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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #75 on: September 18, 2009, 03:22:46 PM »

And a quick bone for the environmentally interested...

National News

FT: Low-Carbon Industries Thrive In Tough Economic Climate
Businesses selling low-carbon goods and services now generate more revenue than the aerospace and defence sectors combined, making the sector one of the new linchpins of the global economy, according to research by HSBC.

Listed companies in the climate change sector – including renewable-power generators, nuclear, energy management, water and waste companies – reached a global turnover of $534bn in 2008, according to HSBC. The aerospace and defence sector was worth $530bn, the international bank said.

Revenues in the low-carbon sector soared by 75 per cent in 2008 despite the recession.

Joaquim de Lima, global head of quant research for equities, said the results were “surprising and very encouraging”, given the financial crisis. “This shows how important this sector is becoming in the global economy,” he said.

He noted that the sector had surpassed the growth rates predicted in the Stern review of the economics of climate change, published in the UK three years ago. In the landmark report, Lord Stern estimated that the low-carbon goods and services sector would be worth $500bn by 2050.

“This seemingly huge figure has already been surpassed well ahead of time as more and more businesses adapt their business model [to climate change],” said Mr de Lima.

Mr de Lima predicted that on current trends, revenues from the sector would exceed $2,000bn by 2020.

An increasing number of companies are entering the sector, with 368 on the HSBC Climate Change Index compared with 154 in 2004.

In 2004, the HSBC Climate Change Index listed companies from around the world. Today 368 companies qualify for entry into the index.

Atlasia led the index, with its companies generating revenue of $111bn. Japan took second place with $105bn, Germany stood at about $80m and the UK at $14bn.

The number employed in climate-related activities worldwide since 2004 has more than doubled from just over 1m to about 2.4m globally.

The research included only listed companies with a market capitalisation of more than $350m that derived more than 10 per cent of revenues from “clean technology” or related services. Only the proportion of sales that came from clean technology was counted – some of which was estimated, as many companies do not fully break out their sales from green activities.

Low-carbon energy generation produced the bulk of the revenues, at $300bn, followed by energy efficiency and energy management products.

This strong showing came in spite of reported difficulties for companies seeking financing for setting up renewable energy projects and despite a slackening of energy prices in the past two years. Now, with oil likely to reach $100 before the end of the month, the low-carbon industry could receive an even greater boost.
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #76 on: September 21, 2009, 10:42:11 AM »

I know you all love foreign affairs so much, so enjoy...

Foreign News

Colombia Deals Major Blow To FARC Along Venezuela Border
In a show of force by the Colombian military, forces engaged in a full-scale assault on a FARC base less than two miles from the Venezuelan border.

Beginning late Saturday night, Colombia launched a series of aerial strikes on the small patch of forest. These were followed by the movement of over 2,500 soldiers under cover of darkness, utilizing night-vision equipment to systematically clear the area of FARC rebels.

Fighting lasted into the early hours on Sunday morning, as Colombian troops fought a few remaining pockets of resistance. A bunker-busting missile destroyed the last holdout around noon on Sunday. FARC casualties are estimated in the hundreds, as the base seemed unprepared for such a sudden and powerful attack. The Colombian army saw a number of injuries, but is reporting no deaths in the operation.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez immediately criticized the attacks on state television, calling them a “provocation and declaration of intent for war” by Colombia. Troops were immediately dispatched across the border from the attacks and a number of escaping FARC rebels were seen making off in that direction, raising the specter of implicit or explicit involvement of Venezuela with the FARC.

Alvaro Uribe, the President of Colombia, called the operation a “stunning success” and “proof that Colombia has the will to defeat any enemy, in any form.” Mr. Uribe also took time to stress that Colombia would support any and all efforts by President Lief to defeat the EAA and its supporters.
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #77 on: September 21, 2009, 11:23:26 PM »
« Edited: September 21, 2009, 11:53:42 PM by GM Purple State »

Big day, big day. For the record, the matter in the SE occurred after the markets closed, so there was no impact on that matter today. With that said, here are your financials...

