Archive for February 26th, 2008

Fed’s Kohn says weighing need for more rate cuts

Tuesday, February 26th, 2008

WILMINGTON, North Carolina - A top Federal Reserve official has said on Tuesday that a weakened United States economy was a largeger worry than higher inflation, suggesting a willingness to lower interest rates further as the central bank tackles “difficult times.”

IBM purchaseback, energy gains lift stocks

Tuesday, February 26th, 2008

NEW YORK - Stocks rose for a third day on Tuesday as technology companies gained on IBM’s plans to purchase back $15 billion of its shares and the energy sector advanced on a all time high close for oil in New York.

Weak confidence, PPI jump stoke United States stagflation fear

Tuesday, February 26th, 2008

NEW YORK - The outlook of United States consumers sank to a 17-year low this month as the job market deteriorated, while costly commodities drove producer price inflation in January to its highest in more than 26 years, according to reports that stoked fears of stagflation.

Weak confidence, PPI jump stoke United States stagflation fear

Tuesday, February 26th, 2008

NEW YORK - The outlook of United States consumers sank to a 17-year low this month as the job market deteriorated, while costly commodities drove producer price inflation in January to its highest in more than 26 years, according to reports that stoked fears of stagflation.

Expected loan losses drag down bank earnings

Tuesday, February 26th, 2008

WASHINGTON - United States banks and thrifts set aside record amounts of money last year in anticipation of higher loan losses, driving down their earnings, as the housing and credit markets soured, United States regulators has said on Tuesday.

MBIA unit’s “Aaa” rating affirmed by Moody’s

Tuesday, February 26th, 2008

NEW YORK - Moody’s Investors Service on Tuesday ended its immediate threat to cut the top “Aaa” rating of MBIA Inc.’s insurance unit, citing the company’s efforts to strengthen its capital.

IBM board authorizes $15 billion share purchaseback

Tuesday, February 26th, 2008

NEW YORK - IBM has said on Tuesday its board authorized a $15 billion share purchaseback program that could boost 2008 earnings by up to 5 cents a share, sending its stock up 4.2 percent.

IBM purchaseback, energy and MBIA rating lift market

Tuesday, February 26th, 2008

NEW YORK - Stocks jumped on Tuesday after IBM has said it will purchase back $15 billion of its shares, boosting the computer hardware sector, while energy companies’ shares climbed as oil rose past $101 a barrel.