Thursday, April 28, 2011
Europe Most Lacking is Confidence Not Money
How To Make Money Working From Home
Watch Out For Eighteen Wheel Killers
Great Tips in Planning Your Retail Space
Video Editing - Creating a Montage Or a Commercial
Lifewave Product
Causes Exactly Why The Particular Wholesale Gps Tend To Be Popular Everywhere
Why Timing is Everything When it Comes to Online Shopping
Small Household Appliances Through To See How Smoothly Fair Breakthrough
Starting a Low Cost Franchise? Understand the Agreement
How To Make Money From Home - My Diary ( Chapter 3 )
The Benefits Of Suzuki Violin Lessons
Starting An Ecommerce Business
Tips For Success When Working At Home
Should You Incorporate Your Business?
The Urgency of Tank Inspection Procedures
The Different Machine Safety Guards Available Today
The Benefits of Overhead Cranes and Hoists
Home Based Business Opportunities Are Everywhere
The Advantages of Affiliate Marketing For Beginners
Your Home Insurance And Your Moving Company: Allies In Motion;
In the rush of things, we tend to forget the basics.
Raising Business Finance & purchasing a Business
Building An Online Reputation At Ebay!
Internet Home Business Opportunity
There are many companies that need experienced employees at an overwhelming rate every week.
All About the Tamerica DuraBind 242
Why Should You Prefer Linux Dedicated Servers?
How A Four-Letter List Can Make Or Break Your Business
Small Business Website Design Strategies
The Convenience of A Roller Towel Service
Buying On Bad News - Acquiring Undervalued Stocks.
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Making Decision To Start Full Or Part Time
Make Your Business Opportunity Succeed
All You Wanted to Know About Murfreesboro Storage
How to Present a Business Presentation in Four Steps
When I was doing network marketing, I used to invite prospects to my home. They all thought they were in for a formal business meeting and arrived in suits and ties.
Juicy Couture Jewellery Let Us Become More Fashionable
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The Rocky Patel Vintage 1992 Cigars
Benefits of Architectural Drafting And Cad Services
Why is Stoneware Kitchen Sink So Admired
Joanne Gair
Gair did Kelis' 1999 Kaleidoscope cover.
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The Ultimate Million Dollar Challenge - Of Yourself
M-I-L-L-I-O-N? Is it $25 an hour? Is it $12 an hour? Being able to comfortably pay all your bills with an extra $50 in the bank? How do you personally define success? If you have not reached that level of achievement, how close are you?
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How Companies and Business Taxes Are Determined
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Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Learning Forex
Federal Credit Bureau: How Does It Protect Your Credit Record?
A Home Mortgage Makes Dreams Come True
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How to Choose the Right Debt Consolidation Company
Short Term Loans
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The Disadvantages Of Reverse Mortgages
Bank Warning Highlights Debt Consolidation Need
Conveyance Become Reasonable Through Online Auto Loans
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Bad Credit Personal Loans: Can You Get One?
Quick No-credit Check Loans: Benefits And Drawbacks
Saving Money On Food & Drink
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Make Life A Little Easier: Setting A Budget And Sticking With It
Bad Credit Mortgage Refinancing - Refinance And Improve Credit
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Lending Changes: Stated Income Documentation Comes To Commercial
Bad Credit Repair-- Defining The Problem
Lead A Debt Free Life
Debt Consolidation Solution
Debt Settlement - Helpful or Harmful?
Automated For-ex System Trading Will Change 3 Secret Principles of For-ex Traders
Cash Loans 5000: Now Meet All Your Financial Problems
Loan Refinancing- Is It A Good Option To Refinance?
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Now New Automobile Becomes Affordable With New Auto Loans
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Online Credit Card Application
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Managing Money From A Single Income
How To Save Money And Get Discount Automobile Insurance In Alabama
0% APR: An Offer You Can’t Refuse?
The Benefits And Pitfalls Of An Endowment Loan
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Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Payday Loan Online - Quick Cash Advance Loans Online Are Very Convenient
Bad Credit Debt Consolidation Loans
Beginning a Lucrative On-line Company is Not Tough
Acquiring Payment Processing Leads Through Pay Per Leads
New Home Loan - Understand The Various Types Of Mortgage Lenders
Can You Run Your Business After Declaring Bankruptcy?
Applying For A Payday Or Cash Advance Loan Online
Planning a Foreign Trip? Never Forget to Carry Currency Exchange Rate Calculator
Identity Theft – Beware Of Phishing Attacks!
Secured Loans For Home Improvement – When You Can’t Buy A Luxury Home
Non Status Business Bank Account Solves Your Business Problems
Refinance Your Second Mortgage
Options For Converting Euros to Pounds
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Cash Advances
Faxless Payday & Cash Advance Loans - Fast Cash, No Faxing Loans, The Easiest Payday Loan Process
Home Equity Line Of Credit - Finding The Best Home Equity Lender
Mutual Funds: The Modern Den Of Theives!
Finding False Gold In Penny Stock
Instant Decision Loans-Feasible financial assistance to curb crisis
Money Smart Homeowners Use This Mortgage Strategy Every Time
Let me ask you.
What is PPI and How Can I Reclaim PPI?
Let Carlyle Finance Answer Your Car Loan Questions
Same Day Cash-Reduces Financial Burden
Use Online Savings Accounts To Save For Specific Goals
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Finding Money to Save
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Loans For Tenant-Comfortable Financial Deal With no Asset
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The Importance of Umbrella Company
New York Refinance - Refinancing In New York
What is a Financial Advisor
Why Boats Are A Pleasure... But You Still Need Boat Insurance
Bad Credit Refinance Loans - Finding A Good Lender
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Apply For Home Mortgage Loan Online With Bad Credit - Things To Consider
A Number of Basic Suggestions to Benefit You When You Apply For Social Security
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Monday, April 25, 2011
Cost-effective Approaches to Fix My Credit
How To Choose An Equipment Leasing Company
Home Equity Loan – With A Reverse Mortgage, Your Home Pays You!
