Opening Bell: 3.22.16
Goldman-1MDB Probe Zeroes In on Bond Deals (WSJ)
U.S. authorities are investigating whether Goldman Sachs Group Inc. misled bondholders when the firm sold securities issued by a Malaysian government-investment fund that is at the center of a corruption scandal, according to a person familiar with the matter. As part of an inquiry being examined by a U.S. grand jury, investigators are trying to determine if Goldman’s employees had reason to believe that some of the proceeds from bond deals done for the fund, 1Malaysia Development Bhd., known as 1MDB, weren’t being used for their intended purpose, the person said. Federal authorities also are exploring whether Goldman’s hiring practices in the region violated U.S. anticorruption laws, the person said.
Valeant Seeks CEO, Alleges Improper Actions by CFO (WSJ)
...in a rare display of boardroom infighting, Valeant revealed that it sought the resignation of board member and former Chief Financial Officer Howard Schiller, who signed off on the earnings statements Valeant is now withdrawing. Mr. Schiller fired back, hiring lawyers, denying the “improper conduct” of which the company accused him and declining to step down.
New Market for U.S. Shale Gas Opens in Europe (WSJ)
Swiss petrochemicals giant Ineos Group Holdings SA plans to accept the first American shipment of a type of shale gas to Europe on Wednesday—a milestone that marks the opening up of a new market for American energy producers trying to sell a glut of the fuel.
Morgan Stanley Chases Millionaires With a Free Platinum AmEx (Bloomberg)
The firm plans to unveil a digital cash-management offering for brokerage clients in July that includes free banking with unlimited automated teller machine rebates, identity-theft protection and access to 24-hour call centers. Clients with more than $1 million invested with Morgan Stanley can also get the $450 annual fee waived for their American Express Platinum credit card.
Dear John: What can I do with these Playboy stock certificates? (NYP)
"I found stock certificates for Playboy in a box in my closet. I took them to ScottTrade to sell, but they said they couldn’t help me. I have been trying to track this down on my own, but got nowhere. Maybe you can point me in the right direction."
Leon Cooperman and Omega Advisors Receive S.E.C. Notice (Dealbook)
Mr. Cooperman and his $5.2 billion hedge fund Omega Advisors received a notice from the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 14 outlining the possibility that they could face enforcement action over trading violations, the hedge fund manager told investors on Monday. In a letter to investors, Mr. Cooperman said the trading involved a single security in July 2010 and a possible third party. Omega had been invested in the security since 2007, he said. Mr. Cooperman, 72, did not identify the stock in the letter, but later said that it was Atlas Pipeline.
Elizabeth Warren unleashes on 'loser' Trump (CNBC)
Sen. Elizabeth Warren bashed Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump on Monday, calling him a "loser" whose personality poses a "serious threat." In a series of tweets, the Democrat from Massachusetts criticized Trump's past business ventures and his election tactics. Warren said the bombastic mogul "stands ready to tear apart an America that was built on values like decency, community and concern for our neighbors."
The Lamborghini Huracán Spyder Is the Convertible of Your Dreams (Bloomberg)
From the moment you get behind the wheel—no, from the moment you see the car—your senses go into overdrive. Everything is heightened, super-sharp in focus, as when you walk alone through a dark alley. One errant sound, one blush of wind on your cheek, and you whip to action like an assassin ready to fight.
Yesterday On Dealbreaker (DB)
“Erin,” a man’s voice said, “it’s Dick Fuld.” | Deutsche Bank argued that Mr. Trump had a cavalier history toward banks, quoting from his 2007 book, “Think Big And Kick Ass In Business And Life.” | "Where the f*ck is Donnie?" | A hedge fund manager with a crazy ex-girlfriend proses Love Actually-style.
Man With 'Bionic' Penis Loses Virginity At Age 44 (HP)
A Scottish man surgically outfitted with a so-called “bionic penis” has lost his virginity at age 44 with a sex worker who donated the session. “I’ve been waiting for this day since I was 18,” Mohammed Abad told The New Day UK. “But now a big burden is off my back and I’m so happy.” Charlotte Rose, escort and sex activist, heard about Abad’s plight through media reports and reached out to him to be his first — gratis, the Daily Beast notes...According to the Mirror, Abad and Rose got to know each other for a few days in London before the big moment. His penis malfunctioned at first but a day later he experienced conjugal bliss for the first time.