U.S. stocks slammed again; economic data come in bleak

Date: Wed, 15 Oct 2008 17:02:57 -0400
U.S. stocks slammed again; economic data come in bleak

Stocks fall sharply, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average sliding more
than 700 points, battered by evidence a painful recession is already
under way and overshadowing progress in shoring up the global financial
system.

International strength boosts Coca-Cola's profit

As Coca-Cola's third-quarter profit rises 14%, fueled by international
growth, investors make shares of the beverage giant one of the few
winners within the Dow Jones Industrial Average.

Economic Report: Retail sales tumble 1.2%, capping worst quarter in
decade

U.S. retail sales fell 1.2% in September, the worst drop in three years
and the third decline in a row, a further sign that the economy has sunk
into a recession led by an exhausted consumer.

J.P. Morgan Chase profit tumbles; CEO cautions on outlook

J.P. Morgan Chase's third-quarter net income falls 84%, amid the worst
banking environment in about 70 years, and the firm cautions that
earnings would remain weak for several quarters to come.