European Stocks May Decline; BASF and Bayer Might Fall on

European Stocks May Decline; BASF and Bayer Might Fall on Oil (Bloomberg.com)
Jan. 13 (Bloomberg) -- European stocks may fall, trimming this year's rally. Chemical makers including Bayer AG and BASF AG may slip as crude oil traded near three-month highs and their U.S. traded securities dropped.

The Real Story: Mulling Ford (TheStreet.com)
It has all kinds of trouble, which is why one savvy contrarian thinks it's a buy.

Stocks' Rally Takes a Breather (Los Angeles Times)
Downgrades of two Dow issues lead shares lower, but analysts expect gains this month to continue.

DDI Forum examines industry trends (Display & Design Ideas)
JANUARY 01, 2006 -- WEB EXTRA! The below account of DDI's sixth-annual Forum contains information that can only be found online.

Preview: 2006 Porsche Cayman S
Porsche's new mid-engine coupe builds on the Boxster S, but kicks it up a notch in the performance department.
Mike Meredith

Fiat Rises As CEO Sees 06 Profit (New Ratings)
1630 GMT [Dow Jones]--Fiat (FIA) climbs after word filters out from Detroit auto show that CEO Sergio Marchionne says the company will be profitable at group level in 06. One trader welcomes the news, saying the market consensus was for a loss.

How Will America's Big Two Automakers Survive?
After decades of market share losses, look for a leaner and more focused Big Two.
Ann Job

Detroit's 'Big Three' Automakers Launch New Incentive Programs
General Motors, Chrysler and Ford announce new programs in efforts to boost slackening year-end sales.
Perry Stern

European Stocks Fall, Trim 2006 Rally; Siemens, Philips Drop (Bloomberg.com)
Jan. 13 (Bloomberg) -- European stocks fell, trimming this year's rally. Siemens AG, Germany's largest engineering company, and Royal Philips Electronics NV paced the decline.

News from Reuters (The Globe and Mail)
LONDON (Reuters) - Gold awoke from a week-long slumber to hit a new 25-year peak on Friday as investors actively bought metals again, pushing platinum to its highest in almost 26 years.

Insurance Australia Shares Rise Amid Speculation QBE May Bid (Bloomberg.com)

Insurance Australia Shares Rise Amid Speculation QBE May Bid (Bloomberg.com)
Jan. 13 (Bloomberg) -- Shares in Insurance Australia Group Ltd., the nation's largest home and auto insurer, rose to their highest in five months amid speculation QBE Insurance Group Ltd. may make a takeover offer.

European Stocks Fall, Trim 2006 Rally; Siemens, Philips Drop (Bloomberg.com)
Jan. 13 (Bloomberg) -- European stocks fell, trimming this year's rally. Siemens AG, Germany's largest engineering company, and Royal Philips Electronics NV paced the decline.

Stocks' Rally Takes a Breather (Los Angeles Times)
Downgrades of two Dow issues lead shares lower, but analysts expect gains this month to continue.

The Real Story: Mulling Ford (TheStreet.com)
It has all kinds of trouble, which is why one savvy contrarian thinks it's a buy.

News from Reuters (The Globe and Mail)
LONDON (Reuters) - Gold awoke from a week-long slumber to hit a new 25-year peak on Friday as investors actively bought metals again, pushing platinum to its highest in almost 26 years.

News from Reuters (The Globe and Mail)
OTTAWA (Reuters) - Nortel Networks Corp. stock sank 5 percent in pre-market trade on Friday after rival telecom equipment maker Lucent Technologies Inc. warned of flat revenue for fiscal 2006 on lackluster sales in the United States and China.

News from Reuters (The Globe and Mail)
OTTAWA (Reuters) - Nortel Networks Corp. stock fell more than 4 percent early on Friday after rival telecom equipment maker Lucent Technologies Inc. warned of flat revenue for fiscal 2006 on lackluster sales in the United States and China.

Detroit's 'Big Three' Automakers Launch New Incentive Programs
General Motors, Chrysler and Ford announce new programs in efforts to boost slackening year-end sales.
Perry Stern

How Will America's Big Two Automakers Survive?
After decades of market share losses, look for a leaner and more focused Big Two.
Ann Job

Stocks' Rally Takes a Breather (Los Angeles Times) Downgrades of

Stocks' Rally Takes a Breather (Los Angeles Times)
Downgrades of two Dow issues lead shares lower, but analysts expect gains this month to continue.

