The top business news from The Associated Press for the morning of Monday, October 6, 2008: Asian markets plunge on fears crisis is spreading SINGAPORE (AP) _ Asian stock markets plunged Monday as government bank bailouts in the U.S. and Europe failed to alleviate fears of a global financial crisis that would depress world economic growth. Investors took scant comfort from Washington's passage of a $700 billion bank bailout on Friday, focusing instead on a dismal U.S. jobs report that suggested the U.S. economy _ a vital export market for Asia _ could slide into a recession. ___ Oil falls below $90 as financial turmoil spreads SINGAPORE (AP) _ Oil prices fell to an 8-month low below $90 a barrel on speculation that the spreading financial crisis will exacerbate a global economic slowdown and cut demand for crude oil. Light, sweet crude for November delivery was down $4.69 to $89.19 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange by late afternoon in Singapore. ___ China detains 6 more suspects in milk scandal BEIJING (AP) _ China pledged to improve food safety after authorities detained six more people in the country's contaminated milk scandal as the government increases efforts to restore public trust in Chinese-made food products. The head of China's quality watchdog said the country is also stepping up checks on its exports to ensure they conformed to the food safety standards of recipient countries, the official Xinhua News Agency reported. ___ Bank of America settles lawsuit over bad mortgages SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) _ Facing a lawsuit over deceptive mortgage practices, a Bank of America Corp. subsidiary has agreed to modify tens of thousands of loans to keep people in 11 states from losing their homes, the Illinois attorney general's office said Sunday. Borrowers stuck with Countrywide Financial mortgages that they can't afford could see their interest rates reduced or have the loan principal cut. Some might qualify for having to pay nothing but interest for a decade. Even people who can't afford to keep their homes with such changes will be able to get help moving to a new home. ___ Battered financial industry faces more oversight WASHINGTON (AP) _ Withtype:bold,italic; the passage of the $700 billion rescue package, the financial industry will face greater congressional scrutiny in coming weeks and months. Further-reaching regulation is almost certain. Previously obscure corners of the industry now subject to few rules, such as complex derivatives and hedge funds, could face federal supervision for the first time. ___ Court tilts Wachovia fight toward Wells Fargo NEW YORK (AP) _ The battle for control of troubled bank Wachovia tilted toward Wells Fargo Sunday as a state appeals court blocked a lower court ruling that had favored rival bidder Citigroup. At stake is the $339 billion in Wachovia deposits and its network of more than 3,300 branches throughout the country that would solidify the winner as being in the top tier of U.S. retail banking. ___ Investors expect volatility as credit woes persist NEW YORK (AP) _ The world's financial markets face an uncertain and possibly volatile week as investors await details about how the Treasury will implement the government's financial rescue package _ and watch for any further fallout from the credit crisis around the globe. The markets have switched their focus to the world economy now that the $700 billion bailout plan has become law. And there's reason for their concerns _ governments across Europe are rushing to prop up failing banks. On Sunday, Germany said it would follow suit with Ireland and Greece in guaranteeing all private bank accounts. ___ Bank on this: bank failures will rise in next year SAN FRANCISCO (AP) _ Here's a safe bet for uncertain times: A lot of banks won't survive the next year of upheaval despite the U.S. government's $700 billion plan to restore order to the financial industry. The biggest question is how many will perish and how they will be put out of their misery _ in outright closures by regulators scrambling to preserve the dwindling deposit insurance fund or in fire sales made under government pressure. Continued... |