Weekly Economic Update June 24, 2013

Phillip Statler Presents:

 

weeklyblogsfsWEEKLY ECONOMIC UPDATE

 

 

 

WEEKLY QUOTE

“Quality is not an act, it is a habit.”

     

– Aristotle

     

   

WEEKLY TIP

Give the quarterly investment statements you receive more than a glance. If there is a mistake, you have a chance to spot it now instead of having to find it later.

  

  

WEEKLY RIDDLE

It can be told, made, cracked, and played. What is it?

  

 

Last week’s riddle:

You hold a sheet of cellophane. Fully unfolded, it is 3 feet long by 2 feet wide. How can you get two people to stand on it (when it is fully unfolded) in such a way that they can’t touch or see each other?

   

Last week’s answer:

Slide the fully unfolded sheet under a door (or a sufficiently large partition that is not transparent or opaque) and have each person stand on the sheet while on either side of the door or partition.

June 24, 2013

    

FED OUTLINES END FOR STIMULUS, STOCKS SLIP

Last Wednesday, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke shared the central bank’s vision for winding down its current aggressive easing effort – the potential tapering of QE3 by late 2013, and the end of the program by mid-2014 if economic conditions permit. Wall Street reacted abruptly – the Dow sank more than 550 points in less than two trading sessions. In the near term, the Fed will keep buying $85 billion in bonds per month and maintain interest rates at near-zero levels.1,2

INFLATION PRESSURE MINIMAL IN MAY

The 0.1% rise in the Consumer Price Index last month put yearly inflation at 1.4%, well under the Fed’s 2.0% target. Energy prices rose 0.4% in May but fell 1.0% in a year; medical costs declined 0.1% for May, the first monthly decrease since 1975.3

EXISTING HOME SALES IMPROVE

The National Association of Realtors reported a 4.2% jump in residential resales for May, with the annualized sales pace topping the 5 million mark for the first time in 3½ years. From May 2012 to May 2013, the median price of an existing home rose 15.4% to $208,000 as the number of listings on the market shrank 10.1%.4

LEADING INDICATORS EDGE NORTH 0.1% IN MAY

Slight improvement was seen in the Conference Board’s latest barometer of the economic outlook for the next 3-6 months, but economists surveyed by Bloomberg thought it would rise 0.2%. April’s gain was revised up to 0.8%.4

A WILD RIDE FOR STOCKS

Volatility was rampant last week on Wall Street, and so were losses. In five days, the S&P 500 slipped 2.11% to 1,592.43, the Dow lost 1.80% to 14,799.40 and the NASDAQ fell 1.94% to 3,357.25.5

THIS WEEK: Nothing major is scheduled for Monday. Tuesday brings the April Case-Shiller and FHFA home price indices, the Conference Board’s June consumer confidence poll, reports on May hard goods orders and new home sales and earnings from Lennar, Carnival, Walgreens and Barnes & Noble. Wednesday, the Bureau of Economic Analysis publishes its final estimate of Q1 GDP, and earnings arrive from Monsanto, Bed Bath & Beyond and General Mills. The latest initial jobless claims figures come in Thursday, along with NAR’s report on May pending home sales, the Commerce Department’s report on May consumer spending and earnings news from KBHome, ConAgra, Nike and Accenture. Friday brings the final June University of Michigan consumer sentiment survey and earnings from Blackberry.

% CHANGE

Y-T-D

1-YR CHG

5-YR AVG

10-YR AVG

DJIA

+12.94

+17.70

+4.99

+6.08

NASDAQ

+11.19

+17.42

+7.91

+10.41

S&P 500

+11.66

+20.14

+4.17

+5.99

REAL YIELD

6/21 RATE

1 YR AGO

5 YRS AGO

10 YRS AGO

10 YR TIPS

0.59%

-0.47%

1.72%

1.77%

 

Sources: cnbc.com, usatoday.com, bigcharts.com, treasury.gov – 6/21/135,6,7,8,9

Indices are unmanaged, do not incur fees or expenses, and cannot be invested into directly.

These returns do not include dividends.

 

Please feel free to forward this article to family, friends or colleagues.
If you would like us to add them to our distribution list, please reply with their address.
We will contact them first and request their permission to add them to our list.

 

 
This material was prepared by MarketingLibrary.Net Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. Marketing Library.Net Inc. is not affiliated with any broker or brokerage firm that may be providing this information to you. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price-weighted index of 30 actively traded blue-chip stocks. The NASDAQ Composite Index is an unmanaged, market-weighted index of all over-the-counter common stocks traded on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System. The Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. NYSE Group, Inc. (NYSE:NYX) operates two securities exchanges: the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) and NYSE Arca (formerly known as the Archipelago Exchange, or ArcaEx®, and the Pacific Exchange). NYSE Group is a leading provider of securities listing, trading and market data products and services. The New York Mercantile Exchange, Inc. (NYMEX) is the world’s largest physical commodity futures exchange and the preeminent trading forum for energy and precious metals, with trading conducted through two divisions – the NYMEX Division, home to the energy, platinum, and palladium markets, and the COMEX Division, on which all other metals trade. Additional risks are associated with international investing, such as currency fluctuations, political and economic instability and differences in accounting standards. This material represents an assessment of the market environment at a specific point in time and is not intended to be a forecast of future events, or a guarantee of future results. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.  Investments will fluctuate and when redeemed may be worth more or less than when originally invested. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. All economic and performance data is historical and not indicative of future results. Market indices discussed are unmanaged. Investors cannot invest in unmanaged indices. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional.

 

Citations.

1 – cnbc.com/id/100831276 [6/20/13]

2 – foxbusiness.com/markets/2013/06/19/wall-street-pummeled-amid-fed-woes/ [6/19/13]

3 – online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323566804578553151902340728.html [6/18/13]

4 – bloomberg.com/news/2013-06-20/sales-of-previously-owned-u-s-homes-rise-more-than-forecast.html [6/20/13]

5 – cnbc.com/id/100834381 [6/21/13]

6 – usatoday.com/money/markets/overview/ [6/21/13]

7 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=DJIA&closeDate=6%2F21%2F12&x=0&y=0 [6/21/13]

7 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=COMP&closeDate=6%2F21%2F12&x=0&y=0 [6/21/13]

7 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=SPX&closeDate=6%2F21%2F12&x=0&y=0 [6/21/13]

7 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=DJIA&closeDate=6%2F20%2F08&x=0&y=0 [6/21/13]

7 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=COMP&closeDate=6%2F20%2F08&x=0&y=0 [6/21/13]

7 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=SPX&closeDate=6%2F20%2F08&x=0&y=0 [6/21/13]

7 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=DJIA&closeDate=6%2F20%2F03&x=0&y=0 [6/21/13]

7 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=COMP&closeDate=6%2F20%2F03&x=0&y=0 [6/21/13]

7 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=SPX&closeDate=6%2F20%2F03&x=0&y=0 [6/21/13]

8 – treasury.gov/resource-center/data-chart-center/interest-rates/Pages/TextView.aspx?data=realyield [6/21/13]

9 – treasury.gov/resource-center/data-chart-center/interest-rates/Pages/TextView.aspx?data=realyieldAll [6/21/13]

 

 

 

 

 

Weekly Economic Update May 20, 2013

 

 

WEEKLY QUOTE

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”

     

– Anne Frank

     

   

WEEKLY TIP

Set aside a half-hour to organize your financial documents. It makes sense for tax season, and it makes sense all year.

  

  

WEEKLY RIDDLE

What should the next number be in this series: 103, 107, 109, 113, 127 …

 

  

Last week’s riddle:

I can’t be captured or held, and I certainly am not seen … yet I can occasionally be heard, and I am often all around you. What am I?