Financial News

Financial Indicators
  • ANSE     938  -5.50 (0.58%)
  • $1 Atlasian = $0.96430 U.S. (-0.00720)
  • Crude Oil = $96.08/barrel +0.64 (0.67%)

Analysis:
The ANSE declined at an accelerated pace as warnings of impending bank failures began to worry investors. However, stocks avoided deeper sell-offs as Senate debate ramped up on ways to address the issue in both the short- and long-term.

The Atlasian Dollar plummeted as worries about bank failures consumed the Senate.

Oil prices rose slightly as Colombia displayed its ability to handle FARC rebels and matters seemed to settle in on both sides. However, with war on the brink, it is recommended that major diplomatic efforts be initiated by the Executive or Senate immediately.
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #78 on: September 22, 2009, 01:31:12 PM »

Regional News

Midwest Regional Report
With a new and active Governor in the Midwest region, a number of actions have been taken that will have large impacts on the region’s internal administration.

First, in response to the release of a report on education in the Midwest region, Governor Vepres has ordered that all public-run colleges and universities reduce tuition and other costs of attendance, even at the expense of university revenue.

The Office of the GM projects that this memorandum will lead to a gradual slowing of the rate of increases in tuition costs; however, tuition will continue to rise and the impact will fall short of the governor’s goal to make college “a place open to all people.” In addition, the revenue reductions could actually hurt the viability and competitiveness of the Midwestern universities.

Instead, the GM recommends that the Midwest institute a scholarship program aimed at benefiting students in SEDZs, as determined by the Atlasian Senate in the Establishment of Social and Economic Development Zones Act.

In addition, the Office of the GM applauds the governor’s proactive attempts to stimulate and encourage students in the region to strive to work hard and do better in school. The GM believes that actions like this, especially in underserved neighborhoods, will do much to create a more equitable education environment in the long-run.

Governor Vepres has also recently issued a memorandum on the violation of wage laws, a rampant phenomenon throughout the nation. It is the opinion of the Office of the GM that more effective and clear wage laws are necessary in the Midwest in order to aid law enforcement officials in determining what is and is not an offense. Such a law may be modeled after the federal legislation moving through the Senate or may be specific to Midwestern “tastes.”

An executive order was also issued on enforcement of immigration laws in the Midwest region. The governor made clear that illegal immigration laws would not be proactively upheld and that funding would be reprioritized to violent crimes. In addition, Vepres has ordered that punishment for the employment of undocumented workers will be focused on the employer, rather than the employee. This has caused a fair bit of outcry from Midwestern businesses, but many human rights groups have applauded the governor for his tough stance on abuse of illegal immigrants.

This office projects that the order will result in an influx of cheap undocumented labor into the Midwestern economy, while businesses seek to mask or remove similar types of employment. This could result in a quick surge in unemployment in the region and the GM believes the region should take proactive steps to alleviate this possible issue. Solutions could include reducing enforcement of employment-related illegal immigration laws, creating citizenship-incentive or guest visa programs or other related actions. Each solution has its own pros and cons which should be discussed further in debate within the region.
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #79 on: September 22, 2009, 11:41:52 PM »

Financial News

Financial Indicators
  • ANSE     922  -16 (1.71%)
  • $1 Atlasian = $0.95826 U.S. (-0.00604)
  • Crude Oil = $97.91/barrel +1.83 (1.90%)

Analysis:
The ANSE saw a steep decline as debate on a bank rescue bill seemed to stall publicly and investor fears about further economic catastrophe mounted.

The Atlasian Dollar plummeted as an initiative passed in the Southeast region abolishing the tax code without replacing it. While it seems the region is likely to repeal the legislation, investors are thoroughly worried that similarly disastrous pieces of legislation could pass in the near future, disrupting almost one-fifth of Atlasian economic activity.

