General Electric (GE) reported earnings this morning, missing analysts estimates by 7 cents (44 v. 51 estimate). While an estimate miss is never great, lowering yearly estimates can be a sign of slower times. In this case, with GE being the 4th largest, multi-faceted company, any reduction in estimates can be described as a general weakening of the economy. With their miss and revised forecast, analysts are now confirming that the US is in a recession.