News from Reuters (The Globe and Mail)
LONDON (Reuters) - Gold awoke from a week-long slumber to hit a new 25-year peak on Friday as investors actively bought metals again, pushing platinum to its highest in almost 26 years.

Flood Damage: Don't Get Soaked When Buying a Used Car
Carfax provides guidance and tips to help you spot vehicles with potential water damage.
Editors of MSN Autos

News from Reuters (The Globe and Mail)
OTTAWA (Reuters) - Nortel Networks Corp. stock fell more than 4 percent early on Friday after rival telecom equipment maker Lucent Technologies Inc. warned of flat revenue for fiscal 2006 on lackluster sales in the United States and China.

General Motors woes seen causing supply chain cull (Reuters via

General Motors woes seen causing supply chain cull (Reuters via Yahoo! News)
Struggling carmaker General Motors is putting fresh pressure on its vast network of suppliers, which was trimmed by 500 firms in 2005, prompting fears of further U.S., European auto supplier bankruptcies.

Reward offered for vandalism of vehicles in R.B. (Red Bluff Daily News)
RED BLUFF - A $1,500 reward has been offered by Tehama County Secret Witness for information regarding the suspect who is slashing tires and scratching the paint on numerous vehicles in Red Bluff, according to the Tehama County Sheriff's Department and the Red Bluff Police Department.

Detroit's 'Big Three' Automakers Launch New Incentive Programs
General Motors, Chrysler and Ford announce new programs in efforts to boost slackening year-end sales.
Perry Stern

Euro stocks end over 4-year high, dollar up (Gulf Times)
LONDON: European stock markets closed at a 4-1/2-year high yesterday, extending recent gains, as a rise in auto and technology issues boosted markets, while HSBC rose on an upgrade by Citigroup.

European stocks end at 4 -year high (Times of Malta)
European stock markets closed at a four-and-a-half-year high yesterday, extending recent gains, as a rise in auto and technology issues boosted markets, while HSBC rose on an upgrade by Citigroup.

Fiat Rises As CEO Sees 06 Profit (New Ratings)
1630 GMT [Dow Jones]--Fiat (FIA) climbs after word filters out from Detroit auto show that CEO Sergio Marchionne says the company will be profitable at group level in 06. One trader welcomes the news, saying the market consensus was for a loss.

Test Drive: Project Gotham Racing 3
Editors at MSN Autos take Microsoft's latest driving game out for a spin.
Perry Stern

Hitting the Skids (GoldSeek.com)
*** Housing prices slowing in the Golden State...it's all downhill after the peak... *** All that wonderful money! Get it while you can; enjoy it while it lasts!

Detroit's 'Big Three' Automakers Launch New Incentive ProgramsGeneral Motors, Chrysler

Detroit's 'Big Three' Automakers Launch New Incentive Programs
General Motors, Chrysler and Ford announce new programs in efforts to boost slackening year-end sales.
Perry Stern

European stocks at 4yr high (News Interactive) EUROPEAN stock markets

European stocks at 4yr high (News Interactive)
EUROPEAN stock markets closed at a 4-1/2-year high overnight, extending recent gains, as a rise in auto and technology issues boosted markets, while HSBC rose on an upgrade by Citigroup.

General Motors woes seen causing supply chain cull (Reuters via Yahoo! News)
Struggling carmaker General Motors is putting fresh pressure on its vast network of suppliers, which was trimmed by 500 firms in 2005, prompting fears of further U.S., European auto supplier bankruptcies.

Euro stocks end over 4-year high, dollar up (Gulf Times)
LONDON: European stock markets closed at a 4-1/2-year high yesterday, extending recent gains, as a rise in auto and technology issues boosted markets, while HSBC rose on an upgrade by Citigroup.

Gold falls from 25-year high, sentiment upbeat (Reuters via Yahoo! Asia News)
LONDON, Jan 10 (Reuters) - Profit-taking knocked gold off 25-year highs above $550 an ounce on Tuesday in choppy trading, but dealers expected more gains as new investors poured money into the buoyant market.

