News

China Banking Outlook: Profits Marred By Bad Loans

After years of strong growth, China's biggest banks could face a slump in 2012. Analysts warned that an economic slowdown could trigger defaults by real estate developers and the increase in bad loans would erode Chinese banks' profitability this year.

US Pending Home Sales Fall 0.5% In Feb, Missing Forecasts

U.S. pending home sales fell 0.5 percent in February compared to January, the National Association of Realtors said Monday, missing expectations and heightening concerns the real estate market's recovery may not be as robust as thought by economists.

Fannie, Freddie Regulator Says Principal Reductions Would Benefit Banks

The federal regulator of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is arguing that principal reductions for home loans would benefit the banks that hold secondary debt while weakening the mortgage giants' finances.