Current Business News - USA
News
Fannie, Freddie debt rallies on likely bailout
(Reuters)
Reuters - Heightened expectations for a
government bailout of U.S. home-funding giants Fannie Mae
and Freddie Mac drove their debt prices higher
on Thursday as investors bet the securities will be guaranteed
by the U.S. government even if shareholders are wiped out.
Oil rises 5 pct on global tensions, soft dollar
(Reuters)
Reuters - Oil prices rose nearly 5 percent on
Thursday, the biggest gain in more than two months, driven by
rising tensions between the United States and energy behemoth
Russia.
Analysts see tough quarter for U.S. investment banks
(Reuters)
Reuters - Wall Street research analysts are
projecting yet another tough quarter for U.S. investment banks
marked by additional writedowns across a series of fixed-income
assets amid an already weak operating environment.
Wall St drops on credit fears, soaring oil
(Reuters)
Reuters - U.S. stocks fell on Thursday as fears
of more credit losses in the financial sector jolted investors,
while soaring oil prices fueled concerns that consumer spending
may further slow down.
American Eagle gold coins sold out after spree
(Reuters)
Reuters - A buying spree in the popular American
Eagle bullion coins appears to have depleted inventory of major
North American coin dealers, contributing to supply fears and
sharply higher gold prices on Thursday.
Trends & Innovations - Wednesday
(Investor's Business Daily)
Investor's Business Daily - The proportion of working-age Americans facing medical debt rose to 72 mil or 41% last year, up from 58 mil or 34% in '05, according to a new survey by the nonprofit Commonwealth Fund. About half of those facing health debt have up to $2,000 in bills, while 12% have more than $4,000 in debt and another 12% have more than $8,000. The survey also found most of those with medical debt said they had exhausted their savings, with some also tapping into credit cards, home equity or cutting back on food or heat to cover health care costs.
Kohl's President Mansell appointed CEO
(Reuters)
Reuters - Kohl's Corp , a mid-priced
apparel and home goods retailer, said on Thursday that Chief
Executive Larry Montgomery would step down from the role, to be
succeeded by President Kevin Mansell.
