U.S. stock futures are (finally) higher this morning, reacting to Warren Buffett's investment in Goldman Sachs as a vote of confidence in (what's remaining of )the financial markets. Later this morning, August existing home sales is due out, and it isn't expected to show any recovery or bottom. As a catalyst to this crisis, much worse-than-expected data may cause further market declines. For now, though, it looks like stocks would start on a positive note.

Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (NYSE: GS) -- Billioner investor Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE: BRK.A) said Tuesday it is investing at least $5 billion in Goldman. The AP reports that "In addition to buying $5 billion in preferred stock, Berkshire also got warrants to buy another $5 billion in Goldman's common stock. Goldman also said late Tuesday it would raise another $2.5 billion in its own public stock offering." Seems Japanese bank Sumitomo Mitsui Financial may also invest between 100 billion and 300 billion yen in Goldman. GS stock is up over 4.5% in pre-market trading. The news gave a boost to Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) as well and its stock is also up about 4% in pre-market.

American International Group Inc. (NYSE: AIG), Fannie Mae (NYSE: FNM) and Freddie Mac (NYSE: FRE) -- The FBI is investigating these financial institutions for potential fraud. Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. (OTC: LHEMQ) also is under investigation. The news doesn't seem to affect shares of these companies, though, as AIG stock is up over 3% in pre-market trading, while FNM and FRE shares up over 10%.
AIG also took the $85 billion loan from the N.Y. Fed.