JAGNote by The Wall Street Journal

Banks Rush to Improve Foreclosure Practices - Under orders from U.S. regulators, 14 financial institutions have until mid-June to lay out plans to clean up their mortgage-servicing operations-and another 60 days to make the changes.But progress is uneven. Rising Oil Prices Lift Total Profit - French oil major Total posted a 51% increase in net profit in the first quarter, boosted by higher commodity prices in spite of lower petroleum output owing to the continuing unrest in Libya. RIM Warns of Weak BlackBerry Sales - BlackBerry makerResearch In Motion cut its earnings guidance for its fiscal first quarter, blaming slower-than expected smartphone shipments. Shares plunged 11% in late trading.Daimler`s Profit Nearly Doubles - Germany`s Daimler reiterated its full-year earnings outlook after first-quarter net profit nearly doubled to $1.75 billion, fueled by booming demand for luxury cars, particularly in China, and a recovery in truck sales. Microsoft Net Up, but Windows Sales Down - Microsoft`s profit rose sharply, powered by sales of its Office software and Xbox system, though the company also saw declining sales of its flagship Windows software.NYSE Shareholders Say Talk to Nasdaq - NYSE Euronextshareholders urged the company to open merger discussions with rival Nasdaq OMX Group.Buffett`s Silence on Sokol to End - At the annual meeting of Berkshire Hathaway this weekend, Warren Buffett is expected to say he doesn`t condone the conduct of David Sokol, one of his former top lieutenants, in purchasing stock in a company that Berkshire eventually bid for. Chrysler to Repay Government Loans - Chrysler plans to take out bank loans and sell debt later this quarter to repay $6.6 billion in bailout loans from the U.S. and Canadian governments.Exxon, Shell Profits Soar On Higher Oil Prices - Exxon Mobil said first-quarter earnings surged 69% as it benefited from high oil prices, stronger refining margins and a jump in natural-gas production. Royal Dutch Shell and Occidental Petroleum also posted soaring profits.Three Top Builders Post Bigger Losses - Pulte, Meritage and Ryland report bigger losses and lower revenue as closings and prices remain weak