)

5:09PM Frontier Airlines reports March 2011 traffic (RJET) 6.45 +0.11 : Co reported preliminary traffic results for March 2011. Frontier's traffic increased 2% to 1.11 billion revenue passenger miles (RPMs) while capacity was also up 2% to 1.32 billion available seat miles (ASMs). Frontier Airlines served 1.26 million passengers in March, a slight increase from March 2010. Frontier also achieved its thirteenth consecutive record monthly load factor this month. March's load factor was 84.4% compared to 84.1% in the same month last year.

5:04PM Republic Airways reports March 2011 traffic (RJET) 6.45 +0.11 : Co today reported preliminary passenger traffic results for March 2011. The co generated 1.8 billion revenue passenger miles, a 2% decrease from the same month last year, while available seat mile increased by 1%. Block hours were 84,328 in March 2011, up 1% from March 2010. Consolidated load factor was 78% versus 81% in March 2010. Nearly 2.7 million passengers were carried during the month, a 2% reduction from the same month last year.

5:03PM American Airlines and Expedia reach distribution agreement (AMR) 6.27 -0.12 : American Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of AMR Corp, and Expedia, Inc. announced today a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will allow the companies to resume doing business together, effective immediately. Access to fares and schedule information of American Airlines and its subsidiary American Eagle has been restored for search and ticketing on Expedia and Hotwire sites worldwide initially via global distribution system (GDS) technology.

5:02PM Sonic Foundry announces the Board of Directors has approved a motion to separate the duties of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board (SOFO) 14.81 0.00 :

5:01PM JA Solar announces strategic partnership With Jabil (JBL) (JASO) 6.57 -0.20 : JA Solar Holdings Co., Ltd. (JASO), one of the world's largest manufacturers of high-performance solar cells and solar power products, announced that it has entered into a two-year strategic partnership with Jabil Circuit (JBL), a global electronic product solutions company headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida. Under the partnership framework, JA Solar expects to supply Jabil with up to 400MW of solar cells over two years, as well as certified module designs to Jabil for the manufacturing of up to 200MW per year of modules with JA Solar cells. JA Solar intends to provide solar cells and additionally grant Jabil the right to manufacture JA Solar's portfolio of OEM modules at Jabil's solar facilities, including those in Mexico, Poland and China. The companies will further collaborate on marketing and selling JA Solar modules to customers, especially in the U.S. The duration of the alliance is for two years. Module production is expected to commence in Q3 of 2011.

5:00PM DineEquity ends lease on Applebee's facility in KS (DIN) 54.19 -0.47 : DineEquity (DIN), the parent company of Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar and IHOP Restaurants, today announced it has entered into an agreement to end its lease with Lexington LAC Lenexa L.P., an affiliate of Lexington Realty Trust and property owner of the commercial space currently occupied by Applebee's headquarters in Lenexa, Kansas. Applebee's will relocate its approximately 350 headquarters-based team members to a smaller, more appropriately sized facility in the Kansas City area. A real estate search is underway and Applebee's expects to complete the move before September 30, 2011.

4:56PM GSI Group announces Robert Buckley assumes CFO role (GSIG) 10.62 +0.13 : Co announced that effective March 31, 2011 Robert Buckley has assumed his duties as the Company's new Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Buckley comes to GSI after a successful 10-year career with PerkinElmer, Inc., where he served in several financial positions of increasing responsibility.

4:52PM Market Internals (MKTIN) : The Dow increased 23.31 points closing at 12400.03, the Nasdaq was down 0.41 points to finish at 2789.19 and the S&P was up 0.46 points to finish at 1332.87.

Today's movement came from lower than avg. volume (NYSE 771 mln, vs. 1063 mln avg; Nasdaq 1659 mln, vs. 1982 avg), with advancers outpacing decliners (NYSE 1602/1344 Nasdaq 1387/1230), and with new highs outpacing new lows (NYSE new highs/new lows 274/16 and NASDAQ new highs/new lows 229/32).

ETF relative strength: Turkey- TUR +3.4%, rare earth- REMX +2.4%, grains & feed- JJG +2.4%, ag. & food commodities- FUD +2.2%, JJA +1.4%, RJA +1.4%, silver futures- SLV +2.0%, SIVR +2.1%, China large cap- GXC +2.2%, FXI +1.75%, sugar futures- SGG +1.6%, MENA Frontier countries- PMNA +1.7%, Brent crude futures- BNO +1.7%, & Hong Kong- EWH +1.9%>

ETF relative weakness: coffee futures- JO -1.9%, semis- XSD -1.4%, SOXX -0.9%, SMH -0.8%, Middle East fund- GULF -1.5%, Japan- EWJ -1.4%, natural gas futures- UNG -1.0%, Indonesia- IDX -0.7%, cocoa futures- NIB -1.0%, VIX futures- VXX -1.0%, solar power- TAN -0.75%, airlines- FAA -0.75%.

4:44PM Duke Energy, Progress Energy make regulatory filings for merger approval (DUK) 18.38 -0.04 : Duke Energy and Progress Energy (PGN) filed applications seeking regulatory approval of the merger the companies announced Jan. 10.

4:37PM Tekmira Pharma and collaborators present data on TKM-PLK1 and oncology product candidate targeting Kinase WEE1 (TKMR) 3.15 -0.01 : The presentations at AACR offer additional evidence of TKM-PLK1's potential to treat a variety of solid tumor cancers as well as the ongoing scientific advancements in developing novel oncology products against other tumor targets enabled by Tekmira's LNP platform.

4:34PM IntraLinks Holdings announces proposed fllow-on public offering of 1.5 mln shares common stock (IL) 27.05 -0.06 : Co announced that it has filed a preliminary prospectus in connection with the commencement of the previously announced proposed follow-on public offering of its common stock. In this offering, which is subject to market and other conditions, the co intends to offer 1.5 mln shares of common stock and certain selling stockholders intend to offer 7.5 mln shares of common stock for sale. Co intends to use the proceeds from the shares it is selling primarily for the repayment of debt. Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Jefferies & Company, Inc. and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC are acting as joint book-runners for the offering. Lazard Capital Markets LLC and Pacific Crest Securities LLC are acting as co-lead managers for the offering.

4:33PM Kinross Gold signs share purchase agreement to acquire 100% of Kupol (KGC) 15.38 +0.02 : Co announce that its 75%-owned subsidiary, Chukotka Mining and Geological Co, has entered into a Share Purchase Agreement with the State Unitary Enterprise of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, to repurchase the 2,292,348 shares of CMGC currently held by C.U.E, representing 25.01% of C.M.G.C's outstanding share capital, for an approximate consideration of US$350 mln, subject to adjustments equal to the amount of the attributable dividend payments. Based on Kinross' pre-transaction interest, Kupol is expected to account for 17% of the Co's gold equivalent production in 2011 and is expected to remain one of the key operations in Kinross' portfolio going forward.

4:31PM Gladstone Investments announces $5.6 million sale of equity investment in Cavert and reinvestment (GAIN) 7.69 +0.09 : Co announces that on Friday, April 1, 2011, it sold its equity investment in and received partial redemption of its preferred stock, while investing new subordinated debt in, Cavert II Holding as part of a recapitalization allowing Cavert's management team to acquire all the remaining common equity from the Company. The net cash proceeds to the Company from the sale of its equity in Cavert were $5.6 million, resulting in a realized gain of $5.5 million. At the same time, the co received $2.3 million in a partial redemption of its preferred stock, received $0.7 million in preferred dividends, and invested $5.7 million in new subordinated debt of Cavert. In October 2007, the Company made its original equity investment and provided debt financing in support of a management-led buyout of Cavert.

4:31PM Express announces stockholders' intention to sell 16.5 mln shares of common stock (EXPR) 19.47 +0.01 : Co announced that certain stockholders intend to sell 16,500,000 shares of its common stock in an underwritten offering. The selling stockholders intend to grant the underwriters an option to purchase up to an additional 2,475,000 shares of Express' common stock. Express will not receive any proceeds from the offering. BofA Merrill Lynch, Piper Jaffray and Morgan Stanley are acting as joint book-running managers for the proposed offering.

4:30PM PC-TEL establishes supply agreement for Android phones (PCTI) 2.96 +0.38 : Co announced that it had signed a Development Agreement and a separate Supply Agreement for a PCTEL-branded, Android cell phone that will host its ProsettaCore solution for thwarting various threats to cell phone security. Co did not disclose the Original Development Manufacturer supplying the phones for competitive reasons. PCTEL Secure, a joint venture owned by PCTEL and Eclipse Design Technologies, is focused on the delivery of security solutions for Android platforms, specifically products that are required by military and government personnel as well as those in commercial segments with special security needs. The company plans to deliver early prototypes of the secure product in the fourth quarter of this year.

4:29PM Prospect Capital has priced its public offering of 9 mln shares of common stock, co has granted the underwriter a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 1.35 mln shares of common stock (PSEC) 12.15 -0.03 : (Note that no price is given in the press release).

4:19PM Teekay LNG Partners announces public offering of 3.7 mln common shares (TGP) 40.50 +0.07 : The partnership intends to use a portion of the net proceeds from the public offering to fund the equity purchase price of its acquisition from Teekay Corporation of a 33% interest in four newbuilding 160,400-cubic meter liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers which will commence operations under time-charter to the Angola LNG project upon each vessel's respective delivery, scheduled between late 2011 and early 2012. Pending delivery of the vessels, all interim and remaining net proceeds from the offering will be used to repay amounts outstanding on one of the partnership's revolving credit facilities. The joint book running managers for this offering are UBS Investment Bank, Barclays Capital and J.P. Morgan. The co-managers are Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Raymond James.

4:19PM A. Schulman names Donald McMillan Chief Accounting Officer, effective immediately (SHLM) 25.23 +0.51 :

4:18PM NVIDIA has named Bob Worrall, a Sun Microsystems executive, as its Chief Information Officer (NVDA) 17.55 -0.65 :

4:17PM Oil States announces new Oil Sands Lodge (OIS) 75.11 -0.65 : Oil States International (OIS) announced that its Board of Directors has approved the initial construction of the Henday Lodge, located adjacent to Wapasu Creek Lodge in the oil sands region of northern Alberta, Canada. The Company's Canadian subsidiary, PTI Group, will design, build, own and manage the new lodge, which will have an initial capacity of 1,264 rooms by the end of Q3 of 2011. Henday is located in close proximity to numerous oil sands projects, and PTI has already secured a 24-month contract for 1,000 rooms, providing for essentially full occupancy for the lodge's 1,100 rentable rooms. The capital expenditures required to build the facility are already included in Oil States' previously disclosed capital expenditures forecast of $535 mln for the full year 2011.

4:15PM Ivanhoe Energy Xu-5 zone at Zitong-1 flows gas at significant pressure (IVAN) 2.77 -0.06 : Co announced that positive gas flows have been recorded during testing operations on the Xu-5 formation of the Zitong-1 natural gas discovery well in China's Sichuan Province. Recent testing in the Xu-5 formation exposed up to 54 metres of pay, in five sets of perforations. A pressure build-up was recorded while the well was shut-in for a 24-hour period. The down-hole recorders and perforating system were recovered, following which the well was configured for a small acid stimulation to clean-up the perforation and near-by reservoir. The test results indicated Xu-5 reservoir pressure of 10,500 psi which is considered to be very over pressured and an encouraging indicator of reservoir quality and performance. The Yixin-2 well has been prepared for fracture stimulation, which is scheduled for late April and is contingent upon securing the necessary service equipment. Following fracture stimulation, production testing at the Yixin-2 well will determine optimal rates for long-term production. Sunwing Energy is preparing a provisional, overall development plan for the Zitong Block and expects to submit this plan to PetroChina by the end of June 2011.

4:15PM Dionex: Thermo Fisher Scientific (TMO) extends cash tender offer for Dionex Corporation to May 13 (DNEX) 11807 -0.03 :

4:14PM Capstone Therapeutics delays results from its AZX100 Phase 2a pilot clinical trial (CAPS) 0.41 -0.01 : Co announced an update to the reporting schedule for twelve-month results from its AZX100 Phase 2a pilot clinical trial in surgical (trocar site) scarring. Due to the size and complexity of the dataset, the report has been delayed beyond the Company's originally-projected end-of-first quarter 2011 announcement date. The Company will report these results as soon as practicable.

4:13PM Lockheed Martin confirms F-35 Lightning II test jets made considerable flight test progress during the first quarter of 2011 (LMT) 80.99 +0.01 : The test program remained ahead of plan despite the grounding of various test fleet aircraft for 4-15 days during the period as officials investigated the cause of a dual generator/starter failure during a flight on March 9.

4:13PM Kayne Anderson Announces Public Offering of 5.7 mln shares of common stock (KYN) 32.16 -0.19 : Net proceeds from the offering will be used to make additional portfolio investments that are consistent with the co's investment objective and policies and for general corporate purposes. Citi, BofA Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley and UBS Investment Bank are acting as joint book-running managers.

4:12PM Team misses by $0.10, misses on revs; guides FY11 EPS in-line (TISI) 26.13 +0.23 : Reports Q3 (Feb) earnings of $0.08 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.10 worse than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.18; revenues rose 4.5% year/year to $108.8 mln vs the $116.8 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY11, sees EPS of $1.10-1.25, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $1.25 Thomson Reuters consensus.

4:11PM Deltek announced that Tauw has chosen the co's enterprise software solution (PROJ) 7.80 +0.08 : Tauw will implement Deltek's complete enterprise software solution including customer relationship management, financial management, billing, tender management, project planning, resource management and time and expense capture.

