I only wish the BBC had put this in the proper context of the entire GE corporation, a leading war contractor. Sadly, they didn't mention that GE makes TONS of nukes. They also received a nice Christmas gift from His Highness shortly before Christmas, a huge tax break. But none of the unwashed masses will see one. Only benefit cuts await us.
GE sees 'excellent' world economy
GE is putting out the flags for global growth
US behemoth General Electric has posted an 18% jump in quarterly sales, and in profits, and declared itself "in great shape".
"We are benefiting from our growth initiatives and an excellent global economy," said GE's chief executive Jeff Immelt.
GE is the US' biggest firm based on stock market valuation.
GE's net profits were $5.37bn (£2.86bn) for the final three months of 2004, while sales came in at $43.7bn.
The group, whose businesses range from jet engines to the NBC television channel, forecast sustained growth at between 10-15% for this year and next.
GE's shares rose 1% on the news before ending Friday 0.24% lower.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4196377.stm