Oil prices rose at a quicker pace as Colombia and Venezuelan forces stand eye-ball to eye-ball across the border. Diplomatic efforts by Atlasia seem to have stalled as the outbreak of war appears imminent by the end of the week.
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Purple State
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« Reply #80 on: September 23, 2009, 01:04:45 PM »

Foreign News

GTO Expansion Passes Senate and GTO, Moves Forward for Individual Ratification
With the Senate’s passage of the Global Treaty Organization Expansion Act and quick approval by the full GTO, the initiative to strengthen global cooperation between advanced democratic nations now moves to the individual nations for ratification.

The GTO has offered membership to the Governments of Canada, Chile, the remaining member states of the European Union, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway and South Korea. The move requires simple approval by the legislature in all but Ireland and South Korea, each of which will hold a public referendum to decide the matter.

Further complicating things, Austria, Finland, Ireland and Sweden have official status as neutral states and it will be interesting to see how such policies are balanced with possible membership in the GTO.

Many analysts believe that, while there have been visits by high-level Atlasian officials, including SoEA HappyWarrior, to the nations proposed for membership, an additional visit by Atlsian executive officers may help smooth the process over. This is especially important in reaching out to national legislatures and, in the case of Ireland and South Korea, to the general populace.
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #81 on: September 23, 2009, 01:10:44 PM »

Regional News

Mideast Regional Report
With a competent governor and the first, most active regional assembly in Atlasia, the Mideast has been a focal point of productive legislation that has been touted as an example at all levels of government.

The Mideast region has done an effective job passing legislation dealing with animal protection, smoking in public, abortion and equal rights.

Perhaps the most consequential piece of legislation passed recently is the Public Smoking Ban Act, which outlawed smoking in establishments open to the public, including restaurants, cinemas and public transportation. Since the enactment of the law, individuals have largely refrained from smoking in locales affected.

However, because the act only includes fines for individuals, without any penalties specified for owners of public establishments, it is unlikely that the practice will cease entirely. In fact, while the amount of smoking in affected areas has dropped significantly, there has been very low enforcement numbers reported. Without subsequent amending legislation to compel businesses to forbid the practice, it is likely that enforcement will become increasingly difficult and smoking in public establishments will return as quickly as it fell.

Finally, the Mideast has not yet moved on any legislation pertaining to the distribution of stimulus funds or the closing of the budget deficit reported by the Office of the GM. It should be noted that no region has taken actions of the sort. Nevertheless, the Mideast region has been hit particularly hard by the current recession and it is again recommended that substantial deficit spending, in tangent with drastic cuts in the regional corporate tax be put in place to support Mideastern industry
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #82 on: September 23, 2009, 11:21:23 PM »

Financial News

Financial Indicators
  • ANSE     906  -19 (2.06%)
  • $1 Atlasian = $0.95114 U.S. (-0.00712)
  • Crude Oil = $98.27/barrel +0.36 (0.37%)

Analysis:
The ANSE saw continued declines as investors hold their breath for a banking crisis package to be unveiled by NC Yank and the Senate by the end of the week.

The Atlasian Dollar continued its free fall as investors sought out safer currencies during this period of economic catastrophe in Atlasia. Major corrective measures are still needed to ensure that large portions of the Atlasian economy remain intact.

Oil prices rose slightly as analysts and investors were unsure in what direction matters may head in South America.
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #83 on: September 24, 2009, 06:00:57 PM »
« Edited: September 24, 2009, 08:55:28 PM by GM Purple State »

Regional News

Southeast Regional Report
Stated plainly, the Southeast is the least stable region in Atlasia.

Despite attempts at major strides in game play reform, including the near establishment of a regional legislature and the passage of regulations on successive identical initiatives, the region has insisted on flouting grotesquely inappropriate economic policies in the face of the greatest economic crisis of our time.

Each initiative cycle, without fail, the Southeast leadership has proposed potentially disastrous economic legislation for approval by the region. Each successive election sees tighter and tighter results and, in fact, one such piece of legislation, the End to Income Taxation Act, passed. This legislation eliminates the regional income and corporate taxes in the face of a report released by the Office of the GM calling for an increase in the income tax rate. It is only by the grace of a higher being that an emergency initiative election was subsequently called to repeal the law.