4:10PM Schnitzer Steel beats by $0.25, misses on revs (SCHN) 66.01 +0.18 : Reports Q2 (Feb) earnings of $1.10 per share, $0.25 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.85; revenues rose 28.0% year/year to $722 mln vs the $747.1 mln consensus. Metals Recycling Business Outlook: Sales Volumes; Ferrous sales volumes are expected to increase by ~10% to 20% from second quarter levels due to normal seasonal improvements in supply flows. Auto Parts Business Outlook: Revenues: Revenues are expected to increase 10% to 15% from Q2 of 2011 due to normal seasonal improvements in admissions and parts sales and the full quarter impact of new stores.

4:08PM CombiMatrix enters into securities purchase agreements with accredited investors to sell $6.76 million of newly-issued shares of its common stock and warrants in a private placement. (CBMX) 2.16 +0.01 : Co announces that it has entered into securities purchase agreements with accredited investors to sell $6.76 million of newly-issued shares of its common stock and warrants in a private placement. Under the terms of the transaction, co will sell ~3.08 million units for $2.193125 per unit. Each unit consists of one share of CombiMatrix common stock and one warrant to purchase 0.425 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $2.14 per share. The proceeds of the transaction, net of legal costs, will be used to fund growth initiatives and for general working capital purposes. No investment banking or advisory fees were paid by the company.

4:07PM VeriSign announces the American Bankers Association and BITS chose VeriSign to serve as their exclusive registry operator (VRSN) 36.80 :

4:07PM Exco Resources announces redetermination of borrowing base and other changes to credit agreement (XCO) 20.75 -0.03 : Co announces that the lenders under its revolving credit agreement completed their regular semi-annual redetermination of the borrowing base, resulting in an increase of the borrowing base from $1.0 billion to $1.5 billion. In addition, the interest rate under the EXCO credit agreement was reduced by 50 basis points and now ranges from LIBOR plus 150 bps to LIBOR plus 250 bps depending upon borrowing base usage. The maturity date was extended from April 30, 2014 to April 1, 2016.

4:06PM IVAX Diagnostics announces going concern qualification (IVD) 0.68 unch :

4:05PM National Semi to be acquired by Texas Instruments (TXN) for for $25 per share in an all-cash transaction of about $6.5 billion (NSM) 14.07 -0.16 : Texas Instruments (TXN) and NSM announced they have signed a definitive agreement under which TXN will acquire National for $25 per share in an all-cash transaction of about $6.5 billion. Under terms of the agreement, National stockholders will receive $25 in cash for each share of National common stock they hold at the time of closing. TXN expects to fund the transaction with a combination of existing cash balances and debt. The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including review by U.S. and international regulators and approval by National's shareholders. The transaction is expected to close in six to nine months. Today at 5:30 p.m. EDT, TXN and National will hold a live audio webcast.

4:05PM Quantum names Jon Gacek CEO, succeeding Rick Belluzzo (QTM) 2.49 -0.03 : Co announced that Jon Gacek has been appointed CEO, succeeding Rick Belluzzo, who has led the company since September 2002. The leadership transition, which is effective immediately, is the result of a planned management succession begun last year. Gacek has also been appointed to Quantum's Board of Directors. Gacek has been president and COO of Quantum since January of this year and had previously served as executive vice president, COO and CFO since May 2009.

4:03PM Texas Instruments and National Semi (NSM) halted (TXN) 34.11 :

4:03PM EPIQ Systems announces the acquisition of Encore Discovery Solutions for $100 million cash; raises FY11 guidance to $0.89-0.94 vs $0.86 consensus (EPIQ) 14.40 +0.23 : Co announces the acquisition of Encore Discovery Solutions for $100 mln cash. For 2010, on a pro forma basis, Encore represents an approximate 50% revenue increase to Epiq Systems' standalone e-discovery segment, which had 2010 operating revenue of ~$81 mln. In its continuing evaluation of strategic opportunities, Epiq Systems has prioritized the identification of e-discovery candidates with both compatible business strategies and complementary financial profiles. In these respects, Encore represents a natural extension and an attractive market share expansion. The company expects this to be an accretive transaction and is raising its 2011 non-GAAP EPS objective from a range of $0.85 to $0.90 to a range of $0.89 to $0.94 vs $0.86 consensus. The revised objective represents a 20% to 27% increase versus the $0.74 non-GAAP EPS achieved in 2010. The revised 2011 operating revenue objective is a range of $270 mln to $280 mln versus $217.6 mln achieved in 2010.

4:02PM School Specialty reaches an agreement to acquire the Discovery, Odyssey, Explorer and 610 brand names of headphones, headsets and their replaceable cords from Telex (SCHS) 14.20 -0.09 : The purchase, effective immediately, transitions the manufacturing, marketing and distribution of the product lines to fall under full Califone ownership and management. Long considered by school resellers and educators alike to be premium lines in classrooms and libraries due to their exceptional quality and durability, they will be available in June as complements to the existing Califone line of headphones and headsets. Financial details of the transaction were not released.

4:01PM Chesapeake Energy announces cash tender offers for up to $1.0 billion of senior notes (CHK) 33.82 +0.32 :

4:01PM Duoyuan Global Water announces pending management transition (DGW) 3.99 -1.50 : Co announced a pending executive management transition. Chief Financial Officer, Stephen C. Park, announced his intention to leave the Company to pursue another professional opportunity. In order to assist with the transition, Mr. Park intends to remain with Duoyuan until the completion of the third party review or June 30, 2011, whichever is earlier. The Company is in the process of engaging a professional international search firm to assist in appointing a successor. Mr. Wenhua Guo, the Co's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "Steve's expertise and leadership during the IPO and subsequent public company reporting periods has been invaluable to us. We are actively initiating the new hire recruitment process, and some of the key qualities we seek include knowledge of the U.S. capital markets, a strong accounting background and experience in communicating with a diversified shareholder base".

4:01PM Progress Energy notifies the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Florida Public Service Commission that the Crystal River Nuclear Plant will remain out of service while co conducts an engineering analysis and review of the new delamination (PGN) 46.80 +0.07 :

4:00PM Cubist Pharma settles CUBICIN patent litigation with Teva (TEVA); Teva may launch its generic daptomycin product in the U.S. on June 24, 2018 (CBST) 25.23 +0.09 : Co announced that it has entered into a license agreement with Teva Pharmaceuticals (TEVA), which includes a stipulation by the parties requesting dismissal of the lawsuit filed by Cubist in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware relating to the Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) filed by TPM with the FDA for a generic version of CUBICIN. Under the terms of the agreement, Teva may launch its generic daptomycin product in the U.S. on June 24, 2018, if Cubist obtains a 6 month extension of marketing exclusivity for CUBICIN. Otherwise, Teva may launch on December 24, 2017. As part of the agreement announced today, Teva admits that the patents asserted in the lawsuit are valid and enforceable against, and would be infringed by, Teva's proposed generic daptomycin for injection product. CBST noted "We are very pleased with this result, which reflects our continued confidence in the strength of our patents while removing the uncertainty, distraction and cost of litigation. We confirm today that we expect CUBICIN to achieve $1 billion in U.S. revenues before the anticipated entry of Teva's generic daptomycin in 6 1/2 to 7 years. As Teva's exclusive supplier, we expect we will enhance our participation in the market for daptomycin through our latest to expire patent."

4:00PM Medtronic reports Landmark IMPROVE HF study shows adherence to outpatient quality measures associated with improved survival in heart failure patients (MDT) 39.45 -0.05 : Results from the U.S. outpatient heart failure clinical study, published today in the journal Circulation and funded by co, demonstrate that select guideline-based outpatient heart failure process measures positively impact patient survival and may be useful for assessing and improving overall patient quality of care. Findings from IMPROVE HF (The Registry to Improve the Use of Evidence-Based Heart Failure Therapies in the Outpatient Setting), showed that most of the Class IA heart failure therapies measured, including implantable defibrillator therapy and cardiac resynchronization therapy, were linked to a lower risk of mortality. Specifically, compliance with the implantable cardioverter defibrillator process measure in eligible patients was associated with 38% lower odds of mortality over two years, and cardiac resynchronization therapy process measure compliance was associated with 36% lower odds of mortality.

4:00PM Arrow Elec unit Signs agreement with Brocade (BRCD) for sales of IP networking solutions to untapped and incremental markets (ARW) 42.11 +0.71 : Arrow Enterprise Computing Solutions signed a North American agreement with Brocade to distribute Internet Protocol solutions to resellers that do not currently sell Brocade IP networking solutions or have previously purchased them directly from Brocade.

3:57PM Advanced Photonix, Inc. announces promotion of Rob Risser to Chief Operating Officer (API) 1.75 -0.21 : Co announces that it has promoted Robin Risser, currently the Chief Financial Officer to Chief Operating Officer and member of the Board of Directors. expertise. Rob will also continue to serve as co's CFO while co conduct a search for his replacement.

3:52PM Atlantic Tele-Network unit has created a joint venture with the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (ATNI) 36.94 +0.40 : Co has created a joint venture with the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA) to provide the first 3G wireless cell phone service and 4G broadband service to residents of the Navajo Nation.

3:52PM Nobility Homes receives NASDAQ notice of non-compliance (NOBH) 8.09 0.00 : Co announces that on March 29, 2011, the Company received a letter from The NASDAQ Stock Market stating that the Company is not in compliance with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5250(c)(1) because the Company did not timely file its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended February 5, 2011 with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The notification of non-compliance has no immediate effect on the listing or trading of the Company's common stock on the NASDAQ Global Market. As previously reported by the Company, the filing of the 10-Q was delayed because the Company has been unable to complete its audited financial statements for the year ended November 6, 2010 and, accordingly, is unable to complete its financial statements for the quarter ended February 5, 2011.

3:52PM IDT Corp stockholders approve consolidation of share classes into one share of its Class B Common Stock under NYSE ticker 'IDT' (IDT) 27.23 -0.58 :

3:29PM Harsco announced formation of a new joint venture enterprise in Brazil to produce and market industrial grating products; agreement is with Brazilian-based Armco Staco S.A. Industria Metalurgica (HSC) 36.08 +0.46 :

3:29PM Stock indices held above afternoon/session lows during final hour downticks and have worked higher in recent trade -- Dow +24, S&P -0.02, Nasdaq -3.2 (SPY) : Lagging Semi SMH is helping to pace the way in recent trade along with Internet FDN, Materials XLB, Solar TAN, Coal KOL, Finance XLF.

3:22PM Air Products will increase prices for functional additives (APD) 90.49 +0.03 : Co announced that effective May 1, 2011, or as contracts allow, it will be increasing prices of its Tomamine surfactant, Tomadry surfactant, Tomadyne surfactant, Tomadol surfactant, Nonidet surfactant and Nonatell surfactant by five cents per pound. These price increases are necessary to address escalating raw material costs.

3:14PM CBOT Agriculture and Ethanol and ICE Exchange Sugar Closing Prices; Continuous Corn Futures Hit Record High Seen in June 2008 (COMDX) : May corn finished 24.25 cents higher (or +3.3%) to $7.6025, while the continuous corn futures hit its all-time high of $7.65 first seen in June 2008.

May wheat rose 30.5 cents to close at $7.90, May soybeans fell 9.75 cents to close at $13.84, April ethanol closed higher by 0.024 cents at $2.68, while May world sugar futures closed down 0.15 cents to 27.44 cents.

3:02PM Eli Lilly presented studies related to two novel Lilly molecules target genetic mutations that can lead to cancer (LLY) 34.98 0.00 : Co announced results from two preclinical studies of molecules that target genetic mutations and disable specific signaling pathways that can lead to cancer. The studies evaluated two unique molecules - a JAK2 inhibitor and a Hedgehog inhibitor. The IL-6-JAK-STAT3 pathway may serve as a "molecular signature" of IBC and as a potential therapeutic target.

3:02PM Whitestone REIT announced that The BICE Group has signed a lease for 9,910 square feet of space (WSR) 14.20 +0.12 :

3:00PM Intl Paper: The United Steelworkers (USW) announces that it has reached a tentative, four-year master agreement with co after a week of negotiations over key economic issue (IP) 30.04 -0.38 : The agreement was reached after nearly a year of planning and strategic meetings culminating with the 80-person bargaining committee representing 15 sites meeting in New Orleans in face-to-face discussions.

2:35PM NYMEX Energy Closing Prices (COMDX) : Crude oil settled up 53 cents to $108.47, natural gas shed 6.9 cents to close at $4.293, heating oil gained 3.57 cents to finish at $3.1702 while RBOB gasoline ended higher by 1.35 cents to $3.165 (all May contracts).

2:30PM Crude spikes ~40 cents heading into pit trade; now up 58 to $108.52 (COMDX) :

2:26PM AK Steel announces $390 per ton surcharge will be added to invoices for electrical steel products shipped in May 2011 (AKS) 15.92 +0.04 : AK Steel's surcharges are based on reported prices for raw materials and energy used to manufacture the products, with the March 2011 purchase cost used to determine the May 2011 surcharges.

2:08PM General Dynamics Chairman and CEO issues a statement regarding the April 2 crash of a Gulfstream G650 test aircraft (GD) 73.46 -3.96 : "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends, and co-workers of our four Gulfstream employees - experimental test pilots Kent Crenshaw and Vivan Ragusa, and technical specialists David McCollum and Reece Ollenburg - who died Saturday in the accident involving the G650 test aircraft in Roswell, New Mexico."

2:00PM Sprint Nextel announces that Joseph J. Euteneuer, has officially joined co as its chief financial officer, succeeding Bob Brust, who is retiring (S) 4.64 +0.08 : Co announced in late 2010 that it had reached an agreement with Euteneuer, who was then serving as executive vice president, chief financial officer for Qwest Communications International (Q), to join the company following the completion of the merger between Qwest and CenturyLink (CTL). On April 1, 2011, CenturyLink announced the closure of its merger with Qwest.

