Daily Investor Briefing: Fed debates merits of earlier rate...

	Click to View in Browser 08/20/2014 Fed debates merits of earlier rate hike given U.S. jobs gains WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Reserve hinted on Wednesday that a surprisingly strong jobs market recovery could lead it to raise interest rates earlier than it had been anticipating. BofA in $16.5 billion deal with U.S. over mortgage bonds: source WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Bank of America Corp is expected to pay more than $16.5 billion to end investigations into mortgage securities that the bank and its units sold in the run-up to the financial crisis, in a deal that could be announced as early as Thursday, a person familiar with the matter said. Dow, S&P 500 end higher after Fed minutes NEW YORK (Reuters) - The Dow and the S&P 500 rose for a third straight session on Wednesday, with the S&P ending a hair under a record reached in late July as minutes from the Federal Reserve's July meeting showed the central bank remains accommodative. Argentina bonds, peso reel on country's debt swap plan BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - Argentina's new plan to skirt U.S. courts and resume payment on defaulted bonds aims to protect creditors who participated in two debt restructurings, the economy minister said on Wednesday as the local peso currency weakened to a new historic low. Hewlett-Packard posts surprise revenue gain SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Hewlett-Packard Co posted a surprise increase in quarterly revenue after revenue from its personal computer division climbed 12 percent, but flat to declining revenue in its other units underscored the company's uphill battle to revive growth. Exclusive: Ford plans new hybrid series to compete with Toyota Prius - sources DETROIT (Reuters) - Ford Motor Co plans to introduce a new hybrid gasoline-electric car in late 2018 to compete against the best-selling Toyota Prius, two sources with knowledge of the company's plans told Reuters on Wednesday. Russia shuts four McDonald's restaurants amid Ukraine tensions MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia ordered the temporary closure of four McDonald's restaurants in Moscow on Wednesday, a decision it said was over sanitary violations but which comes against a backdrop of worsening U.S.-Russian ties over Ukraine. Berkshire Hathaway agrees to settle U.S. charges on stock deal (Reuters) - Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc agreed to pay an $896,000 fine to settle U.S. government accusations that it violated antitrust rules by failing to report a transaction that boosted its stake in building products company USG Corp. Car rental firm Hertz is latest victim of auto recalls (Reuters) - While an improving U.S. economy has helped rev up demand for car rentals, the rental companies have found themselves short of vehicles due to the slew of recalls by car manufacturers this year. FSOC takes next step in MetLife systemic review WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Financial Stability Oversight Council has closed the evidentiary record to determine whether insurer Metlife Inc is systemically important, a source familiar with the situation told Reuters. Related Video Will faster reforms speed up France? Flower power! Dandelions make car tyres? Related News Smart ways to save on college textbooks 'I don't take insurance' not always a doctor deal breaker 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