Bank of Japan Stands Pat on Easing, Continues Economic Stimulus

The Bank of Japan stood pat on interest rates but vowed to continue buying bonds in an attempt to stimulate its economy. Meanwhile, Pimco's Chief Investment Officer says the chance the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates at this week's meeting has dropped to below 50%. Activist Investor Carl Icahn has raised his stake in Cheniere Energy (LNG) to just under 10%. Icahn raised his stake in the liquified natural gas company less than a moth after two Icahn directors were appointed to its board. Another notable investor Jim Chanos, is going in the opposite direction. He is better Cheniere's shares will fall, calling the LNG space a 'looming disaster'. Ford (F) has reached a new supply deal with Alcoa (AA) that would expand its use of aluminum in the car maker's F-150 pickup truck and other vehicles. The agreement will allow Ford to use more sophisticated aluminum allows that will debut this year on the company's top-selling truck and eventually find their way to other Ford models over time.