   

Last week’s answer:

The wind.

weeklyblogsfsMay 20, 2013

    

SUBDUED INFLATION IN APRIL

Consumer and producer prices retreated last month. The federal government’s Consumer Price Index fell 0.4%, a monthly descent unseen since December 2008; the Producer Price Index declined 0.7%, its biggest monthly drop in three years. Consumer prices also fell for a second straight month; the last time that happened was in late 2008. The core CPI did rise 0.1% in April; the yearly gain in the overall CPI was just 1.1%.1

THREE MORE POSITIVE SIGNS FOR THE ECONOMY

The University of Michigan’s initial May consumer sentiment survey came in at 83.7 – its highest level since July 2007, 7.3 points above the final April mark. After falling 0.2% for March, the Conference Board’s index of U.S. leading indicators rose 0.6% for April. Census Bureau data showed retail sales ticking up 0.1% in April and 3.7% in the past year.2,3

HOUSING STARTS PLUNGE, BUILDING PERMITS SOAR

While the year-over-year increase was 13.1%, housing starts plummeted 16.5% in April, largely due to a 37.8% drop in apartment starts. On the other hand,  last month brought a 14.3% rise in building permits … marked by a 40.6% jump in permits for apartment construction.4

BULLS KEEP RUNNING

The S&P 500 is now on a 4-week winning streak. It rose another 1.98% last week to settle at 1,666.12 Friday. Complementing that 5-day gain, the NASDAQ went +1.82% last week while the DJIA went +1.56%; at Friday’s closing bell, the NASDAQ settled at 3,498.97 and the Dow at 15,354.40. A truly impressive factoid: the NASDAQ and S&P have gained 1% or more in each of the past four weeks.5

THIS WEEK: Monday brings earnings from Campbell Soup, TiVo and Urban Outfitters. On Tuesday, Best Buy, Home Depot, Medtronic, Vodafone, Saks, TJX and NetApp announce quarterly results. Wednesday, NAR releases its report on April existing home sales, the Federal Reserve releases the May 1 FOMC minutes, and Fed chairman Ben Bernanke testifies before Congress; Staples, L Brands, PetSmart, Toll Brothers, Target, Lowe’s and Hewlett-Packard post earnings. The Census Bureau report on April new home sales appears Thursday, along with the March FHFA housing price index and earnings from Dollar Tree, Gamestop, Ralph Lauren, Sears Holdings, Gap, Ross Stores, Aeropostale and Pandora. Friday offers the April durable goods orders report and Q1 results from Abercrombie & Fitch.

% CHANGE

Y-T-D

1-YR CHG

5-YR AVG

10-YR AVG

DJIA

+17.17

+23.40

+3.65

+7.69

NASDAQ

+15.88

+24.36

+7.67

+12.74

S&P 500

+16.82

+27.69

+3.38

+7.64

REAL YIELD

5/17 RATE

1 YR AGO

5 YRS AGO

10 YRS AGO

10 YR TIPS

-0.31%

-0.35%

1.41%

1.84%

 

Sources: cnbc.com, bigcharts.com, treasury.gov – 5/17/135,6,7,8

Indices are unmanaged, do not incur fees or expenses, and cannot be invested into directly.

These returns do not include dividends.

 

Please feel free to forward this article to family, friends or colleagues.
If you would like us to add them to our distribution list, please reply with their address.
We will contact them first and request their permission to add them to our list.

 

 

Weekly March 18, 2013

 

 

WEEKLY QUOTE

“Every choice you make has an end result.”

     

– Zig Ziglar

     

   

WEEKLY TIP

Doctors often try to manage debt by themselves. An experienced financial services professional can help a physician assess the long-term impact of loans and develop a strategy to pay them off.

  

  

WEEKLY RIDDLE

The 22nd and 24th U.S. presidents had the exact same parents – and yet, the 22nd and 24th U.S. presidents were not siblings. Why?

  

   

Last week’s riddle:

You can’t outrun it or hide from it. You only notice it when there is light, but it shows only darkness. What is it?

   

Last week’s answer:

Your shadow.

March 18, 2013

   

RETAILERS RECEIVE A MAJOR BOOST  

Higher payroll taxes don’t seem to have hurt shopping or driving: the Commerce Department noted a 1.1% improvement in retail sales for February. As gas station receipts increased 5.0% and auto sales 1.1% last month, there was also a 0.4% gain in core retail sales and a 0.5% rise in department store and discount store sales.1

NO SURPRISE: HIGHER GAS PRICES PROMPT CPI GAIN

February’s 0.7% gain in the Consumer Price Index was heavily influenced by the rising cost of fuel – minus food and energy costs, the core CPI rose just 0.2%. The Labor Department also reported a 0.7% rise in the Producer Price Index last month, compared with 0.2% for January.2,3

 

MORTGAGE RATES HIT A 7-MONTH PEAK

In its March 14 national survey, Freddie Mac estimated the average interest rate on a conventional 30-year home loan at 3.63% (the highest since August). Average rates for 15-year fixed mortgages were at 2.79%.4

 

HOUSEHOLD CONFIDENCE FLAGS

The University of Michigan’s preliminary March survey of consumer sentiment fell to 71.8, down 5.8 points from its final February mark. This was the lowest reading since December 2011.2

 

DOW LOGS FOURTH STRAIGHT WEEKLY ADVANCE

The DJIA rose 0.81% from March 11-15, settling Friday at 14,514.11. (A down Friday broke a 10-day winning streak for the index.) The S&P 500 (+0.61% to 1,560.70) posted its third straight weekly gain, as did the NASDAQ (+0.14% to 3,249.07). Gold settled Friday at $1,591.30 on the COMEX, oil at $93.58 on the NYMEX.5,6

THIS WEEK: The March NAHB housing market index appears Monday. Tuesday brings earnings from Adobe and DSW and data on February housing starts and building permits. The Federal Reserve concludes its March policy meeting Wednesday; also, quarterly results arrive from FedEx, Oracle and General Mills. Lululemon, Ross Stores, and Nike announce earnings on Thursday, which is also when NAR notes February existing home sales; the Conference Board’s February index of leading indicators and the FHFA housing price index for January also appear. Friday brings earnings from Darden Restaurants, Tiffany and KBHome.

% CHG

Y-T-D

1-YR CHG

5-YR AVG

10-YR AVG

DJIA

+10.76

+9.52

+4.29

+8.47

NASDAQ

+7.60

+6.30

+9.37

+14.25

S&P 500

+9.43

+11.27

+4.23

+8.73

REAL YIELD

3/15 RATE

1 YR AGO

5 YRS AGO

10 YRS AGO

10 YR TIPS

-0.55%

-0.08%

1.01%

1.89%

 

Sources: cnbc.com, bigcharts.com, treasury.gov – 3/15/135,7,8,9

Indices are unmanaged, do not incur fees or expenses, and cannot be invested into directly.

These returns do not include dividends.

 

 

Please feel free to forward this article to family, friends or colleagues.
If you would like us to add them to our distribution list, please reply with their address.
We will contact them first and request their permission to add them to our list.

 

 
This material was prepared by MarketingLibrary.Net Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. Marketing Library.Net Inc. is not affiliated with any broker or brokerage firm that may be providing this information to you. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price-weighted index of 30 actively traded blue-chip stocks. The NASDAQ Composite Index is an unmanaged, market-weighted index of all over-the-counter common stocks traded on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System. The Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. NYSE Group, Inc. (NYSE:NYX) operates two securities exchanges: the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) and NYSE Arca (formerly known as the Archipelago Exchange, or ArcaEx®, and the Pacific Exchange). NYSE Group is a leading provider of securities listing, trading and market data products and services. The New York Mercantile Exchange, Inc. (NYMEX) is the world’s largest physical commodity futures exchange and the preeminent trading forum for energy and precious metals, with trading conducted through two divisions – the NYMEX Division, home to the energy, platinum, and palladium markets, and the COMEX Division, on which all other metals trade. Additional risks are associated with international investing, such as currency fluctuations, political and economic instability and differences in accounting standards. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. All economic and performance data is historical and not indicative of future results. Market indices discussed are unmanaged. Investors cannot invest in unmanaged indices. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional.

 

Citations.

1 – http://www.csmonitor.com/Business/2013/0313/Retail-sales-rise.-Shoppers-unfazed-by-payroll-tax-hike [3/13/13]

2 – http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/16/business/economy/consumer-inflation-jumps.html [3/15/13]

3 – http://www.nasdaq.com/article/stock-market-news-for-march-15-2013-market-news-cm227573#.UUOIDVdXqXk [3/15/13]

4 – http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2013/03/14/30-year-fixed-mortgage-rates/1987243/ [3/14/13]

5 – http://www.cnbc.com/id/100557676 [3/15/13]

6 – online.wsj.com/mdc/public/page/mdc_commodities.html [3/15/13]

7 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=DJIA&closeDate=3%2F15%2F12&x=0&y=0 [3/15/13]

7 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=COMP&closeDate=3%2F15%2F12&x=0&y=0 [3/15/13]

7 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=SPX&closeDate=3%2F15%2F12&x=0&y=0 [3/15/13]

7 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=DJIA&closeDate=3%2F14%2F08&x=0&y=0 [3/15/13]

7 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=COMP&closeDate=3%2F14%2F08&x=0&y=0 [3/15/13]

7 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=SPX&closeDate=3%2F14%2F08&x=0&y=0 [3/15/13]

7 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=DJIA&closeDate=3%2F14%2F03&x=0&y=0 [3/15/13]

7 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=COMP&closeDate=3%2F14%2F03&x=0&y=0 [3/15/13]

7 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=SPX&closeDate=3%2F14%2F03&x=0&y=0 [3/15/13]

8 – http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/data-chart-center/interest-rates/Pages/TextView.aspx?data=realyield [3/15/13]

9 – http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/data-chart-center/interest-rates/Pages/TextView.aspx?data=realyieldAll [3/15/13]

 

 

Weekly Economic Update February 25, 2013

 

 

WEEKLY QUOTE

“You miss 100% of the shots you never take.”

