U.S. stocks shift lower in latest about-face

Date: Fri, 17 Oct 2008 12:02:25 -0400
U.S. stocks shift lower in latest about-face

The roller-coaster ride in equity markets continues as the major indexes
bounce between positive and negative territory, with industrials
fronting losses and the energy sector fronting gains.

Economic Report: Housing starts fall to second-lowest rate in 50 years

Construction of new homes dwindle to a 17-year low in September as home
builders move to further reduce the number of unsold homes on the market
at a time when few prospective buyers are testing the waters.

Google's shares jump after profit tops estimates

Shares of Google Inc. jump in early trading Friday, a day after the
Internet giant's third-quarter profit bested Wall Street's expectations
despite uncertainty about the health of the online advertising market
and a strengthening dollar.

Forced hedge fund selling knocks some stocks off kilter

Steel Dynamics Inc. has lost more than half its market value in the past
month, despite quarterly results that showed the company in ruddy
health.

GM, Chrysler merger talks gaining support: WSJ

Embattled auto makers General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC are picking
up the pace on merger talks, pushed by banks and other lenders eager to
see a deal, according to a report published Thursday.