If it’s good enough for Wal-Mart… Looks like the discounting model pioneered by Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT), the Bentonville, Ark.-based retailing giant, will make its way to some rather unlikely high-end retailers: Barney’s New York Inc. and Neiman Marcus Inc. have announced significant price reductions (up to 75%) over the next few days to avoid a disastrous holiday shopping season.

Bernie Madoff looks set to be this year’s Grinch, at least for stock investors. His $50 billion ‘Ponzi’ scheme suckered many high-profile institutional investors. And as full details emerge, Frank Hemsley says it could shatter the fragile confidence in the market. This could mean a sharp leg down for stocks before the New Year.