Losing Streak Over Despite Dim Outlook (C, F)

Markets extinguish a six day losing streak with gains to end Thursday despite more mixed economic reports. The trade data came back more favorable than expected, but initial jobless claims, a bearish outlook on the housing marketing, and a looming QE3 measure proposed by President Obama are still casting doubt over the economic recovery. In corporate news, Citigroup’s (C) security network was hacked, exposing customer’s identifications. And Ford (F) announced the development of a competitor for the fuel efficient Chevy Volt.

Word on the Street

• Stocks end six day losing streak with gains on economic reports.
• US Treasury Department penalizes Bank of America (BAC) and JP Morgan (JPM) for foreclosure infractions.
• Citigroup (C) security network hacked, exposing card customer identifications.
• Ford (F) announces development of competitor for the Chevy Volt.
• Google (GOOG) and Microsoft (MSFT) among the companies who tested IPv6 yesterday with success.
• Pep Boys (PBY) misses expectations as shares fall.

Interesting Tidbits

• An economic bubble is good when you’re in it, but awful afterwards – can your company weather the storm?
• Ready to retire at 65? You may be in for a terrible surprise.

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