*A bitterly divided Senate voted Thursday to eliminate filibusters
for most presidential nominees, a momentous and politically risky step
that limits the ability of Republicans to block President Obama's
choices for executive-branch and most judicial posts.
* Sales of convertible bonds are booming, as investors seeking to
benefit from the roaring U.S. stock rally rush to purchase debt that can
convert into shares.
* Charter Communications is nearing an agreement with banks to borrow
money for a bid for Time Warner Cable , according to people familiar
with the situation.