The probably bankruptcy of CIT Group Inc. (NYSE: CIT) could have major implications on the retail and manufacturing sectors this week, as many related companies are reliant on the financing giant.
If the last three months are any indication, the U.S. tech sector has shaken off its recession-heightened late-winter doldrums, and could see its fortunes soar in the year’s second half as businesses and consumers open their wallets and the broader economy picks up speed.
Only one of the 19 financial institutions that received a bank stress test would require additional capital, the controversial government initiative has reportedly concluded.
While many analysts expect U.S. corporate earnings and overall economic data to remain weak by historical standards, there may well be enough of an improvement over the prior months and quarters to spark some optimism that there are better times ahead.
The unemployment picture took on an even more ominous tone this week as new layoffs emphatically underscored a worsening global economy. Now, fear is rising that the losses represent a major restructuring in the business world and that some, if not most, of the jobs are gone forever.
There is a full economic calendar this week, but all eyes will be on the two-day FOMC meeting and the rate decision on Wednesday.
It will be interesting to see how the FOMC approaches this meeting. The current Fed Funds target rate is 0-0.25%, which in and of itself is rather strange. It is a moving target, not a fixed rate. Who determines which rate is used? My guess is this meeting will be used to clarify what the rate is. The Fed will either officially reduce it to 0% in a continued effort to resuscitate the economy, or lock it in at 0.25%. This would at least leave the Fed with one perceived bullet in the gun.
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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.
The huge downward pressure on stocks is over for now, says Paul Moore. But though investors be thinking about getting back into the market, they must exercise extreme caution. The coming earnings season could reveal some more ugly numbers, while light volume over Christmas can increase market volatility.
The US may be the world’s biggest economy, but it is lagging way behind in broadband penetration. President-elect Obama wants to change that, bringing broadband to all communities. David Fessler provides seven ways to profit from this “gargantuan” infrastructure upgrade.
While investors remain extremely concerned about the volatility of the U.S. stock market, the weakness of the American economy and the uncertainty of the global financial markets, last week brought “slight” relief from the excessive panic of the eight-trading-session losing streak.