Daily Markets

Switched Digital Video Is Thriving « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:10:54 +0000

The Switched Digital Video (SDV) technology is likely to boom in near future as more and more large cable MSOs in the U.S. are gradually moving towards overall services convergence. SDV technology distributes digital video content through cable network in a cost-effective manner so that additional uses can be made using the free bandwidth. Cable MSOs are opting to deliver IP-based and cross-platform video services, and support more targeted advertising. Deployment of SDV will free up bandwidth … [visit site to read more]

Six Ways To Profit From The Rebound In Luxury Spending « Money Morning »

Money Morning — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:01:34 +0000

If the rich truly have gotten richer during the current financial unpleasantness - as some pundits allege - members of the moneyed set have been smart enough to avoid flaunting their new wealth with a rash of high-end purchases.

Lately, however, this seems to be changing: The luxury markets led a January surge in the retail sector - a surge that could mean new opportunities for investors astute enough to grab for the golden ring.

When the economic downturn approached full speed in the … [visit site to read more]

Bubbles Greenspan And The Significance Of Dow 10,000 « Daily Reckoning »

Daily Reckoning — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:00:10 +0000

A moment of silence, please, for our fallen comrade, the Dow Jones Industrial Average…
Yes, it’s true; the beleaguered index fell through 10,000 yesterday to finish the trading session below where it stood last November. But yesterday was not the first time the Dow ever fell below 10,000. In fact, it was the 28th time since March 29, 1999 – the Dow’s very first close above 10,000.
When the Dow scaled 10,000 in March of 1999, the stock market had been rallying for several years already. … [visit site to read more]

Grow Your Investments With The Fertilizer Industry « Tony D’Altorio »

Tony D’Altorio — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:58:19 +0000

Last year, the financial world had plenty to say about biotech mergers, and the Kraft-Cadbury deal took up its fair share of headlines into this year. But nobody has said much of anything about the recent merger and acquisition frenzy in the fertilizer industry.
The thing is, they should.
Companies already within the sector – including Agrium (AGU), CF Industries Holdings (CF) and Terra Industries (TRA) – began trying to expand their market share in 2009. And they’re not the only … [visit site to read more]

Boeing Progressing On 747-8 « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:55:05 +0000

Boeing Company (BA) successfully completed the first test flight of its long-in-the-making 747-8 Freighter. The 747-8 Freighter is the new, high-capacity 747 that brings the benefits of low operating costs and best economics in any freighter to cargo operators. The 747-8 is powered by four General Electric Company’s (GE) GEnx-2B engines. The airplane is 250 feet, 2 inches (76.3 m) long, which is 18 feet, 4 inches (5.6 m) longer than the 747-400 Freighter. The stretch provides customers … [visit site to read more]

These “PIIGS” Aren’t Flying… But Here’s An Investment That Will « Investment U »

Investment U — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:44:25 +0000

Tuesday, February 9, 2010: Issue #1193
Spending: Out of control… Budget deficits: Surging… Real estate: Sinking like a rock…
Welcome to America, right?
Well, yes. But no. I’m actually talking about the so-called “PIIGS” – Portugal, Ireland, Italy, Greece and Spain. Back in December, I headed to Baltimore to give an interview about the trouble facing these countries as a result of the issues I just mentioned.
The investment “call to action?” Play the debacle by betting on … [visit site to read more]

Atmel Beats Expectations « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:40:05 +0000

Atmel Corporation (ATML) reported revenues of $343.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2009, up 8% sequentially and up 3% year over year and beats management’s expectations. The growth in revenues was driven primarily by improved demand from the industrial, communications, computing, and energy marketplaces.

Microcontroller revenues grew 16% sequentially to $139 million. 8- and 32-bit microcontrollers were both up 15% sequentially.

Touch sensing revenues were up strongly for … [visit site to read more]

Aeropostale Lifts Guidance « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:22:13 +0000

Aeropostale Inc. (ARO) – a specialty retailer of casual apparel and accessories, targeting children, young men and women – recently raised its fourth quarter 2009 earnings outlook.

The mall-based retailer now expects fourth-quarter earnings in the range of $1.41 to $1.42 per share, up from its previous view of $1.33 to $1.34, which reflects an increase of 40% to 41% from $1.01 posted in the fourth quarter of last year.

The better-than-expected results for the four-week … [visit site to read more]

Bailing Out A Welfare State: The California-Greece Debate « Daily Reckoning »

Daily Reckoning — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:10:35 +0000

Trichet to Greece: Drop Dead!
Obama to California: Uh…
Yesterday, stocks lost 103 points on the Dow. This looked like a confirmation to us. The stock market appears to have begun its next and final phase…
AP seemed to think so too:
“Stock investors see threats from all directions,” said the headline.
We didn’t bother to read the article. We already know the directions.
From the north, investors worry about falling consumer demand. Consumers are in a funk – they have more debt, less … [visit site to read more]

Video: Market Movers: KO, BGP, TWX, APD, GME « NYFP »

NYFP — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:06:40 +0000

The latest news and information on U.S. stocks that are moving the market. … [visit site to read more]

Label Expansion For AZN Drug « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:05:39 +0000

