Cameco (CCJ) (BHP) (ALJ) (HNR) (WLL) (AGU) Ratings, Price Targets

Cameco (NYSE: CCJ), BHP Billiton (NYSE: BHP), Alon USA Energy (NYSE: ALJ), Harvest Natural Resources (NYSE: HNR), Whiting Petroleum (NYSE: WLL) and Agrium (NYSE: AGU) ratings and price targets.

Cameco (CCJ) was downgraded by Zacks Investment Research from a “Neutral” rating to an “Underperform” rating.

BHP Billiton (BHP) was downgraded by Zacks Investment Research from a “Neutral” rating to an “Underperform” rating.

Alon USA Energy (ALJ) was downgraded by Zacks Investment Research from a “Neutral” rating to an “Underperform” rating.

Harvest Natural Resources (HNR) was downgraded by Global Hunter Securities to an “Accumulate” rating.

Whiting Petroleum (WLL) was downgraded by Susquehanna from a “Positive” rating to a “Neutral” rating. They have a price target of $56.00 on the company.

Agrium (AGU) was upgraded by BMO Capital Markets from a “Market Perform” rating to an “Outperform” rating.

NIKE (NKE) (CCJ) (TDC) (BIG) (BKEP) (MCRS) Ratings Reiterated

Nike, Inc. (NYSE: NKE), Cameco Co. (NYSE: CCJ), Teradata Co. (NYSE: TDC), Big Lots, Inc. (NYSE: BIG), Blueknight Energy Partners L.P. (NASDAQ: BKEP) and Micros Systems Inc (NASDAQ: MCRS) had their ratings reiterated by analysts.

Oppenheimer reiterated an "Outperform" ratng on Teradata Co. (TDC).

Piper Jaffray (NYSE:PJC) reiterated a "Neutral" rating on Big Lots, Inc. (BIG).

Stifel Nicolaus reiterated a "Buy" rating on Nike, Inc. (NKE).

Stifel Nicolaus reiterated a “Buy” rating on Blueknight Energy Partners L.P. (BKEP).

Oppenheimer reiterated an "Outperform" ratng on Micros Systems Inc. (MCRS).

Gabelli reiterated a "Buy" rating on Cameco Co. (CCJ).

Ratings on (CCJ) (CLR) (DO) (DX) (ETFC) Upgraded

Analysts upgraded their ratings on Cameco Co. (NYSE: CCJ), Continental Resources, Inc. (NYSE: CLR), Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc. (NYSE: DO), Dynex Capital, Inc. (NYSE: DX) and E TRADE Financial Co. (NASDAQ: ETFC) today.

TD Newcrest upgraded Cameco Co. (CCJ) from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating.

Canaccord Genuity upgraded Continental Resources, Inc. (CLR) from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating.

Duncan Williams upgraded Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc. (DO) from a “reduce” rating to a “strong buy” rating. They have a $86.75 price target on the company. They cited valuation as the catalyst behind the call.

Ladenburg Thalmann upgraded Dynex Capital, Inc. (DX) from a “neutral” rating to a “buy” rating. They have a price target of $10.50 on the company.

Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) upgraded E TRADE Financial Co. (ETFC) from a “neutral” rating to a “buy” rating.

Cameco (CCJ) Falters, Uranium COs Trade Mixed

Companies and ETFs with exposure to uranium and nuclear are trading mixed after the poor first quarter results reported by Cameco Corp. (NYSE:CCJ).

Fortunately it was a miss related more to the company than it was to the sector, otherwise share prices would have plummeted across the board because of the continuing uncertainty in the nuclear industry related to the consequences of the earthquake in Japan.

Uranium production volume fell to 4.7 million pounds, a plunge of 23 percent. Most of that was attributed to a drop in production at McArthur River/Key Lake.

Sales volume dropped 8 percent, resulting in a 2 percent fall in revenue from uranium for Cameco.

Cameco also guided lower for the remainder of 2011.

Nuclear ETF iShares S&P Global Nuclear Energy Index (Nasdaq:NUCL) was trading at $42.00, gaining $0.35, or 0.84 percent, after trading down most of the day. Market Vectors Nuclear Energy Energy (NYSEArca:NLR) was trading at $22.64, up $0.20, or 0.89 percent.

