NEW YORK (Reuters) - For investment bankers who arrange the sale of stocks and bonds, 2008 was a year to forget, and the new year may not bring instant relief.
JPMorgan Chase & Co (JPM.N) was the world’s largest underwriter in 2008 as measured by issuance volume, helped by its acquisition of Bear Stearns Cos, according to Thomson Reuters data released on Wednesday.

Reuters - The U.S. economy continued its run of record-breaking dismal data Tuesday, with consumer confidence and home prices registering a pair of grim milestones.

PALO ALTO, Calif.----St. Lawrence Energy Corp., a reusable energy and technology company, announced today that it is seeking funding through a major investment banking firm. This funding will be used to finance the operations and the R&D efforts with NASA. “It is now exciting to see interest from the investment banking sector, as we accelerate our movement to become a fully operating company in the alternative energy and technology market.

AP - The Federal Reserve on Friday said a new program aimed at bolstering the availability of consumer loans will require companies to put up collateral to participate, but will offer longer terms on loans that are approved.

ANNAPOLIS, Md.----Annapolis Bancorp, Inc. , parent company of BankAnnapolis, today announced that it has received preliminary approval to participate in the U.S. Department of the Treasury Capital Purchase Program.