The rumour that Microsoft are going to be partnering with Adobe has gone viral. The New York Times reported that Microsoft had met with Adobe, the main okes what count met in San Francisco. Other sources say that this is complete nonsense. Here is the story: What Did Microsoft and Adobe Chiefs Talk About? Clearly if true, not such a well kept secret. These folks who are familiar with the situation, they are EVERYWHERE!!! As you can see from the article, both companies say very little.
The fellows over at CNET think that there is nothing to it, check it out: Sources say Microsoft-Adobe rumor 'nonsense'. What it did do however, was to see the Adobe price up 11 and a half percent in normal trade, still a long way away from the steep fall three weeks back. And perhaps the most important note was the fellows at Marketwatch who quite simply said that Microsoft lacks history with large deals. There is always a first time guys.
Alcoa reported numbers after hours and they were better than predicted, if you exclude exceptional items and if you include them. And the outlook is better would you believe. Afterhours the stock is up just shy of three percent. The full presentation of the 3rd Quarter 2010 Earnings Conference is available, if you want to have a look.