The construction and mining equipment giant's quarterly earnings could be a harbinger of things to come for the U.S. export market.

The global machinery giant is cutting its forecast for 2012, even as third-quarter profits were up, due to a weak global economy.

Caterpillar reports earnings today, and few expect the company to show much strength. The heavy equipment maker has been doing well, but that looks to change.

At some prospering businesses like Caterpillar, which reports earnings tomorrow, record corporate profits do not necessarily raise workers pay.

/**/ Sales of previously occupied homes fell in June; new unemployment benefit plans rose. Yet at this writing, Wall Street's jumping. What d…