Analysts cautious on AmEx

Amex hit by credit card defaults
American Express sees first quarter profits fall 6%, after the number of cardholders defaulting on debts rises.

Chinese warned off lavish gifts
Chinese officials forbid expensive parties, banquets and gifts ahead of Chinese New Year due to economic woes.

Global stocks shaky amid economic woes
Global stocks wavered Monday on news that Japan's economy, the second largest in the world, had fallen into recession.

Economic woes weigh on world markets
European stock markets posted slight gains Wednesday while Asian shares lost ground as recession fears kept investors cautious.

Stocks slide on economic woes
Stocks slipped Friday morning as oil prices spiked and a report showing a big drop in personal income raised worries about a bigger consumer spending slowdown.