Does anyone have a job anymore?

Globally, the economic picture is continuing to show no signs of easing with massive layoffs in multiple sectors. The tally of jobs lost for the day:
Caterpillar: 20,000
Sprint Nextel: 8,000
ING: 7,000
Home Depot: 7,000
Phillips Electronics: 6,000
IBM: 2,800

That’s 50,800 for the first month of the year by the biggest and brightest companies in the global economy. What to make of this? We certainly haven’t seen the worst yet, but where does the “bleeding” stop? What does this do to the economy and the trickle down economics of 50,000 people/families shutting down spending and holding on for dear life? In the month of January? How many resulting bankruptcies will ensue?

Resulting job losses from yet more industries and companies large and small portend more slowing of the economy as retail sales are expected to decline 2.5% for the first half of the year, based on the National Retail Federation’s forecasts, including sales of automobiles and restaurants to name a few.

Will the government’s economic recovery package strengthen the economy? Things are changing constantly and even day to day in many cases, creating a never before witnessed uncertainty that makes it exceedingly difficult to get a foothold on economic direction.

One thing is clear; asset protection. Protecting existing holdings rather than acquire new ones is the order of the day. One could posit that it’s the return of equity rather than the return on equity.

That said, capital flows still need to occur. In a world of scarce capital, many companies could see themselves shut out entirely, exacerbating the job loss scenario. Capital markets have clammed up, even for the staunchest of credit worthiness. Companies with few debt needs and a cushion of cash can weather the storm. What of the remainder? There are companies in the realm that have cash to invest, they are even more finicky and deals can get done on strict terms. Find out who the players are, link to the NuQuest Capital MatchPoint, www.nuquestinc.com and find out what they’re looking for.