Basics Of Adverse Credit Debt Consolidation
Uk Unsecured Debt Consolidation Tips For Success
Negotiate Your Way To Lower Credit Card APRs!
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How To Tap In To Your Home Equity
No Money Down Loans Supporting Option
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Second Chance Banking - Check Out The Importance Of Their Services
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Check Your Refund Status Online
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Parent Plus Loans
Do you have good credit that you would like to put towards the further education of your child? Is your child planning on becoming a student at an American college or university? Is your child a dependent and planning on attending this college or university as an undergraduate at least "half-time" during the college or university semester schedule? If these questions apply to you, then a parent PLUS loan just may be the best option for financing the education of your child.
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A no-cost student loan consolidation - doesn't that just sound too good to be true? Think about it.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Why the Expatriate Travel Insurance is important
Debt Consolidation Loans: Adieu, Record of Bad Credit
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Saturday, April 23, 2011
Income Protection for Unemployment Greater Relief in Times of Redundancy!
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Friday, April 15, 2011
Merck in JV with Sun Pharma - Analyst Blog
Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK - Analyst Report) recently announced that it is setting up a joint venture (JV) with Indian multinational pharma company, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. The joint venture is for the development, manufacture and commercialization of new combinations and formulations of innovative, branded generics in emerging markets.
While financial details of the transaction were not disclosed, the companies said that Sun Pharma’s proprietary platform technologies would be used for the development of products. Meanwhile, Merck will contribute its expertise in clinical development and registration activities. Moreover, Merck will also be bringing its commercial expertise and global reach to the joint venture.
Deal in-line with Merck’s Growing Focus on Emerging Markets
The joint venture is in-line with Merck’s growing focus on emerging markets. The company has been working on growing its presence in emerging markets – sales in emerging markets increased 19% in the fourth quarter of 2010 with strong performance in key markets like China, Turkey and Korea.
Like many of its peers, Merck is pursuing opportunities in China, India, Turkey, Russia, Poland, Brazil, and South Korea with the intention of achieving a top-5 market presence in each of these countries.
According to experts, emerging markets are expected to drive 90% of global pharma growth in the coming decade. About 75% of this growth is expected from branded generics. Factors like an increase in chronic diseases, population growth, and increasing prosperity are expected to drive growth in emerging markets.
Over the past few quarters, companies like Pfizer (PFE - Analyst Report) and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK - Analyst Report) have expressed their interest in emerging markets. While Pfizer has a deal with Indian company Strides Arcolab for the commercialization of off-patent sterile injectable and oral products in the US, Glaxo has an agreement with Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories (RDY - Snapshot Report) for the development and marketing of select products in various emerging markets.
Neutral on Merck
We currently have a Neutral recommendation on Merck supported by a Zacks #3 Rank (short-term Hold rating). Merck is currently facing issues such as patent expirations of key drugs, EU pricing pressure, US health care reform and pipeline setbacks. Some of the company’s recent launches should start contributing significantly to the top line in the forthcoming quarters.
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Another New Deal Values ACCP’s Drug Delivery Technology
Grant Zeng, CFA
Another new deal values ACCP’s drug delivery technology
Early this morning (April 13, 2011, Access Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACCP) announced that it has entered into an agreement with a major global pharmaceutical company to exploit its CobaCyte and CobOral technology for the targeted delivery of RNAi therapeutics.
Access will provide the pharmaceutical company with CobOral and CobaCyte siRNA formulations for evaluation of gene knockdown following oral and intravenous administration. Though the terms of the agreement have not been disclosed, Access indicated that any successful formulation developed will be jointly owned by the Parties and subject to a subsequent full licensing agreement.
As a reminder, Access is an emerging biopharmaceutical company focused on developing a range of pharmaceutical products for the treatment of cancer and cancer supportive care primarily based upon the company’s three key drug delivery technologies: Synthetic Polymer Targeted Drug Delivery System; Cobalamin Mediated Oral Drug Delivery System (CobOral) and Cobalamin Mediated Targeted Drug Delivery System (CobaCyte).
RNAi is typically initiated by the introduction of small fragments of RNA, typically siRNA or miRNA, into cells at disease sites. Due to their large size and high negative charge, these RNA fragments are not able to cross cell membranes. Therefore, to develop effective RNAi therapeutics, a delivery system must be developed that can transport the siRNA into cells, and release undamaged siRNA into target cell cytoplasm. Access’ CobOral and CobaCyte delivery technologies, which are based on vitamin B12, are particularly well-suited for this purpose. Most human cells have a requirement for vitamin B12 which is served by cell surface receptors which facilitate absorption of this vitamin. In many diseases, the demand for vitamin B12 is increased, with a corresponding upregulation of the receptor. Using the ‘Trojan Horse’ principle, the CobaCyte nanoparticle technology can utilize the vitamin B12 uptake mechanism to transport siRNA into cells whereupon native siRNA can be released for incorporation in messenger RNA (mRNA) to initiate the beneficial therapeutic effect. In this way, CobaCyte offers the potential for targeted delivery of siRNA following intravenous administration. The fact that Access’ vitamin B12 technology also facilitates oral drug delivery (the CobOral technology) indicates that it may also be possible for this technology to provide effective siRNA treatments by oral drug delivery.
