Devices are capable of accessing the “white spaces” between airwaves without affecting the adjacent licensed networks under certain power-level limits, the FCC concluded in a detailed report released Friday afternoon. Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT), Dell, Motorola (NYSE: MOT) and Google (NSDQ: GOOG) are just some of the companies that want unlicensed access to the vacant TV channels for high-speed wireless services, but broadcasters and wireless-microphone manufacturers have fought against any such move along with T-Mobile. The unlicensed, so called “white space” spectrum (or AWS-3 band) was tested for interference with T-Mobile’s AWS-1 network in Seattle recently by the FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology. T-Mobile’s 3G network, which is currently being rolled out across much of the country is in the 2110-2155 MHz band, and therefore sits adjacent to the proposed unlicensed band in the 2155-2175 range. The report tentatively concluded that AWS-3 devices could operate under certain power level restrictions “without a significant risk of harmful interference…The analysis shows that an AWS-1 and AWS-3 device operating in close proximity does not necessarily result in interference. And when factoring in actual operation under non-static conditions, the situation only improves.” Such action would “be consistent with past practice and would encourage the parties to work together to adopt whatever further measures may be necessary to control interference,” the report continued. The report is now available for comment and a final decision by the FCC is expected before the end of the year. Full Report (pdf).

Devices are capable of accessing the “white spaces” between airwaves without affecting the adjacent licensed networks under certain power-level limits, the FCC concluded in a detailed report released Friday afternoon. Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT), Dell, Motorola (NYSE: MOT) and Google (NSDQ: GOOG) are just some the companies that want unlicensed access to the vacant TV channels for high-speed wireless services, but broadcasters and wireless-microphone manufacturers have fought against any such move along with T-Mobile. The unlicensed, so called “white space” spectrum (or AWS-3 band) was tested for interference with T-Mobile’s AWS-1 network in Seattle recently by the FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology. T-Mobile’s 3G network, which is currently being rolled out across much of the country is in the 2110-2155 MHz band, and therefore sits adjacent to the proposed unlicensed band in the 2155-2175 range. The report tentatively concluded that AWS-3 devices could operate under certain power level restrictions “without a significant risk of harmful interference…The analysis shows that an AWS-1 and AWS-3 device operating in close proximity does not necessarily result in interference. And when factoring in actual operation under non-static conditions, the situation only improves.” Such action would “be consistent with past practice and would encourage the parties to work together to adopt whatever further measures may be necessary to control interference,” the report continued. The report is now available for comment and a final decision by the FCC is expected before the end of the year. Full Report (pdf).

It's DirecTV from now on, as Qwest has to shut down the IPTV service formerly supported by Next Level gear

Even though it has lost its sense of cool, Motorola’s RAZR is still the best-selling cellphone in the U.S. more than four years after it first hit the scene, Electronista reports. The latest NPD Group data puts the device above the second-place iPhone 3G, followed by the BlackBerry Curve, LG (SEO: 066570) Chocolate and BlackBerry Pearl. The clamshell device is almost universally available for free on a contract with carriers throughout the country, and yet because the device’s value has shrunk so low on the market, Motorola (NYSE: MOT) reaps very few benefits from sales. The company has failed to develop a replacement with as much popularity, despite its varied attempts at refreshing the design. 

China’s Huawei Technologies is canceling the sale of a major stake in its mobile-devices unit after only two bidders submitted offers, the WSJ reported. The lack of interest is an example of how the credit crisis is affecting private equity in Asia. Huawei is able to postpone the auction because it didn’t need the cash, but was interested in selling part of its handset division to a U.S.-based firm in order to gain some capital and momentum for entering the North American cellphone market. At initial bids of around $4 billion, it would have marked one of the biggest private-equity deals in China. But the two bidders—Bain Capital Partners and Silver Lake—didn’t submit offers at the valuation Huawei wanted. Huawei said in a statement: “While international investors exhibited strong interest in the business, Huawei believes that given current global market conditions and prevailing economic uncertainty the interests of the company are best served by postponing the sale process.” The business “will continue to fund its expansion plans from operating cash flow, and Huawei remains fully committed to the business.” This may not bode well for Motorola (NYSE: MOT), which is also trying to sell its struggling handset business. 

Semiconductor Manufacturing International (SMI) is a Chinese semiconductor foundry company with multiple integrated chip wafer fabrication plants. SMI is the largest foundry company in China (third largest worldwide) and operates multiple plants and fabrication (fab) lines. Strategic alliances with Chartered, Toshiba, Infineon (IFX), Fujitsu, Motorola (MOT), Elpida and IMEC have provided access to intellectual property (IP) associated with a variety of semiconductor process technologies. We remain concerned regarding operational performance in the near-term given severe price declines in DRAM. The firm has announced they plan to exit the DRAM business. We[More...]

