December, 2011
2012 – Looking Ahead
2011 has been a very difficult year for most investors. Global equity markets are mostly down with double digits for the year. In the past year, U.S. equities were supported by positive corporate earnings despite all the global economic problems and that is the main reason why the performance in the U.S. equity markets is [...]
Saving the Middle Class Agenda for Economic Renewal
The hollowing out of the middle class is a potent campaign issue. Almost everyone-even affluent professionals and entrepreneurs-want to identify with the middle class, but increasingly, the genuine middle is a tough place to be. Since 2000, the median income of working age households has fallen more than 10 percent. With the top 25 percent [...]
ECB Balance Sheet at Record High-Euro Falls
Euro/USD fell over 1 percent after news of ECB balance sheet expanded to a record level, the Euro is also at a 10-year low versus the Japanese Yen. The ECB increased lending to financial institutions to keep credit flowing during this European debt crisis which is the reason the ECB balance sheet has expanded to [...]
Further Gain Possible for the USD in 2012
The USD is looking for further gains going into 2012. A solid base has formed at the 72 level in the Dollar Index monthly chart. Once the Dollar Index is able to make its way above the 23.6 percent Fibonacci at 82.216, the Dollar Index is expected to trade within the range of 82 to [...]
Happy Holidays and Brief Summary of 2011
Global equities performed very poorly in 2011. All major equity markets are down except for the United States, which is flat for the year. It is not a surprise that the European markets are underperforming due to their debt crisis. The emerging markets such as the BRIC nations are also reporting negative returns. Below is [...]
China, Taiwan and Hong Kong Equities
Taiwan stocks received a boost from its National Stabilization Fund yesterday and posted the biggest gain in more than 2 years. Taiex Index was up 4.6 percent from the government intervention to curb the slumping Taiwan stock market. Taiwan’s stock market was down, close to 22 percent this year, setting for the biggest annual decline [...]
Euro 12/20/11
The Euro currency was stronger versus the USD today. The gain was sparked by a rise in the German business confidence and a better than expected U.S. housing starts. The high for the Eur/USD was 1.3131 (at the time of this article) from yesterday’s close of 1.3000.
North Korea – a Different View
North Korean leader Kim Jong II died yesterday ending a seventeen year iron grip on North Korea. His third son Kim Jung Un will be the new successor of this Korean “monarchy”. Little is known about the new head of North Korea except he was educated in Switzerland which brings even more uncertainties in the [...]
A Second Great Recession in 2012?
Just as the U.S. economy appears improving, four sets of forces could thrust America into an abyss rivaling the Great Depression. First, for decades, the Washington has pursued more open global trade and domestic deregulation. These unleashed great potential for innovation and growth; however, China and other nations have abused freer trade through export subsidies [...]
Top News
- US stock market recovers most of an early loss May 23, 2013NEW YORK (AP) — Stock prices are slightly lower at midday on Wall Street after manufacturing contracted unexpectedly in China this month. […]
- Forest Labs' longtime CEO Solomon to step down at year-end May 23, 2013(Reuters) - Forest Laboratories Inc said Howard Solomon, its chief executive of more than 35 years, will retire at the end of this year, capping a tenure that saw the company morph from a small generic and vitamins maker to a $10 billion corporation. Solomon will continue in the chairman role until the annual shareholder meeting in 2014, the company said. Fo […]
- Birth control coverage up for federal appeal May 23, 2013DENVER (AP) — In the most prominent challenge of its kind, Hobby Lobby Stores Inc. is asking a federal appeals court Thursday for an exemption from part of the federal health care law that requires it to offer employees health coverage that includes access to the morning-after pill. […]
- Jobless claims data suggests labor market strength May 23, 2013By Lucia Mutikani WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell more than expected last week, pointing to resilience in the labor market despite belt-tightening by Washington. The improving job market tone is helping to prop up housing, with rising home prices keeping domestic consumption supported. But tight […]
- New car sales seen up about 8 percent in May: research firms May 23, 2013DETROIT (Reuters) - Auto sales in May are expected to rise about 8 percent and the annual sales pace should rebound back above 15 million vehicles after a disappointing result in the prior month, two research reports said on Thursday. Sales of new cars and trucks in May are expected to top 1.43 million vehicles, while the annual sales pace is forecast to hit […]