The Company has made great progress in its CobOral and CobaCyte siRNA delivery programs over the past year, demonstrating the efficiency and safe delivery needed for a viable RNAi therapeutic. In July and October, 2010, Access entered into pre-licensing feasibility agreement with two leading biotechnology companies to develop an oral formulation of its currently-marketed, proprietary injectable drugs (diabetes) and prostate cancer compound respectively. Access will utilize its proprietary CobOral Drug Delivery Technology to develop oral formulations of the drugs for pre-clinical testing. Although the name and the terms of the agreements have not been disclosed due to competitive reasons, management indicated that any successful formulation developed will be subject to a subsequent full-licensing agreement.
Big pharma companies have expressed strong interest in both Cobalamin-based platforms for various indications. The signing of this agreement serves as further validation of ACCP’s CobaCyte technology which has a unique ability to deliver inactivated siRNA particles to disease target sites.
We are impressed with the progress Access has made so far about its CobOral/CobaCyte drug delivery technology. We believe the agreement further validates Access’s drug delivery technology. It will also strengthen the company’s balance sheet through upfront and milestone payments if any full license agreement is signed. This is highly likely in our view.
For a free copy of the full research report, please email scr@zacks.com with ACCP as the subject.
Follow Zacks Small Cap Research on Twitter at Twitter.com/ZacksSmallCap
ACCESS PHARMA (ACCP): Free Stock Analysis Report
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Examining The Factors Pressuring The USD – Diversification, Default Concerns, Fed Policy, Weaker 1Q Growth
Central Bank Diversification Putting Pressure on USD
While oil prices, concerns about US growth, ultra-loose monetary policy and interest rate expectations, and budget battles in Washington are garnering most of the headlines in regards to the USD, an undercurrent that is fueling recent USD weakness is the growth of diversification flows.
Asian central banks are trying their best to intervene to stop their currencies from rising too far. They do that by selling their currency and usually sell them for US Dollars. They are then stuck holding US Dollars which they may not want and are sending those funds abroad and bringing back other currencies – like the EUR or other higher yielding currencies.
A similar dynamic was happening as oil prices surged and Middle Eastern central banks were flush with extra US Dollars as well.
From Forbes Blog: Nomura’s FX research and strategy team analyzed the latest numbers from the Treasury’s International Capital System. “It looks like the trend of weak central bank demand for USD assets is persisting into 2011 (after a very weak Q4),” wrote Nomura’s global head of G10 FX strategy, Jens Nordvig in an email. From November to January, central banks reduced their US dollar holdings by $9 billion; “given a fairly strong trend in global reserve accumulation over the period, this points to a declining USD reserve share,” noted Nordvig.
While this chart is a bit dated, this dynamic continues toady. Why the move out of the Dollar for these central banks? Well, there are the factors listed above, and let’s delve a little bit deeper into each.
Budget Concerns Raise Risk of US Default
One of the most direct worries for the USD is the prospect that Washington will again be embroiled in a fight over spending, the deficit and the debt as the US Treasury approaches the current debt ceiling of $14.3 trillion. A failure to extend this debt ceiling would mean that the US technically would undergo a debt default, a possibility that would cause widespread uncertainty in financial markets.
The down to the wire negotiations over the current budget almost shut down government and the Republicans are ready and eager to use the debt ceiling battle as a way to get more concessions from the President and the Democrats.
With the heated debate in Washington, at this point the risk of a US default is growing, and that will cause US Treasury prices to fall and yields to climb as investors demand a higher yield to account for that risk.
Usually higher yields might help a currency as it attracts foreign investors, but in this case its not growth and inflation prospects causing yields to climb but worry over default. That won’t do the USD any favors.
Interest Rate Expectations and the Battle Within the FOMC
Next up in terms of factors pressuring the USD is the theme we have seen throughout the last two years and that is the ultra-loose monetary policy being carried out by the Fed. The last few weeks have seen important developments on this front in that first off, higher inflation has caused the ECB to raise rates, widening the interest rate differential between the ECB refinancing rate and the Federal Funds rate to 100 basis points. More rate hikes are expected from the ECB, which will only widen rate differentials.
At the Fed meanwhile, the talk from the Fed’s hawks has been met by a swift rebuke by the 3 members of the FOMC whose opinions carry the most weight – that is the Fed Chairman Bernanke, the Vice Chairman Yellen, and the NY Fed President Dudley. They, along with the other doves on the FOMC, have let it be known that the current pick up in inflation in “transitory” and that higher commodity and energy prices will ease of their own accord and that in the medium term, underlying inflation remains subdued.
That message has made it quite clear that the Fed is not ready to begin tightening policy, and the battle between the hawks and doves will come in June when the Fed will conclude its full allotment of $600 billion of Treasury purchases as part of its QE2 program. If the economic data disappoints, its also feasible that the Fed can even expand QE2. That may be a non-starter with the other FOMC members, but all in all the doves have carried the day and as a result interest rate expectations continue to disadvantage the USD.
Growth Concerns as 1Q GDP Projections Revised Lower Post Trade Data
Adding to the mix of default risk and interest rate expectations was softer data this week from the trade side. Trade had helped GDP growth in the 4th quarter – along with a surge in consumer spending. Data for February’s trade balance however showed exports taking a step back, declining 1.4%. imports were down 1.7%, and overall the trade deficit narrowed by a smaller than expected amount for the month.
The news caused economists to revise lower their 1st quarter GDP figures:
From Marketwatch: “After the data came out, many economists — including Morgan Stanley, RBS Securities and Macroeconomic Advisers — slashed forecasts for first-quarter growth in U.S. gross domestic product to well below a 2% rate.
