Bond-insurer woes may trigger more write-downs, turmoil

Date: Fri, 18 Jan 2008 22:01:05 (GMT)
Bond-insurer woes may trigger more write-downs, turmoil

Just when you thought it was over, trouble in the $2.3 trillion
bond-insurance business could trigger another wave of big write-downs
from banks and brokerage firms.

President Bush calls for 'rapid and direct' stimulus

President Bush urges "direct and rapid" tax relief for both U.S.
consumers and businesses, calling such a plan the country's "most
pressing economic priority."

GE: overseas demand for energy, power equipment driving 2008

NEW YORK
General Electric Co. said Friday that solid demand for its aviation, oil
and gas and transportation equipment helped lift its fourth-quarter
profit 4%, with steady overseas growth so far showing no sign of abating
in 2008 evens as the U.S. economy cools off.

Consumers spent government rebate in 2001, but times have changed

CHICAGO
If history repeats itself, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke is
right: Give consumers a sizable tax rebate check and they will mostly
take the money and run, spending those dollars and pumping energy into
the economy.