Nikkei, Intel, Ambac, JP Morgan Chase

Tech non immunity... Last night, Nikkei -3.4%; Hang Seng -5.4%, largest drop since 9/11.

As predicted, Intel missed and gave lowered forward guidance, stock punished 14% afterhours. Today, semis getting hammered 7%.

Sink or Swim... The #2 US guarantor of municipal and structured finance debt, announced a plan to preserve its AAA rating.

Ambac will strengthen its capital base; by issuing at least $1 billion in equity and equity linked securities and by cutting its dividend 66%.

Ambac stock has declined 76% in the past year and will report a Q4 loss,

after reducing the value of securities by $3.5 billion, CEO Robert Genader was shown the door.

Cut to the Chase... JP Morgan Chase, #3 US Bank, missed the number, Q4 net income -34%; net revenue +7%...

$1.3 billion write down; quadrupled credit loss provision to $1.1 billion. Credit card net income -15% on a higher loss rate.

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