The bond market is doing the equivalent of a death watch on several well-known companies, signaling the U.S. economy could be in for more pain as struggling firms renege on loan payments and possibly file for bankruptcy.

While Ford, General Motors and Chrysler dominate all debate on the future of the auto industry, the flight of capital from their underlying parts manufacturers is accelerating at an alarming pace. Visteon is the latest unfortunate example.

Visteon Corp.'s share price moves closer to zero after the auto-parts maker says its fourth-quarter loss ballooned to $328 million.

Franceâ??s sovereign wealth fund announces it has taken a stake in French auto parts group Valeo, a firm that has been targeted by a New York investment group pushing for a merger.

Among the companies whose shares are expected to see active trade in Wednesday's session are TJX Cos., Donaldson Co., and Fluor Corp.