The economy expanded at a 3.1% rate in the last three months of 2010, helped in large part by higher exports, but this positive contribution has reversed in the first three months of the year. Ian Shepherdson, chief U.S. economist at High Frequency Economics, forecast that trade will drag first-quarter GDP down by 1%.”
Recipe for USD Weakness in 2nd Quarter
While retail sales data today helped show that consumer spending remains quite resilient to end the 1st quarter, the March figures came in pretty close to expectations so it wouldn’t shift the perception about overall growth.
Recent risk aversion in equity markets stalled some of the advance of higher yielders against the USD, but equities brushed off the weak sentiment from the first half of the week, and Asian and European equities rallied.
In fact its the search for higher yields that will continue to be the USD worst enemy, as the Fed’s ultra-loose monetary policy will continue to cause the USD to be used as a funding currency for “carry trade” – the process of borrowing in a low-interest rate currency to park the money in a higher yielding currency and pocketing the difference between the two (as long as exchange rate don’t go against your trade and wipe out these carry gains).
The search for higher yield means that Asian and Middle Eastern central banks will continue to recycle any US Dollars they receive – from intervention or from selling oil at higher prices – into other currencies, weakening the USD.
Therefore, even if the USD can correct some of the steeper losses it has suffered since mid-March against its key rivals, we shouldn’t expect a strong turnaround for the USD in the 2nd quarter. Especially as the time comes closer for other central banks to being tightening rates – Bank of England, Bank of Canada – the USD will come under selling pressure.
Only Sharper Inflation, Strong Job Growth Can Change This State of Affairs for USD
Data coming up this week can jolt some of these expectations, but it doesn’t seem likely. We have both producer and consumer inflation data for March on tap. A surge in headline inflation is already expected, but its the core readings that the Fed will be paying attention to, and the forecasts are for mild 0.2% increases in both the “core” PPI and CPI on a monthly basis. Even if prices surprise for March, the doves on the Fed will not be convinced until more evidence points to higher underlying inflation.
Manufacturing and jobs data will help gauge the economy. We are looking to see a bounce back in the manufacturing sector, while jobless claims are expected to remain near the 380K level.
A strong pick up in job growth – even better than the 217K we saw in February - along with higher underlying inflation would be the two key fundamental factors that can help turn the state of affairs around for the beleaguered USD, as that would be what is needed to turn the doves away from the current ultra-accommodative monetary policy.
Nick Nasad
Chief Market Analyst
FXTimes
Information and opinions contained in this report are for educational purposes only and do not constitute an investment advice. While the information contained herein was obtained from sources believed to be reliable, author does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness. FXTimes will not accept liability for any loss of profit or damage which may arise directly, indirectly or consequently from use of or reliance on the trading set-ups or any accompanying chart analysis.
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Markets In Everything: Cocktail Parties At The NYSE
NEW YORK — “What do you do when a cathedral of capitalism becomes antiquated? You turn it into New York’s best party space. Think black tie, not Black Monday.
The New York Stock Exchange has lost most of its famous shoulder-to-shoulder bustle in the age of computerized trading. So it’s hoping its status as an icon of American finance will be a popular draw for cocktail receptions, analyst presentations and other festivities.
The exchange, where traders have nervously watched tickers and shouted orders for more than 100 years, is already available for some events. It wants to expand to 1,000 a year, double the number from three years ago.”
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Forex – EUR/USD Down At The End Of European Session
Forex Pros – The Euro was lower against the U.S. Dollar on Wednesday.<br/><br/> EUR/USD was trading at 1.4475, down 0.01% at time of writing.<br/><br/> The pair was likely to find support at 1.4291, Friday’s low, and resistance at 1.4520, today’s high.<br/><br/> Meanwhile, the Euro was down against the British Pound and up against the Japanese Yen, with EUR/GBP shedding 0.17% to hit 0.8890 and EUR/JPY rising 0.06% to hit 121.06.<br/><br/>
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Forex – GBP/USD Up In U.S. Trade
Forex Pros – The British Pound was higher against the U.S. Dollar on Wednesday.<br/><br/> GBP/USD was trading at 1.6266, up 0.06% at time of writing.<br/><br/> The pair was likely to find support at 1.6228, Tuesday’s low, and resistance at 1.6427, Friday’s high.<br/><br/> Meanwhile, the British Pound was up against the Euro and the Japanese Yen, with EUR/GBP shedding 0.27% to hit 0.8882 and GBP/JPY rising 0.36% to hit 136.36.<br/><br/>
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Affymetrix Intros New Axiom Array - Analyst Blog
Genetic products maker Affymetrix Inc (AFFX - Snapshot Report) has broadened its Axiom Genotyping Solution (a high-throughput genotyping platform) with the launch of the Axiom Genome-Wide CHB 1 Array. It is the first commercial product designed to maximize genetic coverage of common alleles (an allele is one of a pair or series of genes) in the Han Chinese population.
The Genome-Wide CHB 1 Array will offer researchers a powerful and cost-effective tool for studying disease and characterizing the genetic basis of the disease in the Han Chinese population. The Han Chinese are an ethnic group representing roughly 92% of the overall Chinese population.
Genome-Wide CHB 1 represents the company’s third population-designed array for the Axiom Genotyping Solution platform. It has the highest coverage of variants in important biological categories compared with other arrays with a similar number of markers.
Affymetrix’s Axiom array platform (launched in October 2009) has been a key driver for its DNA business, representing roughly 40% of total volumes in fourth-quarter fiscal 2010, boosted by healthy customer demand. Affymetrix expanded its Axiom platform last year with the launch of the Axiom Custom Genotyping Arrays, enabling it to address the latest trends in genetic research.
