U.S. Treasury bonds prices got a walloping Friday, wilting in the face of technically driven selling in a climate where investors are sour on bonds.

At 5 p.m. EDT, the 10-year Treasury note was down $3.75 per $1,000 in face value, or 12/32 point, from its level at 5 p.m. Thursday. Its yield, which moves in the opposite direction, rose to 4.80 percent from 4.76 percent.

The 30-year bond fell 21/32 point. Its yield fell to 4.80 percent from 4.92 percent.

The 2-year note fell 2/32 point. Its yield rose to 4.82 percent from 4.79 percent. Read more

Original post by The Associated Press

European equities rose to six-and-a-half-year highs on Friday as merger rumours drove gains in the oil sector, while aerospace group EADS was lifted by talk of the sale of a stake. via Financial Times

Original post by Financial Times

“It’s just the most effective way to get the market to behave”

One of the toughest questions facing Congress as it tries to address the meltdown in the subprime mortgage market is deciding whether Wall Street is part of the problem or the solution. via KnowledgePlex.org News

Original post by KnowledgePlex.org News

“This market is in an uptrend, and without anything to break it”

Despite another round of corporate buyouts and strong earnings, stocks hovered around the flat line for much of the session Thursday and ultimately closed slightly lower. via ABC 4

Original post by ABC 4

“The futures are down over 20 points, commodities got smashed overnight and US markets were off a bit. “I guess it’s the cash argument that’s continuing to hold it up.”

The Australian share market opened lower after metals prices took a dive overnight and the US provided a negative lead, but strength in local banking stocks softened the blow. via The Age

Original post by The Age