Stocks point lower on economic worries U.S. stocks looked to extend their losses at the open Thursday as investors found little relief from worries about the fate of Detroit's three automakers and broader fears about the struggling economy.
Stock futures contracts fell more than 1 percent following a late-day sell-off Wednesday that sent stocks to their lowest levels since 2003. The major indexes fell more than 5 percent, while the Dow Jones industrial average tumbled below 8,000, a psychological benchmark for the market.
Investors who have been groping for a bottom to the yearlong market rout are now worried that Washington's disagreement over whether to bail out the auto industry could lead to bankruptcy of major automakers like General Motors Corp. and could send ripple effects through the economy _ including a further blow to consumer confidence.
Bailout with a price: Chapter 11 bankruptcy Mention a corporate bailout in the nation's capital these days and chances are someone will offer a harsh condition to go along with it. Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Lately, the term 'prepackaged bankruptcy' has been gaining currency in the halls of Congress as lawmakers struggle with pleas for help from the auto industry.
The idea, embraced by some Democrats and Republicans, would extend taxpayer help in exchange for a company undergoing an accelerated Chapter 11 reorganization. The arrangement could represent a model, or a deterrent, for any other strapped companies considering seeking government help.
GM delays dealer incentive payments to save cashSalesman Jimmy Caris hangs a red sales tage on a Chevrolet truck in Westmont, Ill.
GM, Chrysler scale back glitz at LA auto showChrysler and General Motors are still showing off their newest vehicles at the Los Angeles Auto Show, but their displays were noticeably quiet Wednesday while Asian and European companies unveiled new models ...
U.S. stocks fall to lowest in five-plus yearsU.S. stocks plunged to their lowest in 5A1 2 years on Wednesday as investors girded for a lengthy economic downturn and automotive executives predicted a far-reaching calamity without a government lifeline.