The automated Axiom platform supports Genome-Wide Association Studies (a study of genetic variation) and customized arrays. The Axiom includes microarray plates, reagent kits and data analysis tools and leverages the GeneTitan system, Affymetrix’s next-generation microarray platform.
California-based Affymetrix is a leading provider of microarray-based products and services to the global research community. Along with Illumina Inc. (ILMN - Snapshot Report), it is one of the two major providers of microarray technologies primarily used in the field of genetic research. Microarrays have emerged as an important research tool as they can be used to examine hundreds of thousands of genes simultaneously.
Affymetrix has expertise in gene expression monitoring arrays, which are used to identify correlations between genes, determine their biological functions, and identify patterns that enable more accurate disease classification. The company is expanding its customer base through new product introductions and strategic alliances.
Affymetrix continues to enjoy steady end-user demand for its arrays as evidenced by sustained volume growth over the past few quarters. However, the company remains challenged by a soft operating backdrop in Europe and competitive product offerings that leverage advanced technologies.
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Mortgage Rates Today at PNC Bank
PNC Financial Services (NYSE:PNC) remains among the more competitive big lenders today with interest rates on 30 year fixed loan starting at 4.875% to 5.25% with APRs of 5.057% to 5.279%.
20 year fixed-rate mortgage interest rates are 4.75% to 5.25% with APRs of 5.043% to 5.289%. Popular 15 year fixed loans range from 4.25% to 4.50% with APRs at 4.462% to 4.563%. Even shorter and rarer 10 year fixed-rate loans are offered at 3.75% to 4.25% today with APRs at 4.265% to 4.311%.
Adjustable-rate loans are available at the bank from 3.75% to 4.50% for seven-year ARMs with APRs of 3.545% to 3.742%. Ten-year ARMs are 4.25% to 4.75% with 3.969% to 4.131% APRs.
“Interest only” ARMs range from 3.125% for 3 year ARMs to 4.50% for 10 year ARMs. APRs on the loans range from 3.172% to 4.055% with increments in between for various loan durations.
Those looking for more flexible borrowing terms might want to consider FHA and VA loans also available at PNC. Go to PNCmortgage.com for more information.
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Shares that Isa investors are pouring into
Almost one million (965,000) people planned to invest more in equity Isas in the final two weeks of the tax year, according to new research by Schroders.
The global asset manager estimates that £13bn had already been placed in these tax-friendly investment vehicles for the 2010-2011 tax year.
Schroders says that the volume of money going into stocks and shares Isas is indicative of the poor rates of return currently available on cash deposits, coupled with the Government's decision to increase Isa savings allowances to £10,200 for 2010/2011.
And according to broker Selftrade, investors have shaken up the consistent set of stocks which were most bought in the last few months.
BP and Lloyds Banking have been at the top of the most traded list for the past eleven months, with extremely high number of trades in BP following the Gulf oil spill pushing BP into the top spot for four months running.
However, 2011 has seen investors start to introduce new areas to their portfolios, with a new entrant - gas and oil company Range Resources - jumping to second place in the top ten most bought in February, following ongoing global concerns over energy prices and supply.
With the 2011 Isa season drawing to a close, investors have also taken a renewed interest in Tesco, which jumped from tenth most traded stock in December 2010 to the most bought stock in January 2011, following Christmas trading results.
New entrants from the commodities sector show this continues to be a popular choice with investors.'
But remember when it comes to a top traded stocks list, for every buyer there is a seller and just because it is being traded does not mean it is an investment winner.
We bring you the most traded shares of the past three months:
Lloyds is seen as a good bet by investors
Top ten Isa bought shares February 2011
Position
Company
Source: Selftrade
1.
Lloyds Banking
2.
Range Resources
3.
BP
4.
GlaxoSmithKline
5.
Royal Bank of Scotland
6.
Tesco
7.
Aviva
8.
Vodafone Group
9.
Cadogen Petroleum
10.
Xstrata
BUY, SELL, HOLD
There are currently 15 broker(s) tracking this stock. The results are:
STRONG BUY: 0
BUY: 9
HOLD : 3
SELL: 3
STRONG SELL: 0
UPDATED: 13/04/2011 07:55 pm
DISCUSS YOUR SHARES
LIVE PRICES
Latest prices for LLOY - updated every 2 mins subject to a 15 min delay
OFFER (Buy): 61.5p
BID (Sell): 60.43p
MID PRICE: 60.965p
CHANGE TODAY: .36p
PREVIOUS CLOSE: 60.32p
UPDATED: 13/04/2011 07:50 pm
FULL DETAIL
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DealingTrade shares for Ј12.50
GuidesAll you need to know
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CalculatorHow fees affect returns
Renewed interest in Tesco in the New Year
Top ten Isa bought shares January 2011
Position
Company
Source: Selftrade
1.
Tesco
2.
BP
3.
Lloyds Banking
4.
GlaxoSmithKline
5.
Aviva
6.
National Grid
7.
Arian Silver Corp
8.
Vodafone Group
9.
ARM Holding
10.
Royal Bank of Scotland
BUY, SELL, HOLD
There are currently 11 broker(s) tracking this stock. The results are:
STRONG BUY: 0
BUY: 8
HOLD : 2
SELL: 1
STRONG SELL: 0
UPDATED: 13/04/2011 07:55 pm
DISCUSS YOUR SHARES
LIVE PRICES
Latest prices for TSCO - updated every 2 mins subject to a 15 min delay
OFFER (Buy): 409.35p
BID (Sell): 398p
MID PRICE: 403.675p
CHANGE TODAY: 7.95p
PREVIOUS CLOSE: 398.05p
UPDATED: 13/04/2011 07:50 pm
FULL DETAIL
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BP tops the charts in December 2010
Top ten Isa bought shares December 2010
Position
Company
Source: Selftrade
1.
