MORNING COFFEE

More Companies Eyeing Potash. Reports say that both Sinochem, a Chinese-state owned chemical group, and Vale (VALE), have contacted Potash (POT) with initial inquiries about holding merger talks. Other companies have also expressed interest including BHP Billiton's (BHP).

Upgrades

Bank of America (BAC): Standpoint Research raised their rating from Hold to Accumulate.

Coverage Reiterated/Price Target Changed

Allstate (ALL): Stifel Nicolaus reiterated their Buy rating and raised their target price from $43.00 to $45.00.

Exxon Mobil (XOM): Argus reiterated their Buy rating and lowered their target price from $80.00 to $76.00.

·         Futures: Dow +0.4%. S&P +0.6%. Nasdaq +0.7%. Crude +0.2% to $73.98. Gold 0.0% at $1228.70.

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