The GM cannot stress enough the urgency with which the Southeast region should pass the tax reforms recommended on August 23, namely:
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In addition, it should be added that the people of the region are unappreciative of the constant looming threat of economic collapse, as well as the failures in proper governance of the region. In fact, the people of the region are beginning to rally behind Judicial Overlord John Dibble as the fairest, most outspoken and most critical upper-level official in the region.

On a more positive note, this Office applauds the Southeast for its attempts to institute a regional legislature on the heels of the Mideast and  Northeast. It is widely hoped that this new body would serve as a means of bringing more stable and meaningful debate and legislation to the region, as well as serve to spur activity.
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #84 on: September 25, 2009, 12:57:35 AM »

Financial News

Financial Indicators
  • ANSE     909  +3 (0.33%)
  • $1 Atlasian = $0.95179 U.S. (+0.00065)
  • Crude Oil = $98.08/barrel -0.19 (0.19%)

Analysis:
The ANSE saw a weak rise as the Southeast repealed a law cutting all income and corporate taxes in the region. Meanwhile, investors braced for the expected release of legislation relating to the struggling banking sector by the end of the week. 

The Atlasian Dollar rose slightly as the Southeast repealed damaging economic legislation and investors slowed their race away from the dollar.

Oil prices fell slightly as matters between Colombia and Venezuela seem to have become entrenched in current positions. However, the situation remains ready to explode at a moment's notice. It is highly recommended immediate diplomatic action be taken by Atlasia to help address the situation.
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #85 on: September 25, 2009, 12:34:18 PM »

Foreign News

BREAKING: Shots Fired Near Colombia-Venezuela Border
It is being reported that shots have been fired along the Colombia-Venezuela border, near the area where Colombian military forces routed FARC rebels in a recent nighttime ambush.

It cannot be discerned who fired the first shot, but it is becoming increasingly clear that the current skirmish could rapidly deteriorate into full-scale war between the two nations.

Additional reports will be filed as matters become clearer.
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #86 on: September 25, 2009, 03:35:17 PM »

Today will be a busy day as I will not be posting again after today until Tuesday because of Yom Kippur. Expect one more article, as well as the financials...

Regional News

In The Southeast Anarchy Reigns
It seems that once each month the Southeast region descends into confusion and anger as the initiative elections pit the majority RPP constituency against a small, but forceful minority non-RPP and entrenched interests against one another.

This months initiative elections sparked a new round of chaos as Vice President and long-time Southeast citizen Bacon King sued Governor Daniel Adams for closing down the voting booth early. The case, decided by Southeast Judicial Overlord John Dibble, ruled that no changes to the certification would be made unless a voter came forward and wished to cast a vote.

When one such citizen, biggzcorey, proved to have been disenfranchised by the actions of the governor, Overlord Dibble allowed him to cast his votes. The result upended the newly minted Southeast Assembly, creating general public disdain and confusion.

It was increasingly frustrating because biggzcorey’s vote also led to the passage of the Southeast’s Nay Means Nay Amendment, requiring that all failed initiatives undergo extensive changes in order to be presented on the either of the next two initiative ballots. This means that the Southeast Assembly likely will not be seen again until December at the earliest.

The tension culminated when the former chairman of the RPP and aspiring Southeast Assemblyman DownWithTheLeft created an unofficial Southeast Assembly, the intent of which is to serve as a sort of shadow government, passing legislation for the governor to bring forward as emergency initiatives.

However, while a clear majority of the region does support the establishment of an Assembly, which would be the third such regional legislature in Atlasia, citizens came out firmly against the effort by DWTL, viewing it as a clear subversion of the rule of law.

