Institutional Shareholders Services has thrown its support behind the NYSE's proposed merger with Euronext. The move will certainly drum up support among big institutions. The market has delivered its verdict. Also, French, Dutch, Belgian, Portuguese and British regulators said they were satisfied with the commitments made by Euronext and would not oppose the deal. So this is more good news for the NYSE. This is as good a time as any to contrast the winning efforts of the Big Board with the efforts of the Nasdaq. As far as international expansion goes, the NYSE is winning hands down. You have to wonder what the Nasdaq will do next if the LSE deal continues to founder.

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- in an update on the ISS from the AP