AstraZeneca (AZN) received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for expanded use of one of its key drugs, Crestor (rosuvastatin calcium). The drug can be used to treat patients with normal cholesterol levels but with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Earlier, in December 2009, Crestor received a positive opinion from the Endocrinologic and Metabolic Drugs Advisory Committee (EMDAC). The committee voted 12-4 in favor of the drug after analyzing its benefits in some … [visit site to read more]

Video: Risk Appetite Rises On European Debt Assistance « NYFP »

NYFP — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:02:47 +0000

Higher-yielding currencies received a boost this following a slide in US wholesale inventories & growing specualition European officials will assist Greece with its debt situation. … [visit site to read more]

4 Reasons To Mind The Copper ETF Rally « Tom Lydon »

Tom Lydon — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:01:09 +0000

Copper prices have hit their lowest point since Oct. 19, and are 20% below this year’s high price. Enter the bargain hunters, out buying everything from copper exchange traded notes (ETNs) to the physical metal.

Why is copper on such a tear?

Bargain Hunting. As copper prices have evened out to lower levels, the case for demand in China seems to stick. Michael Taylor and Pratima Desai for Reuters reports that a frenzied selloff across equities and commodities because of sovereign default … [visit site to read more]

Money Supply Data Reveals “New Major Dip” Ahead « Daily Reckoning »

Daily Reckoning — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:56:17 +0000

Trillions of dollars have been spent on US stimulus, and like all activities — the good, the bad, and the extremely dubious — it must eventually, necessarily come to an end. This is true if for no other reason than it’s simply too expensive to support. Heck, even the Brits have ended their version of quantitative easing… and so now Bernanke is reviewing US options for doing the same.
An article in Barron’s today suggests the stimulus has been a good thing, and points to the fact that … [visit site to read more]

Cousins Properties’ FFO Plummets « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:50:43 +0000

Cousins Properties Inc. (CUZ), a real estate investment trust (REIT), reported dismal fourth quarter 2009 results, with FFO (fund from operations) of $7.3 million or 7 cents per share, compared to $10.2 million or 20 cents per share in the year-earlier quarter. Fund from operations, a widely used metric to gauge the performance of REITs, is obtained after adding depreciation and amortization and other non-cash expenses to net income.

The year-over-year decrease in FFO was primarily … [visit site to read more]

American Capital Earnings Surge « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:34:36 +0000

American Capital Agency Corp. (AGNC), a real estate investment trust (REIT) that focuses on investments in mortgage pass-through securities and collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs), reported strong fourth quarter 2009 results despite challenging market conditions.  

The company reported earnings of $1.79 per share during the quarter, compared to 73 cents in the year-earlier quarter, with an annualized return on equity of 30.3%. For full year 2009, American Capital reported … [visit site to read more]

Forex Trading: GBPUSD Breaks Above 100 Hour MA. EURUSD Tests 200 Hour MA « Greg Michalowski »

Greg Michalowski — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:26:30 +0000

EURUSD

The EURUSD has 200 hour MA at the 1.3841 level. A break clears the way for a move to 1.3858 and then 1.3965.

GBPUSD

GBPUSD has support at 1.5710 where 100 hour MA is found and resistance at 1.5737 where 38.2% is found. Longer term, a break higher could see the price move toward the 1.5864 level where the 200 hour MA is found (green line in the hourly chart above). Looking at the daily chart, the 38.2% retracement of the last move down which comes in at … [visit site to read more]

BioMarin Planning To Expand « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:18:51 +0000

BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. (BMRN) announced recently that it will purchase the privately-held drug discovery and early stage development company LEAD Therapeutics. LEAD is developing LT-673, an orally available poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor for treating patients suffering from rare, genetically defined cancers. The stock purchase agreement requires BioMarin to make an upfront payment of $18 million to the shareholders of the private company.

The acquisition would add … [visit site to read more]

Dell To Acquire Exanet « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:03:40 +0000

World’s third largest computer maker Dell Inc. (DELL) has initiated the process to acquire the assets of an Israeli storage company for a consideration of $12 million, a month after the company went into receivership. The final settlement is yet to be completed and Dell is currently negotiating in an Israeli court to buy Exanet Ltd.’s intellectual property.

We believe that the acquisition of Exanet creates a win-win situation, as Exanet was unable to pay off its debt of $70 … [visit site to read more]

Forex Trading: GBPUSD Moves Higher In Sympathy With Bailout Talk « Greg Michalowski »

Greg Michalowski — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:01:49 +0000

The 1.5689 level is the 38.2% retracement level of the 2009 high to low range. The 1.5706 level is the low from October 2009. The market should find resistance against these levels. However, of more significance may be the break of the range that has put a strangle on the GBPUSD for the last two days. The highover that period should now be support at the 1.5658 … [visit site to read more]

Initiating Spherix: Outperform « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:51:01 +0000

We are initiating coverage of Spherix, Inc. (SPEX) with an Outperform rating and price target of $3.50 per share. We are optimistic about D-tagatose, a functional sweetener and a naturally occurring L-epimer of D-Fructose currently under phase III development for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
D-tagatose, or Naturlose as it is branded, was originally developed as a natural sugar-substitute (sweetener) for food and OTC product applications. The molecule has a similar taste and texture to … [visit site to read more]

CFSG Wins $92M Contract « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:48:32 +0000

China Fire & Security Group Inc. (CFSG) has signed a total solution contract with Wuhan Iron and Steel Corp. (WISCO) for the Fire Protection Retrofitting Project. WISCO is one of the top three iron and steel companies in China and receives strong government support in accordance with the Iron & Steel Revitalization Scheme.

