*Empire State Index contracts, PPI shows weak inflation pressure. NEW YORK, May 15- U.S. stocks climbed on Wednesday, with the Dow and S&P 500 hitting new all-time highs as the market's recent upward momentum persisted and offset some weak economic data.
*Empire State Index contracts, PPI shows weak inflation pressure. NEW YORK, May 15- The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq rose for a fourth straight day on Wednesday as tech shares gained and offset some weak economic data.
*Seen taking C $770 mln to C $1.8 bln extra over 12 years. May 7- The Quebec government has laid out plans to extract up to C $1.8 billion more in taxes from the mining sector over the next 12 years, with measures that include a minimum royalty, arguing that Quebecers need to see greater benefits from mining ventures in the province.
"We believe Apple is about to change the narrative and get investors, analysts, customers and the media finally talking about new products again- starting with a software/services/Mac event on June 10th and a likely iPhone/iPad event in September," analysts led by Ben Reitzes said in a note to clients. **MBIA INC, $14.10, up 43.4 pct** BANK OF AMERICA CORP, $12.74, up 4 pct.
The business software maker said it agreed to be acquired by a private equity group led by Bain Capital and Golden Gate Capital Corp for about $6.9 billion. **BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC, $166,483.7, up 2 pct;, $110.90, up 2 pct. **ARKANSAS BEST CORP, $13.51, up 28 pct.
BMC said it agreed to be acquired by a private equity group led by Bain Capital and Golden Gate Capital Corp for about $6.9 billion. **INERGY LP, Friday close $22.30, up 4 pct premarket. Some shareholders of Verizon Communications said they could be happy for the company to pay up to $130 billion for Vodafone Group Plc's stake in their U.S. wireless venture.
*FBR raises to outperform from market perform- Theflyonthewall.com. Reuters Station users, click. 1568. Reuters Station users, click. 4899.
**MBIA INC, $14.10, up 43.4 pct** BANK OF AMERICA CORP, $12.74, up 4 pct. Bond insurer MBIA and Bank of America have reached a settlement in their ongoing legal disputes, and BofA will pay MBIA $1.6 billion in cash, a source familiar with the matter said.
The business software maker said it agreed to be acquired by a private equity group led by Bain Capital and Golden Gate Capital Corp for about $6.9 billion. **BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC, $166,483.7, up 2 pct;, $110.90, up 2 pct. **ARKANSAS BEST CORP, $13.51, up 28 pct.
May 3- Cliffs Natural Resources Inc:. *Cowen cuts price target to $11 from $20; rating sell. Reuters Station users, click. 1568.
April 26- Cliffs Natural Resources Inc:. *CIBC cuts price target to $34 from $36; rating sector performer. Reuters Station users, click. 1568.
April 26- Cliffs Natural Resources Inc:. *Nomura cuts price target to $26 from $37; rating buy. Reuters Station users, click. 1568.
*Reuters report on possible bid sends Verizon to 13- yr high. Verizon Communications hit a 13- year high with a 2.7 percent jump to $53.22 after sources told Reuters it has hired advisers to prepare a possible bid to take full control of Verizon Wireless.
*Reuters report on possible bid sends Verizon to 13- yr high. Verizon Communications hit a 13- year high with a 2.7 percent jump to $53.22 after sources told Reuters it has hired advisers to prepare a possible bid to take full control of Verizon Wireless.
NEW YORK, April 25- World stock markets rose and bond prices fell on Thursday as data indicated the U.S. labor market remains resilient despite recent signs of slower growth, while earnings that are beating lowered expectations helped buoy investor sentiment.
Overnight market action with latest New York figures. NEW YORK- U.S. stocks rose on Thursday, buoyed by gains in shares of materials companies, including iron ore producer Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. The Nasdaq Composite Index was up 27.72 points, or 0.85 percent, at 3,297.37.
*Verizon rises on Reuters report of possible wireless bid. NEW YORK, April 25- U.S. stocks rose on Thursday, buoyed by gains in shares of materials companies, including iron ore producer Cliffs Natural Resources Inc, and a drop in weekly jobless claims.
Stocks rose, boosted by gains in shares of materials companies, including iron ore producer Cliffs Natural Resources, and by a drop in weekly jobless claims. **IMPERIAL OIL LTD, $39.78, up 1.6 pct.