VULTURES CIRCLING (IWon - Money)
In Thailand, vehicles and auto parts account for nearly one-tenth of total exports and rising, with auto parts makers such as AAPICO Hitech PCL ramping up capacity.

Reward offered for vandalism of vehicles in R.B. (Red Bluff Daily News)
RED BLUFF - A $1,500 reward has been offered by Tehama County Secret Witness for information regarding the suspect who is slashing tires and scratching the paint on numerous vehicles in Red Bluff, according to the Tehama County Sheriff's Department and the Red Bluff Police Department.

Preview: 2006 Porsche Cayman S
Porsche's new mid-engine coupe builds on the Boxster S, but kicks it up a notch in the performance department.
Mike Meredith

European stocks end at 4 -year high (Times of Malta)
European stock markets closed at a four-and-a-half-year high yesterday, extending recent gains, as a rise in auto and technology issues boosted markets, while HSBC rose on an upgrade by Citigroup.

Top Luxury Cars on MSN Autos
The most popular luxury cars on MSN Autos, based on visits to the site's vehicle pages during the third quarter of 2005.
compiled by MSN Autos

The Truth About Fuel Economy RatingsIf your new car's actual

The Truth About Fuel Economy Ratings
If your new car's actual fuel mileage does not match the fuel economy numbers on the window sticker, it's not necessarily your car's fault.
Ann Job

Fiat Rises As CEO Sees 06 Profit (New Ratings)
1630 GMT [Dow Jones]--Fiat (FIA) climbs after word filters out from Detroit auto show that CEO Sergio Marchionne says the company will be profitable at group level in 06. One trader welcomes the news, saying the market consensus was for a loss.

Top Luxury Cars on MSN Autos
The most popular luxury cars on MSN Autos, based on visits to the site's vehicle pages during the third quarter of 2005.
compiled by MSN Autos

Euro stocks end over 4-year high, dollar up (Gulf Times)
LONDON: European stock markets closed at a 4-1/2-year high yesterday, extending recent gains, as a rise in auto and technology issues boosted markets, while HSBC rose on an upgrade by Citigroup.

Gold falls from 25-year high, sentiment upbeat (Reuters via Yahoo! Asia News)
LONDON, Jan 10 (Reuters) - Profit-taking knocked gold off 25-year highs above $550 an ounce on Tuesday in choppy trading, but dealers expected more gains as new investors poured money into the buoyant market.

General Motors woes seen causing supply chain cull (Reuters via Yahoo! News)
Struggling carmaker General Motors is putting fresh pressure on its vast network of suppliers, which was trimmed by 500 firms in 2005, prompting fears of further U.S., European auto supplier bankruptcies.

European stocks at 4yr high (News Interactive) EUROPEAN stock markets

European stocks at 4yr high (News Interactive)
EUROPEAN stock markets closed at a 4-1/2-year high overnight, extending recent gains, as a rise in auto and technology issues boosted markets, while HSBC rose on an upgrade by Citigroup.

European stocks end at 4 -year high (Times of Malta)
European stock markets closed at a four-and-a-half-year high yesterday, extending recent gains, as a rise in auto and technology issues boosted markets, while HSBC rose on an upgrade by Citigroup.

Top Luxury Cars on MSN Autos
The most popular luxury cars on MSN Autos, based on visits to the site's vehicle pages during the third quarter of 2005.
compiled by MSN Autos

European stocks end at 4-1/2-yr high, Ericsson up (Reuters via Yahoo! Asia News)
LONDON, Jan 9 (Reuters) - European stock markets closed at a 4-1/2-year high on Monday, extending recent gains, as a rise in auto and technology issues boosted markets, while HSBC rose on an upgrade by Citigroup.

Flood Damage: Don't Get Soaked When Buying a Used Car
Carfax provides guidance and tips to help you spot vehicles with potential water damage.
Editors of MSN Autos

Winter Driving Tips From the Experts
Winter conditions can be challenging for drivers of all skill levels. The editor of Sympatico / MSN Autos Canada offers sound advice from the Great White North.
Marc Lachapelle, with Gerry Malloy for Sympatico / MSN Autos Canada

Euro stocks end over 4-year high, dollar up (Gulf Times)
LONDON: European stock markets closed at a 4-1/2-year high yesterday, extending recent gains, as a rise in auto and technology issues boosted markets, while HSBC rose on an upgrade by Citigroup.

