NEWS

- U.S. pledges robust support for overhaul of governing power
within IMF so key emerging nations get more say in how it works

- U.S. also urges IMF to be set to offer loans to recapitalize
banks or aid emerging countries in rolling over corporate debt

- Iceland's left-of-center minority coalition set to win a
majority in election held Saturday, TV projection says

- Obama favors measure that would require Congress to pay for
any new programs by raising taxes or cutting other expenditures

- Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (8316.T: Quote, Profile, Research) likely buyer of
Citigroup (C.N: Quote, Profile, Research) retail brokerage, investment banking arm in Japan

MARKETS

- US stocks rally, earnings show some companies have weathered
the recession, econ data lifts hopes. Dow up 1.5 pct [.N]

- Europe shares end higher, helped by gains in oil and bank
stocks and Wall Street rally. Nikkei falls 1.6 percent [.EU] [.T]

- Oil prices rise nearly 4 pct, settling above $51 a barrel on
support from firmer stock markets and weaker U.S. dollar [O/R]

- Euro up vs dollar for 4th straight session, improved
business sentiment in Germany boosts hope for euro-zone economy
[USD/]

- U.S. Treasury debt prices decline as Wall Street rally
reduces safety bid for govt debt [US/]

QUOTES

"This is essential to strengthening the IMF's legitimacy,
ensuring that it remains at the center of the international
monetary system and reflects the realities of the 21st century."-
U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner.

"We came into office facing a budget deficit of $1.3 trillion
for this year alone, and the cost of confronting our economic
crisis is high. But we cannot settle for a future of rising
deficits and debts that our children cannot pay." - U.S. President
Barack Obama

"The Democratic Congress passed a budget with such big
deficits that it makes the United States literally ineligible to
join France in the European Union." - Republican U.S. Senator
Lamar Alexander.

"We are now going through the most historical election the
Icelandic nation has gone through since the establishment of the
republic in 1944." - Prime Minister Johanna Sigurdardottir, leader
of the Social Democratic Alliance.

"The G20 nations must follow through on their commitment to
deliver the fiscal, monetary and financial policies necessary to
restore growth." - Geithner.

DIARY

TUESDAY, April 28

WASHINGTON - The Federal Open Market Committee, the
policy-making arm of the Federal Reserve, begins two-day meeting
on interest rate policy at 1300.

WEDNESDAY, April 29

WASHINGTON - FOMC to release a rate statement at 1815.
(Compiled by World Desk, Americas, +1 202 898 8457)