Denison (NYSE:DNN) was trading at $2.17, down $0.01, or -0.46 percent. Cameco Corporation was at $28.31, falling $0.27, or 0.94 percent. USEC Inc. (NYSE:USU) was at $4.30, declining $0.01, or 0.23 percent. Uranium One (TSE:UUU) was trading in Toronto at $4.17, falling $0.06, or 1.42 percent. Uranium Resources, Inc. (NASDAQ:URRE) was trading at $1.65, up $0.03, or 1.85 percent. Uranium Energy (AMEX:UEC) climbed to $3.25, rising $0.05, or 1.56 percent. Ur-Energy Inc. (AMEX:URG) was at $1.51, gaining $0.02, or 1.34 percent. Uranerz Energy Corporation (AMEX:URZ) was trading at $2.725, up 0.085, or 3.22 percent

Almost every uranium company started to rebound at about 2:30 PM EDT.

Cameco (CCJ) (URG) (URZ) (NLR) Ready to Soar on Nuclear Demand?

One element involved in the nuclear and uranium industry is some companies are exposed to several sectors and/or segments of energy, so they must be considered in that light accordingly, but with nuclear sure to be begin to rebound, as it appears it already is, companies like Cameco Corporation (NYSE:CCJ), Ur-Energy Inc. (AMEX:URG), Uranerz Energy Corporation (AMEX:URZ) and Market Vectors Nuclear Energy E (NYSEArca:NLR) should benefit from the move.

A couple of bits of news gave the uranium and nuclear sector a boost Tuesday. One was the announcement by Uranerz Energy (URZ) that the company has increased its uranium resource base at Power River Basin by 45 percent to 19.1 million pounds. The company also said in its note to shareholders that it now holds $47 million in cash. That gave the company a 10 percent boost in its share price, and will have a short-term positive effect on the sector.

More important, and something that gives a look at the near-term outlook for the uranium and nuclear industry, is the new that Russian and Chinese state-owned nuclear companies have made bids for Australian uranium assets, underscoring the reality nuclear remains extremely important to the countries, and their plans to expand in that energy area will continue for years.

The difference now and after the nuclear problems in Japan is the companies are asking for a reduction in their bids. Rosatom bid for ASX-listed Tanzanian uranium developer Mantra Resources (ASX:MRU), where they asked for a reduction of 12 percent of the former bid.

China's CGNPC told Kalahari Minerals they want to cut 7 percent off its takeover bid.

So it appears the tragedy in Japan hasn't done much to stop nuclear demand, but rather has lowered the premium prices that had existed before the earthquake.

With uranium demand unlikely to fall any time soon, it's uncertain whether the lower acquisition bids will put downward pressure on margins and earnings of companies if that extends to uranium prices as well.

The bottom line is nuclear and uranium are not going anywhere, and China and Russia appear to be making a move to lock up long-term sources at prices 7 to 12 percent lower than before the nuclear crisis in Japan.

How that will affect the overall industry has yet to unfold, but it has definitely changed the game. What hasn't changed is the demand for uranium and nuclear power.

This won't be a sudden move, but one that evolves over time. In the meantime, China and Russia are attempting to get some bargains and supply sources before the rest of the market catches on.

Cameco (CCJ) (UEC) (TSE:PDN) (EXC) Rebounding After Initial Shock

Shares of uranium and nuclear companies like Uranium Energy (AMEX:UEC), Paladin (TSE:PDN), Cameco Corporation (NYSE:CCJ) and Exelon (NYSE:EXC) are starting to slowly gain traction again after the initial shock of the nuclear disaster in Japan from the earthquake is starting to slowly wind down.

The extreme news headlines suggesting that the nuclear sector is going to be abandoned and replaced by other so-called "green" energy is ludicrous of course, as solar and wind turbines are a poor and unpredictable sources of energy, and will never be able to supply, or come close to supplying, the growing energy needs of the world.

While it's predictable the nuclear industry will go over safety measures to ensure the highest safety levels possible, the idea of taking an extremely rare occurence like an 8.9 earthquake as the worst case scenario isn't going to happen, even though the industry will be safer and better for making any improvements they can.

This is a time to look at low valuations and buy up targeted nuclear and uranium companies, as they will undoubtedly rebound and make shareholders and investors a lot of money.

Cameco closed Friday at $29.48, up $0.04, or 0.14 percent.

Cameco (CCJ) (URG) (PDN) (EXC) Closed Mixed in Monday Trading

Shares of uranium and nuclear companies like Ur-Energy Inc. (AMEX:URG), Paladin (TSE:PDN), Cameco Corporation (NYSE:CCJ) and Exelon (NYSE:EXC) closed mixed Monday April 25th after the initial shock of the nuclear challenges in Japan from the earthquake start to gradually wind down.

