IBM has helped inspired strong equities buying the last couple days by announcing a strong outlook for its 2008 earnings as well as an increase in its stock repurchase program. Both of these announcements helping ignite stock trading as they gave the stock help from investors looking to be inspired. The strong earnings come in light of economic uncertainty and the increase stock buyback shows company financial support for the strength of the company’s future. IBM is expecting earnings per share of $8.25 during 2008. This is slightly higher than the Thomson Financial analyst expectation of $8.22 per share. The company had previously suggested a range from $8.20-8.30.