News Today - Apr 15

* Australia's key leading growth index drops to a 26-year low, hinting
at a deeper recession than feared.

* President Obama said Tuesday that recent stimulus measures "are starting to generate signs of economic progress," but more tough times are ahead. But economic improvements do "not mean that hard times are over -- 2009 will continue to be a difficult year for America's economy," he said. full story

* Federal Reserve considers holding 'European style' regular press conferences, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

* Standard & Poor’s warned today that Goldman's awesome earnings last quarter may not be sustainable. The ratings agency is leaving in place its its negative outlook on the firm’s credit rating of A.

* J.P. Morgan, Wells Fargo and others are stepping up foreclosures on delinquent homeowners, a move that could further depress home prices.

* Intel said computer sales "bottomed out" in the first quarter, as the chip giant's net dropped 55%.

*The U.S. government is considering swapping some of the $13.4 billion it lent GM for an ownership stake.