2tax - tax info spot

You could almost hear the sigh of relief. Last year, a sense of foreboding hung in the air at the Federal Reserve's annual summer conference.

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke on Friday offered his most optimistic outlook since the financial crisis struck, saying the economy is on the verge of growing again.

FBL Financial Group Inc. said Friday its board declared a quarterly dividend of 6.25 cents per share. The dividend is payable on Sept. 30 to shareholders of record Sept. 15.

Shares of Eaton Vance Corp. advanced Friday after a Fox-Pitt analyst upgraded the investment manager, citing an improved valuation and market position.

HopFed Bancorp, Inc. today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.12 per share.

Still trying to turn finite resources into infinite prosperity.

Shares of Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates Inc. climbed modestly Friday afternoon after analysts praised the chip manufacturing equipment maker, with C.J. Muse of Barclays Capital seeing a "treasure trove of opportunities" for the company.

Shares of BankAtlantic Bancorp Inc. plummeted Friday after the Florida-based bank said it was setting a subscription price for a previously announced rights offering.

NEW YORK----The Board of Directors of Lazard World Dividend & Income Fund, Inc. has authorized the Fund to declare today a monthly distribution of $0.0467 per share on the Fund’s outstanding common stock.

NEW YORK----The Board of Directors of Lazard Global Total Return & Income Fund has authorized the Fund to declare today, pursuant to a level distribution policy, a monthly distribution of $0.07594 per share on the Fund’s outstanding common stock.