Big probe
A broad probe by the SEC is looking into whether exchanges favor large trading companies at the expense of smaller customers, FT.com reported. Regulatory concerns have been heightened by the collapse of futures broker MF Global.
Slow China
China’s economic growth slowed in the first two months of the year, with both exports and domestic demand moderating faster than analysts had forecast, building the case for Premier Wen Jiabao to accelerate stimulus measures. The world’s second-largest economy had the biggest trade deficit last month in at least 22 years.
Bad karma
The Knicks have gone 0-4 since owner Madison Square Garden announced 2012-13 season ticket price increases on March 5. Last year, the team lost eight of nine after MSG announced price increases.
Ads creep up
Total ad spending edged up 0.8 percent in 2011 and finished the year at $144 billion, according to data released by Kantar Media, which reported growth rates have slowed for five quarters in a row.