The total value of the contract is estimated at approximately $92 million. According to the contract, CFSG will complete the overall retrofitting project of … [visit site to read more]

Stop Deficit Spending. Save The Credit Rating. « Daily Reckoning »

Daily Reckoning — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:39:56 +0000

Front and center this morning, the non-dollar currencies have seen some healing… Not much, but some… But these mini-rallies are on tenterhooks, folks; they can be reversed in a New York Minute… And, now that I look back at the screens, that’s exactly what’s happening! UGH! These turn-arounds are beginning to give me a rash!
The euro (EUR), which used to be a Big Dog, full of pep and energy, continues to look like an old blue tick hound, that likes to lay around in the shade… My … [visit site to read more]

Forex Trading: Eurozone Source On Wires Regarding Greece. EURUSD Moves Sharply Higher « Greg Michalowski »

Greg Michalowski — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:35:32 +0000

Eurozone officials have agreed in principal to help the Greece according to a senior German coalition source. The most likely source of help would be bi-lateral help.
The support would be given on the back of clear budget cutting … [visit site to read more]

Positive Results On Amgen Drug « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:33:56 +0000

Amgen Inc. (AMGN) received a boost recently when the company announced positive results from a pivotal head-to-head phase III study that was conducted with Amgen’s main pipeline candidate, denosumab. The study compared denosumab with Novartis’ (NVS) Zometa in the treatment of bone metastases in 1,901 patients with advanced prostate cancer.

Amgen announced that denosumab met the primary and secondary endpoints of the study. Denosumab demonstrated superiority over Zometa in … [visit site to read more]

Video: “Still Optimistic But Traders Worry Me” « NYFP »

NYFP — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:21:50 +0000

Despite the Dow’s recent slide, today has seen an early market rebound. According to floor trader David Henderson, this is a reason for continued optimism but one must contiue to watch traders, which makes him worry. … [visit site to read more]

Forex Trading: AUDUSD Moving Toward Support At The 100 Hour MA « Greg Michalowski »

Greg Michalowski — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:21:16 +0000

The currently level comes in at … [visit site to read more]

Andersons Beats Estimates « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:18:49 +0000

The Andersons, Inc. (ANDE) reported fourth-quarter earnings of 88 cents per share, well above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 42 cents and a significant improvement compared to a net loss of $1.84 per share in the fourth quarter of 2008. The company’s Grain and Ethanol group posted a strong growth in the reported quarter.

Moreover, the prior-year quarter was affected by a significant lower of cost or market adjustments as a result of sharp declines in nutrient prices. Revenues … [visit site to read more]

Electronic Arts’ Net Falls « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:03:39 +0000

Electronic Arts Inc. (ERTS) reported third-quarter of 2010 results with a steep fall in net earnings and revenue due to weakness in its EA business, dismal holiday sales for the overall packaged goods sector in Europe and product mix shifts to lower-margin distribution business in North America .

Despite higher cost controls, delay in launching new titles, a difficult packaged goods software business, lower restructuring benefit and the negative impact of foreign exchange led to … [visit site to read more]

Video: NYSE Opening Bell Market Monitor: KO, PHM « NYFP »

NYFP — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:01:35 +0000

The latest in news, commentary, and information on what’s moving the US equities markets. … [visit site to read more]

Forex Trading: GBPUSD Moves Back To Midpoint Of The Two Day Trading Range « Greg Michalowski »

Greg Michalowski — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:58:25 +0000

The GBPUSD has moved down to the midpoint of the two day range as the pair continues its up and down consolidation. The 100 and 200 bar MA on the 5 minute chart are converged at the 1.5604 level and these levels are also being tested. A break lower should target the low of the range. Needless to say, a breakout is still eyed. The longer the market non-trends the better the chance for a break.
This last fall is being attributed to a Fitch comment on … [visit site to read more]

The Sovereign Debt Crisis Is A Perfect Storm For Gold « Jordan Roy-Byrne »

Jordan Roy-Byrne — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:50:31 +0000

Needless to say, Thursday was nothing short of an orgasmic day for Gold bears and Dollar bulls. The precious metals complex crumbled along with the Euro, while the greenback was higher. In fact, it was such a bad day that Gold officially lost its safe-haven status, according to CNBC[1]. This was also noted by Elliot Wave[2] and The Business Insider[3]. All proclaimed that Gold was no safe haven.

