Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Capital One and Petrobras.

For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL – May 21, 2009 - Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: Visa (V), MasterCard (MA), American Express (AXP) and Capital One (COF) and Petrobras (PBR).

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Here are highlights from Wednesday’s Analyst Blog:

Credit Card Reform Passes Senate

On Tuesday May 19, 2009, the Senate overwhelmingly voted to curtail credit card rate increases and excessive fees, in an attempt to give consumers (i.e. voting constituents) some latitude amid the current recession. It appears all that is needed is to have the executive branch sign off on it.

If enacted into law, the players in the credit card industry -- such as, but not limited to, Visa (V), MasterCard (MA), American Express (AXP) and Capital One (COF) -- would have less than a year to make changes. These changes would include card lenders having to post their credit card agreements on the Internet, and permit all customers the ability pay their bills online or by phone without an added fee, rationalize over-the-limit fees and provide 45 days notice and an explanation before interest rates are increased.

Petrobras in Brazilian Politics

Petrobras (PBR) is now the target of a Congressional commission in Brazil (CPI) in order to investigate supposed mismanagement. The main allegations are that (i) there were above normal expenses in the refinery project in the State of Pernambuco, North East Brazil, and (ii) some questionable accounting practices adopted by Petrobras during 2008 made it possible for the company to save around BRL4 billion (US$1.95 billion) in taxes.

As we have been saying for quite some time, as a state owned company, Petrobras is always a target for a political fight and short-term electoral interests that have nothing to do with corporate matters. In the particular case of this Congressional commission, what is really under discussion are the 2010 presidential elections.

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Read the full analyst report on V

Read the full analyst report on MA

Read the full analyst report on AXP

Read the full analyst report on COF

Read the full analyst report on PBR