Bank of America announces earnings early

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - Bank of America is announcing its fourth-quarter results ahead of the previously scheduled date.
   
The Charlotte, N.C.-based bank had been expected to release those results next Tuesday. But the bank is now announcing the results on Friday.

The change comes after the bank and the Treasury Department moved close to an agreement that will provide $15 billion to $20 billion in new government support to the banking giant. That was according to a source close to the discussions.
   
Bank of America has declined comment on the new aid package. Some analysts are predicting the nation’s biggest bank by assets will report a loss or lower-than-expected earnings for the fourth quarter. Its board has already halved the company’s dividend and could slash the payout again.