In today’s world, how can you blame them? With the resurgence of day trading and most … [visit site to read more]

Infineon Swings To Profit « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:48:59 +0000

Infineon Technologies AG (IFNNY) reported that net income from continuing operations increased almost 5 times compared to the last quarter’s levels to €66 million ($97.5 million) or €0.067 per share (10 cents per share). Revenues for the first quarter came in at €941 million, a significant increase of 10% compared to the prior quarter, and of 27% year-over-year. Excluding acquisitions and divestitures, revenues at constant currencies increased 12% on a quarter-over-quarter and 34% … [visit site to read more]

Video: Coca-Cola Pours Out 4Q Profit « NYFP »

NYFP — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:46:55 +0000

The Coca-Cola Company announced Tuesday that it posted a significant 4Q profit led by a surge in global beverage sales. … [visit site to read more]

Video: Another Mixed Session In Asia « NYFP »

NYFP — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:46:32 +0000

Them ajor Asian/Pacific markets traded mixed this session following big gains in both the Hang Seng & Sensex. … [visit site to read more]

Three International Bond ETFs For Europe’s Bounceback « Michael Johnston »

Michael Johnston — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:37:28 +0000

Investors have historically embraced international diversification in their portfolios as a way to smooth out volatility and reduce overall risk. But the last two years have shown that the benefits of such diversification aren’t what they once were. A meltdown that began in the U.S. mortgage market quickly spread throughout the world, sparking countless complaints about how Wall Street’s greed and excessive risk taking set off a chain of events that sent stock markets plummeting and … [visit site to read more]

Forex Trading: USDCHF Tracking The 100 Bar MA Today On The 5 Minute. Below 100 Hour MA « Greg Michalowski »

Greg Michalowski — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:35:29 +0000

The USDCHF has stepped lower today using the 100 bar MA on the 5 minute chart as a level to sell against (see blue line in the chart above). The current level comes in at the 1.0684 level and this level will be watched - especially since the price has had a higher high off the low for the day at the 1.0655 level (last lows found buyers at 1.0662).
Keeping the pairs bias down is also the 100 hour MA. The last step down took the pair below this moving average level at the 1.0679 … [visit site to read more]

Terremark Loss Exceeds Estimates « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:34:01 +0000

Terremark Worldwide (TMRK), a leading global provider of IT infrastructure solutions, announced results for the third quarter of fiscal 2010 with a loss per share of 13 cents exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of loss of 8 cents. Net loss of $8.3 million for the quarter, however, represents an improvement from a net loss of $8.9 million reported a year ago, boosted by higher sales.

Revenue & EBITDA

Consolidated revenue increased 13% year-over-year to $74.3 million, in … [visit site to read more]

BJ Services Slips « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:18:35 +0000

BJ Services Company (BJS) reported its fiscal first quarter (ended December 31, 2009) loss of 3 cents per share, compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a profit of 5 cents and year-earlier quarter earnings of 56 cents. Revenue for the quarter decreased 34% year-over-year and increased 6% sequentially to $931.5 million.

BJ Services missed the quarter badly despite an increased service activity and a stable to slightly improved pressure pumping pricing environment in North American … [visit site to read more]

Australian Dollar: Continuation Of The Rebound « Trading Central »

Trading Central — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:17:49 +0000

Update on supports and resistances. … [visit site to read more]

Canadian Dollar: Continuation Of The Rebound « Trading Central »

Trading Central — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:17:46 +0000

Update on supports and resistances. … [visit site to read more]

Wheat Woes « OptionsXpress »

OptionsXpress — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:17:25 +0000

Fundamentals
Grain futures are higher this morning, largely due to traders covering shorts and decreasing position size in light of the USDA’s supply and demand report. There is not expected to be a bullish surprise in the report, but the unpredictability of the USDA’s estimates is always on the minds of traders. Wheat futures have had little in the way of positive news lately. In addition to large supplies domestically, India, the world’s second largest grower, is expected to increase … [visit site to read more]

BJ’s Wholesale Sales Rise « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:59:34 +0000

BJ’s Wholesale Club Inc. (BJ), a leading warehouse club operator in the United States, recently reported sales for the four-week period ended January 30, 2010. Sales for the month jumped 13% to $742.6 million from $656.9 million reported in the same month last year.

Comparable club sales rose 8.4% for January 2010 versus a decline of 0.7% in the same month last year. Gasoline sales positively impacted the comparable club sales during the reported month by 5.5%. However, it … [visit site to read more]

Morning News Notes: 2/9/2010 « Guy Lerner »

Guy Lerner — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:57:00 +0000

The “Morning News Notes” as prepared by TL… Greece, Fed exit strategy, and Monday’s performance by sector.
Just click on the link or the coffee mug below.

“Morning News Notes”: February 9, … [visit site to read more]

NYSE Beats On Lower Expenses « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:47:41 +0000

NYSE Euronext, Inc.’s (NYX) fourth quarter operating earnings per share of 58 cents came in decisively ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 48 cents. Earnings were also ahead of the 52 cents per share recorded in the year-ago quarter and 53 cents in the prior quarter.

