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Daily Highlights: 8.2.10

Submitted by Tyler Durden on 08/02/2010 08:16 -0400

Asian stocks rose, extending 4 consecutive weekly gains, on improved earnings outlook.
Banks in Europe’s most indebted nations need to refinance $122B of bonds this year.
China's manufacturing activity expanded at the slowest pace in 17 month in July.
European stocks rise on strong manufacturing data, solid start to banking reporting season.
Executives at US Cos expect revenue improvements in next 12 mts- KPMG Survey.
German machinery industry sees powerful 62% increase in June orders.
Iraq to sweeten contract terms for its 3rd bidding round for its natural gas fields.
Luxury-home prices in central London declined in July for the first time in 16 months.
Aetna authorizes additional $1B share repurchases.
Air Liquide's 1H profit rose 13.3% to $883.8M on a 9.7% rise in sales.
American Electric Power's Q2 dropped 57% on charges. Revs rose 6.3% to $3.4B.
Banco Santander plans more autonomy to local units by listing its subsidiaries.
BNP Paribas beat est., posts 31% rise in Q2 profits at $2.74B.
Boyd Gaming discontinues efforts to acquire station casinos assets.
CN announces plan to buy back 2M shares through private agreements.
Fortune Brands' Q2 profit more than doubled to $227.4M as revs rose 9.1% to $1.9B.
Humana's Q2 net income jumps 21 percent on premiums.
Linde AG nearly doubles Q2 profit to $322M.
Loews Corp Q2 net income rises 8% to $366M.
Merck's Q2 profit falls 52% to $752.4M on merger and restructuring costs. Revs up 92% led by on acquisitions.
Merger of Rusal and Norilsk Nickel isn't on the cards: company officials.
Nissan likely lift its FY 2010 EPS f'cast after posting a stronger than expected Q1 profit.
Pilgrim's Pride's Q2 net falls 38% on lower margins, restructuring charges.
TNT's net profit plummets 96% to 3M euros, targets restructuring.
UAE will suspend BlackBerry srvcs in the country starting Oct. 11 as it views its devices as a potential threat to its national security.
WS Atkins grows US presence with $280M PBSJ buy.

Economic Calendar: Data on Construction Spending, ISM Index to be released today.

Earnings Calendar: ACTU, AES, AGN, B, BNE, CACH, CNA, CPK, FELE, HUM, L, NAVR, NRG, POL, SBAC, VRSN, Y.

RECENT RATING ACTIONS

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