Kineto Wireless said today it has raised $15.5 million in additional capital, including funding from Motorola as part of a broader commercial relationship with the company’s home & networks mobility business.

Filed under: Google (GOOG), Apple Inc (AAPL), Dell (DELL), eBay (EBAY), General Electric (GE), Ford Motor (F), General Motors (GM), Motorola (MOT), Sirius Satellite Radio (SIRI), Citigroup Inc. (C), Sprint Nextel Corp (S), Advanced Micro Dev (AMD), Blockbuster Inc 'A' (BBI), Money and Finance Today, Alcoa Inc (AA), American Express (AXP), Bank of America (BAC), Boeing Co (BA), Whole Foods Market (WFMI), Research in Motion (RIMM), General Mills (GIS), Wachovia Corp (WB), Merck and Co (MRK), Kraft Foods'A' (KFT), Wells Fargo (WFC)

In the News:
7 Great Companies for $7 or Less
These battered stocks are ripe for a rebound. They include Animal Health International, Build-a-Bear Workshop, Blockbuster, Global Cash Access Holdings, Great Wolf Resorts, Hackett Group and Spansion.
http://www.kiplinger.com/magazine/archives/2008/11/7_cheap_stocks.html

Biggest Losers: 15 Stocks That Have Plummeted This Year
The following list is of selected familiar names and large stocks that have plunged significantly over these time periods. It does not include the obvious names such as AIG, Wachovia, GM and the likes, but decent stocks we all liked and knew over the years. Among them are Alcoa, American Express, Apple, Boeing, Citigroup, Dell, eBay, General Electric, Google, Merck, Motorola, Sprint Nextel, Research in Motion, Sirius XM and Whole Foods are all down significantly more than 25% which is what the Dow is off in 2008.
http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/06/big-losers-15-large-stocks-that-have-plummeted/


Credit Card Companies Cracking Down on Consumers
As the credit crunch weighs on the financial services sector, credit card issuers are tightening lending terms with consumers to lower their risk profile, from cutting borrowing limits to closing dormant accounts. A credit limit reduction can lower your credit score by 30 to 40 points. Here's how to prepare for any changes.
http://www.cnbc.com/id/27011843

College Costs: Coping With the Meltdown
Some unlucky investors like Dino Macaluso are feeling the double whammy of the market meltdown: They are watching their investment portfolios shrivel while college tuition payments loom. Some schools will work with a parent to find emergency loans and other ways to adjust as credit options and portfolios shrink.
http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/content/oct2008/db2008106_845416.htm?campaign_id=twxa

100 Priciest Zip Codes in America
Many of the ZIP codes on Forbes annual list saw strong price appreciation over the past year even as most of America is seeing a real estate meltdown. Once again, California tops the list, posting half of the top 500 ZIPs, with towns in New York, Connecticut and Florida, and neighborhoods in Manhattan, rounding out the group. 90210 maybe one of the most well-known zips, but it only ranks as the 10th most expensive in America. Topping the list is 33109 which is Fisher's Island in Miami, Florida.
http://www.forbes.com/2008/10/06/zip-expensive-lander-forbeslife-cx_lm_1006zipcodes_land.html

America's Fastest Selling Zip Codes
Even though credit is tight, job loses are rising and foreclosures are mounting there are some parts of the country that aren't doing so bad in real estate. These places are seeing homes selling the fastest in America. Topping the list is Cold Spring Harbor, New York which sa a 66% jump in sales.
http://www.forbes.com/2008/10/06/zips-sales-fast-forbeslife-cx_ls_1006zipsales.html

Consumer Reports Top 100 Products of the Year
The very best gear and goods in every category, from a year's worth of testing. See the best in electronics, appliances, home and garden and cars.
ConsumerReports.org - Consumer Reports top 100

Live Debt-Free
How to stay on top of your finances when life throws you a curve. Follow these 4-steps to stay in control of your debt and 5 ways you can dig out of debt if you are in over your head.
http://www.kiplinger.com/magazine/archives/2008/11/live-debt-free.html
Also: 4 Steps to Stay in Control
Also: 5 Ways to Dig Out of Debt

15 Ways to Retire Before 50
It requires savvy investing, smart spending and very strict saving, but it's possible to retire before 50.
http://www.forbes.com/personalfinance/2008/10/03/early-retirement-savings-pf-money-in_avb_1003youngmoney_inl.html

