What's Hot On The Street (FRE)

Here's what Benzinga's reading on our friend, TheStreet.com. What's Hot On The Street 5 Stocks That Dodged The Reform Bullet The financial-reform bill isn't what Wall Street had feared most, as Congress watered down provisions to ensure its passage. Shares of financial-services firms jumped Friday and are extending gains today. Many implications of the changes are clear, and a lucky few have dodged a bullet. TheStreet examines five stocks that offer an attractive bet in the post-reform world. Financial Reform, Washington Style Let's have a show of hands. Is anybody out there really expecting financial reform? Does anybody think that the legislation just hammered out in Congress is going to have a measurable impact on the problems that led to the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression? Freddie CEO: Short Sales Up 600% Freddie Mac FRE CEO Ed Haldeman said Monday that last-ditch tactics to prevent foreclosure, such as short sales, have risen drastically as the government scrambles to fix the housing mess. Byrd's Passing Complicates Bank Reform The passing of Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W. Va.) Monday at the age of 92 could complicate what appeared to be the certain passage of the banking reform bill agreed upon by the Conference Committee late last week.