Stocks on the move [HOT-RTRS]
Real-time Equity news [U][E][RESF/US]
For U.S. stock market report double-click [.N]
0756 ET 29June2009-KBW: consumer-led recession could end in Q1 2010
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KBW on Monday wrote that the U.S. consumer-led recession could end in the
first quarter of 2010, followed by a period of slow growth as the U.S.
consumer and corporate balance sheet is repaired and credit slowly becomes more
available.
The firm expects no U.S. economic growth, measured by gross domestic
product, throughout this year, but wrote that GDP growth may rise moderately
from the first quarter of next year through the rest of 2010.
For details, see [ID:nBNG487758]
Reuters Messaging: ryan.vlastelica.reuters.com@reuters.net
0745 ET 29June2009-Watson Wyatt to merge with Towers Perrin
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consulting firms Towers Perrin Forster & Crosby and Watson Wyatt Worldwide
WW.N said on Sunday they plan to merge in an all-stock deal valued at about
$3.5 billion, as they hope to cut costs amid an economic slump that has caused
clients to curb discretionary spending.
Under terms of the deal, Watson Wyatt shareholders will receive 50 percent
of the shares in the combined company, which will be named Towers Watson & Co.
Towers Perrin shareholders and some designated employees will be entitled
to the other 50 percent of the shares, though on a restricted basis.
For details, see [ID:nN28341329]
Shares of Watson closed Friday at $41.18.
Reuters Messaging: ryan.vlastelica.reuters.com@reuters.net
0741 ET 29June2009-Futures modestly higher ahead of this week's data
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. index futures were modestly higher on Monday, as investors looked to
the release of data later this week for clues over the direction of the
economy.
The week will be a short one for the market because of a holiday on
Friday.
For details, see [ID:nN29352880]
Dow Jones industrial average futures DJc1 rose 32 points while S&P 500
futures SPc1 gained 3.5 points and Nasdaq 100 futures NDc1 were up 8
points.
Reuters Messaging: ryan.vlastelica.reuters.com@reuters.net
0723 ET 29June2009-Barron's sees upside in Wendy's, shares rally early
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares of Wendy's/Arby's Group Inc (WEN.N) rallied in premarket trading on
Monday after Barron's wrote that the fast food chain's stock looked worthy
after a recent sell-off.
In its June 29 edition, the weekly financial newspaper quoted activist
investor Nelson Peltz as saying that "this is a phenomenal company that is
truly misunderstood and was mismanaged for years ... We think the company is
significantly undervalued."
For details, see [ID:nN28338754]
Shares rose 6.1 percent to $3.85 before the bell.
Reuters Messaging: ryan.vlastelica.reuters.com@reuters.net
0719 ET 29June2009-KBW: break-up of Legg Mason is unlikely
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KBW said on Monday it was very unlikely Legg Mason Inc (LM.N) would look to
break itself up or sell off any meaningful subsidiary.
The firm added that it believed Legg Mason was more interested in fill-in,
niche acquisitions, now that it has its balance sheet more in order.
For details, see [ID:nWNAB2712]
Shares of Legg Mason closed Friday at $25.37.
Reuters Messaging: ryan.vlastelica.reuters.com@reuters.net