The last hope for proponents of the Assembly is now an ironic twist. The vote of one Southeasterner, Devilman88, was up in the air while the Atlasian Supreme Court considered the constitutionality of his presidential pardon. That case, brought by the GM, was thrown out due to issues of standing; however, the merits of the case itself were left unresolved. If Devilman88’s pardon were to be revoked and vote subsequently discounted, the Nay Means Nay Amendment would fail, allowing proponents of the Assembly to bring it forward in the next initiative cycle. Nevertheless, this would also harm their effort to pass the Regional Legislature Amendment. It is not yet clear whether anyone will challenge the pardon.
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #87 on: September 25, 2009, 04:45:31 PM »

Foreign News

Report: Colombian Forces Cross Into Venezuela
A number of border skirmishes broke out earlier today, sparked by what appears to have been a FARC rebel that had fled to Venezuela after Colombia’s attacks earlier this week. The initial shots came around midday and no injuries were reported. Colombian forces responded in kind and full-scale fighting broke out shortly after.

It now appears that the Colombian military has mobilized and entered Venezuelan territory in response to the skirmishes. Air strikes and superior technology have allowed Colombia to dispatch with much of the conventional Venezuelan defenses along the border. It now appears that more entrenched fighting has broken out in the streets of border towns.

Venezuelan forces have also begun to mobilize and regroup to rebuff the Colombia’s current drive.

The government of Russia in a statement immediately denounced the Colombian attacks, saying such “preemptive use of force” is in violation of “every international rule in the book.”

Meanwhile, President Lief has announced that he will meet in Colombia with President Alvaro Uribe to express Atlasian support for the fight against Venezuela.

The remainder of the international community has stayed relatively quiet as they wait for additional news from the region and attempt to work things out quietly behind the scenes.
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #88 on: September 25, 2009, 04:52:00 PM »

The markets are now closed until Tuesday in observance of Yom Kippur...

Financial News

Financial Indicators
  • ANSE     902  -7 (0.77%)
  • $1 Atlasian = $0.95103 U.S. (-0.00076)
  • Crude Oil = $101.92/barrel +3.84 (3.92%)

Analysis:
The ANSE returning to its decline as investors were increasingly skeptical that the Senate could produce and act on meaningful legislation to rescue failing banks before a major collapse of the system. 

The Atlasian Dollar fell as commodity price, led by Oil, soared.

Oil prices rocketed as violence broke out between Venezuela and Colombia. It is unclear what the impact of this will be on Atlasian-Venezuelan relations and on Venezuela's oil production and exports.
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #89 on: September 27, 2009, 10:21:03 AM »

Foreign News

Colombian Forces Dash Towards Caracas
With the outbreak of war just two days ago, Colombia has handily dispatched with Venezuelan resistance and is quickly nearing Caracas, the capital and central population hub.

The main Colombian invasion occurred in the Venezuelan state of Apure, home of the llanos plains. The flat terrain allowed Colombian forces to quickly speed through the sparsely populated region and follow the plains up into the state of Guárico. This leaves only the much smaller states of Miranda and Aragua between Colombian forces and the Venezuelan capital.

Meanwhile, Colombia has made small encroachments into the state of Amazonas, Zulia and Táchira to preempt any Venezuelan counter-attacks.

It is still unclear what sort of offensive Venezuela may launch to halt the Colombian drive towards its most populated city. In two days of fighting Venezuela has lost a sizable portion of its air force capabilities. In addition, the Russian-made weapons and tanks recently received by President Hugo Chavez are no match for the much more modern Colombian equipment.

President Lief, along with SoEA HappyWarrior and Senators Hashemite (DA) and Franzl (DA), visited Colombian President Alvaro Uribe on Saturday to express Atlasian support. Rumors are also swirling that President Lief is looking to broker some sort of deal to end the conflict.

Mr. Chavez has not yet made any appearances or statements and it is unclear what his status or location is at the present time.
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #90 on: September 29, 2009, 06:49:17 PM »

Foreign News

Colombian Forces Surround Caracas
The Colombian military has pushed through light Venezuelan resistance and driven quickly to the heart of its neighbor to the East.

Utilizing lightning-paced tactics, Colombian forces have quickly subdued weak Venezuelan troops and taken thousands of prisoners of war as they made their way to the capital state of Venezuela, containing Caracas, the nation’s most populous city.

