10-03-2009, “If we’re not at a bottom, we’re a pretty close,” said M. Binger , Minneapolis-based fund manager at Thrivent Asset Management, which oversees about $60 billion. “It’s time to start putting money into stocks. Stocks are cheap and worldwide stimulus will eventually help lift earnings.”
‘Heal Up’
The S&P 500 Financials Index, which sank to an almost 17- year low on March 6, rebounded 10 percent today. The gauge of 81 banks, insurers and investment companies has lost 82 percent since its February 2007 record. U.S. government programs meant to stabilize the banking system have totaled $11.6 trillion in the past 19 months. The funding may spark a rebound in stocks through April, investor
Marc Faber told Bloomberg Television yesterday.
“The system continues to heal up, which is good for stocks,” said P. Sorrentino , who helps manage $15.5 billion at Huntington Asset Advisors in Cincinnati. “The fact that they’re trying everything they can to make the system reliable helps dissuade fears, bringing people back into the market.”
The
VIX, as the Chicago Board Options Exchange Volatility Index is known, dropped 9.4 percent to 45.01. The index measures the cost of using options as insurance against declines in the S&P 500.
‘Disappointed’
Citigroup, the recipient of three U.S. government bailouts, surged 31 cents to $1.36. JPMorgan rallied $2.95 to $18.85. Wells Fargo & Co. climbed 9.4 percent to $10.91. ,Bank of America, the nation’s biggest bank by assets, advanced 97 cents to $4.72.
Citigroup’s Pandit said the firm was profitable in January and February and he was “disappointed” with the current share price, which he said was based on misconceptions about the bank and its financial position.
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March 10, 2009 12:10 EDT
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aGrThOSPYDV8&refer=home