     

– Wayne Gretzky

     

   

WEEKLY TIP

Inflation is tame right now, but keep in mind that even moderate inflation can have significant impact. For example, today’s $20,000 car would cost roughly $29,600 in 2023 after ten years of just 4% annual inflation.

  

  

WEEKLY RIDDLE

What can explode slowly, with no smoke or flame?

  

   

Last week’s riddle:

If a single-engine airplane taxied not onto a runway, but onto an enormous conveyer belt whose speed precisely equaled that of the plane in the opposite direction, could the plane still manage to take off?

   

Last week’s answer:

Yes, eventually. A plane’s wheels roll freely, and the thrust generated by the prop or jet engine will still be greater than drag and the lift created by air flowing over the wing will still be greater than the aircraft’s weight.

weeklyblogsfs

February 25, 2013

   

HOME SALES RISE, HOUSING STARTS FALL

January brought a 0.4% improvement in existing home sales, even as the inventory of properties for sale hit a 93-month low. The National Association of Realtors reported a 25% year-over-year decline in existing home inventory, which hasn’t been seen since December 1999. The median sales price was $173,600 last month, up 12.9% from a year ago. Turning to new construction, housing starts dropped 8.5% in January after a 15.7% gain in December, but new home permits increased 1.8%.1,2

NO CHANGE IN CPI, BUT PRODUCER PRICES ADVANCE

The Consumer Price Index was flat for a second straight month in January, with annualized inflation at just 1.6%. Core CPI (minus food and energy prices) advanced 0.3%, however – the biggest monthly gain since May 2011. The Producer Price Index rose 0.2% in January, with overall yearly wholesale inflation at 1.4%.3,4

SEQUESTRATION SEEMS IMMINENT

On March 1, $85 billion in federal budget cuts are set to occur – and with Congress on recess last week, not much more than talk emerged about delaying them further. Friday, President Obama said he did not believe that the cuts were “inevitable” and commented that “this is not a smart way for us to reduce the deficit”. At the end of last week, no bipartisan effort to reschedule them was underway.5

STOCKS STAGE FIRST WEEKLY RETREAT OF 2013

Pronounced volatility returned to Wall Street last week due to earnings surprises and the January Federal Reserve policy meeting minutes, which raised concerns over the longevity of QE3. How did the key indices do last week? The numbers: Dow, +0.13% to 14,000.57; S&P 500, -0.28% to 1,515.60; NASDAQ, -0.95% to 3,161.82.6

THIS WEEK: Earnings reports from Lowe’s and Hertz arrive Monday. Tuesday, January new home sales figures, a new Conference Board consumer confidence poll and the latest Case-Shiller Home Price Index appear, and Fed chairman Ben Bernanke begins two days of testimony in Congress; Macy’s, Home Depot, Saks, AutoZone, Priceline and TiVo announce earnings. Reports on January pending home sales and durable goods orders are out Wednesday plus earnings from Target, Monster, Limited Brands, Dollar Tree, TJX, Groupon and JCPenney. Thursday offers quarterly results from Best Buy, Gap, Sears, Kohl’s and Barnes & Noble and the second estimate of Q4 GDP. Friday is March 1: sequester cuts may occur, the final February consumer sentiment index from the University of Michigan arrives, February’s ISM manufacturing index and reports on January consumer spending and vehicle sales appear, and Ben Bernanke speaks at the San Francisco Fed.

% CHANGE

Y-T-D

1-YR CHG

5-YR AVG

10-YR AVG

DJIA

+6.84

+8.21

+2.62

+7.46

NASDAQ

+4.71

+7.80

+7.45

+13.44

S&P 500

+6.27

+11.63

+2.40

+7.87

REAL YIELD

2/22 RATE

1 YR AGO

5 YRS AGO

10 YRS AGO

10 YR TIPS

-0.57%

-0.27%

1.44%

1.93%

 

Sources: cnbc.com, bigcharts.com, treasury.gov – 2/22/136,7,8,9

Indices are unmanaged, do not incur fees or expenses, and cannot be invested into directly.

These returns do not include dividends.

 

Please feel free to forward this article to family, friends or colleagues.
If you would like us to add them to our distribution list, please reply with their address.
We will contact them first and request their permission to add them to our list.

 

 
 

This material was prepared by MarketingLibrary.Net Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. Marketing Library.Net Inc. is not affiliated with any broker or brokerage firm that may be providing this information to you. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price-weighted index of 30 actively traded blue-chip stocks. The NASDAQ Composite Index is an unmanaged, market-weighted index of all over-the-counter common stocks traded on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System. The Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. NYSE Group, Inc. (NYSE:NYX) operates two securities exchanges: the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) and NYSE Arca (formerly known as the Archipelago Exchange, or ArcaEx®, and the Pacific Exchange). NYSE Group is a leading provider of securities listing, trading and market data products and services. The New York Mercantile Exchange, Inc. (NYMEX) is the world’s largest physical commodity futures exchange and the preeminent trading forum for energy and precious metals, with trading conducted through two divisions – the NYMEX Division, home to the energy, platinum, and palladium markets, and the COMEX Division, on which all other metals trade. Additional risks are associated with international investing, such as currency fluctuations, political and economic instability and differences in accounting standards. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. All economic and performance data is historical and not indicative of future results. Market indices discussed are unmanaged. Investors cannot invest in unmanaged indices. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional.

 

Citations.
1 – http://www.marketwatch.com/story/home-sales-inch-up-in-january-as-inventory-shrinks-2013-02-21 [2/21/13]
2 – blogs.wsj.com/developments/2013/02/20/housing-starts-fall-but-economists-stay-positive/ [2/22/13]
3 – http://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/2013/02/21/consumer-prices-flat-in-january/ [2/22/13]
4 – articles.marketwatch.com/2013-02-20/economy/37188507_1_wholesale-prices-vegetable-prices-higher-food-prices [2/22/13]
5 – abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2013/02/hope-springs-eternal-for-obama-on-budget-cuts/ [2/22/13]
6 – http://www.cnbc.com/id/100484753 [2/22/13]
7 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=DJIA&closeDate=2%2F22%2F12&x=0&y=0 [2/22/13]
7 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=COMP&closeDate=2%2F22%2F12&x=0&y=0 [2/22/13]
7 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=SPX&closeDate=2%2F22%2F12&x=0&y=0 [2/22/13]
7 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=DJIA&closeDate=2%2F22%2F08&x=0&y=0 [2/22/13]
7 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=COMP&closeDate=2%2F22%2F08&x=0&y=0 [2/22/13]
7 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=SPX&closeDate=2%2F22%2F08&x=0&y=0 [2/22/13]
7 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=DJIA&closeDate=2%2F21%2F03&x=0&y=0 [2/22/13]
7 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=COMP&closeDate=2%2F21%2F03&x=0&y=0 [2/22/13]
7 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=SPX&closeDate=2%2F21%2F03&x=0&y=0 [2/22/13]
8 – http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/data-chart-center/interest-rates/Pages/TextView.aspx?data=realyield [2/22/13]
9 – http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/data-chart-center/interest-rates/Pages/TextView.aspx?data=realyieldAll [2/22/13]

 

 

Weekly Economic Update February 18, 2013


WEEKLY QUOTE

“A friend is one who walks in when others walk out.”

     

– Walter Winchell

    

  

WEEKLY TIP

See that the family member who will pay nursing home bills meets face-to-face with the person who handles billing for the facility. If there is ever a billing dispute or error, a face-to-face relationship may help resolve it faster.

  

  

WEEKLY RIDDLE

If a single-engine airplane taxied not onto a runway, but onto an enormous conveyer belt whose speed precisely equaled that of the plane in the opposite direction, could the plane still manage to take off?

  

   

Last week’s riddle:

Two men played five games of chess in the park. They both won the same number of games, yet none of the games they played ended in a draw. So how could this be?