BP
2.
Royal Bank of Scotland
3.
Barclays
4.
National Grid
5.
Aviva
6.
Lloyds Banking
7.
Vodafone Group
8.
GlaxoSmithKline
9.
Scottish & Southern Energy
10.
Tesco
BUY, SELL, HOLD
There are currently 14 broker(s) tracking this stock. The results are:
STRONG BUY: 0
BUY: 7
HOLD : 6
SELL: 1
STRONG SELL: 0
UPDATED: 13/04/2011 07:55 pm
DISCUSS YOUR SHARES
LIVE PRICES
Latest prices for BP. - updated every 2 mins subject to a 15 min delay
OFFER (Buy): 470p
BID (Sell): 462p
MID PRICE: 466p
CHANGE TODAY: 2.85p
PREVIOUS CLOSE: 461.35p
UPDATED: 13/04/2011 07:50 pm
FULL DETAIL
The graph below shows the top ten share sectors that were bought into since April last year.
The beginning of the 2010/11 tax year was dominated by the BP oil spill, reflected in trading behaviour in the oil and gas sector.
Banking stocks remained the most popular overall since April 2010, but increases in other sectors including technology and mining has seen its popularity decline at the start of 2011.
Stephen Barber, who advises Selftrade on markets and economics, said: 'Investors using up their ISA allowances are taking a closer look at their portfolios and broadening their options beyond the same four stocks which dominated trading last year.
'New entrants from the commodities sector show this continues to be a popular choice with investors.'
What stocks are you placing in your portfolio before the deadline? Let us know below...
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Sigma Modifying Silkworms
Biotechnology giant Sigma-Aldrich Corporation’s (NASDAQ:SIAL) biological products and services research unit, Sigma Life Science, has entered into a licensing agreement with Kraig Biocraft Laboratories Inc. to develop genetically modified silkworms for the production of spider silk. Per the agreement, the companies will use Sigma’s proprietary CompoZr Zinc Finger Nuclease (ZFN) technology.
This co-operation will ensure speedy and bulk production; in addition, Kraig has also been granted a license by Sigma to use the technology in the textile and biomedical markets.
According to the agreement, Kraig will get the exclusive right to use Sigma’s ZFN technology to target the insertion of spider silk genes into the silkworm genome while removing endogenous silkworm silk genes. This process will eventually lead to producing silkworms that will be capable of spinning pure spider silk at commercially viable production levels.
Kraig remains confident that Sigma’s technology will enable it to produce customized zinc fingers and the company will be able to target specific gene sequences for the creation of stronger fibers, advanced textiles and new bio-materials.
Further, this technology will also enable Kraig to strengthen its foothold in the bio materials and silk polymers field. The company also has faith in this partnership, which will be reaping the benefits and create synergies.
On the other hand, Sigma also expressed its confidence in the ZFN technology. The technology used for a number of other applications and spider silk production is just the one example of a potential commercial animal application.
In February 2011, the company also came up with its pre-designed ZFN technology to knockout any gene in the human genome. The technology can generate permanent and heritable gene knockouts in human cell lines within weeks.
In February 2011, Sigma-Aldrich announced its 2010 fourth-quarter earnings of 83 cents, which surpassed both the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 80 cents and prior-year earnings per share (EPS) of 80 cents. The company is slated to release its first quarter earnings on April 26, 2011.
Reported sales in the fourth quarter of 2010 were $582 million, an increase of 2% year over year. Excluding a 1% impact from unfavorable currency rates, fourth-quarter organic sales growth came in at 3%.
Sigma Life Science is a Sigma-Aldrich business that represents the company’s leadership in innovative biological products and services for the global life science market. It offers an array of biologically-rich products and reagents that researchers use in scientific investigation.
Sigma-Aldrich faces stiff competition from Bayer AG (BAYRY) and privately held companies Brenntag AG and VWR International, LLC.
We currently maintain a Zacks #3 Rank (short-term Hold recommendation) on Sigma and a long-term Neutral recommendation.
BAYER A G -ADR (BAYRY): Free Stock Analysis Report
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Spanish grab will eat my half my house
It was meant to be a dream retirement. David Bagott bought a waterside house in the stunning Empuriabrava harbour area in the Spanish town of Cadaques in Catalonia ten years ago with the aim of eventually moving there for good.
But six months ago David was sent a letter from the Spanish authorities warning him that it intended to reclaim about 19ft of land from the water's edge at his property for public access.
It means that David will lose the private mooring for his boat, his balcony, terrace and about three metres of his living room. Not only does it make the property unsaleable in the short term, but the changes will reduce its value. Not surprisingly, David doesn't want to live there any more.
This devastating plan affects about 5,000 properties on the waterside of the beautiful town that was home to Salvador Dali for much of his life. The sum set aside by the authorities for compensation is a miserly £7 million - equivalent to £1,400 for each affected property.
These 'land grabs' by Spanish authorities are not uncommon and tens of thousands of British homeowners in Spain have already fallen foul of them.
Seized: The view from David Bagott's home in Spain
In most cases the properties have been built with inadequate planning permission - often where construction was approved by corrupt town hall officials but later ruled illegal by planning chiefs.
Empuriabrava is different because its properties were built legally. The Spanish government passed the Ley de Costas - 'the law of the coast' - in 1988. This law states that six metres (19ft) of land joining the coast or beach and the sea belongs to the State and is available for public access.
