U.S. Sues UBS; Unemployment Highest Since 1967; BoA Criticizes Housing Plan; Oil Soars Over $39; HP Lowers Forecast; Brazilian Jetmaker Cuts 20% of Workforce

The U.S. unemployment rate, currently at a level of 6.5%, could rise to 8% next year. But it could also find a ceiling sooner than expected, as more companies implement unpaid vacations and four-day workweeks to preserve jobs.

Hewlett-Packard Co. (NYSE:HPQ) is making big strides even as the economy falls deeper into recession. HP’s superior products and exemplary execution are key factors behind this trend, says Horacio Marquez. And with the stock beaten down by broad market panic, Horacio says the company is a steal. He recommends building up a position in increments over the coming four months.

HP Beats 4Q Forecasts; Carrefour Milks New CEO From Nestle; InBev Officially Closes Anheuser Buy; Home Depot Beats 3Q Estimate; Gulf Bank Loses $1.4 Billion; Mexican Tycoon Interested in Circuit City; Wholesale Prices Plummet

Electronics retailer Best Buy (NYSE:BBY) slashed its full-year outlook today, saying it was “the most difficult climate we’ve ever seen.” But Paul Moore says Best Buy isn’t likely to head the same way as mismanaged Circuit City (NYSE:CC). In fact, BBY should even get a lift from the bankruptcy of its main rival just before the holiday season.

Circuit City Stores Inc. (CC) has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, a week after the struggling electronics retailer announced it would close 155 of its 566 U.S. stores by Dec. 31 and slash its workforce by 17%.

Investors are human. They make mistakes. That is why hedging is so important, says Alexander Green. He says there are plenty of stock bargains out there right now, but most people are too scared to enter the market. Alex recommends using trailing stops to limit downside risk on these 13 cash-rich companies.

The markets are truly scary right now. Global credit has all but frozen. Stocks around the world are tumbling. And to make matters worse, governments and central banks are trying to ‘fix’ the problem with massive interventions.

But for investors with “a clear head and a keen eye for opportunity” boldness can pay big dividends.

Taipan Daily editor Justice Litle says there are five proven strategies for building wealth… regardless of whether the bulls or the bears are in charge. 

Electronic Arts Ditches Take-Two; Nucor’s Positive Outlook; Best Buy Snaps up Napster; Target’s New Ballpark; Oil Hits Six-Month Low; Wilbur Ross Expects 1,000 U.S. Banks to Fail; Hewlett-Packard Slashes Payrolls

Retailer’s Sales Slump But Not Its Stock; Stay-at-Home Diners Hurts Darden; Oil’s Dollar Jump on Weather and Political Unrest; FDIC’s Bad Bank List Bulges; HP Closes Deal with EDS; Citi Pays Restitution; GT Solar Swings to Profit; Rio Digs Record Results