  

Last week’s answer:

They didn’t play each other.

weeklyblogsfs

February 18, 2013

   

RETAIL SALES RISE IN JANUARY

The increase was minimal – just 0.1% after the 0.5% advance in December – but still welcome in the face of the 2013 payroll tax hike and higher gas prices. Commerce Department data showed core retail sales (which exclude auto, gas and home improvement purchases) up 0.1% for January; they rose 0.7% in December.1

CONSUMERS REGAIN SOME OPTIMISM

January’s preliminary consumer sentiment index from the University of Michigan showed real improvement – an increase of 2.5 points to a three-month peak of 76.3. Economists polled by Bloomberg had expected a reading of 74.8. The index averaged just 64.2 during the 2007-2009 recession.2

GOLD FALLS $26 IN A DAY

The precious metal slipped 1.6% Friday and 3.4% for the week to a Friday close of $1,609.50 on the COMEX, recovering a bit from an intraday dip under $1,600. NYMEX crude futures eked out a 0.1% weekly gain, settling at $95.86 Friday.3

S&P 500 ADVANCES FOR A SEVENTH STRAIGHT WEEK

When was the last time the S&P started a year with a seven-week win streak? 1967. That achievement aside, it hasn’t had a winning streak this long in more than two years. The S&P gained 0.12% across five trading days to settle at 1,519.79 Friday, while the Dow saw its second straight weekly retreat (-0.08% to 13,981.76) and the NASDAQ (-0.06% to 3,192.03) also logged a slight weekly decline. The CBOE VIX ended the week at 12.46.3,4

THIS WEEK: U.S. financial markets are closed Monday for the Presidents’ Day holiday. A new NAHB housing market index appears Tuesday, plus earnings from Herbalife, Medtronic, Express Scripts, Analog Devices, CF Industries, Dell, Marriott, and Fidelity National. January’s Producer Price Index arrives on Wednesday, along with minutes from last month’s FOMC meeting and Census Bureau reports on January housing starts and building permits; quarterly results come in from Sodastream, Devon Energy, Dish Network, BHP Billiton, Garmin, Toll Brothers, Cheesecake Factory and Tesla Motors. The NAR announces existing home sales for January on Thursday; last month’s Consumer Price Index also appears, along with the Conference Board’s latest index of leading indicators, new initial claims figures and earnings from Hewlett-Packard, Wal-Mart, Hormel, Chesapeake Energy, Safeway, AIG, Cabot Oil & Gas, Newmont Mining and Nordstrom. Friday brings quarterly results from Abercrombie & Fitch.

% CHG

Y-T-D

1-YR CHG

5-YR AVG

10-YR AVG

DJIA

+6.70

+9.40

+2.65

+7.68

NASDAQ

+5.71

+9.47

+7.50

+14.36

S&P 500

+6.56

+13.14

+2.52

+8.20

REAL YIELD

2/15 RATE

1 YR AGO

5 YRS AGO

10 YRS AGO

10 YR TIPS

-0.53%

-0.26%

1.48%

2.03%

Sources: cnbc.com, bigcharts.com, treasury.gov – 2/15/134,5,6,7

Indices are unmanaged, do not incur fees or expenses, and cannot be invested into directly.

These returns do not include dividends.

 

Please feel free to forward this article to family, friends or colleagues.
If you would like us to add them to our distribution list, please reply with their address.
We will contact them first and request their permission to add them to our list.

 

This material was prepared by MarketingLibrary.Net Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. Marketing Library.Net Inc. is not affiliated with any broker or brokerage firm that may be providing this information to you. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price-weighted index of 30 actively traded blue-chip stocks. The NASDAQ Composite Index is an unmanaged, market-weighted index of all over-the-counter common stocks traded on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System. The Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. NYSE Group, Inc. (NYSE:NYX) operates two securities exchanges: the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) and NYSE Arca (formerly known as the Archipelago Exchange, or ArcaEx®, and the Pacific Exchange). NYSE Group is a leading provider of securities listing, trading and market data products and services. The New York Mercantile Exchange, Inc. (NYMEX) is the world’s largest physical commodity futures exchange and the preeminent trading forum for energy and precious metals, with trading conducted through two divisions – the NYMEX Division, home to the energy, platinum, and palladium markets, and the COMEX Division, on which all other metals trade. Additional risks are associated with international investing, such as currency fluctuations, political and economic instability and differences in accounting standards. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. All economic and performance data is historical and not indicative of future results. Market indices discussed are unmanaged. Investors cannot invest in unmanaged indices. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional.

Citations.
1 – http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/13/usa-economy-retail-idUSL1N0BCCZM20130213 [2/13/13]
2 – http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-02-15/u-s-michigan-consumer-sentiment-index-rose-to-76-3-in-february.html [2/15/13]
3 – http://www.nasdaq.com/article/dow-closes-a-second-week-in-the-red-despite-late-rally-cm218372 [2/15/13]
4 – http://www.cnbc.com/id/100463705 [2/15/13]
5 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=DJIA&closeDate=2%2F15%2F12&x=0&y=0 [2/15/13]
5 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=COMP&closeDate=2%2F15%2F12&x=0&y=0 [2/15/13]
5 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=SPX&closeDate=2%2F15%2F12&x=0&y=0 [2/15/13]
5 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=DJIA&closeDate=2%2F15%2F08&x=0&y=0 [2/15/13]
5 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=COMP&closeDate=2%2F15%2F08&x=0&y=0 [2/15/13]
5 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=SPX&closeDate=2%2F15%2F08&x=0&y=0 [2/15/13]
5 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=DJIA&closeDate=2%2F14%2F03&x=0&y=0 [2/15/13]
5 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=COMP&closeDate=2%2F14%2F03&x=0&y=0 [2/15/13]
5 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=SPX&closeDate=2%2F14%2F03&x=0&y=0 [2/15/13]
6 – http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/data-chart-center/interest-rates/Pages/TextView.aspx?data=realyield [2/15/13]
7 – http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/data-chart-center/interest-rates/Pages/TextView.aspx?data=realyieldAll [2/15/13]

 

Weekly Economic Update August 20,2012

 

 

WEEKLY QUOTE

“Loyalty to a petrified opinion never yet broke a chain or freed a human soul.”

– Mark Twain

 

WEEKLY TIP

We all have impulses that can make us spend more and save less. Recognizing them can help us to improve our financial behaviors.

 

WEEKLY RIDDLE

What is the longest word in the English language to have only one vowel repeated?

(Hint: It has 18 total letters and the vowel is repeated 4 times).

 

 

Last week’s riddle:

A common English word refers to a person or thing not being in a place. But just by inserting a space within it, you can get two words meaning that a person or thing is present. What is this word?

 

Last week’s answer:

Nowhere. It can become now here by inserting a space.

CPI FLAT FOR A SECOND CONSECUTIVE MONTH

In July, the federal Consumer Price Index showed no overall advance. That was the case in June as well, and that might just bolster the case for easing at the Federal Reserve. Consumer prices rose only 1.4% annually, the smallest increase since the November 2010 index. Core CPI (minus food and energy costs) rose 0.1% last month. As for wholesale prices, they rose 0.3% in July – the largest jump in five months, even as wholesale gas prices slipped 3.1%.1,2

RETAIL SALES IMPRESS

American retail purchases soared 0.8% in July after a (downwardly revised) 0.7% retreat in June. It was a real sea change – the first positive month for the category since March. The monthly increase in retail gasoline sales was just 0.5%, which had little effect on the overall gain.3

HOUSING STARTS DIP; PERMITS HIT  4-YEAR PEAK

U.S. builders broke ground on 1.1% fewer projects in July. The good news: permits for new construction hit a pace of 812,000, a high unseen since August 2008.4

CONSUMERS ARE FEELING A BIT BETTER

Economists polled by MarketWatch expected a dip in August’s initial University of Michigan consumer sentiment index. Instead, it rose 1.3% to 73.6 – the best reading since May. The index’s gauge of current economic conditions improved to 87.6 in August from 82.7 in July.5

THE SUMMER RALLY ROLLS ON

Feeling slightly bullish? You aren’t alone. The Dow and S&P 500 have now advanced for six straight weeks, and the CBOE VIX (the “fear index”) closed at 13.47 Friday, its lowest mark in five years. The numbers for the week: DJIA, +0.51% to 13,275.20; S&P 500, +0.87% to 1,418.16; NASDAQ, +1.84% to 3,076.59. Gold lost 0.21% on the COMEX for the week while oil soared 3.38% on the NYMEX. Gold settled Friday at $1,619.40, oil at $96.01.6,7,8

THIS WEEK: On Monday, Lowe’s reports Q2 earnings. Tuesday, Best Buy, Dell and Meditronic follow suit. Wednesday brings the National Association of Realtors report on July’s existing home sales, the July 31 FOMC minutes and earnings from Hewlett-Packard. In addition to weekly jobless claims, Thursday offers July data on new home buying, a new FHFA home price index and Q2 results from Hormel. Friday, the report on July’s durable goods orders arrives along with the latest USDA outlook on food prices.

