BUSINESS

BC-US--Money & Markets Digest, US

Staff Writer
Columbus CEO

Money & Markets modules for Wednesday, Sept. 17

All graphics are sent by 6 p.m. EDT

TODAY

All eyes will be on the Federal Reserve today for any update on the central bank's interest-rate strategy. The Fed is expected to give an update following the conclusion of the latest two-day meeting of its policymaking committee

COMPANY SPOTLIGHT

Playing catch up

United Continental has been cruising at a lower altitude than its rivals. Inconsistent performance means the carrier has lagged behind competitors this year, but several analysts are forecasting improved performance.

CENTERPIECE

Built to endure?

Home Depot has built a foundation on the rebounding housing market. But since the home-improvement giant this month revealed that data at its U.S. and Canadian stores had been hacked, there have been concerns among investors that customers will hit the bricks. While the scope of the theft is not yet known, there's speculation that it could be the biggest yet. Still, some analysts are betting that Home Depot will weather the storm, and continue benefiting from rising home prices, steady job growth and fewer troubled loans dating back to the housing-bubble days.

STORY STOCKS

Glimcher Realty Trust (GRT)

Bill Barrett (BBG)

Atlantic Power (AT)

Lehigh Gas Partners (LGP)

Apple (AAPL)

Abraxas Petroleum (AXAS)

Sears Holdings (SHLD)

SinoCoking Coal and Coke Chemical Industries Inc. (SCOK)

FUND FOCUS

Fidelity Freedom 2020 (FFFDX)

Fidelity Freedom 2020 is part of a target-date series that now allows its managers to make short-term deviations from a pre-set allocation glide path.

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