Daily Investor Briefing: Madoff said JPMorgan executives knew...

	Click to View in Browser 02/20/2014 Madoff said JPMorgan executives knew of his fraud: lawsuit NEW YORK (Reuters) - Two senior officials at JPMorgan Chase & Co and predecessor companies repeatedly confronted Bernard Madoff over irregularities in his business, a new lawsuit said, suggesting that bank leaders had "direct knowledge" of his Ponzi scheme. Jobless claims fall, weather clouds factory picture WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell last week, suggesting the labor market continues to steadily improve despite severe weather that could hold back hiring again this month. Wall Street sees sense in Facebook's $19 billion WhatsApp purchase (Reuters) - Facebook Inc's purchase of fast-growing messaging startup WhatsApp for an eye-popping $19 billion largely won approval from analysts, who said the deal made strategic sense as it will solidify the social network's position as a leader in mobile. Wall St. ends higher after manufacturing data NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stocks rose on Thursday after a reading on manufacturing activity hit almost a four-year high, while news on Facebook and Tesla drove their shares to record highs. Nelson Peltz revives campaign to split up PepsiCo (Reuters) - Activist Investor Nelson Peltz renewed his crusade to convince PepsiCo Inc to spin off its beverage business from its flourishing snacks division, less than a week after the company poured cold water on the idea. HP's first-quarter revenue fell less than expected SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Hewlett Packard Co's revenue fell less than Wall Street expected in the first quarter, after the computing giant managed to grow sales at its two largest businesses despite rapidly slackening PC demand. U.S. companies ramp up capex as confidence grows NEW YORK (Reuters) - Earlier this month, Eaton Corp Plc made an announcement that captured little attention: the diversified manufacturer of heavy truck transmissions and residential circuit breakers said it would spend a record $700 million this year on tooling and machinery. Avon bets Hispanics, smaller selection, price hikes can fix U.S. sales NEW YORK/BOCA RATON, Fla (Reuters) - Avon Products Inc hopes higher prices, a growing Hispanic market and smaller selection of beauty products will help it reverse years of declines in U.S. sales, top executives said on Thursday. Goldman Sachs misses out on WhatsApp, 2014's top deals so far The world's top deal adviser for nine of the past 10 years, Goldman Sachs Group Inc has been notably absent on 2014's largest mergers and acquisitions, including Facebook's $19 billion deal to purchase mobile messaging service WhatsApp. American Apparel approaches Skadden for restructuring advice: WSJ (Reuters) - Clothing and accessories retailer American Apparel Inc has tapped restructuring advisers after being bogged down by weakening sales and heavy debt, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter. Related Video Nigeria suspends anti-graft Bank gov Breakingviews: Mark Zuckerberg's wizardry Related News Wanted: Financial advisers who aren't about to hang it up Now more than ever, a college diploma keeps the wolf from the door 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