Media Digest 1/29/2008 Reuters, WSJ, NYTimes, FT, Barron's

According to Reuters, another Fed rate cut may stimulate the housing market.

Reuters reports that profits at American Express (AXP) fell 10%.

Reuters writes that McDonald’s (MCD) will open 150 outlets in China this year.

Reuters reports that Lenovo’s fiscal Q3 moved up sharply and the company was upbeat about 2008.

Reuters writes that Liberty Media (LINTA) will try to remove Barry Diller from the IACI (IACI) board.

Reuters reports that CME is looking at buying NYMEX for $11 billion.

The Wall Street Journal writes that problems with write-offs and a rogue trader are making Societe Generale vulnerable to a takeover.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Countrywide (CFC) sold itself to Bank of America (BAC) in part because of concerns about investigations by regulators.

The Wall Street Journal writes that sales at VMWare (VMW) did not meet expectations and the stock dropped sharply.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Altria (MO) is about to spin-off its international operations which would free them from the parent’s legal problems in the US.

The Wall Street Journal writes that sales of flat panel TVs are bucking the downturn in consumer electronics.

The Wall Street Journal writes that profits at Verizon (VZ) were lifted by wirless results.

The New York Times writes that sales of new homes fell 26% in 2007.

The FT writes that NY State has hired investment bankers to help it with a plan to rescue bond insurers.

Barron’s writes that Sandisk (SNDK) earnings fell far short of estimates.

Douglas A. McIntyre