American Morning
AM Minding Your Business for Dec. 21, 2011
Today on American Morning, Christine Romans reports on the morning business news headlines.
This morning, we're watching:
* U.S. stock futures are up again after a promising housing report helped send the Dow up 337 points. New home construction jumped more than 9% in November, much higher than expected. Housing permits - a gauge of future construction - also climbed nearly 6%.
* Positive news from Europe is also helping to lift stocks. Struggling banks there can begin placing orders for unlimited three-year loans from the European Central Bank. It's an attempt to keep credit flowing during the debt crisis.
* Banking sector stocks catching a breather after this ECB measure. Bank of America's stock, which is down more than 60% since the beginning of the year, is up nearly 1% in pre-market trading this morning.
* Bank of America could be close to settling an investigation with the Justice Department. At issue is whether it's Countrywide financial unit violated fair lending practices by encouraging those risky subprime mortgage loans. According to Bloomberg, the deal, which could be announced this week, could mean Countrwide customers would be compensated.
* Honda is now reportedly shipping cars made in China to North America. It's significant because companies import a lot of products from China to keep costs down.
Tune in to American Morning at 6am Eastern every day for the latest in business news.
House GOP demands new tax cut bill
House Republicans are now set to block a two month extension of the payroll tax holiday. A vote is now scheduled for today, after lawmakers scrapped one in the middle of the night. But house speaker John Boehner expects the bill to fail.  Boehner says his members are against kicking the can down the road. Minority leader Pelosi blamed some rogue Republicans for getting in the way.
Jeb Hensarling, chairmen of the House Republican conference, explains to Ali Velshi why House Republicans are demanding a new payroll tax cut bill.
Ron Paul on the rise
The Iowa caucuses are just two weeks away, but the GOP presidential field remains far from settled. A new CNN/ORC poll shows Ron Paul on the rise. This comes at the same time that front-runner Newt Gingrich is losing his lead.
Today on American Morning, Ali Velshi talks with Ron Paul about why voters are beginning to respond positively to his campaign.
21-year old actor makes feature film debut in Steven Spielberg's "War Horse"
Steven Spielberg's "War Horse" is expected to be the holiday blockbuster of the season. The movie follows the story of a young man who enlists to fight in WWI after his beloved horse is sold to the cavalry – an epic journey that explores a bond of friendship, loyalty and courage. It stars Jeremy Irvine, who makes his feature film debut. In fact, Irvine was personally selected by director Steven Spielberg because of his fresh face and the fact he was unknown.
Today on American Morning, Ali Velshi and Alina Cho sit down with Irvine to talk about what it was like to work with Steven Spielberg.
Finding the perfect holiday gift
It's just five days until Christmas. If you're holding off on holiday shopping because you're anxious find that perfect gift, don't worry. New research shows that you don't need to spend that much time thinking – or even have to spend all that much money.
Alina Cho sits down with columnist John Tierney to discuss what it takes to find the perfect gift.
Could Ron Paul win Iowa?
Ron Paul has been called the "wild card" of the GOP presidential candidates. But a new CNN/ORC international shows the Texas congressman surging, placing in second, just behind Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney who are tied for first. Now, many are asking: Can Ron Paul actually win Iowa?
Alina Cho sits down with CNN contributor John Avlon about why we shouldn't underestimate Ron Paul's chances of getting the Republican nomination.
About this Show
Welcome to the American Morning blog where you can get daily news updates from American Morning's reporters and producers. Join us for "the most news in the morning," weekdays from 6-9 a.m. ET, only on CNN.
On Twitter