It is being reported that sizable contingencies of the Venezuelan military have laid down their arms and allowed Colombian forces past roadblocks. Most early Venezuelan resistance was dispatched with by Colombian air superiority.

Matters now turn to conflict resolution. It is widely rumored that President Lief and SoEA HappyWarrior, who visited Bogota this weekend, are working with Colombian President Alvaro Uribe to come to a quick end to fighting. It is unclear what level of communication has been reached with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who has not been heard from since the start of fighting.

It is expected that the Atlasian and Colombia leaders will issue some sort of joint statement in the coming week on how they see a final treaty taking shape.
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #91 on: September 29, 2009, 11:06:27 PM »

Financial News

Financial Indicators
  • ANSE     883  -19 (2.11%)
  • $1 Atlasian = $0.94665 U.S. (-0.00438)
  • Crude Oil = $100.78/barrel -1.16 (1.14%)

Analysis:
The ANSE dropped as faith that the Senate can produce legislation targeting the flailing banking industry dropped to a new low. In addition, rumors have begun swirling about the possible collapse of Eagles Bank.

The Atlasian Dollar fell as investors fear major problems in the Atlasian banking sector.

Oil prices fell as the Colombia-Venezuela war seems to be nearing a quick resolution after Colombian forces made quick work reaching the Venezuelan capital under little resistance.
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #92 on: September 30, 2009, 01:16:32 PM »

National News

JPColin Takes Over Troubled Eagles Bank
JPColin & Co. said Tuesday that it would acquire troubled Wall Street firm Eagles Bank for a mere fraction of what it was once worth amid deepening fears about further erosion of the world's financial markets.

The rock-bottom price left investors feeling queasy. Asian markets tumbled, with Japan's benchmark Nikkei index finishing Monday's session nearly 4% lower. Atlasian stock markets were expected to trade lower on Tuesday after being closed Monday for a holiday.

The all-stock deal values Eagles Bank at $236 million, or just $2 a share. The company's stock had closed at $30 on Friday, down a staggering 47% for the day.

Regulators support the deal and the Atlasian Treasury provided $30 billion in funding: With the global credit crisis worsening, the Treasury has been taking dramatic action to help banks and prevent widespread panic.

Over the past three days, roughly 200 JPColin staffers were working on the deal, assessing the strengths of Eagles Bank's different businesses and its exposure to toxic mortgage securities, JPColin executives said during a conference call held Tuesday night.

They noted that the offering price, which comes at a steep discount to Eagles Bank book value price of $84 per share, was to provide a cushion to protect JPColin in turbulent times and would provide the company "margin for error."

The fire-sale price raises questions about the value of other investment banks.

"A $2 per share price will send a shudder through every investment bank investor in the world," said James Ellman, head of San Francisco-based Seacliff Capital, a hedge fund specializing in financial services. "Many will say that stand-alone investment banks' days are numbered."

That could spell trouble for other firms, which, like Eagles Bank, don't have large asset or wealth-management businesses for support. These divisions are helping prop up major firms during these tough times on Wall Street.

Eagles Bank was on the brink of financial collapse Friday when JPColin (JPC, Fortune 500) and the Atlasian Treasury said they would provide the brokerage a short-term loan. Eagles was dealing with a classic run-on-the-bank: The firm's short-term creditors refused to lend the firm any more money and simultaneously demanded repayment of outstanding debt.

A Treasury spokesman said on Wednesday that talks about how to rescue Eagles had continued throughout the weekend. He defended the Treasury's bailout on Friday as "the right decision" and said the Lief administration was ready to take other actions to bring stability to the financial markets.

The fast-track deal, which is expected to close by the end of September pending shareholder approval, is expected to generate roughly $1 billion in after-tax earnings for JPColin over the next 12 to 18 months.

Risks and opportunities for JPColin

JPColin has been on the prowl for a prime brokerage business, which services hedge fund clients. This was one of Eagles Bank's specialties, though many of its customers started fleeing last week.

