buyback

S&P Record a Real Achievement, But Pullback Possible

The Dow and the Nasdaq edged higher last week, but the S&P 500 stole the show: It gained 0.8% and ended the week at a record high for the first time in five-and-a-half years.

Google Chairman Eric Schmidt to Sell 3.2 Million Shares

With Google's stock hovering at record highs, Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt plans to sell more than 40 percent of his stock in the Internet search leader this year. If he were to sell all that stock at Google's current price, Schmidt would realize a $2.5 billion windfall.

The Downside of Buybacks Plus Higher Dividends

Over the last three years, companies that either hiked dividends or initiated stock buybacks -- both meant to raise price per share -- lost an average of more than 10% in stock price. But cash-rich companies that did both lost more than 21%.

Countrywide's Errors Could Cost BofA Billions

Sworn testimony in a recently concluded mortgage case may spell big trouble for Bank of America. If what one bank employee said proves to be accurate, paperwork problems at mortgage provider Countrywide could leave Bank of America on the hook for billions.

Banks' Mortage Buyback Costs May Be Lower Than Expected

Banks' losses from buying back bad mortgages won't be as bad as previously expected, according to analysts at JPMorgan Chase, who estimate those repurchases will cost about 25% less than previously forecast.

Visa Earnings Soar: Is Plastic Regaining Its Appeal?

In a sign that consumer spending may be on the rebound, Visa on Wednesday reported its fiscal fourth-quarter profit jumped 51% from a year ago. But shares fell after the company released disappointing guidance for the next year.

IBM Shares Hit All-Time High, Surpassing Dot-Com Boom Prices

IBM shares soared 69 cents past their record high, set during the dot-com boom, to reach $139.88 per share before closing at $139.66 per share Monday. The rally reflects a slight market upswing and news of strong quarterly earnings from a competitor.