Best & Worst Kids Cereals
Are you one of those adults who keep a box of Frosted Flakes or Froot Loops hidden in the cupboard? Such sugary cereals are heavily marketed to children, to the tune of about $229 million advertising dollars per year. But an estimated 58 percent of "children's" cereals are consumed by the over-18 crowd. Some child-focused products are 50 percent sugar.The best cereals with a very good rating include Cheerios, Kix, Life and Honey Nut Cheerios and at the bottom of the list include Corn Pops, Froot Loops, Rice Krispies and Cap'n Crunch.
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/food/food-shopping/breads-grain/cereals/breakfast-cereals/overview/breakfast-cereals-ov.htm

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Filed under: Google (GOOG), Apple Inc (AAPL), Dell (DELL), eBay (EBAY), General Electric (GE), Ford Motor (F), General Motors (GM), Motorola (MOT), Sirius Satellite Radio (SIRI), Citigroup Inc. (C), Sprint Nextel Corp (S), Advanced Micro Dev (AMD), Blockbuster Inc 'A' (BBI), Money and Finance Today, Alcoa Inc (AA), American Express (AXP), Bank of America (BAC), Boeing Co (BA), Whole Foods Market (WFMI), Research in Motion (RIMM), General Mills (GIS), Wachovia Corp (WB), Merck and Co (MRK), Kraft Foods'A' (KFT), Wells Fargo (WFC)

In the News:
7 Great Companies for $7 or Less
These battered stocks are ripe for a rebound. They include Animal Health International, Build-a-Bear Workshop, Blockbuster, Global Cash Access Holdings, Great Wolf Resorts, Hackett Group and Spansion.
http://www.kiplinger.com/magazine/archives/2008/11/7_cheap_stocks.html

Biggest Losers: 15 Stocks That Have Plummeted This Year
The following list is of selected familiar names and large stocks that have plunged significantly over these time periods. It does not include the obvious names such as AIG, Wachovia, GM and the likes, but decent stocks we all liked and knew over the years. Among them are Alcoa, American Express, Apple, Boeing, Citigroup, Dell, eBay, General Electric, Google, Merck, Motorola, Sprint Nextel, Research in Motion, Sirius XM and Whole Foods are all down significantly more than 25% which is what the Dow is off in 2008.
http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/06/big-losers-15-large-stocks-that-have-plummeted/

Continue reading 7 great companies for $7 or less, biggest stock losers & live debt-free - Today in Money 10/7

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Filed under: Google (GOOG), Apple Inc (AAPL), Dell (DELL), eBay (EBAY), General Electric (GE), Motorola (MOT), Sirius Satellite Radio (SIRI), Citigroup Inc. (C), Sprint Nextel Corp (S), Alcoa Inc (AA), American Express (AXP), Boeing Co (BA), Whole Foods Market (WFMI), Research in Motion (RIMM), Merck and Co (MRK)

After today, there are probably no more doubters left. We are in a bear market and we are in a recession and anyone arguing otherwise is living in a made-up world. The only thing left to argue over is how to get out of this dire situation, and how long it will last. Looking at stocks since the beginning of the year, and over the past month since the feds seized Fannie and Freddie, the picture isn't pretty. Many familiar names have vanished, many -- luckily -- have just seen their market value cut about in half. What once were some large stocks are now some of the smaller ones, including some DJIA components.

The following list is of selected familiar names and large stocks that have plunged significantly over these time periods. It does not include the obvious names such as AIG, Wachovia, GM and the likes, but decent stocks we all liked and knew over the years. By comparison, the Dow industrials is down 25% year-to-date, the S&P 500 down 28% during the same time and the Nasdaq Composite down nearly 30%. Over the past month (since the Fannie/Freddie rescue), the Dow declined over 11%, the S&P 500 declined nearly 15% and the Nasdaq declined over 17%.

• Alcoa (NYSE: AA) -- aluminum giant Alcoa is feeling the pains of a global economic slowdown and higher costs even as aluminum prices remain high. Alcoa shares hit a 10-year low today. YTD, AA market value has been cut in half, and over the past month alone Alcoa lost 36% of its value.
• American Express (NYSE: AXP) -- the credit card company had large exposure to bad loans that affected its results. With analysts expecting credit card debt to be the next shoe to drop, AXP may see its stock fall more than the 42.2% it already has YTD. It plunged 23.68% this past month.
  
• Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) -- even this consumer tech darling couldn't escape the claws of the bears as worries over demand for its products increased. AAPL, one of the stocks that actually had a positive day today and closed at $98.14, is down 50.45% YTD, 38.73% this past month.
  

