STOCKS NEWS US-SEC investigates Apple on Jobs health disclosures

Stocks on the move [HOT-RTRS] Real-time Equity news [U E] [RESF/US]

U.S. stock market report [.N]
0742 ET 21Jan2009-SEC investigates Apple on Jobs health disclosures
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

U.S. regulators are examining discloses made by Apple Inc (AAPL.O) about
the health of Chief Executive Steve Jobs to determine whether investors were
mislead about his health, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday.

Jobs recently took a leave of absence, citing health reasons, in an
announcement that weighed on Apple's stock. Previously, he had said he was
suffering from a hormone imbalance, which he said was easily treatable.

Bloomberg reported that the review doesn't mean the Securities and Exchange
Commission has seen evidence of wrongdoing. [ID:nN21455179]

Apple shares rose 1.1 percent to $79.07 in premarket trade.

Reuters Messaging: ryan.vlastelica.reuters.com@reuters.net
0733 ET 21Jan2009-United Tech Q4 profits rise 8 pct from prior year
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The company reported fourth-quarter earnings growth of 8 percent and
affirmed its 2009 profit outlook. The outlook ranges from a fall of 5 percent
from 2008, to growth of 5 percent.

The Dow component said its earnings in the quarter rose on maintenance
revenue for its elevators, helicopters and other products. [ID:nN21536765]

Shares closed Tuesday at $49.36.

Reuters Messaging: ryan.vlastelica.reuters.com@reuters.net
0727 ET 21Jan2009-Crude rises, but demand fears persist
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

March crude futures rose on Thursday, the first day for the March contract,
though many investors feared that the continuing recession would weigh on
demand. [ID:nSP402296]

The contract rose 1.8 percent to $41.57.

Reuters Messaging: ryan.vlastelica.reuters.com@reuters.net
0722 ET 21Jan2009-GM expects gov loan in next several days
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

General Motors (GM.N) operating chief Fritz Henderson on Wednesday said the
automaker expected to receive a delayed U.S. government loan payment in the
next several days that it needs in order to avoid running out of cash. He also
said the company was talking to potential investors about selling its Saab
line. [ID:nSP373027]

Shares of GM, a Dow component, closed Tuesday at $3.50.

Reuters Messaging: ryan.vlastelica.reuters.com@reuters.net
0714 ET 21Jan2009-Microsoft sells 7.26 pct stake in Comcast
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dow component Microsoft Corp (MSFT.O) sold its entire 7.26 percent stake in
cable company Comcast Corp (CMCSA.O), according to a filing with the Securities
and Exchange Commission dated Jan. 16. [ID:nBNG408960]

Based on the share price on Jan. 16, the 150.9 million share stake would
have been worth about $3.4 billion. The filing didn't say what price the shares
were sold at.

Shares of Microsoft rose 1.2 percent to $18.70 in premarket trade while
Comcast shares ended at $14.02.

Reuters Messaging: ryan.vlastelica.reuters.com@reuters.net
0709 ET 21Jan2009-Economic indicators for Jan. 21
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Economic indicators on tap for Wednesday include latest week ICSC chain
stores data and U.S. Redbook data, and the NAHB housing market index for
January.

For details, see [ECI/US]

Reuters Messaging: ryan.vlastelica.reuters.com@reuters.net
0702 ET 21Jan2009-Earnings diary for Jan. 21
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Companies scheduled to report quarterly results on Wednesday include SLM
Corp SLM.N, Progressive Corp (PGR.N), U.S. Bancorp (USB.N) and United Tech
(UTX.N).

Reuters Messaging: ryan.vlastelica.reuters.com@reuters.net