News In Brief

Big business reacts to the health care overhaul…

Bill Radke Oct 4, 2010

This morning’s Wall Street Journal reports, the big manufacturer 3M says it will stop offering some kinds of health insurance because of the changes Congress passed this year. McDonald’s has talked about dropping its current employee coverage. What’s going on with big business and health care?

On the global front, there’s a European travel alert because of possible terrorist attacks — not good for tourism there. Iraq has announced a 25% increase in its proven oil reserves — will that entice more foreign investment in Iraqi oil fields? The UK says it will scrap a welfare benefit paid to all parents whether they need it or not. And, industry types at the Paris Auto Show say it’s the first time since 2008 that a big car show actually felt upbeat.

Domestically — speaking of cars — Lincoln dealers have been summoned to Ford’s headquarters today, to hear the automaker’s plan for reviving the luxury brand. And three years ago, the stock market hit an all-time high. We talk with Fortune Magazine’s Allan Sloan about the lessons to be learned from expecting too much out of the stock market.

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