Results reflect increasing momentum in the business model and the continuing benefit from the various cost reduction programs, including 14% year-over-year reduction in staff members. The company also benefited from the … [visit site to read more]

Loss Widens At Unisys « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:47:33 +0000

Unisys Corporation (UIS) reported revenues of $1.21 billion in the fourth quarter of 2009, down 5% year over year. Foreign exchange rates had an approximately 5 percentage-point positive impact on revenue in the quarter.
Revenue in the United States declined 14% to $495 million. Revenue in international markets increased 1% to $715 million.
On a segment basis, revenue from the services segment declined 9% year over year. Customer orders in this segment showed mid single-digit declines from … [visit site to read more]

Forex Trading: AUDUSD Boosted Higher Today. Watching 0.8733 And 0.8714 « Greg Michalowski »

Greg Michalowski — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:32:14 +0000

Comments from RBA Stevens earlier today whereby he commented that rates may need to be raised to stop bubbles, sent the AUDUSD higher today. The price was able to push above the 100 hour MA (currently at 0.8714) in the NY session, but has come off a bit as the dollar corrects on the EU/Greece on again/off again rollercoaster (see Nowotney Comment). From a technical perspective, however, as long as the price remains above the 100 hour MA, the targets above are the 61.8 of … [visit site to read more]

Vulcan Materials’ Loss Widens « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:30:07 +0000

Vulcan Materials Company (VMC) reported loss from continuing operations of 10 cents per share, below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a break-even in the fourth quarter of 2009.
In the fourth quarter, aggregates shipments declined 23% year over year, reducing earnings $0.57 per diluted share. Aggregates pricing increased 5%. Aggregate cash fixed costs decreased 8% compared to the year-ago quarter. Selling, administrative and general expenses declined 7%. Total contract awards for highways … [visit site to read more]

Swiss Franc: Continuation Of The Rebound « Trading Central »

Trading Central — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:18:23 +0000

Update on supports and resistances. … [visit site to read more]

Japanese Yen: The Upside Prevails « Trading Central »

Trading Central — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:18:19 +0000

Update on supports and resistances. … [visit site to read more]

British Pound: The Upside Prevails « Trading Central »

Trading Central — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:18:17 +0000

Update on supports and resistances. … [visit site to read more]

Euro: The Upside Prevails « Trading Central »

Trading Central — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:18:16 +0000

Update on supports and resistances. … [visit site to read more]

Stock Market News Briefs: Bank Of America Corporation, Coventry Health Care, Inc., HSBC Holdings Plc, Internationa Flavors & Fragrances, Inc., Molson Coors Brewing Company, Monsanto Company, NYSE Euronext, Inc., SAP Aktiengesellschaft Systeme, Anwendungen, Produ, Verizon Communications Inc., Biogen Idec Inc « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:16:51 +0000

Biogen Idec (BIIB) posted better-than-estimated fourth quarter results of $1.20, beating Zacks estimates of $1.05, on inline revenues of $1.1 billion. The company said it sees full year earnings of $4.50 a share

International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF) reported fourth quarter results of 63 cents, three cents better than Zacks estimates, on sales of $586 million, versus Zacks estimates of $572 million

Molson Coors (TAP) released fourth quarter results of … [visit site to read more]

ADC Telecom Profit Tops « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:15:32 +0000

Yesterday, after market close, ADC Telecommunications Inc. (ADCT) declared financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2010. Due to a change in the company’s reporting fiscal year, management has compared results for the three month period ended December 31, 2009 with the proforma results of its comparable quarters.

On a GAAP basis, net income in the first quarter 2010 was $3.6 million or an income of 4 cents per share compared to a net loss of $48.4 million or a loss of 46 … [visit site to read more]

Nissan Results Improve « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Nissan Motor Co. (NSANY) has revealed a net income of ¥45 billion ($480 million) for the third quarter of its fiscal ended December 31, 2009, in sharp contrast to a loss of ¥83.2 billion ($810 million) in the same period a year ago. The improvement was attributable to additional sales driven by scrapping incentives in major markets, sales growth in China and measures adopted to combat the global financial and economic crisis.

Revenue in the quarter rose 10% to ¥1.9962 trillion … [visit site to read more]

Nasdaq Beats On Low Charges « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:45:14 +0000

Nasdaq OMX Group Inc.’s (NDAQ) fourth quarter operating earnings per share of 46 cents surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 44 cents and prior quarter earnings of 42 cents. However, operating earnings declined substantially from 52 cents reported in the prior-year quarter. Total operating earnings, on non-GAAP basis, were $99 million, up from $89 million in the prior quarter but down from $110 million reported in the year-ago quarter.

Nasdaq’s GAAP net income was $43 million … [visit site to read more]

Hartford Beats, Swings To Net Gain « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:30:31 +0000

Hartford Financial Services’ (HIG) fourth quarter core earnings came in at $1.51 per share, substantially ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.40. This also compares favorably with the core loss of 72 cents in the year-ago quarter.
The upside was primarily attributable to stability in Hartford’s life and property and casualty businesses. Also, Hartford ended the year with a strong capital position. Despite the overall market conditions remaining timid, Hartford delivered strong … [visit site to read more]

Forex Trading: USDJPY Moves Higher. Watch The 100 Bar Moving Average On The 5 Minute Chart « Greg Michalowski »

Greg Michalowski — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:19:52 +0000

The USDJPY was consolidating in a narrow trading range and at the 89.18 to 89.45 level yesterday. The 100 and 200 bar moving averages converged with the price and this eventually leads to a move away from the consolidation area. The price has moved higher albeit at a modest pace as the flight into the “riskier pairs” moved the USDJPY higher.

