[Am-info] Coincidence?

[John J. Urbaniak]

First this happened:

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Microsoft Dismissal Motion Denied

By D. IAN HOPPER AP Technology Writer


http://news.findlaw.com/ap_stories/high_tech/1700/6-12-2002/20020612114502_08.html

WASHINGTON (AP) - A federal judge refused Wednesday to throw out a suit
by nine states  accusing Microsoft Corp. of antitrust violations.

Microsoft had asked the judge to toss out the suit, saying the states
could not show specific harm to their citizens and do not have authority
to ask for sweeping penalties that would  apply to the entire nation.

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Then Microsoft stock price began to fall,

Then all of a sudden a rumor hit Wall Street that Microsoft would
pre-announce earnings in excess of estimates,

Then Microsoft stock price began to rise.

Does anyone think the timing of this rumor following the legal setback
was a coincidence?

I don't.

Does anyone believe that Microsoft started the rumor?

I do!

So far, I've not heard any such pre-announcement.

John