Chart of Brent, last 5 years

Chart of Brent, last 10 years

HP  today announced that it has submitted to 3PAR Inc.   a proposal to acquire all of the outstanding shares of 3PAR for $24.00 per share in cash, or an enterprise value of $1.6 billion.

The proposed transaction represents a 33.3 percent premium above the price proposed by Dell Inc. HP’s proposal is not subject to any financing contingency and has been approved by HP’s board of directors. Once approved by 3PAR’s board, HP expects the transaction to close by the end of the calendar year.

The addition of 3PAR’s next-generation storage architecture will accelerate HP’s winning Converged Infrastructure strategy, which provides customers with an unmatched portfolio of intellectual property across storage, server and networking solutions. 3PAR’s highly scalable storage systems will further strengthen HP’s ability to deliver the highest levels of performance, efficiency and reliability to customers worldwide. The combination will bolster HP’s storage offerings and diversify its portfolio across key growth markets.

“HP’s proposal offers superior value to 3PAR’s shareholders. Our global reach, strong routes to market and commitment to innovation uniquely position HP as the ideal fit for 3PAR,” said Dave Donatelli, executive vice president and general manager, Enterprise Servers, Storage and Networking, HP. “We’ve seen great momentum with our Converged Infrastructure strategy, and 3PAR accelerates that strategy, particularly in cloud and scale-out markets.”

HP will host a conference call for financial analysts and stockholders today at 6 a.m. PT to discuss its proposal to acquire 3PAR.

Canadian dollar (CAD) vs Russian ruble (RUB) exchange rate in 2009 year

Dollar US (USD) vs Russian Ruble (RUB) exchange rate

Russian banks are experiencing problems with cash flow. Today MosPrime one-day rate rose to 23%. Morning banks had to sell dollars and euros to fill the demand for rubles. Central Bank of Russia has not even had to participate in today’s stock trading. Because the demand for Ruble now clearly exceeds the demand for dollars.

Many have compared the crisis in the USA with the Great Depression 30-ies. DJIA during the years of Depression has lost about 90%. To recover to 400 points took more than 20 years.

The Dow Jones timetable for the years 1928-1954

At the time of default in 1998 in Russia RTS index almost repeated the dynamics of the Dow Jones, having lost the same 90%. But the restoration of the Russian stock market is not taken so far. For 4 years, the market is back to 400 points. Those who entered during the August crisis had earned 900%.

RTS schedule for 1998-2002

To date, the Russian market fell by about 55-60% from May levels.

Schedule MICEX index since the beginning of 2008

If you look at the charts of default and the Great Depression, the market still has far to fall (200 points on the MICEX index and 250 points for the RTS Index - Target:)). But there are similar situations? The situations are similar only in part. And drop by 60%, in my view, very strong.

The Russian stock market was unable today to close in plussis. Further negative news on “Mechel” led to a drop in the indexes.

The Prime Minister of Russia Vladimir Putin today again raised with history of “Mechel”, explaining that the company used the scheme to offshore to reduce the tax base. Investors fear that “Mechel” becomes “Yukos number 2″.

MICEX Index on the outcome of the day lost 2.1%, RTS index - 1.2%. Investors have discounted shares, which, in their view, the present heightened political risk. Papers “Polyus Gold” collapsed at 9.4%, Norilsk Nickel - at 8.9%. After Yukos Norilsk Nickel was named a candidate for the No. 2 “sect”. It is known that at the “Polyus Gold” has long been eye “Alrosa.” The assets of Norilsk Nickel to regale with even more piece.

However this is only speculation until several players and attempts to minimize risks.

In my opinion, the current situation in the vast majority of Russian shares first echelon underestimated the market and attractive to buy.

Who has not yet arrived at the stock market of Russia, hurry, soon will not have such a great opportunity to earn money.

On Friday, Crude Oil Lt Sweet at the closing was worth $ 126.29. Oil continues Expensive, contrary to the predictions of many analysts. However, many companies are now revising their forecasts, increasing them. Yarovoiy.com expected that the average price of Brent oil brands will be $ 110 in 2008. Not whether to raise the forecast? Already this month, oil could be worth $ 130 a barrel, and in summer - $ 150. How much will it cost barrel of oil by the end of the year? Maybe $ 200?

An amount levied by a government body on an income, product or activity, and used to finance public services and goods. It may be direct on an income or indirect.

Target price - price that an investor hopes a stock will reach in a certain time period (if the context of stocks).

In the context of takeovers, the price at which an acquirer aims to buy a target firm.

In the context of options, the price of the underlying security at which an option will become in the money.