ALSO NOTED: Blackstone announces distressed debt fund; Baring's China fund plunges 11 percent in one month; and much more...

Company News:
> Baring's China fund plunges 11 percent in one month. Article
> Schwab to buy Etelligent Consulting. Article 
> Blackstone creates distressed debt fund. Article
> Reuters, Thomson expect anti-trust okay. Article
> Countrywide funds more loans in Nov. Article
> Security Capital faces up to downgrades. Article

Industry News:
> More on sovereign wealth funds. Article
> Banks face barriers in Vietnam. Article 

Regulatory News:
> FINRA raps JP Morgan over consultants and munis. Article

And Finally... Avoid office party embarassments. Article