Charting The Market

Microsoft (ticker: MSFT)

News that 2008's Leap Year tripped up its Zune music player was more than offset by reports about major cost-cutting in the form of layoffs.

Janus (JNS)

The large fund group boosted its stake in Chicago asset manager Perkins Investment Management to 80% from its previous 30% position.

Ericsson (ERIC)

Beijing approved China Mobile's previous award of a big contract to the Swedish telecom to help develop China's 3G mobile network. [Puget's utility]

Puget Energy Holding (PSD)

The utility received state regulatory approval to sell itself to an investor group led by Australian bank Macquarie Group for $7.4 billion.

Savient Pharmaceuticals (SVNT)

The FDA accepted the drug maker's application for a gout treatment and agreed to give it a priority six-month review, increasing the odds of approval.

Genco Shipping & Trading (GNK)

The shipping company signed a $65,000-per-day charter deal with closely held Cargill that will run through 2012 at least and possibly into 2014.

Citigroup (C)

Two senior execs of the embattled bank will forgo bonuses this year, and the bank will issue $20 billion in preferred shares to the U.S. Treasury.

A-Power Energy Generation Systems (APWR)

The Chinese power systems company cut its fourth-quarter outlook, citing delayed contracts stemming from the tough economic environment.

General Motors (GM)

The government committed $6 billion to the car maker and its financial arm, GMAC, broadening its Troubled Asset Relief Program beyond banks.

Dow Chemical (DOW)

In a big blow to the U.S. chemical company, Kuwait said it was ending a planned $17.4 billion joint venture due to local political opposition.

Iron Mountain (IRM)

Shares of the information protection and storage outfit will be added to the S&P 500 index, replacing UST, which is being acquired.

Rohm & Haas (ROH)

Breakdown in the Dow Chemical-Kuwait venture hit Rohm, since Dow was to use money from the Kuwait deal to pay for part of its purchase of Rohm.