Japan Nuclear Crisis Weighs Down US Stocks (GE, BAC)

Further developments in Japan over the weekend lead stocks downward to start the week. After a devastating earthquake and subsequent tsunami tore through the coasts and small towns, multiple nuclear plants in the path of destruction encountered serious problems. Nuclear reactors remain unstable and have been releasing radiation into the atmosphere. Although it is not expected to have outstanding effects like Chernobyl, people and investors still worry. The issues pushed down nuclear industry giants, such as General Electric (GE) as officials wonder the negative consequences domestically.

Word on the Street

• US officials remain confident Japan can weather the storm created the the massive earthquake and subsequent tsunami last Friday.
• Attempts to cool the nuclear reactor at one of the nuclear plants in Japan is failing.
• Nuclear energy giants such as General Electric (GE) and Hitachi saw shares hit hard by Japanese worries.
• Natural disasters threaten production of numerous Japanese branded products.
• Warren Buffett’s decision to buy Lubrizon Corp (LZ) hurt unsuspecting credit-default swap traders.
• Hackers release emails from Bank of America (BAC) employees allegedly proving the company purposely concealed foreclosure information.
• A historically narrowly traded stock in Gap (GPS) may be poised to surge if it makes the right steps internationally.

Interesting Tidbits

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• The Japan nuclear crisis has shed negative light on the nuclear energy sector in America. What does the future hold for the industry?
• Groupon is a great way for a local business to gain exposure to new customers – but the innovative service can backfire if you aren’t careful.

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