Bullish Sentiment Still Permeating Markets Stocks finished solidly higher, with the S&P 500 Index ending above the 1,000 level for the first time in 2009. A mix of economic and earnings news supported the gains, as manufacturing reports from around the globe came in better than expected, capped by this morning’s strong ISM Manufacturing Index report. Treasuries were under pressure following the economic data, and the US dollar sank to its lowest level since just after the Lehman Brothers collapse, signaling that the fear pervading markets since last fall is rapidly dissipating.

Apple today announced that Dr. Eric Schmidt, chief executive officer of Google, is resigning from Apple’s Board of Directors, a position he has held since August 2006. “Eric has been an excellent Board member for Apple, investing his valuable time, talent, passion and wisdom to help make Apple successful,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO, “Unfortunately, as Google enters more of Apple’s core businesses, with Android and now Chrome OS, Eric’s effectiveness as an Apple Board member will be significantly diminished, since he will have to recuse himself from even larger portions of our meetings due to potential conflicts of interest.

That was my first thought after seeing the news that Google CEO Dr Eric Schmidt is leaving the Apple board . Steve Jobs: Unfortunately, as Google enters more of Apple’s core businesses, with Android and now Chrome OS, Eric’s effectiveness as an Apple Board member will be significantly diminished, since he will have to recuse himself from even larger portions of our meetings due to potential conflicts of interest. Therefore, we have mutually decided that now is the right time for Eric to resign his position on Apple’s Board.

Google CEO Eric Schmidt may have left Apple’s Board of Directors , but the Federal Trade Commission ain’t letting up on its investigation into the two companies. The FTC told Reuters today that the investigation into possible anticompetitive behavior was still on, though the Commission praised the companies for recognizing that there could have been a conflict of interest. The FTC first launched its probe into Google and Apple in May because the two companies shared two board members: Schmidt and Genentech CEO Arthur Levinson.

Few observers expressed much surprise over Google CEO Eric Schmidt’s decision Monday to step down from Apple’s board. Analysts said the writing was on the wall, as Google’s Android smartphone software competes in the same market at Apple’s iPhone, and Google’s forthcoming Chrome operating system prepares to enter a market against Apple’s Mac OS. Schmidt said earlier this month he expected to chat with Apple about his role on its board, and what with increased regulatory scrutiny about the company’s ties, many say it was only a matter of time.

Google’s SEO Eric Schmidt is resigning from Apple’s board of directors. The reason is the increasing rivalry between the two companies, and the issue that two of the biggest tech companies in the world are sharing directors can have implications regarding competition and insider information and antitrust rules. Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple said in a statement today that Schmidt was having to exit more meetings due to the fact that the two companies, that were previously operating in different markets, and getting increasingly closer.

Conflicts of interest Google’s Chief Executive, Eric Schmidt, has resigned from Apple’s board of directors. Conflicts of interest are blamed, as Google has entered an increasing number of markets that Apple competes in. Since Google launched its G1 mobile phone and Android operating system, Schmidt has had to recuse himself from any decisions involving the iPhone. However, since Google has also entered the web browser and operating system markets, his position has become increasingly unteneble.

Apple’s mysterious and oft-discussed approval process just received another big talking point. Khalid Shaikh, founder of Perfect Acumen , was just banned from the App Store, according to MobileCrunch . Apparently, he and his staff launched 943 apps over the past nine months using a method of distribution practiced by bulk publishers who basically just package crap and offer it in the App Store while hoping their search terms succeed at drawing in unlucky buyers.

Eric Schmidt Resigns From Apple’s Board – gadgetteaser.com 08/03/2009 Eric Schmidt stepped down from his position on Apple’s board today, amidst scrunity about the two companies’ internal dealings. In early July Schmidt said he would reconsider his position in light of the announcement of Google Chrome OS, which will directly compete in another Apple market.

Lo’ Speech Heads! From high atop Mount Apple, the sentence was handed down. Today, Eric Schmidt, Google’s CEO, will have to find a seat outside Apple’s boardroom. Schmidt had served on the board for three years. In a statement from Apple, Steve Jobs noted Schmidt’s contributions and said that the departure was mutual. “Unfortunately, as Google [...]