Markets Remain Flat in Anticipation of Jobs Report (GOOG, GE)

Despite a lot of volatile fluctuations in price during the day, stocks ended flat relative to yesterday when markets closed. Markets appear to be in a holding pattern until tomorrow’s jobs report can shed more light on the current state of the economy. In business news, Google (GOOG) settled with the Federal Trade Commission over privacy concerns generated over the launch of Buzz, their social product, last year. The terms of the settlement include being subject to independent privacy audits for the next twenty years. Meanwhile, under fire after the revelation that they wouldn’t be paying any federal taxes in 2010, General Electric’s (GE) CEO defended the company, saying that their tax situation was entirely compliant with the law.

Word on the Street

• Markets were flat today after a turbulent period.
• Google (GOOG) settled with the FTC over privacy concerns.
• The Federal Reserve has been forced to reveal who borrows from its discount window.
• The Euro appreciated against the Dollar in anticipation of interest rate hikes.
• Congress is beginning to work on reforming federal policy on debt.
• General Electric (GE) is defending against criticisms of its low 2010 taxes.
• Corn stalks are down by 15% year over year, resulting in a spike in price.

Interesting Tidbits

• Looking for innovation in your company? Maybe you should hire from the humanities.
• Success in business requires strong attention to detail.
• As federal tax day approaches be sure not to let tax write-offs trip you up.

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