The headline's that the nuclear sector is going to be abandoned and replaced by other so-called "green" energy is of course ludicrous, as solar and wind turbines are a poor and unpredictable source of energy, and will never be able to supply, or come close to supplying, the growing energy needs of the world.

While it's obvious the nuclear industry will go over safety measures to ensure the highest safety levels possible, the idea of taking an extremely rare occurrence like an 8.9 earthquake in Japan as the worst case scenario to determine nuclear strategies isn't going to happen, even though the industry will be safer and better for making any improvements they can.

Uranium suppliers, either way, will continue to enjoy growth going forward, regardless of the response to the industry in the aftermath of Japan, as existing nuclear plants will continue to operate for years into the future, and will need uranium to power them.

Who could be hurt more, depending on if they have any courage to continue on in the sector or not, are General Electric (NYSE:GE) and Siemens (NYSE:SI).

Shaw (SHAW) (CCJ) (cxz) (UUU) Trade Mixed as Nuclear Looks for Clarity

Shares of uranium and nuclear companies like Crosshair Expl & Mining (AMEX:cxz), Uranium One (TSE:UUU), Cameco Corporation (NYSE:CCJ) and Shaw Group Inc. (NYSE:SHAW) are trading mixed after the initial shock of the nuclear challenges in Japan from the earthquake have started to slowly wind down.

The headline silliness that the nuclear sector is going to be abandoned and replaced by other so-called "green" energy is ludicrous, as solar and wind turbines are a poor and unpredictable source of energy, and will never be able to supply, or come close to supplying, the growing energy needs of the world.

While it's obvious the industry will go over safety measures to ensure the highest safety levels possible, the idea of taking an extremely rare occurence like an 8.9 earthquake as the worst case scenario isn't going to happen, even though the industry will be safer and better for making any improvements they can.

Crosshair Expl & Mining (AMEX:cxz) closed Thursday at $0.995, falling $0.035, or 3.40percent. Uranium One closed in Toronto at $3.97, down $0.05, or 1.24 percent. Cameco Corporation ended the day at $29.09, gaining $0.09, or 0.24 percent. Shaw closed at $37.94, rising $0.10, or 0.26 percent.

Denison (DNN) (CCJ) (SO) (USU) Trade Mixed as Nuclear Settles Down

Shares of uranium and nuclear companies Southern Company (NYSE:SO), USEC Inc. (NYSE:USU), Denison Mines Corp (AMEX:DNN) and Cameco Corporation (NYSE:CCJ) are trading mixed after the early shock of the nuclear disaster in Japan from the earthquake are gradually winding down.

The headlines that imply that somehow the nuclear sector was going to be cut and replaced by other so-called "green" energy is nonsense, as solar and wind turbines are a poor and unpredictable source of energy, and will never be able to supply, or come close to supplying the growing energy needs of the world.

While it's a no brainer the industry will go over safety measures to ensure the highest safety levels possible, to use a rare occurrence like an 8.9 earthquake as the worst case scenario isn't going to happen in the nuclear industry, even though the sector will be safer and better for making any improvements they are able to.

USEC closed Tuesday at $4.34, gaining $0.03, or 0.70 percent. Cameco Corporation closed at $28.43, jumping $0.31, or 1.10 percent. Denison Mines Corp. ended the trading day at $2.29, level with Monday's close. Southern Company closed at $38.19, down $0.09, or 0.24 percent.

Cameco (CCJ) (UEC) (SHAW) (DNN) Close Up as Nuclear Rebounds

Shares of uranium and nuclear companies like Shaw Group Inc. (NYSE:SHAW), Uranium Energy (AMEX:UEC), Denison Mines Corp (AMEX:DNN) and Cameco Corporation (NYSE:CCJ) are rebounding after the initial shock of the nuclear challenges in Japan from the earthquake are gradually winding down.

The headline nonsense that somehow the nuclear sector was going to be cut and replaced by other so-called "green" energy is ludicrous, as solar and wind turbines are a poor and unpredictable source of energy, and will never be able to supply, or come close to supplying the growing energy needs of the world.

While it's obvious the industry will go over safety measures to ensure the highest levels possible, to use a rare occurrence like an 8.9 earthquake as the worst case scenario isn't going to happen, even though the industry will be safer and better for making any improvements they can.

