U.S. stocks turn mixed; Goldman report triggers sell-off

Date: Fri, 25 Jan 2008 17:06:04 (GMT)

U.S. stocks turn mixed; Goldman report triggers sell-off

NEW YORK
U.S. stocks faltered on Friday after amid reports that Goldman Sachs
might trim its workforce in making annual reviews, dimming earlier
optimism that came with a slew of bright profit reports.

Overseas growth boosts Caterpillar profit

Caterpillar posts an 11% rise in fourth-quarter profit as booming
overseas demand for the company's construction and mining equipment
more than makes up for weakness in its home market.

Speculation mounts over bid for weakened Societe Generale

Societe Generale's shock $7.1 billion fraud loss has reignited
speculation that it will be bought, with the likes of BNP Paribas and
Barclays touted as potential bidders, though finding the cash for a deal
could be tough.

White House, House agree on economic stimulus

Moving quickly as fears about a recession mushroom, the White House and
House leaders reach an agreement to juice the economy with nearly $150
billion in tax relief.

Metals Stocks: Gold sets new record as South African miners halt
operations

Gold futures soared to a new record high on Friday following reports
that several major gold miners in South Africa, the world's
second-largest gold producer, halted their mining operations because of
troubles with power supplies.