The price has been able to maintain a level above the 100 bar MA with a test in the London session. We will continue to watch this moving … [visit site to read more]

Sovereign Risk And The Price Of Oil « Dian L. Chu »

Dian L. Chu — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:01:40 +0000

European and U.S. stock markets have taken a hit recently as spooked investors from Shanghai to Sao Paolo were fleeing risky assets amid concern that the financial crisis in Portugal and Greece could spread through the euro zone with vast implications for the fate of the fragile global economic recovery. (Fig. 1)

Liquidate & Buy Dollar

A steep drop in crude-oil prices triggered declines across the commodities spectrum, as investors nervous about the pace of the economic recovery … [visit site to read more]

Forex Trading: EURUSD Moves Above The 100 Hour MA And 38.2% Retracement Level On Hourly « Greg Michalowski »

Greg Michalowski — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:58:46 +0000

The 100 hour MA comes in at the 1.3753 level. The 38.2% retracement comes in at the 1.3753 level as well. The break above triggered stop buying. This pushed the price up to the 1.3773 level. Now the price should have support at the 1.3753 level. A move back below the 1.5744 level (the prior high for today) would muddy the water, but the bias at the moment at least is back to the upside. The next target would be the 1.3805 level which is the 50% retracement of … [visit site to read more]

Forex Trading: GBPUSD Continues In Its Consolidation Up And Down Range. « Greg Michalowski »

Greg Michalowski — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:48:12 +0000

The GBPUSD has now consolidated the move lower for nearly 2 days now. The price has a floor at the 1.5533/50 region and a ceiling at the 1.5648-59 area. The consolidation comes after the most recent trend move which saw the GBPUSD move down from a high of 1.6068 to the low at 1.5533. The consolidation/non-trend period is not unusual. It allows the market moving averages - like the 100 hour moving average to start it’s catch up to the market price. Currently, the 100 bar MA is at … [visit site to read more]

New Business Win For Callidus « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:23:33 +0000

Callidus Software Inc. (CALD) announced that Philips Healthcare selected Callidus Monaco’s Objective Management solution to develop and manage its salesforce. The agreement was signed in the fourth quarter of 2009. Under the agreement, Philips Healthcare will use this application to deploy and manage strategic sales objectives for its sales representatives in the United States.

Companies use objective management to broaden sales incentive plans for stronger alignment of corporate objectives … [visit site to read more]

Callidus Partners With Seven Seas « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:18:05 +0000

Callidus Software (CALD) recently announced a partnership with Seven Seas Technologies, a leading provider of integrated business and technology solutions.

Under the agreement, Seven Seas Technologies will resell, implement and support Callidus Software’s sales performance management solutions in Africa.

Callidus expects to expand its global presence in under penetrated regions of Africa by partnering with Seven Seas Technologies as African companies are seeking new and faster ways of … [visit site to read more]

Gold Will One Day Rise Again « Justice Litle »

Justice Litle — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:50:23 +0000

Does former SEC Chairman Arthur Levitt read Taipan Daily? How about Bloomberg columnist Jonathan Weil?

It’s probably a big fat “no” for both, but you be the judge. In a Feb. 4 column, “Obama’s $6.3 Trillion Scam is America’s Shame,” Weil wrote the following (underscore emphasis mine):
The White House is already forecasting a $1.3 trillion budget deficit for 2011, which is about $3 of spending for every $2 of government receipts. By all outward appearances, it seems Obama and his budget … [visit site to read more]

The Decline In The Price Of Gold Is Still Young « Derek Blain »

Derek Blain — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:20:50 +0000

It seemed the gold bugs are out in full force over the weekend, calling “the bottom” on the gold price. We posted a follow-up chart at the end of the day to all those saying that the “high volume” toward Friday’s close was indicative of a major turning point.

However, when the rest of the week is put into context, one can clearly see that this is a weak argument at best, and one based on hope. Gold may experience an upward move from this point on - it was a pretty major psychological … [visit site to read more]

Forex Trading Review For 09/02/2010 « UFXBank »

UFXBank — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:30:35 +0000

USD Dollar (USD)

The Dollar has been trading sideways versus most majors due to lack of major economic data. NASDAQ weakened by -0.7% and Dow Jones closed beneath 10,000 for the first time in 3 months with -1.04%. Crude Oil gained by 0.69% closing at 71.68$ a barrel. Gold (XAU) weakened slightly closing at 1,062.5$ an ounce. Today, Wholesale Inventories are expected with 0.5% versus 1.5% prior.

EURO (EUR)

The Euro remained unchanged versus the Dollar and gained versus the Pound as … [visit site to read more]

CIT Group Hires Former Merrill Chief John Thain As New CEO « Money Morning »

Money Morning — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:11:53 +0000

In a move that unites two prominent casualties of the financial crisis, CIT Group Inc. (CIT) ended a prolonged search by naming John Thain, the former chief of Merrill Lynch & Co., as its new chairman and chief executive officer.