Cameco Corporation closed Friday at $28.46, gaining $0.42, or 1.50 percent. Denison Mines closed at $2.38, rising $0.02, or 0.85 percent. Uranium Energy closed at $4.09, up $0.06, or 1.49 percent. Shaw Group closed at $37.75, increasing $0.41, or 1.10 percent.

Uranium (CCJ)(URZ)(DNN)(URG)(URRE)(UEC) Sees Big Rebound Friday

Uranium companies exploded upward Friday, taking back much of the losses after temporary concerns over uranium demand in light of possible slowdown in the nuclear industry.

Shares of Ur Energy Inc. (AMEX:URG), Uranium Resources, Inc. (Nasdaq:URRE), Uranium Energy Corp. (AMEX:UEC), Cameco Corp. (NYSE:CCJ), Uranerz Energy Corp. (AMEX:URZ) and Denison Mines Corp. (AMEX:DNN) up all soared on the day.

Those bold and wise enough to pour their money into the companies after the sell off have made a lot of money, as the stocks were considered oversold as most countries reiterated their commitment to a nuclear strategy to help meet energy needs.

Denison closed Friday at $2.61, gaining $0.19, or 7.85 percent. Uranerz Energy Corp. closed at $3.10, up $0.23, or 8.01 percent. Cameco closed at $29.40, up $1.30, or 4.63 percent. Uranium Energy Corp. ended the day at $4.28, gaining $0.44, or 11.46 percent. Uranium Resources closed at $2.17, rising $0.54, or 33.13 percent. Ur Energy Inc. closed the session at $1.70, up $0.26, or 18.06 percent.

Denison (AMEX:DNN) Rebounds, Cameco (NYSE:CCJ) Still Punished

Shares of Denison (AMEX:DNN) moved up on Thursday, while Cameco (NYSE:CCJ) continues to get punished on uranium and nuclear concerns from the effects of the earthquake in Japan.

Denison may be getting action on its lower valuation, although Cameco has dropped significantly since last Friday as well. When measured by percentages, Denison has fallen the furthest, and is in a position to benefit investors quicker than Cameco, which has dropped by almost 25 percent, while Denison had dropped by over 33 percent at its five-day low.

The question is whether or not the uranium and nuclear stocks have hit their low, or there's more volatility to come.

Until the situation in Japan is clarified on the nuclear front, it'll be a up and down ride in this sector, as well as other affected by the disaster.

Cameco closed Thursday at $28.10, down $1.54, or 5.20 percent. Denison closed at $2.42, gaining $.13, or 5.68 percent.

China Temporarily Suspends Nuclear Plant Approvals

Confirming what they've already said, China said it will continue to build its nuclear reactors and maintian their nuclear energy strategy, although they have stopped approval of nuclear plants in order to go over safety standards to see if anything needs to be changed.

Some media outlets have made this look as if there is some doubt as to using nuclear energy in China, but that's not the case at all; it's just a temporary precaution to make sure the proper safety measures in place before proceeding.

In a statement made by the Chinese state council, they also said it "has required relevant departments to do safety checks at existing plants."

"Before the revised safety standards are approved, all new nuclear power plants, including pre-construction works, should be suspended," according to the statement.

The report concluded that China isn't affected by radioactive leakage from the Japanese plant.

As expected, the nuclear, and by extension, uranium industry, could be under short-term pressure, but that won't last long once the safety process is completed.

With the nuclear goals still in place, it's unclear whether that will have too much of a detrimental impact on uranium companies, as an expected supply problem has been anticipated for some time, and China and others vying for uranium may continue to stock up.

Some uranium companies are Cameco (NYSE:CCJ), Crosshair (AMEX:CXZ), Denison (AMEX:DNN), Uranium Energy (AMEX:UEC), UR Energy (AMEX:URG), Uranium Resources (NASDAQ:URRE) and Uranerz Energy (AMEX:URZ).

Cameco (CCJ) CEO Says Nuclear Renaissance Will Continue

While acknowledging there could be a temporary slowdown in the nuclear industry because of Japan nuclear struggles, Cameco (NYSE:CCJ) Chief Executive Officer Jerry Grandey doesn't see it having a negative impact on the long term.

Grandey says he firmly believes the nuclear renaissance will survive the unfolding Japanese nuclear disaster, as the 60-plus power plants now under construction around the globe continue to forge ahead.

During a conference call with analysts, investors and news media Monday, Grandey said two Japanese utilities are directly affected. However, even if they were to temporarily deter part of their deliveries, Cameco would still be well within its guidance for their year, he emphasized.

