You're looking at almost $2 trillion in cash and short-term assets at the end of the third quarter, according to the Federal Reserve. That's 7.4 percent of their total assets, the highest level in 50 years. This hoarding of cash is not new, nor has it been that surprising given the severity of the recession. But with the recovery slowly taking shape, when do companies start taking out their checkbooks?
More by Mark Lacter:
American-US Air settlement with DOJ includes small tweak at LAXSocal housing market going nowhere fast
Amazon keeps pushing for faster L.A. delivery
Another rugged quarter for Tribune Co. papers
How does Stanford compete with the big boys?
Those awful infographics that promise to explain and only distort
Best to low-ball today's employment report
Further fallout from airport shootings
Crazy opening for Twitter*
Should Twitter be valued at $18 billion?
Recent stories:
Letter from Down Under: Welcome to the HomogenoceneOne last Florida photo
Signs of Saturday: No refund
'I Am Woman,' hear them roar
Bobcat crossing
New at LA Observed
On the Politics Page
Go to Politics
Sign up for daily email from LA Observed