Morgan Finke
Published: October 1, 2008

DUBUQUE - The number 777 is usually considered a lucky number, but on Monday the number took on a whole new meaning.

Financial advisor, Joe Bernardi explained why, “It was an interesting day because what we had happen was the bailout package that was being voted on to raise 700 billion dollars to free up the credit markets was voted down”

Bernardi continues, “As a result of that (Congressional Bailout Bill) being voted down, there was a panicked reaction which caused the stock market to crumble.”

With such a dramatic change, you can understand why the initial response was enormous.

But Dennis LeGrand, store manager of Truck Country, is looking at the bigger picture.

“It just kind of trickles down and it affects all of our markets so that’s more of the impact that I’m concerned with than the actual dollar amount that the stock market is,” said LeGrand

With all of this in mind, professionals around Dubuque have one bit of advice: Don’t panic, don’t panic, do not panic.

Banks and financial firms in Dubuque urge citizens to be hopeful.

“All is not lost, and these are cycles and its going to come back and it’s going to get better,” said Greg Nissen, a mortgage banker at Liberty bank in Dubuque.

Morgan Finke can be reached at Morgan.Finke@lctv13.com

Andrew Huck
Posted: September 25, 2008

DUBUQUE – The Loras College Financial Management Association is looking for participants in its virtual stock market game. In the game participants have access to a portfolio worth $100,000 where you can purchase common stock and exchange traded funds. Trading begins on Monday, September 28, 2008 at 8:30am when the markets open and lasts for eight weeks. If you would like to join you have until Wednesday, October 1, 2008 to register. For more information contact Professor John Upstrom at John.Upstrom@loras.edu. There is a five dollar fee to enter the game.

Andrew Huck can be reached at Andrew.Huck@loras.edu