InvestMacro FX

6-5-2012 In the past year, Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) has been fighting in courts around the globe to ban other tablet computers to be sold in different countries. Recently, Apple has been trying to fight for a ban on the sales of the German Motorola Mobility Xoom tablet in Germany. The official ruling is not expected to be released until mid July, but news came out earlier that Apple may likely lose this time according to a Dusseldorf court.In September, Apple was able to win a ban on sales of the Samsung Galaxy tablet 10.1, which will probably be revoked as well. Apple is currently trading at $565.86 and is trading below its 50 day moving average.

Stocks reacting to Europe again this morning with a big rally at the open on news the European Central Bank is leaving rates unchanged. Investors possibly encouraged by comments from bank’s head, Mario Draghi that it’s ready to act as the region’s growth outlook gets worse.

In trading on Wednesday, general contractors & builders shares were relative leaders, up on the day by about 5.2%. Leading the group were shares of Hovnanian Enterprises (HOV), up about 17.1% and shares of Pultegroup (PHM) up about 6.7% on the day.

The New York Daily News Reports that Kimora and hubby Djimon Hounsous marriage is on the rocks over finances

The City Council continues to try and solve Mobile’s 29 million dollar budget gap.

Auxilium Pharma (AUXL) today had its price target increased by Jefferies (JEF) to $30, as the current stock price presents a good buying opportunity based on the positive Peyronie’s data. A buy rating was issued.

Bargain hunters are wise to pay careful attention to insider buying, because although there are many various reasons for an insider to sell a stock, presumably the only reason they would use their hard-earned cash to make a purchase, is that they expect to make money. Today we look at two noteworthy recent insider buys.

Billionaire investor Carl Icahn gets his wish. After weeks of discussion and a letter from Icahn, Chesapeake Energy’s (NYSE:CHK) board of directors has decided to replace four of its members.Icahn and Southeastern Asset Management, the two largest stakeholders in Chesapeake, were putting pressure on the company to make some personnel changes. The pressure began in April when Reuters reported Chesapeake’s Chairman of the Board Aubrey McClendon had taken out more than $1 billion in loans using his personal stakes in thousands of company wells as collateral.McClendon recently agreed to step down as chairman and will be replaced as well. Southeastern Asset Management will get to pick three of the new board members while Carl Icahn and his affiliates will pick the fourth.Investors see this move as a good thing for the energy company. Shares of Chesapeake Energy are currently up over a half a percent to $15.67.

The Daily Ticker’s Aaron Task and Henry Blodget interview Todd Harrison about falling oil prices

In trading on Tuesday, general contractors & builders shares were relative leaders, up on the day by about 3.9%. Leading the group were shares of M/I Homes (MHO), up about 7.5% and shares of Pultegroup (PHM) up about 5.3% on the day.