 

% Change YTD 1 YR CHG 5 YR AVG 10 YR AVG
DJIA +8.66 +16.34 +0.30 +5.12
NASDAQ +18.10 +22.50 +4.56 +12.61
S & P 500 +12.77 +18.78 -0.38 +5.27
REAL YIELD 8/17 RATE 1 YR AGO 5 YRS AGO 10 YRS AGO
10 YR TIPS -0.43% 0.01% 2.45% 3.10%

 

 

Sources: cnbc.com, bigcharts.com, treasury.gov, treasurydirect.gov – 8/17/126,9,10,11

Indices are unmanaged, do not incur fees or expenses, and cannot be invested into directly.

These returns do not include dividends.

 

 

Please feel free to forward this article to family, friends or colleagues.

If you would like us to add them to our distribution list, please reply with their address.

We will contact them first and request their permission to add them to our list.

 

This material was prepared by MarketingLibrary.Net Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. Marketing Library.Net Inc. is not affiliated with any broker or brokerage firm that may be providing this information to you. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price-weighted index of 30 actively traded blue-chip stocks. The NASDAQ Composite Index is an unmanaged, market-weighted index of all over-the-counter common stocks traded on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System. The Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. NYSE Group, Inc. (NYSE:NYX) operates two securities exchanges: the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) and NYSE Arca (formerly known as the Archipelago Exchange, or ArcaEx®, and the Pacific Exchange). NYSE Group is a leading provider of securities listing, trading and market data products and services. The New York Mercantile Exchange, Inc. (NYMEX) is the world’s largest physical commodity futures exchange and the preeminent trading forum for energy and precious metals, with trading conducted through two divisions – the NYMEX Division, home to the energy, platinum, and palladium markets, and the COMEX Division, on which all other metals trade. Additional risks are associated with international investing, such as currency fluctuations, political and economic instability and differences in accounting standards. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. All economic and performance data is historical and not indicative of future results. Market indices discussed are unmanaged. Investors cannot invest in unmanaged indices. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional.

 

Citations.

1 – http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/08/15/usa-economy-idINL2E8JF2C720120815 [8/15/12]

2 – http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/sns-rt-us-economy-ppibre87d0gq-20120814,0,3794223.story [8/14/12]

3 – articles.marketwatch.com/2012-08-14/economy/33191357_1_sales-at-gasoline-stations-furniture-store-sales-retail-sales [8/17/12]

4 – http://www.sfgate.com/business/bloomberg/article/Housing-Starts-in-U-S-Decline-as-Permits-Reach-3793297.php [8/16/12]

5 – http://www.marketwatch.com/story/consumer-sentiment-rises-in-august-2012-08-17-10103922 [8/17/12]

6 – http://www.cnbc.com/id/48701551 [8/17/12]

7 – money.msn.com/market-news/post.aspx?post=2dab9cc0-86e7-48a1-b678-b50cb7e539d7 [8/17/12]

8 – montoyaregistry.com/Financial-Market.aspx?financial-market=common-financial-mistakes-and-how-to-avoid-them&category=29 [8/17/12]

9 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=DJIA&closeDate=8%2F17%2F11&x=0&y=0 [8/17/12]

9 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=COMP&closeDate=8%2F17%2F11&x=0&y=0 [8/17/12]

9 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=SPX&closeDate=8%2F17%2F11&x=0&y=0 [8/17/12]

9 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=DJIA&closeDate=8%2F17%2F07&x=0&y=0 [8/17/12]

9 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=COMP&closeDate=8%2F17%2F07&x=0&y=0 [8/17/12]

9 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=SPX&closeDate=8%2F17%2F07&x=0&y=0 [8/17/12]

9 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=DJIA&closeDate=8%2F16%2F02&x=0&y=0 [8/17/12]

9 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=COMP&closeDate=8%2F16%2F02&x=0&y=0 [8/17/12]

9 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=SPX&closeDate=8%2F16%2F02&x=0&y=0 [8/17/12]

10 – treasury.gov/resource-center/data-chart-center/interest-rates/Pages/TextView.aspx?data=realyield [8/17/12]

10 – treasury.gov/resource-center/data-chart-center/interest-rates/Pages/TextView.aspx?data=realyieldAll [8/17/12]

11 – treasurydirect.gov/instit/annceresult/press/preanre/2002/ofm71002.pdf [7/10/02]

 

Weekly Economic Update June 18, 2012

 

 

WEEKLY QUOTE

“Big thoughts are fun to romanticize, but it is many small insights coming together that bring big ideas into the world.”

   

– Scott Berkun

   

WEEKLY TIP

Sometimes filing separately can reduce a married couple’s federal tax burden. If one spouse has large itemized deductions or if both spouses are in markedly different tax brackets, it could be a good move.

  

WEEKLY RIDDLE

I can’t walk, but at times I run and I am very difficult to hide. I am always with you. What am I?

   

Last week’s riddle:

Two couples played paintball. Each person had blue, green, yellow, or red paint, and wore a uniform in one of those same colors. Barbara used blue paint. The person wearing green used yellow paint. Steven did not wear the red uniform. Vicki used green paint and wore blue. Ian used the same color paint as his t-shirt. Can you match each person to the color of paint and uniform they used?  

 

Last week’s answer: Ian: wore red, red paint; Barbara:  yellow, blue; Steven:   green, yellow; Vicki: blue,  green

June 18, 2012

  

IF GREECE EXITS THE EURO, WHAT COMES NEXT?

Best-case scenarios for Greece seemed to fade as the weekend neared. Concerns mounted that Sunday’s special elections would either bring another parliamentary deadlock or a victory for parties opposing scheduled austerity cuts. Some economists maintained that a Greek exit from the euro would not be abrupt and not produce a shock like the 2008 Lehman Brothers collapse. Anxiety was tempered by anticipation: expectations of a central bank response grew. In fact, last week the Bank of England announced plans for 6-month loans and liquidity injections to shield the U.K. financial system from any fallout. Yields on Spanish 10-year notes hit 7% last week, a sign of skepticism about that nation’s bank bailout.1,2

 

Consumer prices declineD in MAY

The federal government’s Consumer Price Index fell 0.3% for May, thanks largely to a 4.3% drop in energy prices. Core CPI rose 0.2% for the third straight month with 12-month consumer inflation at 1.7% (a long way from the 3.9% annualized inflation measured in September). May’s Producer Price Index dropped 1.0%.3

SALES & SENTIMENT SLIP, HOME EQUITY INCREASES
The Census Bureau said retail sales fell 0.2% in May; they slipped for a second straight month, which hasn’t happened since 2010. June’s preliminary University of Michigan consumer sentiment survey dropped to 74.1 from May’s final mark of 79.3. On a positive note, retail gas prices are down 2.65% so far in June; on Friday, AAA had regular unleaded averaging just $3.52 a gallon. Another positive: Q1 2012 saw a 7.3% rise in U.S. home equity, the best quarter in in more than 60 years.4,5,6,7

HOPES RISE … AND SO DO STOCKS

New hope of central bank intervention (and expiring options and futures) pushed stocks higher last week, with the major indices performing as follows: S&P 500, +1.30% to 1,342.84; DJIA, +1.70% to 12,767.17; NASDAQ, +0.50% to 2,872.80. Gold was up 2.31% for the week to $1,628.10, oil down 0.08% on the week to $84.03.6,8

THIS WEEK: Besides global market reaction to Greece’s special elections (and a possible central bank response), Monday will also mark the start of a G20 summit. Tuesday, a two-day FOMC meeting begins and data on May housing starts arrives in addition to Q1 earnings from Adobe Systems, FedEx and Discover. Wednesday, the Fed will make a policy statement; earnings from Bed, Bath & Beyond also come out. Thursday, we get data on May’s existing home sales, the Conference Board’s latest LEI report, and Q1 earnings from Rite Aid, Oracle and ConAgra. Friday, Q1 results arrive from Darden Restaurants.