Gold falls from 25-year high, sentiment upbeat (Reuters via Yahoo! Asia News)
LONDON, Jan 10 (Reuters) - Profit-taking knocked gold off 25-year highs above $550 an ounce on Tuesday in choppy trading, but dealers expected more gains as new investors poured money into the buoyant market.

VULTURES CIRCLING (IWon - Money) In Thailand, vehicles and auto

VULTURES CIRCLING (IWon - Money)
In Thailand, vehicles and auto parts account for nearly one-tenth of total exports and rising, with auto parts makers such as AAPICO Hitech PCL ramping up capacity.

European stocks end at 4 -year high (Times of Malta)
European stock markets closed at a four-and-a-half-year high yesterday, extending recent gains, as a rise in auto and technology issues boosted markets, while HSBC rose on an upgrade by Citigroup.

2006 NAIAS Coverage
The Official Web Site of the North American International Auto Show.
Editors of MSN Autos

Detroit's 'Big Three' Automakers Launch New Incentive Programs
General Motors, Chrysler and Ford announce new programs in efforts to boost slackening year-end sales.
Perry Stern

Winter Driving Tips From the Experts
Winter conditions can be challenging for drivers of all skill levels. The editor of Sympatico / MSN Autos Canada offers sound advice from the Great White North.
Marc Lachapelle, with Gerry Malloy for Sympatico / MSN Autos Canada

For Seniors, 'D' Day Has Arrived (TheStreet.com)
The Medicare Part D prescription drug plan went into effect Jan. 1, but few of those eligibile have enrolled.

Preview: 2006 Porsche Cayman S
Porsche's new mid-engine coupe builds on the Boxster S, but kicks it up a notch in the performance department.
Mike Meredith

2006 NAIAS CoverageThe Official Web Site of the North American

2006 NAIAS Coverage
The Official Web Site of the North American International Auto Show.
Editors of MSN Autos

European stocks end at 4-1/2-yr high, Ericsson up (Reuters via Yahoo! Asia News)
LONDON, Jan 9 (Reuters) - European stock markets closed at a 4-1/2-year high on Monday, extending recent gains, as a rise in auto and technology issues boosted markets, while HSBC rose on an upgrade by Citigroup.

European stocks at 4yr high (News Interactive)
EUROPEAN stock markets closed at a 4-1/2-year high overnight, extending recent gains, as a rise in auto and technology issues boosted markets, while HSBC rose on an upgrade by Citigroup.

IIHS's Top 10 Safety PicksThe Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

IIHS's Top 10 Safety Picks
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety picks the ten safest cars of the 2006 model year.
Perry Stern

Detroit's 'Big Three' Automakers Launch New Incentive Programs
General Motors, Chrysler and Ford announce new programs in efforts to boost slackening year-end sales.
Perry Stern

Detroit's 'Big Three' Automakers Launch New Incentive ProgramsGeneral Motors, Chrysler

Detroit's 'Big Three' Automakers Launch New Incentive Programs
General Motors, Chrysler and Ford announce new programs in efforts to boost slackening year-end sales.
Perry Stern

(AFX UK Focus) 2006-01-06 14:28 GMT: German shares slightly higher midafternoon on positive US futures (Interactive Investor)
FRANKFURT (AFX) - Shares were slightly higher in midafternoon trade as positive US stock futures indicating a higher opening on Wall Street were offset by earlier data that showed US jobs growth slowed in December, while today's session was dominated by a flurry of broker rating and target price changes, dealers said.

Dubai Autodrome revs up for car race (Khaleej Times)
DUBAI Following in the footsteps of some of the world s most famous 24hr races of Le Mans, France and Daytona, USA, Dubai will see the first 24hr GT and touring car race take place at the Autodrome on January 12-13.

Markets off to fast start in 2006 (The State)
NEW YORK If one is to believe Wall Street lore, the first five trading days of a new year can predict the course of trading for the entire year. But while stocks had an outstanding showing last week, it s still far too early to start counting your returns.According to the Stock Trader s Almanac, the so-called January Effect is startlingly accurate. The last 35 times that the first five days

'January Effect' May Be Hard to Keep Up (AP via Yahoo! News)
If one is to believe Wall Street lore, the first five trading days of a new year can predict the course of trading for the entire year. But while stocks had an outstanding showing last week, it's still far too early to start counting your returns.

