Citigroup fell under $30 for the first time in five years after...

Citigroup fell under $30 for the first time in five years after CNBC reported the firm could lay off up to 45,000 staffers. BEA 4th Quarter GDP 1st Estimate 0.7% Q&A: Why Did GDPNow Rise After Durable Goods? When are Construction Revisions Coming? Citigroup, Wall Street’s largest financial services firms, is planning its second round of large-scale layoffs in less than a year. People with knowledge of the matter have described the pending job reductions as 'massive' and 'large.' The total number could reach as high as 45,000, these people estimate. In a statement, Citigroup said: 'We are engaged in a planning process in anticipation of our new CEO and our business heads are planning ways in which we can be more efficient and cost effective to position our businesses in line with economic realities. Any reports on specific numbers are not factual.' 45,000 jobs, should it come to that, is one heck of a lot of jobs. I doubt most of those employees could find jobs quickly, at the same salary, or the same benefit levels. Another rate cut from the Fed is coming. It will do no more good than the last 3 did, but Bernanke will try anyway. Nothing like heading into a recession with rates already as low as 4.25 or possibly even 4.00%. Don't expect any mortgage relief. Rates are still higher than a year ago and that does not even factor in credit standards that have tightened significantly. On the next cut or two I would expect 15 year fixed mortgages to finally dip below what they were a year ago, and for 30 year rates to be about what they were a year ago. That is not much relief to cash strapped consumers. The content on this site is provided as general information only and should not be taken as investment advice. All site content, including advertisements, shall not be construed as a recommendation to buy or sell any security or financial instrument, or to participate in any particular trading or investment strategy. The ideas expressed on this site are solely the opinions of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the opinions of sponsors or firms affiliated with the author(s). The author may or may not have a position in any company or advertiser referenced above. Any action that you take as a result of information, analysis, or advertisement on this site is ultimately your responsibility. Consult your investment adviser before making any investment decisions.