1:54PM Further pressure develops with the Dow -2.4 joining the S&P -3 and Nasdaq Comp -10 at new session lows (SPY) : Relative sector weakness on the latest dip has been noted in Semi SMH, SOXX, XSD, Networking IGN, Materials XLB, Commodity Index, Retail XRT, Gold Miners GDX, Steel SLX, Transports IYT, Coal KOL.

1:47PM Financial Select Sector SPDR slips back to Friday's last day low at 16.46 -- session low 16.46 (XLF) 16.47 -0.07 : AXP, BAC, BK, GS, JPM, MS, STT, USB, WFC, TRV, PNC, MET, PRU.

1:40PM Minor new session low for S&P -1.1 and Nasdaq Comp -4.3, Dow +10 has not confirmed the new low (SPY) :

1:38PM Currency Chart Watch: Euro-Yen extends base breakout for sixth session (TECHX) : (Click for daily Euro-Yen chart).

1:32PM COMEX Metals Closing Prices (COMDX) : June gold finished higher by $4.40 to $1433.30, May silver gained 75.8 cents to close at $38.49, while May copper shed 0.2 cents to finish at $4.265

1:04PM OncoGenex Pharma presented data that demonstrated the ability of OGX-427 to inhibit Heat Shock Protein 27 (OGXI) 15.42 -0.08 : Co announced that preclinical data utilizing their pipeline compound OGX-427 was presented. The study demonstrated the ability of OGX-427 to inhibit Heat Shock Protein 27 (Hsp27), a cell-survival protein believed to play an important role in the proliferation of castrate resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and resistance to standard therapies.

1:01PM Aeterna Zentaris announces that two posters on its lead anticancer agent, perifosine, were presented at the 102nd annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research currently held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida (AEZS) 1.98 +0.02 : Perifosine showed single agent anti-proliferative activity in a variety of gastric cancer cell lines. In 8/13 cell lines resistant to 5-FU, perifosine showed a synergistic antiproliferative activity with 5-FU. In 72% of cell lines, high basal levels of pAkt were detected. Treatment with perifosine reduced tumor growth in nude mice inoculated subcutaneously with the YCC 2 gastric cancer cell line... Pro-apoptotic TRAIL receptors present on tumor cells are known to represent a potential pharmaceutical target for cancer treatment. Perifosine stimulated the expression of pro-apoptotic TRAIL receptors on the multiple myeloma KMS-11 cell line, substantially reduced the levels of phosphorylated Akt and significantly enhanced the sensitivity of these cells for trail induced apoptosis. The same molecular effects were noted in the non-Hodgkin lymphoma cell line SU-DHL-4V.

1:00PM Impax Labs confirms patent challenge relating to DEXILANT delayed-release capsules, 30 mg and 60 mg (IPXL) 26.15 +0.53 : Co confirms that it has initiated a challenge of patents listed by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, Ltd. in connection with DEXILANT delayed-release capsules, 30 mg and 60 mg. Co filed its Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) containing a paragraph IV certification for a generic version of DEXILANT with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Following receipt of the notice from the FDA that co's ANDA had been accepted for filing, co notified the New Drug Application holder and patent owner of its paragraph IV certification.

12:48PM ICU Medical reports three studies presented show that the MicroCLAVE contributes to significant decrease in bacterial transfer and reduction in bloodstream infections (ICUI) 44.27 +0.28 : Co announced that three different clinical studies presented showed that the MicroCLAVE neutral displacement needleless connector helps significantly reduce the risk of bacterial contamination and limit the incidence of hospital-acquired bloodstream infection when used in connection with an IHI bundle. Co showed that the rate of catheter-related bloodstream infections declined by 43% following the hospital-wide implementation of an IHI central line bundle that included the use of ICU Medical CLAVE and MicroCLAVE connectors. Infection rates at the facility dropped from 5.09% in 2007 to 2.06% in 2010.

12:44PM United Continental and LOT Polish Airlines announce codeshare agreement (UAL) 22.78 -0.16 : Continental Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of United Continental, and LOT Polish Airlines, both Star Alliance members, announced they have started codesharing on flights between select destinations in the United States and Europe.

12:34PM Boston Scientific's Promus Element Platinum chromium stent system demonstrates comparable safety and effectiveness outcomes versus leading drug-eluting stent (BSX) 7.16 -0.14 : Co announced 12-month results from the pivotal PLATINUM Workhorse trial comparing the safety and effectiveness of the PROMUS Element Everolimus-Eluting Platinum Chromium (PtCr) Coronary Stent System to the PROMUS Everolimus-Eluting Coronary Stent System. The trial demonstrated the clinical non-inferiority of the PROMUS Element Stent in comparison to the PROMUS Stent in treating de novo coronary artery lesions while showing a procedural benefit of reduced rates of unplanned stenting. The primary endpoint of non-inferiority for the PROMUS Element Stent compared to the PROMUS Stent was met with a 12-month target lesion failure (TLF) rate in the per protocol population of 3.4 percent versus 2.9 percent, respectively (pNI=0.001).

12:11PM AEP Industries announced its intention to offer $200 million in aggregate principal amount of senior notes due 2019 (AEPI) 30.63 -0.07 :

12:01PM Medtronic announced the FDA approval and the market launch of CareLink Personal 5.4 Therapy Management Software for the Mac OS platform (MDT) 39.51 +0.01 :

12:01PM AEP Industries commences a cash tender offer and consent solicitation for any and all of its outstanding $160,160,000 aggregate principal amount of 7.875% Senior Notes due 2013 (AEPI) 30.95 +0.25 :

11:52AM Wal-Mart has provided leadership for the Dow thus far today, edging up toward its session high of 52.80 (WMT) 52.77 +0.64 : The next level of note above is at 52.95/53.01 which marks its March recovery high and 200 sma.

11:46AM Medtronic announces Resolute drug-eluting stent delivers compelling clinical outcomes in major studies (MDT) 39.54 +0.04 : Results of two major clinical studies presented at ACC.11 - the 60th Annual Scientific Session & Expo of the American College of Cardiology (ACC) - demonstrate that the Resolutedrug-eluting stent from co provides a positive and persistent treatment effect for a wide variety of patients with coronary artery disease. One-year results of RESOLUTE US were presented today in the late-breaking clinical trials session for interventional cardiology and published by the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC). Two-year results of RESOLUTE All Comers were presented yesterday as a featured interventional clinical study and published by The Lancet. These studies are key components of the comprehensive RESOLUTE clinical program, which has enrolled more than 5,000 patients across a combination of randomized controlled and single-arm trials conducted around the world.

11:30AM Seeing some intraday relative strength in Casino/Gaming in recent trade -- PENN, IGT, PNK, MGM, WYNN, WMS, LVS, BYD (TECHX) :

11:20AM IMAX announced a sales agreement for three new IMAX theatre systems in Texas (IMAX) 31.43 -0.68 : Co and Premiere Cinema Corp announced a sales agreement for three new IMAX? theatre systems in Texas. The new IMAX locations are expected to open by year-end.

11:09AM New pullback/session low for S&P -0.5, Dow +7.4 and Nasdaq Comp -1.4 have not confirmed this move thus far (SPY) :

11:01AM Kearny Financial announces management changes with new CEO, COO, CFO (KRNY) 10.14 -0.02 : Co announces that Craig L. Montanaro, President and COO has officially assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer of the Company and Kearny Federal Savings Bank, succeeding John N. Hopkins who retired on March 31, 2011. In addition, William C. Ledgerwood, Executive Vice President and CFO has assumed the role of COO with Eric B. Heyer, 1st Vice President and CAO replacing him as Senior Vice President and CFO.

11:01AM Archer-Daniels announces plans to acquire a soybean crushing and biodiesel facility in Deerfield, Mo., from Prairie Pride (ADM) 36.55 +0.07 : ADM will also form a partnership with Prairie Pride for the biodiesel portion of the business.

10:48AM Stock indices drifting near range mid-points -- Dow +13, S&P +0.5, Nasdaq Comp +0.9 (SPY) : Seeing relative sector weakness in recent action in Energy XLE, Oil Service OIH, Commodity Index, Copper JJC, Silver SLV, Gold GLD, Gold Miners GDX, Coal KOL and Semi SMH.

10:46AM Steiner Leisure enters into a new agreement to manage a spa facility at the Pullman Gurgaon Central Park hotel, located in New Delhi, India; the term of the agreement is ten years. (STNR) 45.60 -0.05 :

10:39AM Otelco signs a definitive agreement to acquire Shoreham Telephone Company, Inc. for ~$4.5 million in cash (OTT) 19.06 +0.11 : Shoreham, located in Shoreham, Vermont, is a privately owned company that has provided telecommunications solutions to residential and business customers for nearly a century. The company offers a complete set of voice, data and Internet services to its customers in middle Vermont. For the year ended December 31, 2010, Shoreham generated ~$2.4 million in total revenue and had 4,975 access line equivalents.

10:31AM Crude pushing higher off of flat line; now up 27 cents to $108.21 (COMDX) :

10:30AM Asia Entertainment reports Rolling Chip Turnover for the month of March 2011 at the co's three VIP rooms in Macau was $1.3 bln, up 162% YoY (AERL) 8.64 -0.03 :

10:23AM Ag/Chem displaying some relative strength in recent trade -- AUG, MOS, CF, MON, POT, IPI, BG (TECHX) :

10:23AM Sappi Limited announces $680 million multi-currency senior secured notes offering (SPP) 5.33 -0.08 : Co announces the offering of US$680 million, in euros and dollars, equivalent aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes to be issued in two series due 2018 and 2021, respectively. The notes will be issued by Sappi Papier Holding GmbH, a subsidiary of Sappi Limited.

10:15AM Hospira submits 510(k) application to FDA for Symbiq infusion system modifications (HSP) 56.37 +0.20 :

10:06AM New session low for S&P -0.1 and Nasdaq Comp -4.3 -- Dow +0.9 (SPY) : Relative weakness (underperforming the S&P) has been noted in Semi SMH, Disk Drive, Networking IGN, Technology XLK, Retail XRT, Housing XHB, Computer-Hardware, Solar TAN, Steel SLX, Coal KOL, Industrial XLI.

10:01AM Comtech Telecom announces $51.7 mln of Blue Force tracking system orders (CMTL) 28.27 +0.55 : Co announced today that its Maryland-based subsidiary, Comtech Mobile Datacom Corporation, received orders totaling $51.7 mln under its Blue Force Tracking, or BFT-1, contract with the U.S.

10:01AM PositiveID has partnered with Taiwan-based HMD BioMedical (PSID) 0.48 -0.02 : The companies are finalizing the development of "iGlucometer," a single unit combining HMD's patented meter technology with PositiveID's patent pending iglucose technology embedded directly within the glucometer. PositiveID has already received its first order, for 15,000 units from Liberator Medical Holdings.

9:59AM Opening Point Gainers/Losers (TECHX) : Point Gainers: AGQ (+7.55), MCP (+4.03), SINA (+3.61), NFLX (+3.78), SOHU (+3.26), HUBG (+2.62), MELI (+2.46), MSSR (+2.10), TCK (+1.77), LB (+1.67), ICE (+1.68)

Point Losers: ADS (-4.12), GD (-4.12), AAPL (-3.84), OVTI (-3.57), SODA (-3.22), FSLR (-2.08), AMIE (-2.04), RVSN (-1.71), ORLY (-1.65), CBE (-1.40), PLCM (-1.56)

9:54AM Nasdaq 100/Comp slip back into the red, S&P +0.7 and Dow +7 extending back toward flat line (QQQ) :

9:47AM Stock indices slip back slightly off early highs after opening run paused just under Friday's peaks -- Dow +26, S&P +3.3, Nasdaq Comp +5.1 (SPY) : Semi SMH, Disk Drive and Housing XHB have lagged.

9:40AM Broad based gains in early trade with stock indices reaching the upper end of Friday's range -- Dow +29, S&P +4.1, Nasdaq Comp +9.9 (SPY) : Friday's peaks are at 12419 Dow (session high 12405), 1337 S&P (session high 1336) and 2802 Nasdaq Comp (session high 2799).

9:39AM American Science & Engineering receives its first order for SIM HT from European country military army corps (ASEI) 94.79 +2.16 :

9:32AM Geoglobal Resources provides update on planned drilling program in Israel; Israel Petroleum Commissioner's Office granted an extension to April 30, 2011 (GGR) 0.61 -0.00 : Co announced that the Israel Petroleum Commissioner's Office granted an extension to April 30, 2011 in order for the Company to submit a final signed contract for the retaining of a rig for the planned drilling program on the offshore Israel licenses known as 347/Myra and 348/Sara. Under the terms of the Joint Operating Agreement, the Company was to have submitted the final signed contract by March 31, 2011. GeoGlobal currently has a signed Letter of Intent and intends to complete its submission pending signing of the final contract.

9:27AM Frontline agrees with Ship Finance International Limited to terminate the long term charter party between the companies for the OBO carrier Front Leader (FRO) 24.75 : Ship Finance has simultaneously sold the vessel. The termination of the charter is expected to take place in April 2011. Co will make a compensation payment to Ship Finance of ~$7.7 million for the early termination of the charter. Furthermore, the transaction will reduce co's obligations under capital leases with ~$10.2 million.

