Is Google’s New Software A Threat To Microsoft?

Stocks are higher on merger news. China’s
CNPC International will acquire PetroKazakhstan [
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for
$55/share and OSI Pharmaceuticals

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will acquire Eyetech
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for $935
million or $20/share.

Merck
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is in focus after a jury on Friday found the company liable for the death of a
man who used the recalled painkiller Vioxx. MRK is trading down 2%.

Strong sectors are:  Natural Gas

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+1.08%      Semis

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+1.15%       Oil

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+0.98%   

Weak sectors are:   Internet 

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+0.51%        

Dow +55.25 10,614.64
Nasdaq +9.02 2144.58
S&P 500 +7.32 127.03

Stocks in the news:

Archer Daniels Midland
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was upgraded at Citigroup, to buy, with a new price target of $26.

Google
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will release Sidebar on its Desktop 2, new
software that gives users customized information such as weather, news and stock
quotes. The software mirrors some Microsoft Windows functions 

JM Smucker
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missed by 0.12.

Men’s Wearhouse
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was upgraded to buy at Legg Mason.

Brice Wightman