• Boeing (NYSE: BA) -- not even the Dreamliner can help Boeing if no one is manufacturing it as the machinists strike goes on, and as airlines might have to scale back. BA was down 4.7% today to $51.21 -- a 4-year low, but lost 41.36% YTD, 18.44% over the past month.
• Citigroup (NYSE: C) -- this bank -- need I say more than 'bank'? -- has been plagued by all that's been plaguing financials throughout this not-over-yet crisis. Citi saw its stock fall 40.86% YTD, 8.7% the past month.
• Dell (NASDAQ: DELL) -- Michael Dell returned to the helm of this computer company, but investors far preferred Hewlett-Packard (NYSE: HPQ). DELL shares saw a 39.37% decline YTD, 27.19% over the past month.
  
• eBay (NASDAQ: EBAY) -- eBay's problems started long before this crisis started showing its signs. The once-hot auction web site concept may now be passe. EBAY shares have declined 46.1% YTD, 24.74% this past month.
  
• General Electric (NYSE: GE) -- as a conglomerate GE should have been able to withstand the headwinds better, but with a large exposure to the financial sector through one of its segments, GE slid 42.33% YTD, 23.31% the past month.
  
• Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) -- concerns over slowing growth overall induced by less advertising expenditures have plagued this search giant. GOOG, which closed down 4.6% today at $269.14, dropped 46.32% YTD, 16.44% this past month.
  
• Merck (NYSE: MRK) -- as it tried to settle the Vioxx suit, Merck continued to hit one road block after another. Shares declined 48.3% YTD, 12.42% this past month.
• Motorola (NYSE: MOT) -- living off the RAZR high days for a while, Motorola finally realized it needs new hot products. It teamed up with Google to use its Android platform for mobile phones among other initiatives. Until the fruits are seen, and as long as Motorola is susceptible to the same growth problems arising from lower consumer spending, it will likely continue to be depressed, despite already plunging 61.72% YTD, 32.23% the past month.
• Sprint Nextel (NYSE: S) -- Sprint continued to lose customers to its rivals even as it decided the merger with Nextel was not the success it had hoped it would be and that it was finally time to part ways. Shareholders were not impressed and Sprint shares lost nearly 60% of their value YTD, 33.92% the past month.
  
• Research in Motion (NASDAQ: RIMM) -- like rival smartphone maker Apple, concern over this once high-flying growth stock include softer demand from business as the economy slows. RIMM, which split 3:1 in August 2007, has dropped more than 47% YTD, most of it -- 44.22% -- in the last month alone.
  
• Sirius XM (NASDAQ: SIRI) -- what many hoped was keeping this stock depressed -- the merger -- was finally approved in June of this year. Despite it, SIRI has seen its stock plummet 83.48% YTD, declining 61.49% this past month alone. SIRI closed at $0.50 today and as it continues to trade below a $1, it stands the risk of being delisted from the Nasdaq.
  
• Whole Foods (NASDAQ: WFMI) -- while Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT) and Costco (NASDAQ: COST) continue to shine in this environment, "Whole Paycheck" is having problems. The merger with Wild Oats only seems to have added issues. WFMI shares plunged 56% YTD, but surprisingly held steady the past month.
  

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Companies featured in this segment: National Semiconductor Corporation (NYSE:NSM), Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL), Motorola Incorporated (NYSE:MOT), Nokia Corporation (NYSE:NOK), Technip (OTC:TKPPY), Foster Wheeler Limited (NASDAQ:FWLT), Yokogawa Electric Corporation (TYO:6841), INPEX Holdings Incorporated (TYO:1605), Total SA (NYSE:TOT), Punj Lloyd Limited (BOM:532693), KBR Incorporated (NYSE:KBR)

Companies featured in this segment: ThyssenKrupp AG (FRA:TKA), Motorola Incorporated (NYSE:MOT), Nestle S.A. (VTX:NESN), Novo Nordisk (NYSE:NVO), International Power plc (OTC:IPRPY), National Aluminium Company Limited (BOM:532234), PT Aneka Tambang (JAK:ANTM), EMCO Limited (BOM:504008), Alstom (EPA:ALO), Exxaro Resources (OTC:EXXAY), Rio Tinto (NYSE:RTP), BHP Billiton (NYSE:BHP)

Tom Dorsey and Tammy DeRosier - When Nothing Seems To Work As It Should

Schaeffer's Laura Houser takes a look at today's options activity

Schaeffer's Laura Houser takes a look at activity on the Street ahead of the market open