9:26AM On The Wires (WIRES) :

* MidSouth Bancorp (MSL), announced that its subsidiary, MidSouth Bank, N.A., has entered into an agreement with Jefferson Bank and First Bank & Trust Company to acquire five Jefferson Bank branches located in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas area. As part of the branch acquisition, MidSouth expects to acquire approximately $70 million in loans and to assume over $150 million in deposits.
* ADP (ADP) announced it has expanded its existing sales and use tax calculation and outsourced returns filing services to accommodate businesses that are just looking for outsourced returns.

9:19AM Beazer Homes introduces its pre-owned homes division (BZH) 4.62 : Beginning in the Phoenix market, the new division is charged with acquiring, improving and renting recently built, previously owned homes within select communities in markets in which the company currently operates. Because the primary source of Pre-Owned Homes will be distressed sales, typically foreclosures or short sales, Beazer anticipates acquiring homes at a discount to their replacement cost. Having completed its first acquisitions and tenant move-in during March, Beazer anticipates increasing the size of its Pre-Owned Homes portfolio to more than 100 homes in Phoenix by the end of fiscal 2011. Co expects the rental of these homes to appeal to consumers who have elected not to become home owners as well as those who may not fully qualify for mortgage financing for a new home at this time... Upon a recovery in the housing markets, characterized in part by higher home prices and lower cash yields from rental income, Beazer expects to offer these previously owned homes for re-sale, either to their respective tenants or to other buyers.

9:18AM Caliper Life Sciences launches novel COX-2 probe to enable personalized medicine research (CALP) 6.80 : Co announces the launch of XenoLight RediJect COX-2 Probe, a novel fluorescent imaging agent for pre-clinical research that specifically detects the cyclooxygenase-2 biomarker noninvasively in live animal models as well as in ex vivo tissue analysis applications. Researchers can gain an understanding of therapeutic efficacy in specific patient populations by monitoring key biomarker response to a drug treatment.

9:15AM Clinical Data: Forest Laboratories (FRX) announces amendment to merger agreement and extends tender offer to acquire Clinical Data (CLDA) 30.33 : The amended merger agreement provides that the tender offer will be extended until April 11, 2011.

9:13AM On The Wires (WIRES) :

* Fluor Corporation (FLR) announced that SunPower Corporation awarded the firm the construction of the 20-megawatt Copper Crossing photovoltaic solar power plant on 144 acres of formerly private agricultural land in Pinal County, Arizona. Co will book the undisclosed contract value into backlog in the first quarter of 2011.
* Duke Energy (DUK) launched PremierNotes, a notes program that provides individuals and other qualified investors an opportunity to make direct investments in new debt of the corporation.
* Tech Data (TECD) and Brightstar have entered in to an agreement to establish a U.S. joint venture named ActivateIT to capitalize on the mobility market. The joint venture will leverage Brightstar's 2010 acquisition of OTBT that offers a single source for all wireless devices, activation services and software to medium-sized businesses and large enterprises.
* Sigma-Aldrich Corporation (SIAL) opened its European Regional Headquarters today in St. Gallen, Switzerland. The new Einstein Facility located in the heart of St. Gallen will be home to approximately 50 employees.

9:10AM Alphatec receives 510(k) clearance for its Solus anterior lumbar interbody fusion system (ATEC) 2.79 :

9:06AM Hickory Tech announced that Carol Wirsbinski has accepted the position of COO and has been appointed as a corporate officer, vice president (HTCO) 9.00 :

9:05AM Idera Pharma Presents Data from a Multiple-Dose Phase 1 Clinical Trial of IMO-3100, Lead Drug Candidate for the Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases (IDRA) 2.64 : Co announces the presentation of data from its multiple-dose Phase 1 clinical trial of IMO-3100 in healthy subjects. The trial was designed to evaluate the safety and mechanism of action of IMO-3100, a Toll-like Receptor (TLR) 7 and TLR9 dual antagonist that is Idera's lead drug candidate in development to treat autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. In the trial, IMO-3100 was well tolerated over the four weeks of treatment. In addition, target engagement of TLR7 and TLR9 was observed, confirming the intended mechanism of action of IMO-3100. The presentation (Abstract #333) entitled "IMO-3100, a novel toll-like receptor antagonist for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases: safety and pharmacodynamics in a multiple-dose Phase 1 clinical trial" is being made today at the Keystone Symposia meeting "Immunoregulatory Networks" being held in Breckenridge, Colorado from April 1-6, 2011.

9:04AM Solutia sells Santoweb and Vocol businesses (SOA) 25.89 : Co announces that it has sold its Santoweb and Vocol businesses to Rhein Chemie, a wholly-owned subsidiary of LANXESS. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Sales from the Santoweb and Vocol businesses represented less than 0.5% of Solutia's consolidated 2010 results.

9:04AM Tutor Perini acquired 100% ownership of Anderson Companies; Anderson has current backlog of $475 mln (TPC) 24.70 : Co announced that it has acquired 100% ownership of Anderson Companies, the privately-held parent company of Roy Anderson Corporation, Harrell Contracting Group, and Brice Building Company. Anderson has current backlog of $475 mln, FY10 revenues of ~$287 mln and average annual revenues exceeding $400 mln over the last five years. Under the terms of the transaction, Tutor Perini acquired 100% of Anderson's stock for $64.6 mln in cash, plus an amount to be determined based on Andersons' operating results for 2011-2013.

9:04AM Funtalk China independent committee selects financial and legal advisors (FTLK) 6.50 : Co announces the Independent Committee of its Board of Directors, formed to consider a proposal by ARCH Digital Holdings, and other entities including to acquire all of the outstanding ordinary shares of the co not already owned by the Consortium Members in a "going-private" transaction has retained Bank of America Merrill Lynch as its financial advisor, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom as its US legal counsel, and Maples and Calder as its Cayman Islands legal counsel to assist its work. The Independent Committee is continuing its evaluation of the Proposed Transaction. No assurance can be given that any definitive offer will be made, that any agreement will be executed or that this or any other transaction will be approved or consummated.

9:03AM Overstock.com cuts marketing ties in states passing unconstitutional internet sales tax; redirects ad dollars to customers in those states (OSTK) 15.50 : Co announces that it will award free Club O accounts ($20 value) pre-loaded with $10 in Club O Reward dollars to top customers in states where the company canceled ad contracts because of unconstitutional Sales Tax Laws.

9:03AM Aastrom Biosciences announces key manufacturing milestone and new generic name for its cell therapy product (ASTM) 2.54 : Co has completed an important product manufacturing milestone with the transfer of cell cassette manufacturing to ATEK Medical under the strategic partnership announced in October 2010. In addition, Aastrom announced today that ixmyelocel-T has been formally accepted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research and the United States Adopted Names Council as the non-proprietary name for Aastrom's investigational cell therapy product.

9:02AM EMC has acquired NetWitness; transaction is not expected to have a material impact to rev or EPS for the full 2011 fiscal yr (EMC) 26.53 :

9:02AM Discover Financial Services announces that R. Mark Graf has been named executive vice president, CFO and chief accounting officer (DFS) 24.15 : Co announced that R. Mark Graf, 46, has been named executive vice president, CFO and chief accounting officer. Graf will oversee Discover's financial operations, including treasury, accounting, investor relations and all financial reporting functions. He will report directly to David Nelms, Chairman and CEO for Discover.

9:01AM Generex Biotech announces publication of comparative peptide vaccine studies in peer review journal demonstrating superiority of AE37 (GNBT) 0.23 : Co announced today the publication of a report comparing the clinical characteristics of three different immunotherapeutic peptide vaccines designed for immunotherapy of breast cancer. Though not yet confirmed, there is evidence suggesting that a better immunological response against HER2 is associated with decreased disease recurrence and mortality.

9:01AM Benihana announces for the third four-week period, both total restaurant sales and Company-wide comparable restaurant sales increased 7.0% (BNHN) 8.35 : Co reports for the third four-week period, both total restaurant sales and Company-wide comparable restaurant sales increased 7.0% to $27.9 mln from $26.1 mln, representing the fourteenth consecutive period of comparable restaurant sales growth. By concept, comparable restaurant sales increased 9.9% at Benihana Teppanyaki (including an 8.6% traffic gain) and 3.7% at RA Sushi, but decreased 3.8% at Haru.

8:48AM On The Wires (WIRES) :

* Trinity Industries (TRN) announced that its subsidiary, Trinity Materials Inc., has acquired certain aggregates operations of Texas Industries (TXI) that serve markets in Texas and Louisiana. As part of the transaction, Transit Mix Concrete and Materials Company, also a subsidiary of Trinity Industries, Inc., transferred existing ready mix operations to TXI that serve the Central Texas market.
* NF Energy (NFEC) announced that it has signed a strategic partnership agreement with China Energy Conservation Union, with the aim of completing 19 steam-heating pipeline energy saving reconstruction projects in the next three years.
* ManTech International Corporation (MANT) announced that it received a task order under its Strategic Services Sourcing prime contract to provide software engineering services to the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command Software Engineering Center's Guardrail systems. The award is valued at $22.6 million, with an initial period of performance of 12 months plus one additional option year.
* China TransInfo Technology (CTFO) announced that the Group Company's subsidiary, Beijing Zhangcheng Science and Technology has recently signed a development agreement with Nissan Motor (NSANY) to work on a New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization project. The two-year agreement is valued at JPY340.9 mln, or ~$4.1 mln.

8:47AM Avanir Pharmaceuticals filed IND application with FDA to begin Phase II clinical trial of AVP-923 for the treatment of central neuropathic pain in patients with multiple sclerosis (AVNR) 3.88 :

8:45AM Crude oil ticks lower toward the flat line; now higher by 8 cents to $108.02 (COMDX) :

8:44AM Sino Clean Energy reports 2010 Capex of $11.2 mln; sees total 2011 Cap-ex of 19.1 mln (SCEI) 4.91 :

8:40AM AutoNation reports March 2011 retail new vehicle unit sales increased 19% versus March 2010; assumption for 2011 industry new unit sales remains 12.8 million units (AN) 35.62 : Co announced that its retail new vehicle unit sales in March 2011, as reported to the applicable automotive manufacturers, totaled 22,246, an increase of 19% as compared to March 2010. For the first quarter of 2011, AutoNation's retail new vehicle unit sales, as reported to the applicable automotive manufacturers, totaled 54,198, an increase of 23% compared to the first quarter of 2010. "Based on current information from the manufacturers, we expect production disruptions will significantly impact product availability from Japanese auto manufacturers in the second and third quarters of 2011. However, we believe that the auto retail market and underlying consumer demand will continue to recover throughout 2011. Our planning assumption for 2011 industry new unit sales remains 12.8 million units, and we believe that we will manage through these production shortfalls." While 52% of AutoNation's total new unit sales in 2010 were produced by Japanese manufacturers, approximately two-thirds of those units are assembled in North America.

8:36AM CryoLife files investigational device exemption to begin clinical trials for PerClot in the U.S (CRY) 6.07 : Co announces that it has filed an IDE with the United States Food and Drug Administration to begin clinical trials for the purpose of obtaining Pre-Market Approval to distribute PerClot in the U.S. to control bleeding during surgical procedures or following traumatic injuries.

8:33AM Quepasa reports it added ~2 mln users in March; represents 29% YoY growth (QPSA) 5.90 : Co reported that it added nearly 2.0 mln registered users in March 2011 to reach a record total of 33.6 mln. This marks a YoY increase in monthly growth of 29%, compared to growth of 1.5 mln new users in March 2010. Quepasa.com also reported March Page Views per Return Site Visit of 24.6, representing a 68% YoY increase. Total Page Views in March came in at 214 mln, representing 130% YoY growth.

8:33AM Marina Biotech presents long term toxicology data for CEQ508 FAP drug candidate (MRNA) 0.74 : Co announces its presentation of long term toxicology data for CEQ508 FAP drug candidate. An initial analysis of the results of the recently completed CEQ508 long-term toxicology study in non-human primates identified the preliminary No Observed Adverse Effect Level as 1x10 colony forming units (cfu)/day, the highest dose administered in the toxicology study as well as the highest dose anticipated. "We continue to execute on our clinical and regulatory plan to commercialize this product by 2014."

8:31AM St. Jude Medical Receives FDA Approval for New Bi-Directional Ablation Catheters (STJ) 52.19 : Co announces that it has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of two new irrigated ablation catheters - the Safire BLU Bi-directional Irrigated Ablation Catheter and the Therapy Cool Path bi-directional ablation catheter. These two new catheters have several key design features that offer physicians additional control, including bi-directional deflection, a new shaft with higher torque response, a lower fluid infusion rate when compared to other commercially available irrigated ablation systems, and a choice of handles.

8:31AM China CGame announces cooperation with Changzhou Government (CCGM) 1.27 : Pursuant to the agreement with the Committee, the Company has established a subsidiary named Changzhou ConnGame Network, Ltd in Changzhou and has agreed to relocate its headquarters to the city. The Committee agreed to make an equity investment of RMB 20 million in Changzhou ConnGame through the Changzhou Binhu Construction Development Group Co., a state-owned company controlled by the Administrative Committee. The Committee also agreed to use its best effort to assist the Changzhou ConnGame to obtain at least RMB 10 million in financial support for certain early stage operating expenses.

8:31AM IntercontinentalExchange reports Mar Average Daily Futures Volume increased 16%; record quarterly futures volume, ADV and OTC commissions (ICE) 119.75 : Co reported Q1 futures ADV increased 24%, including 16% y/y growth for the month of March 2011. ICE also achieved record average daily commissions (ADC) of $1.63 million in its OTC energy business during the first quarter of 2011, an increase of 19% from the prior first quarter. March 2011 volume across all ICE futures exchanges increased 16% from March 2010, to 34,371,954 contracts... ICE expects acquisition-related transaction costs for the three months ended March 31, 2011 in the range of $3-4 mln.