Business Briefs 1/6: Airlines start offering new discount fares (Lincoln

Business Briefs 1/6: Airlines start offering new discount fares (Lincoln Journal Star)
Airlines have unleashed discount fares this week as they try to drum up business during the slow winter months, but travelers might need to search a little harder this year for the best post-holiday bargains.

South Bay and Peninsula (San Jose Mercury News)
Afghan Afghani House. 1103 El Camino Real (just past Lawrence Expressway), Sunnyvale; (408) 248-5088. Quiet, dignified, attractive -- and yet, a good bet for school-age kids. Have them try aush, a noodle soup, and buranee-e-kadu, sauteed butternut squash, or one of many rice dishes. Wonderful lamb -- kebabs, chops and ribs. Aushak are delicious dumplings in yogurt and meat sauce. Lunch weekdays,

(AFX UK Focus) 2006-01-06 11:31 GMT: German shares flat midday on mixed Wall Street and ahead of US jobs data (Interactive Investor)
FRANKFURT (AFX) - Shares were flat in midday trade following a mixed session on Wall Street overnight, and as US stock futures traded flat ahead of this afternoon's closely-watched US jobs report for December, with today's session being dominated by a flurry of broker rating and target price changes, dealers said.

Winter Driving Tips From the Experts
Winter conditions can be challenging for drivers of all skill levels. The editor of Sympatico / MSN Autos Canada offers sound advice from the Great White North.
Marc Lachapelle, with Gerry Malloy for Sympatico / MSN Autos Canada

Markets off to fast start in 2006 (The State)
NEW YORK If one is to believe Wall Street lore, the first five trading days of a new year can predict the course of trading for the entire year. But while stocks had an outstanding showing last week, it s still far too early to start counting your returns.According to the Stock Trader s Almanac, the so-called January Effect is startlingly accurate. The last 35 times that the first five days

Some New-Fashioned Fun: A Wichita Club Reminds Modern Gamers That

Some New-Fashioned Fun: A Wichita Club Reminds Modern Gamers That "Grand Theft Auto" Isn't the Only Alternative to the (RedNova)
By Suzanne Perez Tobias, The Wichita Eagle, Kan., The Wichita Eagle, Kan. Jan. 3--You'd be hard-pressed to get Marshall Philips to sit down for a game of Monopoly. But Puerto Rico or Ticket to Ride or Carcassonne or Power Grid -- those, he'd be up for.

Dollar closes lower (The Sunday Mail)
THE dollar closed slightly weaker today as the market remained cautious ahead of employment growth figures in the US tonight. At 1700 AEDT the local unit was trading at $US0.7459/62, below yesterday's close of 0.7472/75.

IIHS's Top 10 Safety Picks
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety picks the ten safest cars of the 2006 model year.
Perry Stern

Test Drive: Project Gotham Racing 3
Editors at MSN Autos take Microsoft's latest driving game out for a spin.
Perry Stern

European Energy Stocks May Rise Led by BP, Shell as Oil Gains (Bloomberg.com)
Jan. 3 (Bloomberg) -- European energy stocks may rise led by BP Plc and Royal Dutch Shell Plc after crude oil gained for a fourth day. ``The petrochemicals sector looks set to remain squarely in focus as trading in 2006 gets under way,'' said Matt Buckland, a trader at CMC Markets in London.

Movers: Demand for modified seeds helps Monsanto (International Herald Tribune)
Monsanto, the world's biggest developer of genetically modified crops, on Wednesday posted a record profit for its first quarter, lifted by rising seed sales and improved demand for technology that increases plant resistance to pests and weed killers.

(AFX UK Focus) 2006-01-06 14:28 GMT: German shares slightly higher midafternoon on positive US futures (Interactive Investor)
FRANKFURT (AFX) - Shares were slightly higher in midafternoon trade as positive US stock futures indicating a higher opening on Wall Street were offset by earlier data that showed US jobs growth slowed in December, while today's session was dominated by a flurry of broker rating and target price changes, dealers said.