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On the financial sector radar this week: Iron ore hits its highest price in three months. Meanwhile, Blackstone is targeting the stumbling offshore drilling market with a new fund.

Insights

• Tech stocks are declining in general, but there are a few winners like Concurrent Computers.
• Private company investors are tightening up deals and lowering valuations for startups as �Unicorn Fever� begins to wear off.
• The focus is back on lower middle-market software developers with Discover's new fund.
• Carlyle plans to buy back $200 million of shares amid lower than expected 4^th quarter earnings.
• Generic drugs are worth increased scrutiny from both investors and consumers.
• Timmins Gold and Alexco rank among the top 5 TSX stocks.

Transactions

• Indian IT firm makes inroads into the U.S. insurance market by inking a deal with HealthPlan Services.
• Stryker adds medical device manufacturer Synergetics to its roster as part of an overall acquisitions strategy.
• Algonquin Power is also making inroads into U.S. markets with its acquisition of Empire District Electric.
• Investors should keep their eyes peeled for opportunities in the health care industry with advances in nanotechnology that could treat cardiovascular disease and a cancer drug that may help prevent Alzheimer's symptoms.
• PE-backed Advance Disposal delays its IPO.
• Web.com inks deal with online marketer Yodle.

This Day In History (Feb. 16): 1659: The first known cheque is issued for �400 and is now on display at Westminster Abbey.