8:30AM Capstone Turbine receives additional C1000 orders for Oil & Gas in U.S. and Russian markets (CPST) 1.94 : Co received another follow-on order for six C1000 Power Packages to be delivered to the U.S. market later this year. Co also received orders for eleven C1000s from its largest international distributor, BPC in Russia.

8:30AM Immunomedics develops new DNL-derived antibody-interferon conjugate for blood cancer treatment (IMMU) 3.76 : Co announced results from a preclinical study of C2-2b-2b, a new protein construct created by the Company's proprietary Dock-and-Lock method (DNL) for protein engineering. C2-2b-2b is an immunocytokine comprising 4 molecules of interferon-alpha-2b (IFNa2b) fused to the humanized antibody, IMMU-114, that targets the HLA-DR antigen.

8:26AM On The Wires (WIRES) :

* Blyth (BTH) announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to sell Midwest-CBK, its wholesale seasonal decorations and home decor business, to MVP Group International. The sale is expected to close by the end of May 2011.
* ZBB Energy (ZBB) announced a contract from Eaton Corporation to provide a 500kWH energy storage system for use in a micro-grid application at a U.S. Army facility in Ft. Sill, OK, utilizing ZBB's next generation ZESS V3 Zinc Bromide flow battery.

8:22AM Qiao Xing Mobile: Special Committee of co is not expressing any opinion with respect to parent company's scheme of arrangement (QXM) 4.04 : The Special Committee of the board of directors of co announces that it is not making any recommendation to the board of directors of co and will remain neutral with respect to the proposal by Qiao Xing Universal Resources, Inc. (XING) to acquire all of the outstanding ordinary shares of co.

8:16AM Synta Pharma announces Ganetespib and Elescolmol results at AACR (SNTA) 5.25 : Co announces Ganetespib results at AACR - inhibition of multiple oncogenes and resistance mechanisms leads to potent activity in nsclc and strong enhancement of radiation therapy. Co also announces results presented at AACR further elucidate mechanism by which Elesclomol targets cancer cell metabolism.

8:13AM On The Wires (WIRES) :

* MedImmune, the global biologics business of AstraZeneca (AZN), and Inserm Transfert announced a 3-year strategic collaboration to advance research across a range of therapeutic areas including oncology, respiratory, inflammation, and autoimmune diseases.
* Ormat Technologies (ORA) announced that its subsidiary, OrPower 4, signed a 20-year power purchase agreement amendment with Kenya Power and Lighting to purchase an additional 36 megawatts of clean energy output from a new power plant at the Olkaria complex. The new power plant is scheduled to come online in 2013.

8:12AM New Gold agrees to acquire Richfield Ventures (NGD) 11.65 : Co and Richfield Ventures (RCVTF) jointly announce a definitive agreement whereby NGD will acquire all of the outstanding common shares of Richfield. Each Richfield shareholder will receive 0.9217 of a New Gold share for each Richfield share held. The offer values Richfield at $10.38 per share or ~$550 mln, representing a 31% premium to Richfield's April 1, 2011 closing price and a 46% premium based on each company's 20-day volume weighted average price. The transaction value, net of cash and proceeds from all in-the-money dilutive instruments, is ~$513 mln.

8:12AM On The Wires (WIRES) :

* Accenture (ACN) announced that Marathon Petroleum Company LP, a wholly owned subsidiary of Marathon Oil Corporation (MRO), is deploying the wireless-based Accenture Life Safety Solution at its Robinson, Illinois refinery.
* Infotech and The Western Union Company (WU) announced the availability of joint electronic billing and payment solutions to clients of both companies.
* Online Resources Corporation (ORCC) and The Western Union Company (WU) announced both companies have teamed to provide financial institutions enhanced same-day, expedited payment solutions.
* Cree, Inc. (CREE) and Osram GmbH announced the signing of a comprehensive, worldwide patent cross-license agreement. The agreement underscores each company's commitment to speeding the adoption of LED lighting while respecting the value and importance of each company's intellectual property. The cross-license agreement covers patents from both parties in the fields of blue LED chip technology, white LEDs and phosphors, packaging, LED luminaires and lamps, and LED lighting control systems.
* Beazer Homes (BZH) is expanding beyond new home sales with the introduction of its Pre-Owned Homes Division.

8:11AM Stewart Enterpr intends to commence an offering of $200 million aggregate principal amount of a new issue of senior notes through a private placement eligible for resale (STEI) 7.82 : The Company intends to use the net proceeds from this offering, along with available cash, to repurchase or redeem all of its existing $200 million aggregate principal amount outstanding 6.25% senior notes due 2013.

8:05AM Coleman Cable acquires assets of The Designers Edge for $10.9 mln in cash; co expects ~0.04 in GAAP EPS in 2011 (CCIX) 8.91 : Co announces it has completed the acquisition of the assets of The Designers Edge for ~$10.9 mln in cash. The acquisition of the assets of The Designers Edge, whose annual sales were in excess of $20 mln for 2010, was an all-cash transaction which closed on April 1, 2011. The co anticipates that The Designers Edge business will contribute ~$0.04 and $0.10 in GAAP earnings per diluted share in 2011 and 2012, respectively.

8:04AM Epicor Software agrees to be acquired by Apax Partners for $12.50 per share (EPIC) 11.24 : Under the terms of the agreement, Apax will commence a tender offer to acquire all of the outstanding common stock of Epicor for $12.50 per share in cash, followed by a merger to acquire all remaining outstanding Epicor shares at the same price paid in the tender offer. The transaction is valued at ~$976 million. Apax is providing 100% of the equity financing for the acquisition. Shareholders representing ~19% of Epicor's outstanding shares have entered into support agreements with Apax in connection with the transaction. In addition, Elliott Associates, which beneficially owns ~13.5% of Epicor's outstanding shares, has indicated that it supports the transaction... Apax also announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Activant Solutions. Apax intends to combine Activant and Epicor. Epicor's Board of Directors unanimously approved the transaction. The transaction has fully-committed debt financing which will be arranged by Bank of America Merrill Lynch and RBC Capital Markets. The transaction is currently expected to close in the second quarter of 2011. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company may solicit superior proposals from third parties for a period of 30 calendar days continuing through May 4, 2011.

8:03AM Stewart Enterpr announces tender offer and consent solicitation for 6.25% Senior Notes due 2013 (STEI) 7.82 : Co announces that it is commencing a cash tender offer for any and all of its outstanding $200 million aggregate principal amount of 6.25% Senior Notes due 2013 on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Company's Offer to Purchase and Consent Solicitation Statement dated April 4, 2011. The Company is also soliciting consents for proposed amendments to the indenture under which the Notes were issued that would eliminate substantially all of the restrictive covenants and certain events of default contained in the indenture.

8:02AM OXiGENE's novel Cathepsin L inhibitors demonstrate antitumor efficacy in preclinical studies (OXGN) 1.71 : Co announces the presentation of positive preclinical data supporting development of its novel, non-peptidic cathepsin L inhibitors as anticancer agents. The data were presented at the Meeting of the American Association of Cancer Research. In a presentation titled, Abrogation of Prostate Cancer Cell Metastatic Phenotype by Cathepsin L Inhibition, it was demonstrated that OXiGENE's lead cathepsin L inhibitor, KGP94, inhibited the metastatic phenotype in the three human prostate cancer cell lines. KGP94 mediated abrogation of tumor cell migration and invasion occurred in the absence of cytotoxic effects and was a consequence of an inhibitory effect on secreted and not nuclear cathespsin-L.

8:02AM Orexigen Therapeutics announced additional data that showed that overweight and obese patients treated with Contrave maintained normal 24-hour circadian patterns over one year of treatment (OREX) 2.88 : Co announced additional data that showed that overweight and obese patients treated with Contrave maintained normal 24-hour circadian patterns over one year of treatment. These data were from the ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) sub-study of the COR-II trial that also showed weight loss and improvements in markers of cardiometabolic risk. "The observation that patients in this sub-study maintained normal circadian variation of blood pressure may be particularly relevant since a loss of the nocturnal lowering in blood pressure may predict a poor cardiovascular outcome."

8:02AM FelCor Lodging to acquire two New York hotels for $140.0 mln from Morgans Hotel Group (MHGC) (FCH) 6.08 : Co entered into a binding purchase and sale agreement to acquire the fee-simple interests in two midtown Manhattan hotels, The Royalton and Morgans, for $140.0 mln from Morgans Hotel Group. MHGC will continue to manage the properties, which have a total of 282 guest rooms, under a long-term management agreement. FelCor expects to complete the purchase of these two hotels, funded with cash on hand, in the second quarter.

8:01AM ShengdaTech has submitted to the Listing Qualifications Department of Nasdaq its plan to regain compliance with the Nasdaq listing rules (SDTH) 3.55 :

8:01AM Jiangbo Pharma announced it has appointed Bernstein & Pinchuk as its new independent registered public accountants, replacing Frazer Frost (JGBO) 4.43 : A pharmaceutical company with its principal operations in the People's Republic of China, announced that the Company has appointed Bernstein & Pinchuk LLP as its new independent registered public accountants, effective March 30, 2011, replacing Frazer Frost, LLP, to begin providing services for the quarter ended March 31, 2011. Frazer Frost, LLP had no disagreements with the Company, on any matters of accounting principle or practice, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008, or for the subsequent interim period ended December 31, 2010.

7:54AM PDI Inc receives contract extension with revenue value of ~$23 mln (PDII) 9.21 : Co announces the extension of a contract sales engagement with an existing Top 5 global pharmaceutical client. The extension began April 1 and will run for the balance of 2011. This program is expected to generate total revenue to co of ~$23 mln.

7:33AM On The Wires (WIRES) :

* NICE Actimize, a NICE Systems (NICE) co announced that its Enterprise Risk Case Manager, Card Fraud and Anti-Money Laundering solutions have been chosen by Bank of Ireland.
* Metalico (MEA) has moved to the next phase of its strategy for growing the company's network-wide shredding capacity by escalating plans for new equipment in Buffalo, New York while suspending shredding activity in Youngstown, Ohio as it upgrades that site.
* Westinghouse Solar (WEST) announced the release of their second-generation AC solar panel. This new panel will be available in the second quarter.

7:32AM Tix Corp.: Baker Street Capital delivers letter to Board of Directors; Discloses a non-binding offer to acquire the company for $2.10/share (TIXC) 1.42 : Baker Street Capital (largest shareholder) delivered a letter to the independent members of the Board of Directors of Tix Corporation. In the letter, Baker Street outlined its view that the Board has a fiduciary responsibility to shareholders to evaluate Baker Street's offer. "We feel very strongly that such exploration should be conducted by a special committee of independent directors in a robust and full process to ensure that shareholders receive fair value... To protect our significant investment in the Company and based upon our belief in the Company's long-term prospects our letter also included a non-binding offer, subject to certain conditions, to acquire all of the shares of common stock of TIX not currently owned by Baker Street for a minimum of $2.10 per share in cash."

7:31AM CME Group volume averaged 14.4 million contracts per day in March 2011, up 31%, and 13.8 million contracts per day in first-quarter 2011, up 19% (CME) 304.27 :

7:31AM Pfizer lowers FY11, FY12 rev guidance to reflect sale of Capsugel biz to KKR; reaffirms all other financial guidance (PFE) 20.38 : PFE lowers FY11 and FY12 rev guidance to reflect the sale of its Capsugel biz to KKR; co lowers its FY11 rev guidance to $65.2-67.2 bln from $66-68 bln, not comparable to the $66.95 bln Thomson Reuters consensus; lowers FY12 rev guidance to $62.2-64.7 bln from $63.0-65.5 bln, not comparable to the $63.10 bln Thomson Reuters consensus. Co maintains all other elements of its FY11/FY12 financial guidance and targets, including FY11 adj. of $2.16-2.26 vs. $2.24 consensus; FY12 adj. EPS of $2.25-2.35 vs. $2.28 consensus.

7:31AM Denny's approves a new share repurchase program authorizing the Company to repurchase up to 6 million shares of its common stock (DENN) 4.12 : Co announced that its Board of Directors has approved a new share repurchase program authorizing the Company to repurchase up to 6 million shares of its common stock. In addition, the Company announced that it has completed its previous 3 million share stock repurchase program announced November 9, 2010.

7:30AM Pfizer to sell Capsugel to KKR for $2.375 billion in cash (PFE) 20.36 : Co and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts announced they have entered into an agreement whereby an affiliate of K.K.R will acquire Pfizer's Capsugel business for $2.375 billion in cash. Capsugel generated approximately $750 million in revenue and manufactured more than 180 billion hard capsules in 2010. Pfizer expects to make additional repurchases of its common stock on the open market during 2011 as a result of this transaction, assuming completion this year. Pfizer's repurchases of its common stock funded by Capsugel sale proceeds would be in addition to the previously announced anticipated repurchase of approximately $5 billion of shares planned for 2011. Pfizer will also continue to look to identify and invest in other opportunities to maximize its value, including business development.

