Intel to GE Stuck in Profit Slump as U.S. Rebound Stalls

U.S. companies from Intel Corp. to General Electric Co. are caught in an earnings slump that shows few signs of improving until midyear as a weak global economy and gridlock in Congress weigh on profits.

Intel, the world’s largest semiconductor maker, is poised to report its biggest quarterly earnings drop in 3 1/2 years this week, based on analysts’ estimates compiled by Bloomberg. GE, the maker of jet engines and electrical generation equipment, may post its slowest profit growth in three quarters.