The Lex Column:
*Crunch time - With Google recently soaring past $500 a share, investors have rediscovered their love of “focus”. Particularly when that means search-related advertising.
*Drugs industry - Democrats have pledged to lift a ban preventing Medicare from negotiating drugs prices directly. But even if such proposals pass into law, the Bush administration will have ample discretion in the use of those powers.
*Investment banks - It may still be more lucrative to work for than to invest in an investment bank. But managing one can be tricky, even in good times. Banks have been investing in their businesses, especially in Europe and Asia.
The John Plender on Monday Column:
*Hank Paulson’s flattery may breed complacency.
*Identity fraud.
*Insecure energy.
Further news:
*Wall Street's gains may be a case of irrational equanimity.
*Bankers cautious despite bids and bumper bonuses.
The Economic View Column:
*Brown will escape No11 just in time – The pendulum is set to swing back to stringency.
A Tiddler to Watch:
*Intec Telecom Systems (ITL.L).
Monday Manifesto:
*Charles Dunstone – Carphone (CPW.L) chief puts broadcast on hold to focus on customer service.
Further news:
*American companies on AIM turn into flop for investors.
*GNER wins temporary reprieve on East Coast.
*AA set for flotation or sale.
*Banks reach last chance saloon over PPI profits.
The Ruth Lea Personal View Column:
*Our moral duty to save the planet is a taxing concern.
Feature:
*I’m far to belligerent to give in (John Pluthero).
AIM Market Column:
*Beckwith’s Tiger gets its teeth into an Indian venture.
Market Profile:
*David Howell, Chairman of Western & Oriental (WEST.L).
Further news:
*Taxes ‘driving companies into exile’.
*City Airport owners miss loan deadline.
*BAE (BA.L) feels Saudi wrath over bribe inquiry.
*Property developer Sir John Beckwith in new £150-million AIM venture.
*Sale could net housebuilder Wilson Bowden (WLB.L) £400-million.
*Last-minute bids to save Eurotunnel (ETL.L).
*Airbus could trigger ‘nuclear option’ of currency controls.
The Stephen King Column:
*Misery becomes personal in the pursuit of global happiness.
The Small Talk Column:
*Things look to be falling into place at Galleon Holdings (GON.L) – Worth keeping an eye on over the coming months.
*Monstermob (MOB.L) - Ringtones going cheap.
*AIM laps up listings.
*Camper & Nicholsons is to launch a marina fund.
Further news:
*Compass (CPG.L) heading for return to better health.
*No cuts required for £8-billiobn tax reduction, claims CBI.
*Wilson Bowden (WLB.L) in takeover discussions.
*Eurotunnel (ETL.L) has secured 2 offers to finance its latest restructuring Plans.
*MyTravel (MT.L) has held early-stage talks with FirstChoice (FCD.L) over the possible acquisition of its package holiday operations.
*Output at Kashagan oil field, operated by Total (TTA.L), Royal Dutch Shell (RDSA.L), ExxonMobil (EXX.L) and ConocoPhillips, set to beat forecasts by 25th.
*Cisco Systems (CSC.L) is to announce a venture with Russia's Sitronics.
*BUPA has emerged as top contender to buy Clinovia, the home healthcare specialist.
*The flood of money pouring into the hedge fund industry has seen the best fund managers shut their doors to new money.
*Yachtmakers Camper and Nicholson to join AIM next month.
*Fabia Romania Property Fund to float on AIM after raising £41-million.
*Chinese gambling market, is planning to come to AIM next year.
*Sky Capital (SKY.L) returns money to clients held on their behalf.
SOME ITEMS THAT COULD INFLUENCE SHARE PRICES
*Gaza ceasefire raises hopes of peace talks.
*Two people have died following an incident at a museum in Liverpool. Police were called to the World Museum Liverpool just after 1220 GMT yesterday, following reports a man had fallen from a third floor internal balcony. A woman was also found at the scene with stab wounds. Both were taken to hospital where they later died. The museum has been closed to the public. It is understood police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths. Officers are interviewing witnesses.
*Israeli and Palestinian leaders have said they are committed to a ceasefire agreed for the Gaza Strip, despite Palestinian rockets landing in Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has said Israel will show "patience and restraint", al1though the rockets were fired from Gaza after the truce began. Mr Olmert said he hoped the ceasefire would also be applied to the West Bank. Hamas leader Ismail Haniya said all Palestinian groups had made clear that they stood behind the ceasefire.
*Nineteen top British companies have moved parts of their operations overseas in the past two years and five say they will move their headquarters abroad in the near future because of high taxes in the UK, according to CBI survey.
*David Cameron has pulled out of today's annual conference of the CBI and heads for Iraq instead.
*The Chancellor will join forces again with US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson to step up a British-US effort to revive stalled global trade talks.
*Quiz TV shows may face a tightening of the regulatory regime covering their use of premium rate telephone numbers.
*According to Dominion Bond Rating Service, activity in the housing market has been 'unseasonably' strong this month forcing prices higher as the number of properties for sale dwindles, according to Hometrack.
*Mortgage lenders could be tempted into making riskier home loans as they search for new sources of revenue amid fierce competition.
Compiled in association with HB PLC and WH Ireland Ltd
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