7:20AM On The Wires (WIRES) :

* Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) announced a U.S. Navy contract awarded to its Ingalls Shipbuilding division for the construction of the 10th San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock. The contract, worth $1.5 billion, will be used to build John P. Murtha, with construction expected to start in May.
* Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro today announced it has reached a proposed $7.1 million settlement with KB Home (KBH) on behalf of California purchasers of new homes. The class-action lawsuit claimed KB Home improperly required customers to use its escrow subsidiary, HomeSafe, for transactions in California.
* Automatic Data Processing (ADP) announced that Henry Taub, company founder and honorary chairman of ADP's Board of Directors, passed away yesterday at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York at the age of 83.
* Callidus Software (CALD) announced that MSD Malaysia selected the Callidus Monaco On Demand Sales Performance Management suite to drive the performance of its sales organization. The agreement was signed in the first quarter of 2011.
* Iridium Communications (IRDM) announced the operational launch of its Global Service Program to support all customers of the Iridium OpenPort broadband maritime satellite communication service, effective April 1.
* Intermec (IN) announced that its Chief Executive Officer, Patrick J. Byrne, successfully underwent a minimally-invasive coronary bypass procedure on April 1, 2011. Mr. Byrne is expected to be available on a limited basis during his recovery and he is expected to return to his full duties in ~three to four weeks. During this period, Mr. Byrne's executive duties will be assumed by Intermec Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Robert J. Driessnack.
* IRIS International (IRIS) announced that it has entered into a Joint Development Agreement with Fujirebio for the co-development of the IRIS 3GEMS Hematology Analyzer product line. Terms of the agreement call for Fujirebio to contribute $6 mln toward the costs of the Joint Development Program, with an initial payment of $500,000 upon signing of the agreement and the balance to be paid in installments during the course of the development period based upon the achievement of certain milestones.
* DG FastChannel (DGIT) acquires privately-held MIJO Corporation for Canadian $39.5 mln in cash. DG expects to recognize ~$3.5 mln in cost synergies during the initial 12 month period following close
* The Random House Publishing Group and THQ (THQI) announced the establishment of a joint team to create and develop original intellectual properties for publication across multiple mediums.
* Kayne Anderson MLP Investment Company (KYN) provided a summary unaudited balance sheet and announced its net asset value and asset coverage ratios under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as of March 31, 2011. As of March 31, 2011, the Company's net assets were $2.0 billion, and its net asset value per share was $28.52.
* Walgreens (WAG) announced Epsilon, a third-party vendor it uses to email promotional messages, reported an unauthorized access to its computer systems. Law enforcement authorities have been notified and are investigating the matter.
* Hansen Natural Co (HANS) announced a lawsuit was filed on March 28, 2011 in King County, Washington, against co, regarding an event that occurred in March 2010. In the complaint, Vitaliy Sulzhik alleges he found a mouse in a can of Monster Energy.

7:15AM Pfizer receives refusal to file letter from FDA On Tafamidis NDA (PFE) 20.38 : Co announces that it has received a Refusal to File letter from the FDA for tafamidis, the co's novel, oral investigational compound for patients with Transthyretin Familial Amyloid Polyneuropathy. The FDA determined that the application, which was submitted in February 2011, was not sufficiently complete to permit a substantive review. The co believes that the additional information needed to support this filing is available without further clinical studies. Co is currently working closely with the FDA to resubmit the application as quickly as possible.

7:08AM Catalyst Health Solutions plans to sell 5.5 mln shares of its common stock; which 4.5 mln shares will be sold by the co, 1 mln by one of its stockholders (CHSI) 56.56 : Co announces that it plans to sell 5,500,000 shares of its common stock of which 4,500,000 shares will be sold by the Company and 1,000,000 shares will be sold by one of its stockholders, Principal Holding Company, LLC, a subsidiary of Principal Financial Group, Inc., in an underwritten public offering pursuant to an automatic shelf registration statement on Form S-3 filed today with the Securities and Exchange Commission.The joint book-running managers for this offering are Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Citi. SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc. and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC are serving as joint lead managers for this offering. The Company expects to use the net proceeds received from this offering to fund a portion of the ~$525 million purchase price for the Company's previously announced acquisition of Walgreens Health Initiatives, which is expected to close in the first half of 2011. Should the acquisition not be completed, the Company will use the net proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes.

7:06AM Mylan Labs receives approval for generic version of Xalatan ophthalmic solution (MYL) 23.23 : Co announces that its subsidiary Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc. has received final approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its Abbreviated New Drug Application for Latanoprost Ophthalmic Solution, 0.005%, the generic version of Pharmacia and Upjohn's Xalatan Ophthalmic Solution, an eyedrop that lowers pressure in the eye.

7:06AM LCA Vision reports that 18,857 procedures were performed during the 1Q11 vs 19,066 YoY; SSS increased by 8% YoY (LCAV) 6.58 : Co reports that 18,857 procedures were performed during 1Q11, compared with 19,066 procedures during the 1Q10. Same-store procedures (54 vision centers) increased by 8% YoY from 17,408 procedures during the 1Q10, the second consecutive quarter of YoY same-store procedure growth.

7:06AM McCormick & Schmick's: Tilman J. Fertitta to commence cash tender offer for McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants at $9.25 per Share (MSSR) 7.12 : Tilman J. Fertitta announces that he intends to commence, through his affiliate LSRI Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of Landry's Restaurants, an all-cash offer to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants not already owned by Fertitta or his affiliates for $9.25 per share. The offer will represent a premium of ~30% to the closing price of MSSR's shares on Friday, April 1, 2011. Fertitta already owns directly ~10.1% of the outstanding common stock of MSSR, making him one of MSSR's largest stockholders.

7:05AM Hub Group purchases Exel Transportation Services for $83 mln before post closing adjustments (HUBG) 36.21 : Co announced that it purchased Exel Transportation Services (ETS) for $83 mln before post closing adjustments. ETS is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hub Group, operating independently under the name Mode Transportation. Mode Transportation's sales for the year ended December 31, 2010 were ~$717 mln.

7:04AM Cyclacel Pharma presents preclinical data demonstrating combination potential of clinical agents; agents reported to increase sensitivity to CNDAC (CYCC) 1.46 : Co announces the presentation of preclinical results for two of its clinical compounds at the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association of Cancer Research. Abstract No. 962 "Mechanism-based drug combinations with the DNA-strand-breaking nucleoside analog CNDAC," and Abstract No. 735 "Identification and characterization of potential tumor cell resistance mechanisms towards a novel aurora kinase inhibitor, CYC116"

7:02AM LaBarge: Ducommun (DCO) to acquire LaBarge for a purchase price of $19.25 per share in cash (LB) 17.43 : LB and Ducommun (DCO) announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Ducommun will acquire LaBarge for a purchase price of $19.25 per share in cash. The transaction is valued at approximately $340 million, including debt assumed and net of cash acquired. The acquisition requires LaBarge stockholder approval and is subject to customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to be completed in late June 2011. Certain officers and directors have agreed to vote a number of common shares representing approximately 19 percent of the voting power of the company in favor of the merger... Based on management's assumptions, the transaction is expected to be accretive to Ducommun's earnings in the full year 2012.

7:02AM Peregrine Pharma announces data show bavituximab administered as a single agent for 8 weeks was generally safe and well tolerated at all four dose levels (PPHM) 2.55 : Co announced data from its Phase Ib dose escalation safety study of bavituximab in patients coinfected with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV. In a poster presented at the 46th Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL), data show bavituximab administered as a single agent for 8 weeks was generally safe and well tolerated at all four dose levels.

7:02AM Waste Connections announced that it has acquired Hudson Valley Waste Holding, and its wholly-owned subsidiary, County Waste and Recycling Service (WCN) 29.18 : "County Waste has copied our playbook in building a leading position within its markets, focused on controlling the waste stream and almost doubling in size over the past five years. Co also has invested almost $50 mln over the past 24 months in new fleet, containers, and facilities to position itself for continuing growth. In October 2010, County Waste opened a new single stream recycling facility with an estimated capacity of 600 tons per day. Its market presence and asset quality are unique for a privately-held company operating in secondary, competitive markets,"

7:01AM DepoMed announced the appointment of James A. Schoeneck as President and CEO, effective April 18 (DEPO) 9.90 : Schoeneck, a member of the company's Board of Directors since 2007, succeeds Carl A. Pelzel, who has resigned for personal reasons.

6:57AM Deer Consumer Products reports significant growth momentum experienced during its normal course of business in Q1 ended March 31, 2011 at an expo in China (DEER) 6.93 :

6:56AM Cavico receives investment license for Tan My hydropower plant; company expects plant to generate $1.25 million per year in total revenue (CAVO) 1.59 : Co announces that its subsidiary, Cavico Mining, has received an investment license for the Tan My Hydropower Plant. The license was issued to Cavico Tan My Trang An Hydropower Company, a majority-owned subsidiary of Cavico Mining, by the People's Committee of Ninh Thuan Province. Cavico Tan My was founded by Cavico Mining to undertake this project. The license grants Cavico Tan My the right to build, own and operate a hydropower plant downstream from the Tan My Irrigation Reservoir. The plant will be built on an area of ~280,000 square feet in Phuoc Tan Village, Ninh Thuan Province. The plant has a designed capacity of 6 megawatts and is expected to produce approximately 25 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of power annually. At the expected rate of $0.05 per kWh, the plant will generate $1.25 million per year in total revenue. The total estimated investment cost of the project is $6.7 million, or ~$1.1 million per megawatt.

6:46AM Vivus provides long-term data that demonstrated patients treated with the investigational drug QNEXA for 2 years showed reductions in blood pressure; use of antihypertensive medications as well as improvements in lipid levels following significant reductions in weight loss (VVUS) 6.31 : Co announces long-term data that demonstrated patients treated with the investigational drug QNEXA for two years showed reductions in blood pressure and the use of antihypertensive medications as well as improvements in lipid levels following significant reductions in weight loss as compared to those in the placebo group over two years. Specific results are as follows:

* Patients on QNEXA had significant reductions in weight loss as compared to those in the placebo group over two years. Least-squares mean percent weight loss at week 108 was -9.3% and -10.5%, respectively, for the mid and top dose as compared to -1.8% for the placebo group.
* Overall, patients taking QNEXA showed a significant reduction in the number of antihypertensive medications they required as compared to those taking a placebo over two years of treatment.
* Specifically, patients with hypertension at the beginning of the study taking QNEXA mid and top dose showed a significant reduction in the number of antihypertensive medications they required of -9.8% and -18.9%, respectively, while patients taking a placebo showed a net increase of +4.2%.
* Dyslipidemic patients at baseline treated with the mid and top dose of QNEXA had decreases in triglycerides of -25.9% and -26.3%, respectively, as compared to -14.3% for the placebo group.
* Dyslipidemic patients at baseline treated with the mid and top dose of QNEXA had improvements in HDL-C of +11.4% and +16.7%, respectively, as compared to +9.1% for the placebo group.

6:45AM Paragon Shipping announces filing of IPO registration statement by its wholly-owned subsidiary Box Ships (PRGN) 2.84 : Co announces that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Box Ships, has filed a registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for an initial public offering of 10 mln shares of common stock of Box Ships. Immediately following the closing of the offering, the Company will own ~22.7% of the issued and outstanding shares of Box Ships' common stock, assuming that the underwriters do not exercise their overallotment option. The joint book-running managers are UBS Investment Bank and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated. Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., ABN AMRO Bank N.V., Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, Lazard Capital Markets LLC and UniCredit Capital Markets, Inc. are acting as co-managers of the offering.

6:32AM iGATE offers $770 mln of senior notes due 2016 (IGTE) 21.20 : Co announcesthat it intends to offer $770 million in aggregate principal amount of senior notes due 2016. iGATE intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering to partially fund the previously announced and pending acquisition of a majority stake in Patni Computer Systems Ltd. (PTI).

6:32AM Abbott Labs and Enanta present positive 12-Week Results and 3-Day Resistance Data From Phase 2 Study of ABT-450/r for Treatment of Hepatitis C; results show that 92% of patients taking ABT-450/r once daily, combined with standard of care, achieved complete early virologic response at 12 weeks (ABT) 49.37 : Co announces 12-week results from a Phase 2 study of ABT-450/r, an investigational, oral protease inhibitor being developed for the treatment of hepatitis C infection. Study results show that 92% of patients taking ABT-450/r once daily, combined with standard of care, achieved complete early virologic response at 12 weeks. In a separate analysis of 3-day resistance data, ABT-450/r dosed at 200/100 mg appeared to more consistently suppress the emergence of ABT-450-associated resistant variants than the 50/100 mg and 100/100 mg doses. After three days, treatment with ABT-450/r alone resulted in 4-log mean reductions of HCV RNA, across the three dose ranges of ABT-450.

6:31AM Fuel Systems Solutions names Matthew Beale and Roberto Olivo Co-Presidents; Pietro Bersani named CFO (FSYS) 29.17 : Effective immediately, Matthew Beale, President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary will become Co-President of Fuel Systems and Head of IMPCO Operations with primary responsibility for North America, and Roberto Olivo, Chief Operational Officer, will become Co-President of Fuel Systems and Head of BRC Operations with primary responsibility for Europe. Also effective immediately, Beale will be succeeded as Chief Financial Officer by Pietro Bersani who joins co from Deloitte & Touche with over 14 years of financial and accounting experience. Mr. Beale will be succeeded in his role of secretary by Kevin Buckley, Fuel Systems director of compliance. Olivo's position as Chief Operational Officer will not be filled at this time.

6:31AM Tri Valley announces commencement of new drilling at Claflin (TIV) 0.55 : Co announces that drilling has begun on the first of six new vertical wells to develop proved undeveloped reserves at its Claflin oil project, located in the Edison Oil Field near Bakersfield, California. The Company expects to complete the drilling of all six wells to an ~depth of 1,000 feet within the next three weeks. Following completion, the new wells will receive their initial steam injection cycle and should be producing first oil by June.

6:30AM Immunogen reports first data for its IMGN529 product candidate for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma; data found to be highly effective against human ovarian cancer tumors in preclinical testing (IMGN) 8.98 : Co announces the first data on the Company's IMGN853 product candidate for the treatment of ovarian cancer and other types of solid tumors. IMGN853 was found to be highly effective against human ovarian cancer tumors in preclinical testing. The AACR's 2011 Program Committee recognized the abstract on the IMGN853 in vivo preclinical findings as scoring among the top 2% of abstracts for poster presentations. Product candidate on track for IND submission within next twelve months.