JPColin will likely focus on retaining clients of this division, while trying to wring out costs from businesses the two have in common, such as investment banking, mergers and acquisitions, and research. But at $2 a share, the bar is not too high to make the deal profitable, experts said.

The danger for JPColin will be its potential exposure to lawsuits from Eagles Bank's subprime mortgage division and risks from its derivatives business.

Eagles Bank has approximately 14,000 employees worldwide and plans for them were not made clear.

As part of the deal, JPColin Chase will essentially act as a backstop for any current or future business transactions with Eagles Bank until the deal is completed. Even if Eagles shareholders were to reject the buyout, which the JPColin executives believed was unlikely, any transactions leading up to then would still be guaranteed.

At the same time, JPColin would also take on Eagles Bank's mortgage portfolio, worth an estimated $33 billion as of the end of February. Just $2 billion of that amount was made up of subprime, with the remainder made up of both commercial mortgage backed securities as well as other residential mortgage securities.

Eagles Bank issued a statement late Tuesday saying that as a result of the announcement, it would not report its first-quarter results on Monday, as previously scheduled.

Downward spiral

The deal marks an inglorious chapter for 85-year-old Eagles Bank, a storied Wall Street firm whose unraveling has been fast and furious.

Rumors that Eagles Bank was on the verge of collapse started buzzing around Wall Street trading desks last Monday. Eagles Chief Executive appeared on television last Wednesday afternoon to reassure the markets that the firm was stable. But on Thursday, the run on the bank picked up speed, forcing the government and JPColin to step in over the weekend.

Shares of Eagles Bank (EGB, Fortune 500) opened last week at $69.75 and traded as high as $159 last year, before the firm's bad bets on subprime mortgages blew up two of its hedge funds last summer.
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Purple State
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« Reply #93 on: October 01, 2009, 01:32:48 PM »

Employment figures, as promised. Please notify me of any errors or concerns by PM or in the News Room...

Economic and Financial News

Employment by Sectors
The following is the breakdown of employment figures in Atlasia by sector/industry:
Manufacturing = 12.8 million
Construction = 7.3 million
Service = 22.5 million
Agriculture = 2.7 million
Government = 23.2 million
Education = 15 million
Health = 4.5 million
Trade and Transportation = 25.7 million
Other/Unknown/Temporary = 9.95 million

The following is the breakdown of unionization figures in Atlasia by sector/industry:
Manufacturing = 7 million
Construction = 3 million
Service = 5 million
Agriculture = 250,000
Government = 20 million
Education = 14 million
Health = 3.7 million
Trade and Transportation = 7 million

The following is the breakdown of unemployment figures in Atlasia by sector/industry:
Manufacturing = 19.5% 2.5 million
Construction = 26.67% 2 million
Service = 13.2% 2.96 million
Agriculture = 30% 900,000
Government = 3.1% 720,000
Education = 7% 1.05 million
Health = 2% 90,000
Trade and Transportation = 12.15% 3.12 million
TOTAL = 13.34 million
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Purple State
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« Reply #94 on: October 02, 2009, 12:20:31 AM »

Financial News

Financial Indicators
  • ANSE     894  +11 (1.25%)
  • $1 Atlasian = $0.94556 U.S. (-0.00109)
  • Crude Oil = $98.76/barrel -2.02 (2.00%)

Analysis:
The ANSE rose as the Treasury saved a bank from collapse and unemployment rose less than economists expected.

The Atlasian Dollar fell as investors continue to seek safer currencies.

Oil prices fell as rumors spread that Atlasia and Colombia have neared an agreement on how to approach negotiations with Venezuela.
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #95 on: October 02, 2009, 02:31:37 PM »

Regional News

Northeast Regional Report
The Northeast region, more than any other, has displayed a remarkable amount of activity in recent months as a direct result of the formation, passage and implementation of its very own regional legislature.

Public opinion of the regional government has rocketed in September as Lt. Governor Barnes, together with a number of passionate citizens and Governor AndrewCT, pushed forward on the constitutional amendment that was passed by referendum with overwhelming support.