But the problem for the residents of Empuriabrava is that the law states that any salt water is 'coastal'. It means the canals and private harbour of Empuriabrava also fall under the law and can be reclaimed by the government.
'This is clearly not what the law of the coast was meant to achieve,' says David, a former furniture designer who now works as a property developer.
'The six metre line cuts through villas and apartment buildings like mine that are on the water's edge. Empuriabrava was built 50 years ago with all the correct legal permits and provisions observed. The moorings for boats were also bought legally with the correct taxes paid. We all purchased in good faith. To have this happen is devastating.'
Seized: The view from David Bagott's home in Spain
David bought his two-bedroom Spanish home for the equivalent of £200,000 from the developers who built the private harbour and much of the property in Empuriabrava. He had planned to sell his house in Dartmouth, Devon, this year and move to Spain permanently.
Now he says he will have to stay in the UK and work longer while the uncertainty surrounds the future of Empuriabrava.
An action group, Associacio de Propiertaris D'Empuriabrava (APE) has been set up by Empuriabrava's residents.
It says that not only will the government's plan destroy house prices and make property impossible to sell, but it will also damage businesses and cause a loss of jobs in the area.
How to protect your home abroad
The situation in Empuriabrava could not have been avoided by the property owners.
Governments are entitled to introduce laws or reclaim land at any time, even if that land is private residential property. This has happened in Britain in recent years, for example for airport runways or to build the new Olympics site.
But those looking to buy property abroad can take steps to avoid coming unstuck at the hands of corrupt or unscrupulous property developers.
Clare Nessling, managing director at overseas mortgage specialist Conti Financial Services, says: 'We always advise buyers to get independent valuations of the property and independent legal advice. We use a law firm based here that will have English-speaking lawyers in the country where you want to buy. You must get the best advice before a major purchase.'
We've not acted illegally - this is outrageous
Peter Machin, 75, who is married to Veronica, worked in the fashion business in manufacture and later importing and has lived in Empuriabrava for six years.
He says: 'To have a waterside villa with a private mooring and access to the sea is the dream of most boating enthusiasts. We came from the UK and other European countries and paid a premium for the privilege. To have this happen now is devastating.' Former London taxi company owner Pat Jennings, 70, who is separated and lives in Switzerland, has a holiday home in Empuriabrava.
He says: 'We have not acted illegally.
We purchased in good faith and paid taxes. The consequence of this law is that property prices are being destroyed as people will not buy and owners cannot sell.' APE has employed lawyers to fight the case and it is preparing to go to the EC courts. But David and others will have to fund the legal case, the cost of which could run into hundreds of thousands of euros.
David and other residents do not know how long the case will take to be heard and in the meantime they are unable to sell. 'I'm in limbo until this is sorted out,' says David. 'It's a nightmare.
I won't be able to sell but I'm not sure I will want the property after all the development has destroyed it. I just hope the legal system will see sense and stop this.'
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Price of oil set to ease, Goldman forecasts
The Wall Street bank said in a research note for clients that Brent crude oil was overvalued at around $125 per barrel due to unrest in the Middle East and would soon fall back to around $105.
Brent crude immediately shed some of its recent gains, falling 2.4% to $121.05 by the late afternoon, while platinum and copper also declined.
Goldman's warning on oil prices was accompanied by a recommendation that clients take their money out of commodities such as crude oil, copper and cotton, having recommended investment four months ago.
The bank's assessment of the commodity landscape was backed up by a report from the International Energy Agency (IEA).
The IEA said there was a risk that prices above $100 'will prove incompatible with the currently expected pace of economic recovery.'
The price of Brent crude oil tumbled yesterday, losing more than $3 a barrel to $121.
It followed reports that top producer Saudi Arabia had cut production in response to weak demand, as well as Goldman's note.
Traders said selling in gold and oil may have been investors cashing in profits from recent rallies in both assets.
The spot price of gold was down $12 an ounce at $1,450 at 5.20pm yesterday. Earlier it hit a session high of $1,467.
On Monday, gold hit a record at $1,476.
Commerzbank analyst Daniel Briesemann told Reuters: 'Market players are taking the opportunity to take some profits after the sharp rises of the last few days or weeks.'
He added that he believed gold would eventually resume its current uptrend to challenge $1,500 an ounce.
Yesterday, the International Monetary Fund said soaring oil prices and inflation in emerging economies posed new risks to global recovery but were not yet strong enough to derail it.
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Halifax credit card to rise with base rate
Halifax, part of giant Lloyds Banking Group, is to give customers a personal interest rate which could be up to five percentage points more than they currently pay.
And this rate will move up and down, like a tracker mortgage, with the Bank of England base rate.
But a customer's rate could also increase if they miss a repayment on a credit card, loan or mortgage with any other part of Lloyds Banking Group.
This could mean borrowers who miss a repayment on a personal loan with Black Horse, dip into their Lloyds TSB overdraft or are late paying their Cheltenham & Gloucester mortgage could be penalised on their Halifax credit card.
Critics claim it is another example of how giant banks are able to give a poor deal to customers.
Andrew Hagger, from financial researcher Moneynet, says: 'It is a worrying development that Lloyds wants to penalise customers in this way. Lloyds Banking Group now incorporates so many brands, many people will not realise that how they manage their finances will have a direct impact on their credit card interest rate.'
How will it work?
Under the new structure, all customers will be charged a 'single personal rate', which will be the same for purchases and cash advances. Currently credit card lenders charge different rates for different types of transactions.
The new rate, which will come into force for existing customers in August, will be based on the average interest rate applied to their balances between January and March this year.
