MOST NOTEWORTHY: BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and Prudential Financial were today's noteworthy upgrades:- Bernstein upgraded shares of BHP Billiton (NYSE: BHP) and Rio Tinto (NYSE: RTP) to Outperform from Market Perform as they believe urbanization in China will increase demand for metals.
- Prudential Financial (NYSE: PRU) was raised to Overweight from Underweight at Lehman as they believe the company's exposure to commercial mortgage-backed securities is limited.
- SL Green Realty (NYSE: SLG) and Brookfield Properties (NYSE: BPO) were upgraded at Credit Suisse to Neutral from Underperform.
- Yamana Gold (NYSE: AUY) was raised at UBS to Buy from Neutral.