The Governor has since appointed the interim members of the six-seat Assembly until the upcoming elections. The body, largely made up of the those citizens most involved in the development of the legislature amendment, gained instant credibility when it elected the Atlasia veteran and respected Representative Smid as its Speaker. This is reminiscent of the role played by the Mideast’s recently retired Assemblymen Peter.

However, with the ground rules set for the Assembly, it is now important that the representatives bring forth substantive legislation to help the region weather the current financial times. According to this office’s earlier regional budget reports, the Northeast has both the largest and strongest economy in Atlasia. Nevertheless, there are important steps the region should take to ensure security during these tough next months, such as:
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All in all, it is the GM’s assessment that the Northeast is currently the most successful region, both in economic and political terms.
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #96 on: October 02, 2009, 03:23:30 PM »

Regional News

Employment Information by Region
The following lists the top three industries in each region in order:
Northeast = Service; Trade and Transportation; Government
Mideast =Manufacturing; Trade and Transportation; Government
Southeast = Manufacturing; Trade and Transportation; Agriculture
Midwest = Manufacturing; Agriculture; Health
Pacific = Government; Trade and Transportation; Education

The following lists the unemployment rate in each region:
Northeast = 7.1%
Mideast = 19.2%
Southeast = 15%
Midwest = 13.8%
Pacific = 7.3%

The following is the breakdown of unionization figures in Atlasia by region:
Northeast = 16%
Mideast = 19%
Southeast = 11%
Midwest = 17%
Pacific = 21%
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #97 on: October 02, 2009, 06:00:30 PM »

Financial News

Financial Indicators
  • ANSE     901  +7 (0.78%)
  • $1 Atlasian = $0.94866 U.S. (+0.00310)
  • Crude Oil = $97.38/barrel -1.38 (1.40%)

Analysis:
The ANSE rose as economic news has been positive in recent days.

The Atlasian Dollar rose as investors have seen positive signs from the Atlasian economy in recent days.

Oil prices fell as matters appear to have calmed in South America.
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #98 on: October 05, 2009, 10:25:33 PM »

Economic and Financial News

Atlasian Consumer Spending Poll Marks Noticeable Decline
A prominent survey group released data today marking a continued decline in consumer spending among Atlasian households.

The consumer spending measure tracks the average dollar amount Atlasians report spending or charging on a daily basis, not counting the purchase of a home, motor vehicle, or normal household bills. Respondents were asked to reflect on the day prior to being surveyed and results were provided in both a 3-day and 14-day rolling average.

The 3-day rolling average for October 5, 2009 was $64, with the 14-day rolling average only slightly lower at $62. This is compared with a 3-day and 14-day average of $53 and $57, respectively, one month prior, as well as a 3-day average of $98 and a 14-day average of $110 exactly one year earlier.

The slight uptick reflects slow growth and normalization in consumer confidence in the economy, as many Atlasians are regaining confidence in the ability of the federal government to handle the current crisis. It also marks a slight increase in discretionary spending as tax credits from the stimulus plan are received by Atlasians and as savings from health care reforms are realized in the paychecks and bills consumers see.
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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Posts: 6,713
United States


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« Reply #99 on: October 06, 2009, 12:15:28 AM »

Financial News

Financial Indicators
  • ANSE     901  +3 (0.33%)
  • $1 Atlasian = $0.95118 U.S. (+0.00252)
  • Crude Oil = $96.79/barrel -0.59 (0.61%)

Analysis:
The ANSE rose as the consumer confidence report showed positive gains over the past month. Early losses due to the sudden resignation of presidential candidate and PPT Senator MasterJedi (RPP) were tempered as VP BaconKing took the reigns and returned the Senate to full activity after nearly a week of inaction.

The Atlasian Dollar rose as economists have become weary of commodities in recent days after a scathing op-ed from economic guru Senator NC Yank. However, many investors still fear a double-dip recession, spurring the move to dollars.

Oil prices fell slightly as matters in Colombia and Venezuela seem to be in the negotiation phase after Colombia's quick victory.
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