ALSO NOTED: HSBC hit by mounting credit losses; More on Barclays/RBS tactics for ABN Amro; and much more...

Company News:
> More on Barclays/RBS tactics for ABN Amro. Article
> SunTrust to buy back shares. Article
> Evercore earnings strong. Article
> Morningstar director sells shares. Article
> Claymore licenses Morningstar indexes for ETFs. Article
> Fortress earnings fall, costs climb. Article

Industry News:
> Currency trading volumes surge 16 percent in 2006. Article

Regulatory News:
> Ex-Fed chairman hired by Pimco. Article

And Finally... Gas prices soaring even higher? Article