- Caterpillar (CAT -1.3%) is weak as Jefferies predicts it is among the machinery-related stocks most likely to disappoint investors with Q4 results, and that the company may may cut its 2015 revenue forecast from "flat to slightly up" to "flat to slightly down."
- Jim Chanos, who is short the stock, reiterated his negative view on CNBC this morning, citing increasing challenges in CAT's energy and mining businesses.
- He also sees trouble ahead for big multinational energy companies, mentioning in particular Exxon (XOM +1.7%) and Chevron (CVX +1.3%) and expecting substantial cuts to their outlooks.