TODAI FINANCIAL NEWS ON MAY 11, 2015

Following a two-day rally that turned last week's fortunes around, the Dowis less than 100 points from its all-time high set on March 2, while the S&P 500 is less than two points from its April 24 record close. (CNBC) U.S. stock futures were lower in early trading this morning. After Friday's jobs report rally, the direction of the market could depend on whether the economy remains in the just-right zone. (CNBC) Uber is planning to raise another large sum of money that could propel its value to $50 billion or higher. The ride-sharing company has told investors it plans to raise at least $1.5 billion in fresh capital. (WSJ) Just five U.S. companies-Apple, Microsoft, Google, Pfizer, and Cisco-are holding nearly half a trillion dollars in cash, as the country's tax code deter businesses from spending their overseas hordes. (FT) Zulily (ZU) now has Alibaba (BABA) as a 9.2 percent stakeholder, according to an SEC filing. That comes following a three-day buying spree by the China-based online retail giant. Dish Network (DISH) saw revenue rise 3.6 percent in its latest quarter, even though overall subscriber numbers dropped. Dish now makes an average $86.01 per subscriber compared to $82.36 a year ago. (Reuters) Volvo will build a $500 million plant in South Carolina that will eventually employ up to 4,000 people. South Carolina and Georgia had been the two finalists. (AP) Actavis (ACT) reported adjusted quarterly profit of $4.30 per share, above estimates, with revenue also above forecasts as the Irish drugmaker seeshigher sales of its North American brands. (AP) GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) plans to collaborate with U.S. scientists to develop a cure for AIDS. Glaxo will invest $20 million to help fund a joint venture with the University of North Carolina. Saudi Arabia's King Salman won't be attending meetings at the White House with President Barack Obama or a summit gathering at Camp David this week, apparently because of the Iran talks. (NY Times)

	BY THE NUMBERS

While a Greek government official told CNBC the country will make a major debt payment tomorrow, there are doubts Greece will be able to honor future obligations. China Sunday cut interest rates for the third time in six months-responding to weaker-than-expected economic activity that could put the government's "around 7 percent" growth target at risk. (CNBC) China has passed the U.S., as the world's top importer of crude oil for the first time in April, and its purchases were expected to remain strong despite a slowing economy. U.S. oil prices turned in its 8th positive week in a row for the first time since early February. However, Brent crude dropped on the week for the first time in five. Both were under pressure this morning.

	STOCKS TO WATCH

Noble Energy (NBL) has agreed to buy Rosetta Resources (ROSE) in an all-stock transaction valued at $2.1 billion, plus Rosetta debt of $1.8 billion. Charter Communications (CHTR) is reportedly talks to arrange financing of up to $30 billion as it pursues a deal with Time Warner Cable (TWC). Both parties have also reached out to Bright House Networks. (WSJ) Syngenta (SYT) will continue to be pursued by Monsanto (MON), according to Reuters, even though the maker of agricultural chemicals rejected Monsanto's initial overture as undervalued. Goldman Sachs (GS) is expected to pay $129.5 million to settle a lawsuit that accused several banks of foreign exchange market manipulation, according to the Wall Street Journal. (WSJ) Toyota (TM) is in talks with Mazda to expand their technology partnership, according to several published reports, as global automakers face rising costs to comply with stricter emission regulations. Walt Disney's (DIS) "Avengers: Age of Ultron" topped the weekend box office once again, with $77.2 million in North American ticket sales. The film has made a staggering $312.9 million domestically in just 10 days.

	WATERCOOLER

The Orioles host Toronto tonight in their return to Baltimore for the first time since April 29, when they held a game without fans at Camden Yards because of violent protests in the city. (USA Today) American golfer Rickie Fowler won the Players Championship on Sunday, after rallying with four birdies and an eagle in the last six holes in regulation and winning the playoff. (USA Today)