6:24AM Elster commences secondary offerring of 16 mln ADSs by major shareholder (ELT) 16.30 : Co will not receive any proceeds from this offering. Assuming that the sale is completed as planned, Rembrandt's interest in co would be reduced to 63.8% if the underwriters' option is not exercised, or 61.7% if the option is exercised in full. Each ADS represents one-fourth of an ordinary share of Elster.

6:22AM China Techfaith Wireless announces that its Chairman and CEO, Mr. Defu Dong, purchased 120,000 ADS on the open market during the month of March 2011 (CNTF) 4.32 :

6:11AM On The Wires (WIRES) :

* MagnaChip Semiconductor (MX) announced that it now offers cost competitive and state of the art copper wire bonding technology for the specialized needs of foundry customers.
* AutoNavi (AMAP) announced that the co's 3-D Navigation and MiniMap applications have been pre-installed on Motorola's first tablet, the MOTO XOOM.
* Integra LifeSciences (IART) announced that it has signed a three-year contract with Novation to provide Jarit sterilization containers to the members of VHA University HealthSystem Consortium and Provista.
* SinoTech Energy (CTE) announced that it has taken delivery of two new lateral hydraulic drilling units.

6:07AM Oncothyreon presents positive preclinical data for ONT-10 and PX-866 (ONTY) 3.80 : Co announces the presentation of preclinical data for ONT-10, a therapeutic vaccine directed at cancers expressing MUC1, and PX-866, its irreversible inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, at the American Association of Cancer Research meeting in Orlando, Florida. Results presented at the meeting demonstrated that administration of ONT-10 produced a robust antibody response in mice that was specific for human tumor MUC1. A strong cellular immune response directed to the target was also shown. ONT-10 blocked the growth of two different tumors expressing human MUC1 in murine models, with a high proportion of animals tumor free at the conclusion of the experiment. Data presented at the meeting concerned the efficacy of PX-866 alone or in combination with either docetaxel or cetuximab in direct patient human tumor xenograft models of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck developed by Dr. Antonio Jimeno's laboratory at University of Colorado School of Medicine. These models maintain the histology of the tumor and are particularly suited to preclinical evaluation of novel cancer therapeutics. PX-866 was equal or superior to docetaxel in slowing tumor growth in two of four DPTM and equal or superior to cetuximab in each of four DPTM. The combination of PX-866 plus docetaxel was superior to single agent therapy in three of four DPTM, while the combination with cetuximab was superior to single agent therapy in two of four DPTM.

6:06AM Intellipharmaceutics Intl files ANDA With FDA for Generic Seroquel XR (IPCI) 2.92 : Co announces the filing of an Abbreviated New Drug Application with the FDA for a generic of Seroquel XR. Seroquel XR is an oral psychotropic agent indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. Sales of Seroquel XR in the U.S. were ~$823 mln in 2010.

6:05AM Patterson-UTI reports drilling activity for March 2011; co had average of 208 drilling rigs operating, including 195 rigs in the US and 13 rigs in Canada (PTEN) 28.95 : Co reports that for the month of March 2011, the Company had an average of 208 drilling rigs operating, including 195 rigs in the United States and 13 rigs in Canada. For the three months ended March 2011, the Company had an average of 207 drilling rigs operating, including 192 rigs in the United States and 15 rigs in Canada. Average drilling rigs operating reported in the Company's monthly announcements represent the average number of the Company's drilling rigs that were operating under a drilling contract.

6:04AM Advanced Micro amends wafer supply agreement with GLOBALFOUNDRIES; discloses GLOBALFOUNDRIES investment-related noncash gain of $492 mln (AMD) 8.36 : Co announces that it amended its Wafer Supply Agreement with GLOBALFOUNDRIES Inc. The primary purpose of the amendment was to revise the pricing methodology applicable to wafers delivered in 2011 for co's microprocessor and accelerated processing unit products. GLOBALFOUNDRIES has committed to provide co with, and co has committed to purchase, a fixed number of 45nm and 32nm wafers per quarter in 2011. Co currently estimates that it will pay GLOBALFOUNDRIES ~$1.1-1.5 bln in 2011 and $1.5-1.9 bln in 2012 for wafer purchases under the amended WSA. As a result of this contribution co will recognize a noncash gain in its first fiscal quarter 2011 financial results of ~$492 mln.

6:03AM Iron Mountain: Elliott Management raises questions about adoption of shareholders rights plan (IRM) 31.53 : "We want to draw your attention to several recent actions which we believe are out of step with Iron Mountain's past practices and are inconsistent with our shared goal of maximizing shareholder value... On March 23, thirteen days ago, Iron Mountain installed a Shareholder Rights Plan (so-called "Poison Pill") immediately following public comments by Davis Advisors, IRM's largest shareholder and one of the world's most renowned mutual funds, indicating support for Elliott's recommended Board nominees. When asked to comment on the Poison Pill by the Financial Times, this same shareholder referred to it as 'heinous corporate governance.' We strongly agree. According to the Financial Times, IRM said the Poison Pill was in response to unusually high option volume - equal to over 10 percent of shares outstanding. Elliott remains incredulous that such a sophisticated group of people would react in such an overly dramatic and shareholder unfriendly fashion to what we understand to have been a common dividend trade by options market makers - IRM stock went ex-dividend on March 23. Nonetheless, if option volume was truly the justification for IRM's Poison Pill then a new 'mystery buyer' would have had to file a Schedule 13D in the requisite 10-day period expiring last Friday, and Davis Advisors' 13D filings shows it was not the purchaser. The fact that no such filing has been made strongly suggests the company's true intent is entrenchment and stifling dissent..."

6:01AM Molycorp acquires controlling stake in AS Silmet; expands operations to Europe, doubles near-term rare earth oxide production capacity (MCP) 59.25 : Co announces that its wholly owned subsidiary Molycorp Minerals has completed the acquisition of a 90.023% controlling stake in AS Silmet, one of only two rare earth processing facilities in Europe, in a transaction valued at ~$89 million. Co acquired 80% of the outstanding shares of AS Silmet from AS Silmet Grupp, which will retain a 9.977% ownership interest going forward. Molycorp acquired the other 10.023% from Treibacher Industrie AG.

4:25AM On The Wires (WIRES) :

* Hyatt Hotels (H) announced that a Hyatt affiliate entered into an agreement with affiliates of Haberhill and Starwood Capital Group Global to form a JV. This new JV has taken ownership of Hyatt Regency Minneapolis and has signed a long-term agreement with a Hyatt affiliate to manage the hotel. The JV plans a $25 mln renovation of the hotel's guest rooms, suites, public areas, restaurants, meeting space, and building systems which will make its total investment ~$75 mln. The renovation and repositioning of the hotel is expected to be completed by 2012.
* Gulfstream Aerospace, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (GD) confirmed that a Gulfstream G650 crashed Saturday morning during takeoff performance tests in Roswell, New Mexico. Two Gulfstream pilots and two Gulfstream flight-test engineers died in the crash.
* Teck Resources (TCK) announced that Teck and Local 9346 of the United Steelworkers of America have reached a memorandum of settlement covering the Elkview operation.
* Boeing (BA) delivered Qatar Airways its 25th 777.
* WWE (WWE) made history as WrestleMania, for the second consecutive year, became the highest grossing and most attended entertainment event in the host venue. WrestleMania XXVII grossed $6.6 mln, with 71,617 in attendance.
* Life Technologies (LIFE) announced the launch of its TaqMan Mutation Detection Assays, a highly sensitive and novel molecular analysis research tools with the precision to detect a single mutant molecule hiding in a background of 1 mln normal copies.
* Platinum Group Metals (PLG) announced the receipt of consent to commence underground development for the Project 1 Platinum Mine.
* Global Sources (GSOL) announced that eMedia Asia Limited, a JV between Global Sources (60.1%) and United Business Media (39.9%), has acquired Canon Communications Asia and Beijing Reed Advertising Services from Canon Communications, a subsidiary of United Business Media for a cash consideration of $4 mln.
* LDK Solar (LDK) announced the addition of one new cell manufacturing site in Hefei City, Anhui Province. The new cell plant expands LDK Solar's cell capacity to 570 MW per annum.
* Epsilon notified New York & Company (NWY), Capital One (COF) and TiVo (TIVO) of email database breaches. The cos were advised that the files accessed did not include any customer financial information, and Epsilon has stressed that the only information accessed was names and email addresses.

4:05AM Techne unit acquires the assets of Boston Biochem; expected to be slightly dilutive, less than $0.02/share to net earnings for year end June 30, 2012 (TECH) 72.65 : Co announces that as of April 1, 2011, its R&D Systems subsidiary has acquired the assets of Boston Biochem, a developer and manufacturer of innovative ubiquitin-related research products. Boston BioChem had product sales of about $2.5 mln in calendar 2010 and, therefore, the acquisitions will not have a material effect on co's fourth quarter fiscal year 2011 or fiscal 2012 sales. The acquisitions are expected to be slightly dilutive (less than $0.02/share) to co's fiscal year ending June 30, 2012 net earnings due to the impact of acquisition accounting. The Boston Biochem assets were acquired for cash.

3:47AM VASCO Data Security acquires Alfa & Ariss for EUR1 mln; is expected to have a slightly dilutive impact on earnings in FY2011 (VDSI) 13.91 : Co announces its acquisition of Alfa & Ariss, an open identity and access management specialist of Enschede, The Netherlands. Co acquired all of the stock of A&A in exchange for cash consideration of EUR1 mln ($1.4 mln using the exchange rate at the date of close). The acquisition was financed from co's existing cash balances and is expected to have a slightly dilutive impact on earnings in fiscal 2011.

3:44AM iSoftStone estimates Year 2011 revenue effects from Japanese Disasters; states revenues are likely to be reduced by less than 1% reconfirms previous guidance (ISS) 18.02 : Co announces estimated effects on its revenues from the March 11, 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and damaged nuclear power plants in Japan. Co reaffirms guidance for Q1 (Mar), sees Q1 (Mar) revs of $54-55 mln vs. $55.02 mln Thomson Reuters consensus. Co reaffirms guidance for FY11 (Dec), sees FY11 (Dec) revs of $260-275 mln vs. $266.59 mln Thomson Reuters consensus. Co states after studying the likely effects on iSoftStone from the currently known consequences of the disasters in Japan, they have determined that 2011 total revs are likely to be reduced by less than 1% as a result of the disasters. They anticipate that the reduction would likely be absorbed by business growth from China and U.S.

3:34AM Medley Capital expands its credit platform with the acquisition of credit manager Viathon Capital (MCC) 12.00 : Co announces the acquisition of credit hedge fund manager Viathon Capital and related entities, effective March 31, 2011.

3:32AM Endeavour Intl announces full redemption of of its outstanding $81.25 mln 6% Senior Notes Due 2012 (END) 13.00 :

3:31AM Tower Semicon expects to nearly double production capacity with proposed acquisition of Micron Technology (MU) Wafer Manufacturing Plant in Japan (TSEM) 1.35 : Co announces it has signed a non-binding term sheet contemplating its purchase of Micron Technology's (MU) fabrication facility in Nishiwaki City, Hyogo, Japan. The total value of the proposed transaction, including assumed liabilities, is anticipated to ~$140 mln, of which $40 mln would be paid in cash, ~20 mln of TSEM ordinary shares would be issued to MU or its Japanese subsidiary and the remainder is assumed long-term retirement liabilities that would be payable incrementally upon employee retirements. The proposed purchase would nearly double co's current internal manufacturing capacity, cost-effectively increasing production by 60,000 wafers per month. This is expected to help position co to achieve its expressed $1 bln annual revenue run rate by 2014.

3:27AM Cell Therapeutics reports journal publishes results of a phase I/II clinical trial; produces high rates of complete remissions and long-term disease free survival in patients with relapsed/refractory aggressive NHL who previously failed frontline chop therapy (CTIC) 0.38 : Co announces the peer reviewed journal, Leukemia & Lymphoma published results of a phase I/II clinical trial evaluating the effect of cyclophosphamide, pixantrone, vincristine, and prednisone in treating patients with aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma who relapsed following initial therapy with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone. In the CPOP regimen, pixantrone substitutes for doxorubicin in the CHOP regimen. The study enrolled 35 patients in the phase I portion of the trial and 30 patients in the phase II portion of the trial. A major tumor response was reported for 80% and 73% of patients in phase I and II respectively, with 57% and 47% of the patients achieving a complete or unconfirmed CR. Median overall survival in the phase II portion of the trial was 17.9 months with four patients achieving notable long-term disease-free survival ranging from 55 to 77 months, despite in some cases having failed multiple prior regimens including stem cell transplantation. High response rates were also observed in the 43% of patients who had received prior rituximab as part of their front-line regimen, with an ORR rate of 77% and CR rate of 54%. Myelosuppression was the most common toxicity.

3:16AM VeriFone and Hypercom (HYC) agrees to sell HYC's U.S. Payment Systems Business for $54 mln (PAY) 54.55 : Co announces that they have reached an agreement to sell the US payment systems business of Hypercom to Ingenico (INGIY). The transaction is expected to close immediately prior to completion of PAY's acquisition of HYC, which is expected to occur in the second half of 2011. The aggregate purchase price to be paid by INGIY is $54 mln in cash. In 2010, the HYC U.S. business included in the agreement achieved revenues of ~$61 mln. Following the completion of the merger, VeriFone will retain HYC's non-payment terminal Networking products operations in the U.S.

