Zacks.com, Chicago, has issued a #5/Strong Sell ranking on the stock of Washington Mutual Inc., Seattle, placing it on Zacks' list of Stocks to Sell Now.The company noted that WaMu recently reported earnings-per-share expectations that, though a year-over-year improvement, would be below the consensus forecast. "The company stated that gains from mortgage loans will be significantly lower in the fourth quarter than in the second quarter of 2003 due to lower mortgage loan volume, increasingly competitive pricing in the mortgage market, and a greater emphasis on the origination of adjustable-rate mortgages by the company," Zacks said. ".... Washington Mutual said it will now adjust its business to adapt to the new realities of the current environment, including steps to reduce operating costs and streamline and improve operations to drive efficiency, enhance customer service, and continue the growth of its leading national franchise. Such moves should help the company moving forward, but for right now investors may want to wait for its earnings estimates to head higher." Stocks with a #5/Strong Sell rank should be sold or avoided in the next one to three months, according to Zacks. The company can be found online at http://www.zacks.com.
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A federal judge in Texas dismissed the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's medical debt rule and prohibited states from passing their own laws prohibiting medical debt on credit reports.
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Dr. Mark Calabria takes on the additional role of chief statistician of the United States; retired Ally Bank executive Diane Morais has joined First Citizens Bancshares' board of directors; MainStreet Bank has promoted Alex Vari to chief financial officer; and more in this week's banking news roundup.
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While refinances are behind the latest increases, the pace of purchase activity may be a stronger indicator of where the housing market sits.
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The share of economists expecting a September rate reduction grew in the July Wolters Kluwer survey, but the October or later percentage also increased.
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Rising home prices and softening sales offer a mixed view of a market that some say is shifting to favor buyers.
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The notes are backed by home improvement installment loans originated by approved dealers in Foundation Finance Company's network.
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