% CHG

Y-T-D

1-YR CHG

5-YR AVG

10-YR AVG

DJIA

+4.50

+7.31

-1.28

+3.48

NASDAQ

+10.27

+9.17

+1.87

+9.09

S&P 500

+6.78

+6.12

-2.48

+3.33

REAL YIELD

6/15 RATE

1 YR AGO

5 YRS AGO

10 YRS AGO

10 YR TIPS

0.54%

0.74%

2.73%

3.48%

 

Sources: money.msn.com, bigcharts.com, treasury.gov, treasurydirect.gov – 6/15/126,9,10,11

Indices are unmanaged, do not incur fees or expenses, and cannot be invested into directly.

These returns do not include dividends.

 

Please feel free to forward this article to family, friends or colleagues.
If you would like us to add them to our distribution list, please reply with their address.
We will contact them first and request their permission to add them to our list.

 

This material was prepared by MarketingLibrary.Net Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. Marketing Library.Net Inc. is not affiliated with any broker or brokerage firm that may be providing this information to you. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price-weighted index of 30 actively traded blue-chip stocks. The NASDAQ Composite Index is an unmanaged, market-weighted index of all over-the-counter common stocks traded on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System. The Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. NYSE Group, Inc. (NYSE:NYX) operates two securities exchanges: the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) and NYSE Arca (formerly known as the Archipelago Exchange, or ArcaEx®, and the Pacific Exchange). NYSE Group is a leading provider of securities listing, trading and market data products and services. The New York Mercantile Exchange, Inc. (NYMEX) is the world’s largest physical commodity futures exchange and the preeminent trading forum for energy and precious metals, with trading conducted through two divisions – the NYMEX Division, home to the energy, platinum, and palladium markets, and the COMEX Division, on which all other metals trade. Additional risks are associated with international investing, such as currency fluctuations, political and economic instability and differences in accounting standards. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. All economic and performance data is historical and not indicative of future results. Market indices discussed are unmanaged. Investors cannot invest in unmanaged indices. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional.

 

Citations.

1 – http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/15/business/global/europe-braces-for-greek-vote-and-maybe-more.html [6/15/12]

2 – http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/2bb1de8c-b6cd-11e1-8c96-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1xtvQqrp4 [6/15/12]

3 – http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/story/2012-06-13/econ-reports-0614-cpi-jobless-claims/55592570/1 [6/15/12]

4 – http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/retail-sales-drop-again-in-may-report-says/2012/06/13/gJQANa80aV_story.html [6/5/12]

5 – http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2012/06/15/bloomberg_articlesM5NW0W07SXKX01-M5NWG.DTL [6/6/12]

6 – money.msn.com/market-news/post.aspx?post=85df9010-4f02-4208-bbdf-5f7a52a60a67 [6/15/12]

7 – http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-06-14/americans-see-biggest-home-equity-jump-in-60-years-mortgages.html [6/14/12]

8 – montoyaregistry.com/Financial-Market.aspx?financial-market=common-financial-mistakes-and-how-to-avoid-them&category=29 [6/15/12]

9 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=DJIA&closeDate=6%2F15%2F11&x=0&y=0 [6/15/12]

9 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=COMP&closeDate=6%2F15%2F11&x=0&y=0 [6/15/12]

9 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=SPX&closeDate=6%2F15%2F11&x=0&y=0 [6/15/12]

9 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=DJIA&closeDate=6%2F15%2F07&x=0&y=0 [6/15/12]

9 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=COMP&closeDate=6%2F15%2F07&x=0&y=0 [6/15/12]

9 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=SPX&closeDate=6%2F15%2F07&x=0&y=0 [6/15/12]

9 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=DJIA&closeDate=6%2F14%2F02&x=0&y=0 [6/15/12]

9 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=COMP&closeDate=6%2F14%2F02&x=0&y=0 [6/15/12]

9 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=SPX&closeDate=6%2F14%2F02&x=0&y=0 [6/15/12]

10 – treasury.gov/resource-center/data-chart-center/interest-rates/Pages/TextView.aspx?data=realyield [6/15/12]

10 – treasury.gov/resource-center/data-chart-center/interest-rates/Pages/TextView.aspx?data=realyieldAll [6/15/12]

11 – treasurydirect.gov/instit/annceresult/press/preanre/2002/ofm10902.pdf [1/9/02]

Weekly Economic Update 05-21-2012

 
WEEKLY QUOTE

“Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work.”
– Aristotle

 

 

WEEKLY TIP

If marriage will give you a new last name, be sure to notify Social Security, your bank, and the investment and insurance companies with whom you have accounts and policies about the name change.

 

 

WEEKLY RIDDLE

You need to park a car for the weekend. You find a parking space marked “2-Hour Parking M-F, 8am-6pm” with no other restrictions. You call the city and find that overnight parking is allowed on this block. So, what is the maximum amount of time you can leave your car in this space without getting a ticket?

 

  

Last week’s riddle:

We know that a seahorse isn’t a horse, and we know that a silverfish isn’t a fish. For that matter, a snakehead isn’t a snake – but what is it?

 

 

Last week’s answer:

A predatory fish found in both Asia and Africa.

May 21, 2012

  

FACEBOOK DEBUT DIVERTS ATTENTION FROM EUROPE

Facebook’s IPO set a new record for a stock debut Friday – volume surpassed 578 million shares. The gain was small: shares closed at $38.23 at the end of regular trading, up 0.61% from the initial $38 offering price. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 ended the trading week below 1,300, a casualty of renewed pessimism over the future of the euro and debt burdens in Spain and Greece. Greece dissolved its parliament Friday and set new elections for June, increasing global fears that it will exit the euro. Moody’s issued downgrades for 16 Spanish banks on Thursday, and one of them was Banco Santander – the biggest bank in the Eurozone.1,2

CPI IS FLAT FOR APRIL
According to the Commerce Department, April brought no change in the Consumer Price Index and only a 0.1% advance in retail sales. Annualized consumer inflation was at 2.3% last month, the lowest in 14 months. Core CPI was up 0.2% in April.3

CONFERENCE BOARD LEI DECLINES

The private research group’s monthly index of leading economic indicators retreated 0.1% for April after a 0.3% March gain. On the upside, the index has risen 1.8% in the past six months compared to 0.1% in the six months prior.4

HOUSING STARTS RISE 2.6% IN APRIL

Homebuilders broke ground on 717,000 homes in April. Single-family construction starts were up 2.3% from March levels.5

HEADWINDS SWEEP THROUGH WALL STREET

Facebook frenzy notwithstanding, the market had it rough last week. The major index performance during May 14-18: S&P 500, -4.30% to 1,295.22; DJIA, -3.52% to 12,369.38; NASDAQ, -5.28% to 2,778.79. The end-of-day yield on the 10-year Treasury was 1.69% last Thursday, near the all-time intraday low of 1.67%.1,6,7

THIS WEEK: Monday brings Q1 results from Urban Outfitters, Lowe’s and Campbell’s Soup. Tuesday, the NAR gives us data on April existing home sales and Q1 results are in from AutoZone, Best Buy and Dell. Wednesday brings fresh earnings reports from Hewlett-Packard, Big Lots, Toll Bros. and Pandora and the Census Bureau’s numbers on April new home sales. A report on April durable goods orders arrives on Thursday, along with earnings from Costco and Tiffany. Friday brings no earnings reports, but the final May Reuters/University of Michigan consumer sentiment survey will appear.

% CHG

Y-T-D

1-YR CHG

5-YR AVG

10-YR AVG

DJIA

+1.24

-1.52

-1.75

+1.95

NASDAQ

+6.67

-1.29

+1.72

+5.96

S&P 500

+2.99

-3.39

-2.99

+1.70

REAL YIELD

5/18 RATE

1 YR AGO

5 YRS AGO

10 YRS AGO

10 YR TIPS

-0.39%

0.82%

2.46%

3.48%

Sources: cnbc.com, bigcharts.com, treasury.gov, treasurydirect.gov – 5/18/121,8,9,10

Indices are unmanaged, do not incur fees or expenses, and cannot be invested into directly.

These returns do not include dividends.

 

Please feel free to forward this article to family, friends or colleagues.
If you would like us to add them to our distribution list, please reply with their address.
We will contact them first and request their permission to add them to our list.

