• Citigroup (NYSE:C) downgraded financial shares from "overweight" to "neutral," warning that early-cycle gains in financial sector shares, up 63% over the past year, may fade heading into the bull market's second year
U.S. stock market hit a fresh 17-month high Wednesday, with the Dow average registering its seventh straight advance, as a tame wholesale inflation data and hopes that borrowing costs would remain at historic lows for some time gave investors a sense of contentment.
US stock futures were mixed today as investors got fidgety on concerns surrounding the duration of a recent rally. The reluctance of Eurozone nations to support debt-reduction initiatives in Greece also heightened investor concerns. While futures on S&P 500 lost 1.2 points to 1,159.80, those on Nasdaq 100 moved down half a point to 1,933.50.
Stocks gained more Wednesday following a mild February inflation report, which was consistent with the Fed's reiterated pledge of continuing low interest rates. The DJIA climbed 44 points to close at 10,734, breaking above resistance at 10,724.
According to a report by the Financial Times, JP Morgan (NYSE: JPM) lost a dispute over advisory fees, which related to a takeover defense, after an Australian court dismissed the case on Thursday.
Novatel Wireless and WSA Distributing Announce Strategic Distribution Partnership
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PR Newswire
SAN DIEGO, March 18
3/18/2010- Hartford Financial Services (NYSE: HIG) said it plans to raise as much as $2.25 billion by selling shares to repay the U.S. government rescue, according to a Bloomberg report.
The company will sell about 52.3 million common shares at $27.75 per share and 20 million preferred shares at $25.
The black cloud hanging over the financial services sector for much of the past two years is beginning to evaporate. Financial stocks rallied recently, and wise investors are giving the sector a fresh look.
(CHARTPOPPERS.COM, March 18, 2010 ) Point Roberts, WA - Chartpoppers.com announces an investment report featuring company American Express Company (NYSE: AXP)