NEW YORK
General Electric Co.'s second-quarter profit tumbled 49 per cent as the recession continued to hurt its finance unit and lowered sales across its wide range of industrial businesses. Investors are combing corporate earnings for clues on the direction of the nation's moribund economy and GE, which lends money and makes products ranging from microwaves to wind turbines, is considered a barometer of its health. It reported net income was $2.6 billion US after paying preferred dividends.
