M&A Talk Moves Stocks

Analyst Downgrades: Bear Stearns downgraded General Motors(GM) from peer perform to underperform, saying estimates look high, following the automaker's settlement with the UAW. GM is also highly levered to a slowing U.S. economy. GM's stock fell 3.7% to $39.60 in recent trading.

Analyst Upgrades: JP Morgan raised its rating on Agilent Technologies(A) from neutral to overweight and added the stock to the Focus List, with a $46 price target. The scientific-equipment maker remains a potential takeover target. Shares are up 9 cents at $ 38.27.

Latest Activist Situations: StreetInsider.com's 13D Tracker points to a regulatory filing on The Children's Place(PLCE) in which Ezra Dabah, the retail chain's former Chairman/CEO and a 17.9% shareholder is considering teaming up with outside sources to make a buyout offer for the struggling company. Dabah, who resigned from his position as CEO last month but still serves as director, has hired Bear Stearns as a financial advisor. The retailer of children's apparel sunk 3.3% to $23.91 in recent trading Tuesday.

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