Thain, who left Bank of America Corp. (BAC) 13 months ago amid controversy over its takeover of Merrill, will have his hands full rebuilding CIT, an embattled commercial lender that nearly collapsed in 2009.

CIT still operates under restrictions that … [visit site to read more]

Forex Trading: Gbp/Usd Trading Below 1.5600 « Greg Michalowski »

Greg Michalowski — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:17:48 +0000

As stated in an earlier post, Gbp/Usd found resistance up at 1.5650 and has subsequently come off to trade below 1.5600. The pair has traded down to 1.5582. If this move can continue we should see some support around 1.5565-70 level. A break below should bring Gbp/Usd down to 1.5530-40 area. A break back above 1.5600 should send the pair up to … [visit site to read more]

The Rise And Fall Of Oil Prices « Ian Wyatt »

Ian Wyatt — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:01:06 +0000

We’re visiting Colombia this Monday to look under the hood of Houston American Energy Group (HUSA), a stock that has run 300% since Small Cap Investor Daily reader Bill H. began watching it in July. This $220 market-cap company owns a stake in several Colombian oil concessions and is one of a small number of U.S. listed small-cap stocks with exposure to the emerging economy. In last Friday’s issue of Small Cap Investor Daily, I gave you a brief overview of Colombia, and outlined some of the … [visit site to read more]

Video: U.S. Magazine Circulation Falls At Newsstands « NYFP »

NYFP — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:00:00 +0000

Circulation for U.S. magazines fell by 2.2% in the second half of 2009. The Audit Bureau of Circulations also reported that single-copy sales slipped by 9.1%, in the same period. … [visit site to read more]

When Will The US Economy Return To Normal? « Larry Doyle »

Larry Doyle — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:01:42 +0000

The question most asked in economic circles is, “How and when will our economy return to normal?” My response is always, “What is normal?”

I find it most impactful to explain to people looking to gain a greater understanding of our economy and our markets that the normal economy of the late ’90s through 2007 was driven by the shadow banking system. This shadow banking system provided upwards of 40-45% of the total credit employed by our economy.

The shadow banking system … [visit site to read more]

Stock Picks For Tuesday 9 February: Trinity Industries, CVS Caremark And Applied Materials « Antonio Costa »

Antonio Costa — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:05:23 +0000

( click to enlarge )

Trinity Industries (TRN) - Contrary to expectations, TRN ruled weak and also moved closer to the stop-loss level of 14.93. Investors may remain invested with a stop-loss at 14.90 (on closing basis) as the stock appears to have the potential to bounce back to the target zone of 15.96-16.13.

( click to enlarge )

CVS Caremark (CVS) - The stock failed to close above the resistance level of $34. Hold with a stop-loss at 32.36. Investors who have entered … [visit site to read more]

Greece Is Just A Sideshow Compared To The UK « Brian Kelly »

Brian Kelly — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:01:10 +0000

n our younger years we were quite accomplished at the “Match Game” on Sesame Street - to some we have just hopelessly dated ourselves, to others we hope to have given you a nostalgic boost. Whichever group you find yourself, please indulge us as we revert to times past and play the game once again…
German PMI - Manufacturing & Services, both rising….

Euro-zone PMI - Manufacturing & Services, both rising…

UK PMI - Manufacturing & Services…

Do you see it? For … [visit site to read more]

Mutual Funds: Top Diversified Bond Funds « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 06:44:32 +0000

Investors looking for safety of capital as well as a steady income stream often choose bonds over stocks and mutual funds offer a convenient and affordable route of investing in these securities. Diversified bond funds further reduce risk by investing across various sectors. This approach ensures that any negative fluctuation in a sector only has a slight overall effect on the fund – and its investors, since various sectors of the bond market react differently to changes in the economy and … [visit site to read more]

Euro As Anchor Of Stability? « Merk Fund »

Merk Fund — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 06:01:27 +0000

The world’s attention is on the fiscal malaise in Greece and Portugal. Just a few months ago, policy makers told banks to shore up their balance sheets with more sovereign debt. However, policy makers around the world have since raced to spend money in an attempt to reinvigorate their respective economies, leading to record deficits. Now everyone appears surprised that weaker countries are having difficulty financing their largesse.

In our assessment, what we see unfolding is a sign of … [visit site to read more]

Obomanomics One Year Out « Robert Reich »

Robert Reich — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 05:24:18 +0000

Obamanomics suffers from a misunderstanding of what the President is trying to achieve and what he’s up against. Into the breach come Republicans, Tea Partiers, nay-sayers, deficit vultures, and Raging-Dog Democrats, all viewing Obamanomics as more taxes and more spending. That’s nonsense. To see the big picture, keep your eye on three big things.

1. Government spending needed to offset the continued reluctance of consumers and businesses to spend. You don’t have to be an orthodox … [visit site to read more]

Technical Vs. Fundamental Analysis: Which Is More Important In Stock Trading? « Tradesman »

Tradesman — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 05:21:17 +0000

It has always been a classic debate between the two camps of stock trader: The fundamentalist and the Technical Chart Analysis Group. Which school of trading is more effective?

