U.S. stocks end sharply lower amid rescue plan indecision

Date: Tue, 23 Sep 2008 17:03:54 -0400
U.S. stocks end sharply lower amid rescue plan indecision

Stocks brush off earlier gains to fall solidly lower as investors await
the outcome of Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson's testimony on Capitol
Hill, with lawmakers haggling over the $700 billion bailout plan
designed to relieve banks of bad debt.

Capitol Report: Bernanke rides to rescue of Paulson's debt plan

Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke rides to the rescue of Treasury Secretary
Henry Paulson in selling the government's proposed $700 billion bailout
for financial markets to skeptical lawmakers.

Administration's rescue plan hits speed bump in Congress

The biggest financial bailout in American history hits a speed bump as
members of the Senate begin to balk at quick action to pass the measure,
saying the massive bailout requires more careful discussion and
consideration. Top administration officials stand their ground in making
the case for quick passage.

Washington Mutual reportedly on hook to find buyers

As the Treasury Department struggles to justify a $700 billion bailout
of the nation's financial system, troubled Washington Mutual reportedly
is under the gun to avoid the same fate to find new ownership and steer
clear of government intervention.

Telecom Report: Google phone is nice but not a game-changer

Plain-vanilla wireless carrier T-Mobile USA is now taking a Ben &
Jerry's approach with an exotic new flavor, but the company's shift in
strategy is unlikely to convert many rival customers to its cause.