Then in November, it will start tracking the base rate, currently 0.5%, and their credit card interest rate will rise as this does.
Anyone who made cash withdrawals on their Halifax card between January and March will see their interest rate pulled towards the more expensive rate for taking out money.
Halifax said that the majority of customers would see the overall interest rate they are charged for potential spending or cash advances fall, stay the same, or rise by less than 2p per £1,000 borrowed, initially.
But this will rise every time the Bank of England raises rates.
With base rate at a record low of 0.5% the move means all credit customers will see their interest rate rise in years to come as the Bank of England moves borrowing costs back to a more normal level. Before rates were slashed in the face of the financial crisis, base rate was at 5%.
People are likely to be paying higher rates by the end of the year if the Monetary Policy Committee raises the base rate, as is currently anticipated, while they could see their credit card rates rise by 1.5% if the base rate ends 2012 at 2%.
Halifax said that by linking credit card rates to base rate it is giving customers transparency, however, by doing so when base rate is at rock bottom, it is also guaranteeing their interest rate will rise in years to come
Halifax is also outlining to customers the circumstances in which their rate may be increased. These include if they have missed several payments or breached their credit limit a number of times, or if there is a change in the pattern of their transactions, such as an increase in the cash withdrawals they are making.
The changes will initially affect Halifax and Bank of Scotland credit card holders who have held their card for at least six months, with new customers and people who hold the group's Clarity card moved to the new pricing structure in 2012.
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Investment to lift gold above $1,600/oz by end-2011: GFMS
Gold's decade-long price rally could take the metal above $1,600 an ounce by year-end, metals consultancy GFMS said in a widely anticipated industry report on Wednesday, as investors' appetite for gold sharpens further.
The company sees gold prices averaging $1,455 an ounce this year and sticking to a range of $1,319-1,620 an ounce, executive chairman Philip Klapwijk told delegates at the launch of its Gold Survey 2011.
While the prospect of higher interest rates in developed economies, particularly the United States, could weigh on gold, these are unlikely to materialize in the near term, GFMS said.
Meanwhile, strong investment, particularly among key Asian consumers, a dearth of official sector sales, recovering jewelry demand and relatively muted levels of scrap returning to the market promise to keep the metal well supported.
"The type of things that would really spell the end for this
rally are interest rates being tightened across the board and a
clear change in monetary policy," GFMS Executive Chairman Philip Klapwijk told Reuters.
"It would change also if you saw the fiscal houses being seriously put in order, government bond crises being not just deferred but probably taken off the agenda, and it would change if you saw inflation expectations ease again."
"I think on all those fronts you are unlikely to see too much progress this year. And that means the investment case for gold is going to remain a pretty strong one," he said.
Gold hit a record $1,476.21 an ounce on Monday.
Identifiable investment demand -- which includes bars, coins, and investment in exchange-traded funds and similar products -- grew by 5.5 percent last year to 1,514 tonnes as rising coin and bar demand outweighed a drop in ETF inflows.
The pace of growth in identifiable investment slowed, however, rising 79 tonnes against 212 tonnes the previous year.
Demand for physical gold bars is expected to stay elevated this year after 2010's strong performance, when consumption rose to 880 tonnes from 531 tonnes, its highest in at least a decade.
Inflows into gold-backed exchange-traded funds (ETFs) tailed off last year, however, to around 338 tonnes last year from 617 tonnes in 2009. By end 2010, ETFs and similar products held 2,177 tonnes of bullion.
GFMS said the hefty drop in flows was chiefly a function of the extremely high levels of buying seen in 2009.
"Some of this apparent slack in ETFs...is believed to have been taken up by allocated gold accounts, which can incur costs of as little as 0.1 percent per year," its report said.
"ETFs typically charge around 0.4 percent per year in fees for investment management, as well as charging brokerage fees for every transaction made."
JEWELRY VULNERABLE
Gold jewelry demand is expected to roll back, meanwhile, after recovering last year to 2,017 tonnes from a low of 1,814 tonnes in 2009. That was still the second-lowest gold jewelry sales figure of the last decade.
"We are expecting that there could be a slight retracement (in 2011)," said Klapwijk.
"There was a big rebound last year, but it was almost entirely led by India, and we are not as positive on Indian jewelry demand this year."
"That is partly because we felt there was some degree of accelerated buying in the market last year on expectations of higher prices, and it is unlikely that we will see a repetition of the same this year."
De-hedging by miners -- or buying back forward sales -- absorbed around 103 tonnes of gold from the market, down from 236 tonnes in 2009 and the lowest level since 2005.
On the supply side, mine production rose by 100 tonnes to 2,689 tonnes in 2010, a third year of increase and the highest annual production figure since at least 1998.
Russia edged ahead of South Africa as the world's fourth largest mined gold producer. Its output eased by nearly 2 tonnes to 203.4 tonnes, while South African production slid to 203.3 tonnes from 219.8 tonnes.
China, Australia and the United States remained the biggest producers of mined gold. Global average gold mine costs rose 17 percent to $557 an ounce, GFMS figures showed.
Official sector sales, however, evaporated. After selling 34 tonnes of gold in 2009, banks moved onto the other side of the market to buy 73 tonnes of bullion last year.
The main seller in the last 12 months has been the International Monetary Fund, which completed a planned sale which saw it dispose of 403.3 tonnes of gold.
"Central bank purchases may even increase a bit (this year) because we don't have the factor of the IMF sales to take into account," said Klapwijk. "On a net basis, purchases could actually go up a bit."
Scrap sales were muted, easing to 1,645 tonnes from 1,695 in 2009.
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