Rumor: AU Optronics to Supply Apple’s IPAD 2

AU Optronics’ shares (AUO) are spiking this morning on rumors they may be a key supplier of LCD flat panel screens to Apple for their IPAD 2. However, some feel the story is not very credible.

“I think the credibility of this news is only at 30-40 percent, mainly because of the patent authorization for the technology,” said Wayne Cheng, an analyst of Primasia Securities.

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Rumors are floating about the USMC special unit designated to dealing with disasters, such as Fukushima, being deployed in order to help the Japanese government. This comes after reports that radiation levels in the sea water near the plants are hitting their highest levels ever.

Today’s 134% gain in QIHU is the third best debut since the bursting of the tech bubble.

The EPA is reporting that they have detected low levels of radiation in Washington state milk.

Do not worry, they said the levels of radiation are “far below levels of public health concern, including for infants and children.”

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The Federal Reserve said “fuck off” (my words) to AIG for their $15.7 billion offer to buy the mortgage-related assets it holds in its Maiden Lane II portfolio.

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Idiot.

“I had not asked for his resignation, and it came as a surprise to me. Twice before, most recently two or so years ago, Dave had talked to me of resigning. In each case he had given me the same reasons that he laid out in his Monday letter. Shortly before I left for Asia on March 19, I learned that Dave first purchased 2,300 shares of Lubrizol (LZ) on December 14, which he then sold on December 21. Subsequently, on January 5, 6 and 7, he bought 96,060 shares pursuant to a 100,000-share order he had placed with a $104 per share limit price. Dave’s purchases were made before he had discussed Lubrizol with me and with no knowledge of how I might react to his idea. In addition, of course, he did not know what Lubrizol’s reaction would be if I developed an interest. Furthermore, he knew he would have no voice in Berkshire’s decision once he suggested the idea; it would be up to me and Charlie Munger, subject to ratification by the Berkshire Board of which Dave is not a member. Neither Dave nor I feel his Lubrizol purchases were in any way unlawful. He has told me that they were not a factor in his decision to resign.”

Spreads are now up 3.7% to $24.10.

Top % Gainers (Price)
Symbol Percent Change (Price)
OXM 30.15%
CEPH 28.11%
BVX 26.39%
RXII 25.40%
ONSM 16.67%
FMAR 15.85%
CVM 15.00%
GENE 14.47%
NLST 14.46%
SURW 14.15%

Gold is up nearly 0.9% and silver is now up more than 1.7%.

Interestingly enough, both the dollar and treasuries are strong too.

Everything up. Everyone wins.

CRM will pay $276 mill in cash, $50 mill in stock for privately held Radian6

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Via BBC:

1405: Rebel-controlled Voice of Free Libya radio has admitted an error in reporting the capture of Sirte, BBC Monitoring reports. A rebel colonel also said his forces had conducted a “tactical withdrawal” from Bin Jawad to Ras Lanuf because of the absence of coalition air cover. The radio also aired an appeal for anyone who could drive a T-55 tank to report for duty.

European markets are up anywhere between 0.4% to 1.1%, with Germany being the outperformer.

S&P futures are 6 points above fair value.

Trading ahead of drug approvals.

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Volatility measured by the VIX index is down 26% over the past 5 days.

The Heng Seng is now up more than 400 and the NIKKEI is up more than 1.5%.

S&P futures are at session highs, up 3 points above fair value.

Because 4 of the 6 plants were cooled with seawater, they are now useless. The public will not support the remainder of the plants, which means they will likely be demolished. Early estimates indicate it will take $12 billion plus and 30 years of time to complete the job.

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To avoid running out of stocks, zinc makers are now ramping up production in western Japan and seeking to secure emergency zinc imports. An official of the Japan Mining Industry Association, however, said that it is unclear how much these measures will compensate for the decline in production in quake-stricken areas.

“will build at any cost.”

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Australia +0.8%
Japan +0.7%
Korea +0.3%

I am not sure if that number includes the down aircraft, which cost more than $150 mill. Cost are expected to sustain retarded levels indefinitely.

In other news, let’s fire some damn firemen, in order to reduce government spending.

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Big offer for Ceph by Vrx.

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