Investing

Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke and a panel of top economists will go before a House committee to discuss the right way to remove the crutch of government stimulus from the economy so that it doesn't knock the nation back into recession.

With America mired in recession, beverage giant Coca-Cola relied on its global operations to pick up the slack. And its laser focus on the two big international markets where the growth is -- India and China -- paid off smartly in the fourth quarter.

With pressure rising on Swiss bank UBS to reveal information about tax evaders, many private banking clients are moving their assets elsewhere. But with governments gaining information from panicky amnesty-seekers and data-stealing whistle-blowers, it's likely to get a lot harder to find a good tax haven.

One reason investors are rushing into ETFs is their tax advantages; many people buy into the funds expecting to pay the lower capital gains rate on their profits. But depending on what your ETF invests in, you could be in for a big shock -- and a bigger bite out of your earnings -- come April 15.

The following is a round-up of news likely to affect stock prices today:

Coca-Cola (KO) reported its fourth quarter earnings climbed 55% to $1.54 billion, or 66 cents a share, on 5% higher revenue of $7.51 billion as strong volume in Latin America and other parts of the world offset a decline in North America. Results were inline with estimates. Shares rose 1.8% in premarket trading.

In Asia Tuesday, Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index added 1.2%, China's Shanghai Composite Index added 0.5%, and in Japan, the Nikkei 225 Index fell 0.2%. Toyota shares closed higher in Tokyo today, rising 3% despite an announcement that it is now recalling at least 170,000 units of its top-selling hybrid, the Prius.

Given the need big companies have to find growth and the availability of credit, no wonder hostile takeovers are sprouting. Air Products' $5.1 billion grab for Airgas would create a powerhouse in the liquid bulk gas market, but Airgas isn't likely to play along with that plan.

Interesting stat. The unemployment rate for the college-educated is a lot lower than the 10% unemployment rate for everyone.
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I show how to violate Warren Buffett's constitutional rights.
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NewDeal2.0 is disgusted by Moody's warning about the status of the U.S. debt and explains why.
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If Dow 10,000 really is a key psychological level, then traders best call their shrinks. The major averages, already on a four-week losing streak, face anxiety over the Euroland debt debacles and waning earnings momentum. In other words, brace yourself for Dow 9,000 and change.

International banking giants Banco Santander and Banco Bilbao, have gone on buying sprees abroad even as conditions at home declined sharply. But as their loan losses mount, the markets are finally looking past the banks' blithe optimism, seeing red -- and selling off.