Securities division settles with Stifel Nicolaus 

Stifel Nicolaus and Co. will accelerate its repurchase of auction rate securities for all of its investors holding less than $150,000 by December 2010. Every Colorado investor with Stifel will receive at least a partial payout no later than Jan. 15, according to the terms of an agreement  worked out with the Colorado Division of Securities. [...] [...]