Of the 54 nuclear power stations in Japan, 11 are now down due to the earthquake and the tsunami, Grandey said. Nevertheless, he explained, "Even if the 11 units remain down, it would not be all that significant to Cameco."

And, Grandey stressed, Cameco will not shift its uranium portfolio as a consequence of the events in Japan. Nor does he anticipate that the Saskatchewan-based uranium miner will have to sell back into the spot market.

No long-term contracts have been canceled at this point, Grandey noted.




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Cameco (CCJ), Denison Mines (DNN), Crosshair (AMEX:CXZ), Uranium Energy (UEC) Punished on Nuclear Uncertainty

From an investing standpoint, the drop in share prices of nuclear-exposed stocks like Cameco (CCJ), Denison Mines (AMEX:DNN), Crosshair Expl & Mining (AMEX:CXZ) and Uranium Energy (AMEX:UEC) must be considered a buying opportunity, as the fundamentals in the industry won't be changing at all, even with the usual political performance of "looking into" the industry.

The idea of solar and wind turbines as legitimate energy sources are laughable, and the endless support of so-called clean energy is represented by nuclear itself, which brings the list of alternatives down to a very few possibilities.

That also doesn't include the fact that there isn't enough energy to face the near future, and nuclear will have to be built and expanded to meet it.

So in spite of the inevitable calls for slowing down the industry, etc., after some looks into improving the sector, we'll return the ongoing nuclear expansion, as the newer reactors are even safer than the old ones, and they are the best answer over the next several decades while other alternatives are being explored.

For those with a little patience, most of those in the sector which are healthy companies will rebound back, and investment now will pay off in a relatively short time, once the situation in Japan is understood better and the news is digested.

Cameco closed Monday at $32.62, down $4.76, or 12.73 percent. Denison closed at $2.55, down $0.74, or 22.49. Crosshair closed the day at $1.27, falling $0.40, or 23.95 percent. Uranium Energy closed at $3.92, falling $0.93, or 19.18 percent.

Caterpillar (CAT), Chevron (CVX), Exxon Mobil (XOM) Support Dow on Otherwise Dismal Day

The performance of the Dow Jones Industrial Average would have been much worse than it was yesterday after shares of General Electric (NYSE:GE) and the Walt Disney (NYSE:DIS) company pulled the Dow down, as later in the session Caterpillar (NYSE:CAT), Chevron (NYSE:CVX) and Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM) moved up to offer some support to the index.

Chevron and Exxon moved up as the price of oil rose to over $101 a barrel. The energy sector was the only category ending Monday in the black, as crude prices rose.

Many other sectors and companies have significant exposure in Japan, including insurers like Aflac (NYSE:AFL) and uranium companies like Cameco (NYSE:CCJ).

Caterpillar closed Monday at $102.10, gaining $2.08, or 2.08 percent. Chevron closed at $100.80, up $0.87, or 0.87 percent. Exxon ended the session at $82.38, up $0.26, or 0.32 percent.

Big Option Action on (CCJ) (TSL) (LDK) (SHAW) (USU)

Shares of Cameco (NYSE:CCJ), Trina Solar (NYSE:TSL), LDK Solar (NYSE:LDK), Shaw Group Inc. (NYSE:SHAW) and USEC Inc. (NYSE:USU) have been seeing some serious option action in response to the potential fallout from the earthquake and nuclear concerns in Japan.

Also having huge activity was the iShares MSCI Japan Index Fund (NYSEArca:EWJ), which soared far beyond its usual option and common stock activity.

According to data from Livevol, the the fund's options "implied volatility," was up almost 63%.

Jonathan Bensimon, Société Générale's head of equities and derivatives trading in New York, said, "The sentiment is that (Japan) could be a catalyst for a wider crisis ... if the Japanese consumer is hurt, it could hurt China, it could spread out."

Trades on the ETF were focused primarily on the March $9 puts to sell, which expire on Friday.

Concerning options on Cameco, that was largely centered on call options to buy shares over puts. Jon Najarian, co-founder of OptionMonster.com explained that saying in a note to clients, "The options [are] simply too expensive and the moves too great already to jump in and hedge exposure."

Shaw Group Inc. and USEC Inc. also some some significant option action on them.

