Daily Investor Briefing: S&P 500 ends best week since December...

Click to View in Browser 03/16/2012 S&P 500 ends best week since December with quiet day NEW YORK (Reuters) - The S&P 500 closed out its best week in three months with a slim gain on Friday as investors continued to propel equities near four-year highs. Gasoline lifts inflation, dents confidence WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Consumer prices rose the most in 10 months in February as the cost of gasoline spiked, but there was little sign that underlying inflation pressures were building up. CBO sees higher near-term deficits under Obama plan WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The deficit for the next fiscal year would reach $977 billion if President Barack Obama's latest budget plan were enacted, the Congressional Budget Office said on Friday, slightly higher than the White House's own estimate. Lawmakers urge Obama to act on China auto parts WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A group of 188 lawmakers on Friday urged President Barack Obama to crack down on "predatory" Chinese pricing practices, which they said are threatening the auto parts industry. Goldman reviews conflict-of-interest policies (Reuters) - Goldman Sachs Group Inc is reviewing conflict-of-interest policies and procedures for investment bankers in light of a recent controversy over a Goldman-advised deal. Exclusive: Saudi oil sales to U.S. jump; Iran response or just business? NEW YORK/LONDON (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia is preparing to extend this year's unexpected jump in oil sales to the United States, adding to speculation about the response of the world's top oil exporter to sanctions against Iran and a rally in prices. Analysis: Steelmakers eye gas to cut costs, drive exports NEW YORK (Reuters) - America's steel industry, for decades a symbol of industrial decline, is betting on natural gas to make it more competitive against foreign producers. Fed's Evans sees risks in 'siren calls' to hike rates FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Despite recent "encouraging" economic news, the Federal Reserve should do even more to boost growth, or risk stagnation that could persist for a decade or more, a top Fed official said on Friday. Fugitive hedge fund manager pleads guilty NEW YORK (Reuters) - Hedge fund manager Brian Kim, who had appeared on CNBC television as a derivatives expert, pleaded guilty in New York state court on Friday to running a $6 million Ponzi scheme and will be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison. Lehman gets $850 million from sale of Neuberger stake (Reuters) - Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc received $850 million from the sale of its equity in investment management business Neuberger Berman and said the funds will be available for distribution to unsecured creditors. Related Video Goldman allays fears over "muppet" letter Apple iPad debuts reaches U.S. Related News Jobless in midlife? Old brains can learn new tricks How to play it: Preparing for a stock market stall A daily digest of breaking business news, coverage of the US economy, major corporate news and the financial markets. Register Today   The latest Reuters articles on M&A, IPOs, private equity, hedge funds and regulatory updates delivered to your inbox each day. Register Today   » MORE NEWSLETTERS - 3 Times Square New York, NY 10036 USA © Copyright 2010 Thomson Reuters Ensure delivery of Reuters Newsmails, add mail@nl.reuters.com to your address book. Details Subscribe to other Reuters newsletters. Unsubscribe from this newsletter. Follow us on Twitter Friend us on Facebook Forward to a friend