 

This material was prepared by MarketingLibrary.Net Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. Marketing Library.Net Inc. is not affiliated with any broker or brokerage firm that may be providing this information to you. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price-weighted index of 30 actively traded blue-chip stocks. The NASDAQ Composite Index is an unmanaged, market-weighted index of all over-the-counter common stocks traded on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System. The Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. NYSE Group, Inc. (NYSE:NYX) operates two securities exchanges: the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) and NYSE Arca (formerly known as the Archipelago Exchange, or ArcaEx®, and the Pacific Exchange). NYSE Group is a leading provider of securities listing, trading and market data products and services. The New York Mercantile Exchange, Inc. (NYMEX) is the world’s largest physical commodity futures exchange and the preeminent trading forum for energy and precious metals, with trading conducted through two divisions – the NYMEX Division, home to the energy, platinum, and palladium markets, and the COMEX Division, on which all other metals trade. Additional risks are associated with international investing, such as currency fluctuations, political and economic instability and differences in accounting standards. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. All economic and performance data is historical and not indicative of future results. Market indices discussed are unmanaged. Investors cannot invest in unmanaged indices. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional.Citations.

1 – http://www.cnbc.com/id/47474749 [5/18/12]

2 – money.msn.com/market-news/post.aspx?post=15dbd105-1ce5-4661-bb8d-c81baa7700e5 [5/18/12]

3 – online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304192704577405853805485804.html [5/15/12]

4 – articles.marketwatch.com/2012-05-17/economy/31737721_1_consumer-goods-and-materials-economic-indicators-negative-contributions [5/18/12]

5 – thehill.com/blogs/on-the-money/1091-housing/227711-builders-start-construction-on-more-homes-in-april [5/16/12]

6 – http://www.cnbc.com/id/47480281 [5/18/12]

7 – montoyaregistry.com/Financial-Market.aspx?financial-market=common-financial-mistakes-and-how-to-avoid-them&category=29 [5/18/12]

8 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=DJIA&closeDate=5%2F18%2F11&x=0&y=0 [5/18/12]

8 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=COMP&closeDate=5%2F18%2F11&x=0&y=0 [5/18/12]

8 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=SPX&closeDate=5%2F18%2F11&x=0&y=0 [5/18/12]

8 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=DJIA&closeDate=5%2F18%2F07&x=0&y=0 [5/18/12]

8 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=COMP&closeDate=5%2F18%2F07&x=0&y=0 [5/18/12]

8 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=SPX&closeDate=5%2F18%2F07&x=0&y=0 [5/18/12]

8 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=DJIA&closeDate=5%2F17%2F02&x=0&y=0 [5/18/12]

8 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=COMP&closeDate=5%2F17%2F02&x=0&y=0 [5/18/12]

8 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=SPX&closeDate=5%2F17%2F02&x=0&y=0 [5/18/12]

9 – treasury.gov/resource-center/data-chart-center/interest-rates/Pages/TextView.aspx?data=realyield [5/18/12]

9 – treasury.gov/resource-center/data-chart-center/interest-rates/Pages/TextView.aspx?data=realyieldAll [5/18/12]

10 – treasurydirect.gov/instit/annceresult/press/preanre/2002/ofm10902.pdf [1/9/02]

 

Weekly Economic Update April 16, 2012

 WEEKLY QUOTE

“Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body. It is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.”

– John F. Kennedy

 

 

WEEKLY TIP

Do you feel too financially pinched to contribute to an IRA? You could use your tax refund for that very purpose.

 

 

WEEKLY RIDDLE

What is the beginning of sorrow and the end of sickness? Something you cannot express happiness without? Something that is always in risk, but never in danger?

 

 

Last week’s riddle:

Karen is twice her brother’s age and half her father’s age. In 22 years, her brother will be half the father’s age. How old is Karen now?

 

 

Last week’s answer:

Karen is 22 years old.

April 16, 2012

  

CONSUMER PRICES ROSE 0.3% IN MARCH

Last month’s gain in the federal government’s Consumer Price Index matched the consensus forecast of economists polled by Briefing.com and followed gains of 0.4% in February and 0.2% in January. Gasoline prices were up 1.7% last month. Core CPI rose 0.2%, so that put annualized consumer inflation at 2.7%, less than the 2.9% recorded in February. Headline producer prices were flat in March, while the core Producer Price Index rose 0.3% (the fifth straight monthly rise in core PPI). Economists polled by Reuters had expected overall PPI to rise 0.2% last month.1,2,3

CONSUMER SENTIMENT WAVERS
April’s initial Reuters/University of Michigan consumer sentiment survey came in at 75.7, slightly below the Briefing.com consensus projection of 76.1 and down from the final March number of 76.2. Frustration over gas prices may have had an effect.2

BEIGE BOOK: RECOVERY PROCEEDING NICELY
The Federal Reserve’s latest snapshot of a dozen U.S. economic regions reported “modest to moderate” economic growth overall, with all 12 Fed districts anecdotally noting expansion. For the record, the Fed has described the recovery using the “modest to moderate” phrase in three consecutive Beige Books.4

OIL & GAS PRICES FALL; Gold RISES
Friday, AAA’s Daily Fuel Gauge Report had regular unleaded averaging $3.90 a gallon, down $0.035 from last week. On the NYMEX, oil lost 0.46% on the week to settle at $102.83 Friday; gold settled at $1,660.20 after a 1.85% weekly gain.5

BULLS BATTLE BEARS

April 9-13 was a volatile stretch for the market. For the week, the DJIA went -1.61% to 12,849.59, the S&P 500 -1.99% to 1,370.26 and the NASDAQ -2.25% to 3,011.33. All S&P 500 sectors lost ground on the week as concerns about Spain’s debt and U.S. corporate earnings affected investor outlooks.6,7

THIS WEEK: Monday, Census Bureau data on March retail sales complements earnings from Mattel, Charles Schwab, Gannett and Citigroup. Tuesday, reports on March housing starts and factory output come in along with Q1 results from Yahoo!, Coca-Cola, IBM, Goldman Sachs, Johnson & Johnson and Intel. Wednesday offers earnings from Yum Brands, Bank of NY Mellon, eBay and Qualcomm. Thursday, Q1 results from Bank of America, DuPont, Morgan Stanley, Travelers, Verizon, Microsoft, Capital One and SanDisk come in plus March existing home sales data. Friday brings earnings from General Electric and McDonalds.

% CHANGE

Y-T-D

1-YR CHG

5-YR AVG

10-YR AVG

DJIA

+5.17

+4.72

+0.47

+2.61

NASDAQ

+15.59

+9.05

+4.28

+7.15

S&P 500

+8.96

+4.25

-1.07

+2.33

REAL YIELD

4/13 RATE

1 YR AGO

5 YRS AGO

10 YRS AGO

10 YR TIPS

-0.25%

0.88%

2.31%

3.48%

Sources: cnbc.com, bigcharts.com, treasury.gov, treasurydirect.gov – 4/13/127,8,9,10

Indices are unmanaged, do not incur fees or expenses, and cannot be invested into directly.

These returns do not include dividends.

 

Please feel free to forward this article to family, friends or colleagues.
If you would like us to add them to our distribution list, please reply with their address.
We will contact them first and request their permission to add them to our list.

 

This material was prepared by MarketingLibrary.Net Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. Marketing Library.Net Inc. is not affiliated with any broker or brokerage firm that may be providing this information to you. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price-weighted index of 30 actively traded blue-chip stocks. The NASDAQ Composite Index is an unmanaged, market-weighted index of all over-the-counter common stocks traded on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System. The Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. NYSE Group, Inc. (NYSE:NYX) operates two securities exchanges: the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) and NYSE Arca (formerly known as the Archipelago Exchange, or ArcaEx®, and the Pacific Exchange). NYSE Group is a leading provider of securities listing, trading and market data products and services. The New York Mercantile Exchange, Inc. (NYMEX) is the world’s largest physical commodity futures exchange and the preeminent trading forum for energy and precious metals, with trading conducted through two divisions – the NYMEX Division, home to the energy, platinum, and palladium markets, and the COMEX Division, on which all other metals trade. Additional risks are associated with international investing, such as currency fluctuations, political and economic instability and differences in accounting standards. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. All economic and performance data is historical and not indicative of future results. Market indices discussed are unmanaged. Investors cannot invest in unmanaged indices. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional.Citations.

