U.S. stocks end sharply lower as financials woes return

Date: Mon, 18 Aug 2008 17:04:10 -0400
U.S. stocks end sharply lower as financials woes return

Stocks close sharply lower, as the financial sector deepens its slide
amid reports of more losses at Lehman Brothers and of a bail-out for
mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Economic Report: Builders still gloomy, but see glimmer of hope

U.S. home builders were as gloomy in August as they've ever been about
the housing market, but saw some reason to hope that the recent housing
relief bill could help, the National Association of Home Builders says.

Emerging Markets Report: Pakistani stock market faces cloudy outlook
after resignation

The resignation of Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf triggers surge
in local equity prices, but it's unlikely to be a catalyst for a
sustained rally as political uncertainty and economic challenges
continue to weigh on investor sentiment.

Futures Movers: Oil closes below $113 on easing storm threat, sluggish
demand

Crude-oil futures fall below $113 a barrel with traders' nerves rattled
by signs of sluggish demand for oil worldwide just as concerns begin to
wane over the potential for energy supply disruptions in the Gulf of
Mexico.

Housing malaise eats into Lowe's profit

Lowe's Cos. says that its second-quarter profit fell 7.9%, hurt by the
housing market downturn, which cut into demand for cabinets, countertops
and other big-ticket purchases.