MarketWatch Morning Stock Talk

Miller: Frozen credit markets send stocks packing

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 12:33:15 EST

"Wall Street is just one player in a global market these days, and this is the first financial crisis" where we've had to face that "head on." So says Elizabeth Miller, the president at Summit Place Financial Advisors. She tells Steve Potisk passing the financial rescue bill hasn't been enough to stabilize stock markets. She says "it's a start" but "fundamentally investors and particularly corporate America that's involved in the market need to see the credit markets moving." Miller adds that "until enough trust is restored that institutions will lend, we will be in this downward spiral."

Johnson: Credit market affects economy

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 12:42:22 EST

It is "important" for Wall Street to start seeing "short term credit market conditions improve." So says Hugh Johnson, the chairman at Johnson Illington Advisors. He tells Steve Potisk it is essential that credit rates "come down to levels that are basically affordable by most businesses." Johnson says now "the focus is starting to shift from Congress and bailouts to the economic numbers." But he says "it all goes together" as investors see credit market conditions "affecting the economy." On the Well Fargo-Citigroup battle over Wachovia, Johnson says it's "particularly encouraging that Wells Fargo is willing to step up to the plate and buy Wachovia for 15.1 billion."

Dow: Things could be looking up

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 13:19:38 EST

Wall Street remains concerned about the outlook for the financial rescue bill since "the epicenter of problems is the House, that's where they failed to deliver last time." So says Phil Dow, the director of equity strategy at RBC Wealth Management. He tells Steve Potisk that if it passes, we "could see a pretty big rally develop...with an immediate nice boost in market averages." But Dow says stocks could still head lower, as people recognize, "this may mean a heightened chance for recession, probably earnings estimates need to come down and a period of kind of market uncertainty to follow." But having said that, Dow believes the market will be "significantly higher" in a year's time.

Carlson: The recession is coming

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:08:12 EST

"The markets are indicating that we're probably going...into a recession." So says Chuck Carlson, the CEO at Horizon Investment Services. He tells Steve Potisk that doesn't mean the government should be trying to intervene. According to Carlson, "we've had recessions before...and we've come out of recessions before," and "sometimes that's just the natural ebb and flow of an economic cycle." Carlson worries that everything being done "will extend the inevitable."

Forelli: "Market can withstand this volatility"

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:18:48 EST

John Forelli, senior vice president and portfolio manager, Independence Investments, tells Nancy Lyons that the "market can withstand this volatility." He says the market is rebounding today on hopes that a rescue plan will eventually be passed.

Lieberman: Uncertain about how things will play out

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 13:05:25 EST

The Wall Street bailout bill is likely to pass, but investors wonder "how much is it going to damage the financial system and how much is it going to damage the economy?" So says Chuck Lieberman, the chief investment officer at Advisors Capital Management. He tells Steve Potisk "banks are now going to be looked at with a fine-tooth comb." But on the upside, Lieberman expects the bill "to restore some liquidity to the market," and that it will "help provide credit in parts of the market where credit has been unavailable." Lieberman calls the Citigroup takeover of Wachovia " a positive statement about Citigroup's prospects."

Bruce Bittles: Rescue plan won't save the markets; steeper lows ahead

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 10:46:19 EST

Bruce Bittles, chief investment strategist with RW Baird, tells John Wordock there should be a "brief celebration" if the rescue plan passes in Washington, but the stock market is heading for a selling climax and stocks could re-test lows in the coming weeks.

Liro: Bailout will pass quickly, but will not work quickly

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:04:37 EST

Joe Liro, equity strategist at Stone & McCarthy Research Associates, tells Andrew O'Day he expects quick passage of a government financial system bailout. But he adds no one knows when credit spreads will improve, and confidence will be restored.

Sandler: We don't want it, but what's the alternative?

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 12:19:32 EST

Doug Sandler, chief equity officer at Riverfront Investment Group, tells Andrew O'Day Wall Street is worried the administration's bailout plan no longer is on a fast track to approval. Some optimism is coming from Warren Buffett's Goldman stake.

Battipaglia: Hurry up!

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 12:46:24 EST

Joe Battipaglia, market strategist at Stifel Nicolaus, tells Andrew O'Day Wall Street is becoming nervous about whether the government's proposed bailout plan will come quickly enough. He says proposed add-ons are noble, but the immediate need is for speed.