In solar, options traders were interested in Trina Solar Ltd. and LDK Solar Co., which were looking for short-term upward movement in Trina stock, while LDK investors were looking at a call butterfly, targeting options which will expire in September.

iShares MSCI Japan Index Fund closed Monday at $10.05, down $0.76, or 7.03 percent. Cameco closed at $32.62, down $4.76, or 12.73 percent. Trina Solar closed at $26.00, gaining $1.77, or 7.30 percent. LDK closed at $11.58, up $0.94, or 8.83 percent. Shaw Group closed at $34.87, falling $3.54, or 9.22 percent. USEC ended the session at $4.59, losing $0.57, or 11.05 percent.

Uranium Producers (CCJ) (DNN) (USU) (URG) (URRE) Getting Crushed Today

Shares of uranium producers and suppliers are getting crushed today on concerns over the potential consequences which could come as a result of the damage at nuclear power plants in Japan.

Companies like Cameco Corporation (NYSE:CCJ), Denison Mines Corp (AMEX:DNN), USEC Inc. (NYSE:USU), URG (AMEX:URG), Uranium Resources Inc. (URRE), Crosshair Expl & Mining (AMEX:CXZ) and Uranium Energy (AMEX: UEC).

Shaw Group Inc. (NYSE:SHAW), Market Vectors Nuclear Energy E (NYSEArca:NLR) and iShares S&P Global Nuclear Energy Index (Nasdaq:NUCL) were also getting hammered.

"The triple issue of the earthquake, tsunami and now the nuclear plant is enough to make anyone afraid," said James Dailey, portfolio manager of the Team Asset Strategy Fund. "Anytime you get this type of human tragedy, it shakes people up."

Cameco was trading at $31.61, down $5.77, or 15.44 percent, as of 12:46 PM EDT. Denison Mines was at $2.48, down $0.81, or 24.62 percent. USEC was at $4.48, down $0.68, or 13.18 percent. Ur Energy collapsed to $1.84, falling $0.67, or 26.69 percent. Uranium Resources plunged to $1.70, declining $0.6250, or 26.88 percent. Crosshair plummeted to $1.22, down $0.45, or 26.95 percent. Uranium Energy dropped to $3.62, down $1.23, or 25.46 percent.

Shaw plunged to $31.16, down $7.25, or 18.88 percent. Market Vectors Nuclear Energy fell to $21.98, down $3.53, or 13.84 percent. iShares S&P Global Nuclear Energy Index dropped to $39.27, down $5.43, or 12.15 percent.

Choose Mosaic (MOS), Las Vegas Sands (LVS), State Street (STT), Cummins (CMI), Alcoa (AA), Cameco (CCJ) if Unrest Wanes

If the current unrest in the Middle East begins to wane, Vadim Zlotnikov, a strategist at BernsteinResearch, says he would choose stocks like Mosaic (MOS), Las Vegas Sands (LVS), State Street (STT), Cummins (CMI), Alcoa (AA) and Cameco (CCJ).

Assuming unrest continues, he would choose plays such as Chevron (CVX) and Conoco (COP), Bristol Myers (BMY), Sony (SNE) and DirecTV (DTV).

Big increases in the VIX, also known as the fear index, tend to weigh especially heavily on companies whose earnings prospects are tied closely to economic growth. These so-called procyclical stocks won't look like a good bet if the unrest in Libya intensifies and the New York price of oil soars to, say, $120 a barrel.

But Zlotnikov says he doesn't expect that to happen – which should be good news for the global economy and companies whose profits are strongly tied to global growth.

"While potential for spread of unrest to other major oil producing countries is clearly possible, this is not our base case as governments of oil-producing countries will seek to mitigate unrest through wage and other concessions," he writes. "Under the scenario of sustainable $100 oil during 2011, the adverse economic impact should be contained and a 'normal' decline in VIX should ensue during the next couple of weeks."




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Cameco (NYSE:CCJ) Lands Uranium Deal with Talvivaara Mining (LSE:TALV)

Finnish miner Talvivaara Mining (LSE:TALV) has signed an agreement with Cameco (NYSE:CCJ) to produce uranium as a by-product of nickel mining at its Sotkamo mine in Finland.

Terms are Cameco will invest 45 million euros to build an uranium extraction circuit at the mine. Once Cameco is paid back, they'll acquire all the uranium produced at the mine through 2027.

Estimated uranium produced at the mine on an annual basis is 350 tons, which equates to a yield of about 410 tons of the intermediate form of uranium.

It wasn't clear if Cameco, which already provides uranium for the generation of electricity in Finland, will resell to that market.

Cameco closed Tuesday at $41.06, down $0.33, or 0.80 percent. Talvivaara closed in London at $606.00, gaining $14.00, or 2.36 percent.