Banking, finance, and taxes

Goldman Sachs Pans Financials (FNM, FRE, MI, JPM, BSC, LEH, MER, WM)

Goldman Sachs has made some key downgrades in the financial sector today.  The firm has cut both Fannie Mae (NYSE: FNM) and Freddie mac (NYSE: FRE) from an already "neutral" rating, with implied negative, down to the loathed "SELL" rating.

It has also removed it rating on Marshall & Ilsley (NYSE: MI) down to a Neutral from a Buy rating. 

Goldman Sachs has also lowered estimates on Bear Stearns (NYSE: BSC), J.P.Morgan Chase (NYSE: JPM), Lehman Brothers (NYSE: LEH), Merrill Lynch (NYSE: MER), Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS), and Washington Mutual (NYSE: WM).  Others were hit as well, but these are the major calls.

The firm wants investors to stay defensive regardless of bailout pacts.  It believes that Freddie mac is a short ahead of earnings this week and believes you can own a Put Spread in Wa-Mu.

Jon C. Ogg
February 25, 2008

Credit Card Companies Are Doing Something Nuts

Credit card companies are at war. The biggest issuers are handing out free rewards and benefits to win the best customers.

It’s possible to find cards paying unlimited 1.5%, 2%, and even more today. That’s free money for qualified borrowers, and the type of thing that would be crazy to pass up. Those rewards can add up to thousands of dollars every year in free money, and include other benefits as well.

We’ve assembled some of the best credit cards for users today.  Don’t miss these offers because they won’t be this good forever.

 

Flywheel Publishing has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Flywheel Publishing and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

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