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7:37 (Dow Jones) FBR upgrades E*Trade (ETFC) to outperform from underperform "to reflect what we view as a more attractive risk/reward following the recent capital raise and commencement of its debt exchange offer yesterday," firm says. FBR still expects ETFC's mortgage-related losses "to remain elevated," but "we believe the worst is now behind E*Trade, as the nearly $2 billion of fresh equity capital at the company should alleviate regulators' concerns and take the worst-case scenario off the table." Firm thinks "patient investors will be rewarded for stepping into ETFC at current levels." Shares up 7.6% premarket at $1.28. (JHS) 7:30 (Dow Jones) No time to dwell on yesterday's big selloff, the trick today is how investors respond to the downdraft. Is there enough conviction left in the 2H recovery theory to bring out dip-buyers? US stocks closed near session lows, hinting at some carryover selling once trading gets underway. Premarket futures suggest a half-hearted attempt at a bounce at the open. Two-day FOMC meeting gets underway today. May existing home sales, Richmond Fed's June manufacturing index set for 10:00am. S&P futures up 2.60; 10-yr a shade lower, yield at 3.70%. (JHS)