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.
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.
GM to return two leased jets amid criticismGeneral Motors Corp will return two of its leased corporate jets amid intense criticism in Washington this week on the luxury travel arrangements of its chief executive even as the company pleads for federal ...
Auto Bailout Vote Pushed To DecemberDemocratic leaders have decided to put off a bailout vote for the auto industry until December and will insist that the Big Three first come up with a plan showing how the money would help transform their ...