1 – http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/14/business/economy/consumer-inflation-up-modestly.html [4/13/12]

2 – briefing.com/investor/calendars/economic/2012/04/09-13 [4/13/12]

3 – http://www.cnbc.com/id/47027476 [4/12/12]

4 – http://www.marketwatch.com/story/modest-to-moderate-economic-growth-beige-book-2012-04-11-148140 [4/11/12]

5 – money.msn.com/market-news/post.aspx?post=fadc5c34-4c33-4af9-90e2-9c80bb50cbcb [4/13/12]

6 – montoyaregistry.com/Financial-Market.aspx?financial-market=common-financial-mistakes-and-how-to-avoid-them&category=29 [4/13/12]

7 – http://www.cnbc.com/id/47040305 [4/13/12]

8 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=DJIA&closeDate=4%2F13%2F11&x=0&y=0 [4/13/12]

8 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=COMP&closeDate=4%2F13%2F11&x=0&y=0 [4/13/12]

8 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=SPX&closeDate=4%2F13%2F11&x=0&y=0 [4/13/12]

8 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=DJIA&closeDate=4%2F12%2F07&x=0&y=0 [4/13/12]

8 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=COMP&closeDate=4%2F12%2F07&x=0&y=0 [4/13/12]

8 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=SPX&closeDate=4%2F12%2F07&x=0&y=0 [4/13/12]

8 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=DJIA&closeDate=4%2F12%2F02&x=0&y=0 [4/13/12]

8 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=COMP&closeDate=4%2F12%2F02&x=0&y=0 [4/13/12]

8 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=SPX&closeDate=4%2F12%2F02&x=0&y=0 [4/13/12]

9 – treasury.gov/resource-center/data-chart-center/interest-rates/Pages/TextView.aspx?data=realyield [4/13/12]

9 – treasury.gov/resource-center/data-chart-center/interest-rates/Pages/TextView.aspx?data=realyieldAll [4/13/12]

10 – treasurydirect.gov/instit/annceresult/press/preanre/2002/ofm10902.pdf [1/9/02]

Weekly Economic Update October 24, 2011

 

 

WEEKLY QUOTE

“Jealousy is the tribute mediocrity pays to genius.”

– Fulton J. Sheen

 

 

WEEKLY TIP

Many small business owners don’t have succession plans. If you haven’t created one, now is as good a time as any to start; this will not only enable continuity, but also address possible gift, income and estate tax issues.

 

 

WEEKLY RIDDLE

I am in the center of gravity, and part of every victory. I am clearly seen in the midst of a river. I could name three who are in love with me and have three associates in vice. What am I?

 

 

Last week’s riddle:
Trains travel from one town to another town all day, always on the same track, always going nonstop and at the same speed. The noon train took 80 minutes to complete the trip, but the 4 PM train took an hour and 20 minutes. Why?

 

 

Last week’s answer:

80 minutes is the same as an hour and 20 minutes.

October 24, 2011

ANNUALIZED INFLATION HITS 3.9%

So noted the Bureau of Labor Statistics last week. The Consumer Price Index rose 0.3% during the month of September, with core CPI rising 0.1%, the smallest such increase in six months. (Annualized core consumer inflation was at 2.0%.) The Producer Price Index climbed 0.8% for September after a flat August.1

 

HOMEBUYING TAPERS OFF IN SEPTEMBER
Existing home sales decreased by 3.0% last month, according to the National Association of Realtors. At this rate, about 4.91 million previously occupied homes will be sold in 2011, matching the total for 2010. In a normal year, about 6 million residential resales occur in the real estate sector.2

HOUSING STARTS UP 15%

Here’s a good sign for residential real estate: a sign of demand. Most of the 15.0% monthly increase in September came from apartment construction; the Commerce Department reported a 53% monthly jump in that category. Single-family construction improved by 1.7%. Overall, there were 658,000 housing starts last month, the best number in any month since April 2010.3

DOW EXTENDS WINNING STREAK

Wall Street rallied Friday on the eve of the crucial summit meeting to address the Eurozone debt crisis, helped by news that a new aid package for Greece had been approved by EU finance ministers. The DJIA gained ground for the fourth week in a row; the S&P 500 also advanced. The weekly numbers: S&P 500, +1.12% to 1,238.25; DJIA, +1.41% to 11,808.79; NASDAQ, -1.14% to 2,637.46.4,5

THIS WEEK: Earnings season is in full swing. Monday, earnings reports from Netflix, Amgen, Caterpillar and Texas Instruments hit the Street. On Tuesday, BP, Deutsche Bank, Amazon.com, Broadcom, DuPont, UBS and 3M issue 3Q results … and the August Case/Shiller Home Price Index comes out along with the Conference Board’s October gauge of consumer confidence. On Wednesday, quarterly results arrive from Boeing, VISA, GlaxoSmithKline,Sprint, ConocoPhillips and Ford and we have data on September new home sales and durable goods orders. Thursday brings the initial estimate of 3Q GDP and the data on September pending home sales, plus earnings from ExxonMobil, Occidental Petroleum, Baidu, P&G, Aetna, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Time Warner Cable, Hershey and Motorola Solutions. Friday, earnings from Merck and Chevron come out along with the report on September consumer spending and October’s final University of Michigan consume r sentiment index.

% CHANGE

Y-T-D

1-YR CHG

5-YR AVG

10-YR AVG

DJIA

+2.00

+5.94

-0.32

+2.59

NASDAQ

-0.58

+7.23

+2.52

+5.44

S&P 500

-1.54

+4.91

-1.90

+1.36

REAL YIELD

10/21 RATE

1 YR AGO

5 YRS AGO

10 YRS AGO

10 YR TIPS

0.23%

0.50%

2.53%

3.50%

Sources: cnbc.com, bigcharts.com, treasury.gov, treasurydirect.gov – 10/21/114,5,6,7,8

Indices are unmanaged, do not incur fees or expenses,and cannot be invested into directly.

These returns do not include dividends.

Please feel free to forward this article to family, friends or colleagues. If you would like us to add them to our distribution list, please reply with their address.We will contact them first and request their permission to add them to our list.

 
This material was prepared by MarketingLibrary.Net Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price-weighted index of 30 actively traded blue-chip stocks. The NASDAQ Composite Index is an unmanaged, market-weighted index of all over-the-counter common stocks traded on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System. The Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. NYSE Group, Inc. (NYSE:NYX) operates two securities exchanges: the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) and NYSE Arca (formerly known as the Archipelago Exchange, or ArcaEx®, and the Pacific Exchange). NYSE Group is a leading provider of securities listing, trading and market data products and services. The New York Mercantile Exchange, Inc. (NYMEX) is the world’s largest physical commodity futures exchange and the preeminent trading forum for energy and precious metals, with trading conducted through two divisions – the NYMEX Division, home to the energy, platinum, and palladium markets, and the COMEX Division, on which all other metals trade. Additional risks are associated with international investing, such as currency fluctuations, political and economic instability and differences in accounting standards. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. All economic and performance data is historical and not indicative of future results. Market indices discussed are unmanaged. Investors cannot invest in unmanaged indices. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional.

Citations.

1 – nytimes.com/2011/10/20/business/economy/us-consumer-inflation-subdued-housing-starts-up.html [10/19/11]

2 – ajc.com/business/sales-of-previously-occupied-1206303.html [10/20/11]

3 – thestreet.com/story/11283665/1/raise-the-roof-housing-starts-up-15-in-september.html [10/20/11]

4 – montoyaregistry.com/Financial-Market.aspx?financial-market=an-introduction-to-the-stock-market&category=29 [10/21/11]

5 – cnbc.com/id/44988273 [10/21/11]

6 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=DJIA&closeDate=10%2F21%2F10&x=0&y=0 [10/21/11]

6 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=COMP&closeDate=10%2F21F2%2F10&x=10&y=18 [10/21/11]

6 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=SPX&closeDate=10%2F21%2F10&x=0&y=0 [10/21/11]

6 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=DJIA&closeDate=10%2F20%2F06&x=0&y=0 [10/21/11]

6 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=COMP&closeDate=10%2F20%2F06&x=0&y=0 [10/21/11]

6 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=SPX&closeDate=10%2F20%2F06&x=0&y=0 [10/21/11]

6 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=DJIA&closeDate=10%2F22%2F01&x=0&y=0 [10/21/11]

6 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=COMP&closeDate=10%2F22%2F01&x=0&y=0 [10/21/11]

6 – bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=SPX&closeDate=10%2F22%2F01&x=0&y=0 [10/21/11]

7 – treasury.gov/resource-center/data-chart-center/interest-rates/Pages/TextView.aspx?data=realyield [10/21/11]

7 – treasury.gov/resource-center/data-chart-center/interest-rates/Pages/TextView.aspx?data=realyieldAll [10/21/11]

8 – treasurydirect.gov/instit/annceresult/press/preanre/2001/ofm71101.pdf [7/11/01]