Banks

Wall Street held steady all session until 3pm when a massive programmed sell order ensured a technical break-down. Dow down 96.

RBS evaluates stocks impacted by changing dividend rules while JP Morgan weighs up the RSPT against the PRRT and Morgan Stanley warns of lower earnings for retail banking.

Low leading indicator and confidence readings in China and the US broke the dam of building disquiet last night sending risk assets tumbling. Dow down 268.

Commentators suggest Fed board members are currently arguing over whether or not to reintroduce massive monetary stimulus to a flagging US economy to re-stimulate growth.

A wrap of events affecting the market on Friday night and the weekend and a preview of the week ahead.

In what seems like a delayed reaction, Wall Street took a tumble last night as fears of a fresh global slowdown grew. Dow down 145.

Merrill Lynch believes current earnings expectations are deluded, Macquarie sees positive returns, while Deutsche Bank has upgraded ANZ to Buy.

A weak US housing number added to a growing renewal of general concern last night as the S&P500 fell through its 200-day moving average amidst weak volume. Dow down 148. (Locked for subscribers until 10:00 AEST)

Will the upcoming Financial Reform Bill in the US help prevent the next crisis or at least reduce its probability?

Your editor has provided his view about why global investors have been selling their shares in Australian banks.