The Federal Reserve is close to embarking on another round of monetary stimulus next week, against the backdrop of a weak economy and low inflation—and despite doubts about the wisdom and efficacy of the policy among economists and some of the Fed’s own decision makers.

The central bank is likely to unveil a program of U.S. Treasury bond purchases worth a few hundred billion dollars over several months, a measured approach in contrast to purchases of nearly $2 trillion it unveiled during the financial crisis. The announcement is expected to be made at the conclusion of a two-day meeting of its policy-making committee next Wednesday.

Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke’s push to restart the bond-buying program—a form of monetary stimulus known as quantitative easing—has been greeted with deep skepticism among some of his colleagues.

Markets think the Fed initially will announce $500bn of asset purchases spread over six months. That fits the framework the Fed is considering and officials have not reacted adversely against the number.York Fed, suggested in a recent speech that $500bn of asset purchases “would provide about as much stimulus as a reduction in the federal funds rate of between half a point and three-quarters of a point”

n Early days, but little disruption expected for now. Given their effect on the sports fixed odds market, we see Betfair as a formidable competitor and not one to underestimate in terms of potential market impact. We would expect product enhancements and amendments over the coming months. For now, however, we do not see what differentiates LMAX from existing CFD providers. The retail CFD market has just got more competitive, but we do not think that this is a re-run of the Betfair vs the bookmakers.

The Board of Intec notes recent media speculation that another party might be
interested in making an offer for Intec. The Board of Intec wishes to clarify
that it is not currently in any discussion with any other party which might lead
to a competing offer for the Company.

However, well-placed places market sources said this not necessarily correct. The talk is that BinckBank has already received an offer from London-based Permira at €14.5 a share.

The board, though, is said to have rebuffed Permira’s advances and has hired an investment bank to look at “strategic options”. The move could lead to an auction, said market sources.

BinckBank declined to comment.

If the sidetrack is deemed dry, then we would expect a significant correction and we think that would be an interesting entry point. If the sidetrack finds hydrocarbons, then we would anticipate a strong run in Desire and Rockhopper shares, as the basin is further derisked and the potential for more than one development increases. That too would be a good entry point in preparation for an extended run. (The Rachel prospect is 92.5% Desire, 7.5% Rockhopper)

Desire pet rumours of oil strike rachel side track hits td! Unconfirmed!

In view of his experience in the natural resources sector, the Company is delighted to announce the appointment of John McKeon as a Consultant with immediate effect. The Board considers that Mr McKeon’s extensive track record of value creation, particularly within the natural resources industries, will greatly assist the Company in identifying investment opportunities. Mr McKeon is well connected, at government and ministerial level, with many of the natural resource ministries in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. He is a founding shareholder and former executive director of Circle Oil plc. He is also a Consultant to oil and gas investment company Niche Group plc which earlier this year saw its shares increase some 10-15 fold since his involvement.

Xchanging Global Mobility Services team shortlisted in both categories they were
nominated for in this year’s EMMAs.

LONDON, 27 October 2010 – Xchanging (LSE: XCH), one of the largest and fastest
growing technological business processors has been shortlisted for the 2010
Expatriate Mobility Management Awards. Nominated by its customers for two
categories, Xchanging has been shortlisted for both – ‘Global Mobility Small
Team of the Year’ award and ‘Global Mobility Rising Star of the Year’ award for
Shireen Shams, Immigration Consultant.

Hermes could decrease to 40% from 50% float in MSCI at close 30 Nov, to 40% from 55% in SBF120 (105.6m shares unchanged) and to 105.6m/12.8% from 106.1m/27% in STOXX both at close 17 Dec.

Potential supply from the adjustments above is -0.3m shares/-2 days for FTSE, -0.5m/-3.9 days MSCI and -0.3m/-2 days SBF/STOXX or -1m/-7.8 days overall.