3:11AM Sanofi-Aventis successfully completes exchange offer for Genzyme (GENZ) (SNY) 35.68 : Co announces it has successfully completed its exchange offer for all outstanding shares of common stock of Genzyme Corporation (NASDAQ: GENZ). The also announces a four-day subsequent offer period for remaining shareholders. Genzyme now becomes a subsidiary of co, expanding the its presence in biotechnology, including rare diseases.

3:05AM DryShips proposes private offering of senior unsecured bonds by Ocean Rig UDW (DRYS) 4.78 : Co announces that its majority-owned subsidiary Ocean Rig UDW, announced that it intends to offer through a private placement, subject to market and other conditions, ~$500 mln of Senior Unsecured Bonds due 2016. The proceeds of the offering are expected to be used to finance Ocean Rig's newbuilding drillships program and general corporate purposes.

3:03AM RAE Systems amends merger agreement with Vector Capital increasing price to $1.88 per share in cash from $1.75 per share (RAE) 1.76 : Co announces that it has entered into an amendment to its merger agreement with an affiliate of Vector Capital under which the acquirer has increased the price per share to be paid to our unaffiliated stockholders to $1.88 per share, an ~7.4% increase from the $1.75 per share previously provided. The amended merger agreement was unanimously approved by the Special Committee of the Board of RAE. The terms of the merger agreement remain unchanged There is no financing condition to the transaction.

2:57AM Qiagen makes proposal to acquire Australian diagnostics co Cellestis for ~ $355 mln; expects accretion of ~$0.02-0.03 to adjusted EPS for 2012 (QGEN) 20.31 : Co announces has reached an agreement to acquire Cellestis for ~AUD341 mln ($355 mln) in cash, providing QIAGEN with access to a novel "pre-molecular" technology that offers a new dimension in disease detection not currently possible with other diagnostic methods. Products based on QuantiFERON technology are expected enhance co's leading portfolio in DNA and RNA-based molecular diagnostics. The offer for Cellestis' shares represents a premium of 24.3% to the one-month volume weighted average share price prior to this announcement. For 2012, co expects double-digit sales growth from QuantiFERON products and accretion of ~$0.02-0.03 to adjusted EPS.

2:52AM Pentair to Acquire Norit's Clean Process Technologies for ~$705 mln; transaction expected to be ~$0.03 accretive to 2011 EPS, ex-items; expected accretive to 2012 diluted EPS (PNR) 38.00 : Co announces it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the Clean Process Technologies for EUR503 mln (~$705 mln), plus net debt at closing. Co estimates CPT full year 2011 sales to be greater than EUR250 mln($350 mln) on a U.S. GAAP basis. Co expects the acquisition to be $0.15-0.20 accretive to 2012 diluted EPS, the first full fiscal year following the acquisition. The transaction is expected to be dilutive to 2011 EPS by ~$0.15, pending final purchase accounting valuations and analysis. After adjusting for customer contracts and inventory step-ups of ~$0.12 and customary deal costs of ~$0.06, the acquisition is expected to be about $0.03 accretive to 2011 EPS.

2:43AM Abbott Labs demonstrates positive one-year safety and efficacy results in ABSORB Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold (ABT) 49.37 : Co announces positive one-year results from 101 patients enrolled in the second phase of the ABSORB trial evaluating the world's first drug eluting Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold for the treatment of coronary artery disease. At one year, Abbott's ABSORB device demonstrated a low (6.9%) rate of major adverse cardiac events and no reports of blood clots. In an analysis of 56 of the 101 patients, imaging results showed a late loss of 0.27 mm, which is comparable to past data on drug eluting stents. Importantly, of the patients' vessels that were assessed for vasomotor function, nearly all showed signs of vasomotion at one year, indicating that vessel movement was observed in the arteries of these patients as their vessels were no longer constrained by the scaffold, which had begun to be metabolized.

2:39AM Abiomed provides final PROTECT II study results for high-risk PCI patient population (ABMD) 14.65 : Co announces the final results from the PROTECT II study. In summary, the study showed: 1) Positive overall outcome for the Impella arm over the IABP arm in the entire study cohort at 90 days, resulting in a 21% reduction in major adverse events over the IABP. 2) Impella provided a significant benefit over the IABP at 30 days and at 90 days with a 29% reduction of major adverse events. 3) In this subgroup, the Impella arm demonstrated a significant increase in peri-procedural CK-MB release and decreased repeat revascularization at 90 days. 4) Impella significantly reduced out-of-hospital major adverse events overall by 56% over the IABP arm. Per the study conducted by an independent economic health organization, the Impella reduction of major adverse events translated into overall lower hospital charges per patient, ranging from $12,000 (all patients) to $17,000 (survivors only) at 90 days.

2:32AM Infinity Pharmaceutical reports new preclinical data for IPI-926; data demonstrated that IPI-926 inhibited tumor growth and led to tumor calcification (INFI) 5.86 : CO announces encouraging results for its novel Smoothened antagonist, IPI-926, in a preclinical model of chondrosarcoma, a life-threatening cancer of the cartilage. The data demonstrated that IPI-926 inhibited tumor growth and led to tumor calcification in primary patient-derived chondrosarcoma tumor xenografts. In the study, oral daily administration of IPI-926 significantly suppressed tumor growth compared to control in multiple xenografts. Administration of IPI-926 also inhibited Gli-1 mRNA expression, a marker of Hedgehog pathway activation, in chondrosarcoma tumor cells. In addition, mice treated with IPI-926 showed changes in tumor morphology, including calcification and loss of cellularity.

2:25AM Edwards Lifesciences achieves primary endpoint in transcatheter valve study of high-risk surgical patients (EW) 86.07 : Co announces the results of a pivotal clinical study of high-risk surgical patients with severe aortic stenosis treated in Cohort A of The PARTNER Trial. These data demonstrate that the study achieved its primary endpoint at one year, concluding that survival of patients treated with the SAPIEN transcatheter aortic valve was equivalent to those treated with surgical aortic valve replacement. In patients with aortic stenosis at high risk for surgery, transcatheter aortic valve replacement was non-inferior to surgical aortic valve replacement for all-cause mortality at one year, 24.2% versus 26.8%, respectively. In addition, mortality at 30 days was lower than expected in both arms of the trial, with TAVR at 3.4% and AVR at 6.5%. The observed mortality in these AVR patients was lower than the predicted risk of operative mortality of 11.8%. Consistent with earlier plans, Edwards expects to submit the data from Cohort A of The PARTNER Trial to the FDA in Q2. Additionally, co announced the results of an economic analysis performed to determine the relative value of transcatheter aortic valve replacement in inoperable patients. The study demonstrated a gain in life expectancy of ~1.9 years for TAVR patients over non-surgical standard of care at an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of about $50,200 for each additional year of life gained, or ~$62,000 for each quality-adjusted life year gained. In the 12 months following the procedure, TAVR patients incurred lower hospital costs as compared to patients receiving standard of care, which was attributed primarily to a significant reduction in re-hospitalizations.

2:21AM Abbott Labs reports pooled analysis of the SPIRIT II, III, IV and COMPARE trials reinforce the positive clinical performance of XIENCE V Everolimus Eluting Coronary Stent System (ABT) 49.37 : Co announces A pooled analysis of the SPIRIT II, III, IV and COMPARE trials presented today further reinforces the positive clinical performance co's XENCE V Everolimus Eluting Coronary Stent System. As part of the analysis of all four trials, two-year results on the safety and efficacy of XIENCE V compared to TAXUS Liberte and TAXUS Express2 Paclitaxel-Eluting Coronary Stent Systems. In addition to the 36% reduction in the risk of overall MACE compared to TAXUS, data also were presented from the pooled analysis that demonstrated the following for XIENCE V: A 47% reduction in the risk of heart attack (2.9% for XIENCE V versus 5.5% for TAXUS); A 40% reduction in the risk of cardiac death or heart attack (4.0% for XIENCE V versus 6.6% for TAXUS); A 36% reduction in the risk of ID-TLR (4.1% for XIENCE versus 6.6% for TAXUS); A 70% reduction in the risk of stent thrombosis, defined as definite or probable according to ARC.

2:10AM Optimer Pharma presents data highlighting the unmet need for targeted therapies to treat subpopulations at high risk of recurrence of Clostridium difficile infection (OPTR) 13.13 : Co announces the presentation of information from insurance claims and survey databases highlighting the unmet need for targeted therapies to treat subpopulations at high risk of recurrence of Clostridium difficile infection. In summary, co believes the study highlights the substantial economic burden of both acute and recurrent CDI. The dreaded outcomes (recurrence and death) are seen more commonly in the elderly and those with serious underlying diseases.

2:05AM Huntsman acquires Chemicals Business of Laffans Petrochemicals (HUN) 17.38 : Co announces its has completed its acquisition of Indian chemical producer Laffans Petrochemicals. In 2010 Laffans had revenues in excess of $50 mln.

2:02AM Southwest Air responds to loss of pressurization event on flight on Saturday; inspects aircrafts; cancels flights (LUV) 12.67 : Co responds to a flight in which co had to divert its route due to loss of pressurization in the cabin. Upon safely landing, the flight crew discovered a hole in the top of the aircraft. Co responded by working with the NTSB, FAA and Boeing (BA), maker of the 737 series. The airline worked with engineers from the BA to further assess the damage to the aircraft and develop an inspection regimen to look more closely at 79 (not 81 as was previously reported) of its Boeing 737 aircraft which are covered by a set of FAA Airworthiness Directives aimed at inspections for aircraft skin fatigue. Those aircraft will be inspected over the course of the next several days at five locations. Co has canceled ~300 flights and expects to cancel more as 2 other planes were found to need repairs.

1:52AM Bristol-Myers investigational compound PEG-Interferon Lambda achieved higher response rates with fewer flu-like and musculoskeletal symptoms and cytopenias than PEG-Interferon Alfa in Phase IIb Study of 526 Treatment-Naive Hepatitis C Patients (BMY) 26.45 : Co announces results from the Phase IIb EMERGE clinical trial, in which treatment with the investigational compound PEG-Interferon lambda and ribavirin achieved higher rates of rapid virologic response in genotypes 1, 2, 3, and 4, and complete early virologic response in genotypes 1 and 4 than the standard regimen of PEG-Interferon alfa and ribavirin in treatment-naive patients chronically infected with hepatitis C. In this study, there were fewer flu-like and musculoskeletal symptoms and cytopenia, as well as fewer interferon and ribavirin dose reductions for anemia in the PEG-Interferon lambda arms up to 12 weeks. Rates of serious adverse events, depression and other common adverse events were similar across treatment arms up to week 12. In this study, HCV genotype 1 and 4 patients treated with PEG-Interferon lambda achieved statistically significant higher rates of cEVR versus PEG-Interferon alfa at all doses. These statistically significant higher viral response rates were seen as early as four weeks of treatment, with greater rates of RVR at the two higher doses of PEG-Interferon lambda. In patients with HCV genotypes 2 and 3, treatment with all doses of PEG-Interferon lambda achieved cEVR rates similar to PEG-Interferon alfa. Statistically significant higher rates of RVR were achieved at the two higher doses of PEG-Interferon lambda.

1:39AM Idera Pharma presents data from a Phase 1 clinical trial of IMO-2125 in Treatment-Naive Genotype 1 HCV Patients; Phase 2 clinical trial expected to begin in 2Q11 (IDRA) 2.64 : Co announces presentation of data from a four-week Phase 1 clinical trial of IMO-2125 in combination with ribavirin in treatment-naive patients chronically infected with hepatitis C virus genotype 1. During the four weeks of treatment, IMO-2125 in combination with ribavirin was well tolerated and produced clinically meaningful antiviral activity. IMO-2125 was well tolerated at all dose levels in combination with ribavirin over four weeks of treatment, with no treatment-related serious adverse events and no treatment discontinuations. The most common adverse events observed in the IMO-2125 regimens were mild to moderate flu-like symptoms and injection site reactions. IMO-2125 at all dose levels induced declines in viral levels at 48 hours after the first dose.

1:31AM Kraton Performance Polymers announces HSBC, SIS, and SBS price inceases in Europe and Americas (KRA) 37.55 : Co announces a general price increase in several products including (all effective May 1):

* Europe, Africa and the Middle East - EUR300/MT for all Kraton HSBC polymers and compounds.
* Europe, Africa and the Middle East - EUR150/MT for Kraton SBS, and OE SBS polymers and compounds, and Euro 100/MT for all Kraton SIS polymers and compounds, and Euro 150/MT on all SIBS polymers and compounds.
* The Americas - $440/MT, or 20 cpp, for all Kraton HSBC polymers and compounds.
* Americas - $330/MT, or 15 cpp for Kraton SBS, and OE SBS polymers and compounds, and $220/MT, or 10 cpp for all Kraton SIS polymers and compounds, and $330/MT, or 15 cpp on all SIBS polymers and compounds.

1:20AM Tortoise Power and Energy reports unaudited total assets were ~$209.1 mln and its unaudited net asset value was $176.4 mln, or $25.40 per share (TPZ) 25.64 :

1:19AM Tortoise North American Energy reports unaudited total assets were ~$211.1 mln and its unaudited net asset value was $164.1 mln or $26.06 per share. (TYN) 25.13 :

1:19AM Tortoise Energy reports unaudited total assets were ~$816.1 mln and its unaudited net asset value was $516.0 mln, or $26.62 per share. (TYY) 28.18 :

1:17AM Tortoise Energy Infrastructure reports unaudited total assets were ~$1.6 bln and its unaudited net asset value was $949.9 mln, or $34.83 per share (TYG) 39.83 :

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