Firstly, we have to define both terms.Fundamental analysis is the process of looking at a business at the basic or fundamental financial level. This type of analysis involves heavily the analysis of key ratios of a business to determine its financial health and growth potential to give you an idea of the value … [visit site to read more]

Goldman Sachs Readies Its ETF Game « Tom Lydon »

Tom Lydon — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 05:01:41 +0000

Goldman Sachs (GS) wants to get in on the exchange traded fund (ETF) industry. But first, the financial industry giant has launched a mutual fund that holds ETFs covering a range of asset classes.

Goldman Sachs launched the Dynamic Allocation Fund, a fund made up of ETFs designed to help investors add wealth by seeking long-term capital appreciation, diversification and flexibility to reduce exposure in choppy markets, the firm said.

This launch came not long after Goldman filed to … [visit site to read more]

Stock Buy: RPM International Inc. « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0000

RPM International Inc. (RPM) recently posted record net income of $55.9 million for the second fiscal quarter, versus last year’s $41.7 million. Sales slipped 3.5% year-over-year.
Company Description
RPM International Inc., through its subsidiaries, offers specialty coatings, sealants, building materials and related services serving both industrial and consumer markets. RPM’s industrial products include roofing systems, sealants, corrosion control coatings, flooring coatings and specialty … [visit site to read more]

Bull Of The Day: OPNET Technologies (OPNT) « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0000

We are extending our estimates through 2012 fiscal year for Buy-rated OPNET Technologies (OPNT). OPNET reported very good third quarter results due to strong new software license revenue.
Gross profit margins were well above expectations. We expect gains in market share to continue. Continued cost controls and the booking of deferred revenue should improve earnings.
Software license growth should have a positive impact on near-term revenue. We maintain our Outperform rating and increased our … [visit site to read more]

Bear Of The Day: Vulcan Materials (VMC) « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0000

Despite being the largest producer of construction aggregates and a leading producer of other construction materials, Vulcan Materials (VMC) faces a challenging environment in the construction industry.
The economic crisis, leading to a significant reduction in new home construction, continues to impact its sales volume. Furthermore, the company’s operations are highly susceptible to inclement weather and volatility in energy costs. Its cash position has also deteriorated.
These have led us … [visit site to read more]

Stock Buy: Lululemon Athletica « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0000

lululemon athletica (LULU) topped Wall Street’s expectations for the sixth time in a row on strong top-line growth as well as improving margins.
Company Description
lululemon athletica is a yoga clothing and equipment company based in Vancouver.
Revenues Up 30%
On Dec 9 lululemon reported quarterly results that included revenues of $113 million, a 30% increase since last year. The company also saw a solid 10% increase in same-store sales.
Income from operations jumped 60%, to $21 million, on … [visit site to read more]

Stock Buy: GSI Commerce, Inc. « Michael Vodicka »

Michael Vodicka — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0000

GSI Commerce, Inc. (GSIC) continues to trade near its 52-week high at $26.10 ahead of the company’s Feb 10, Q4 results. In the meantime, estimates continue to rise, with the next-year estimate up 10 cents in the last 2 months to 26 cents per share, which would represent a return to profitability for the company.
Company Description
GSI Commerce, Inc. provides e-commerce and interactive marketing services to consumer oriented business in the United States and internationally. The company was … [visit site to read more]

Stock Buy: World Acceptance Corporation « Tracey Ryniec »

Tracey Ryniec — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0000

World Acceptance Corporation (WRLD) recently reported a record fiscal third quarter as loan volumes rose. The stock is cheap. WRLD trades at just 8.6x forward earnings.
Company Description
World Acceptance provides short-term small loans, medium-term larger loans, credit insurance products and other services to individuals. The company operates 945 offices in 11 states and Mexico.
During fiscal 2009, the company loaned $1.9 billion in 1.9 million transactions. The majority of the loans were … [visit site to read more]

Interview With Dave McGinn, Author Of “How To Retire Early With No Money” « Arjun Rudra »

Arjun Rudra — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:01:15 +0000

Dave McGinn is a journalist with The Globe and Mail

Biography: Dave McGinn is a reporter with The Globe and Mail. A professional journalist since 2003, Mr. McGinn has written for the Ottawa Citizen, the National Post and MacLean’s, among other publications. For the February issue of Report On Business Magazine, Mr. McGinn set out to see what he would need to do to turn $50,000 in to $750,000 in order to secure his financial well-being in retirement.

In the article, Mr. McGinn … [visit site to read more]

Rydex Market Timers: Becoming More Bearish « Guy Lerner »

Guy Lerner — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:41:00 +0000

Figure 1 is a daily chart of the S&P500. The indicator in the lower panel measures the ratio of the amount of assets in the Rydex bullish and leveraged funds relative to those funds that are bearish and leveraged.

Figure 1. S&P500/ daily/ Rydex Bullish and Leveraged v. Bearish and Leveraged

The current value of the indicator stands at 1.02 suggesting that the Rydex market timers are becoming more bearish, and this is a bullish signal.

How bullish? Let’s design a study with the … [visit site to read more]

Alan Greenspan: U-Shaped Recovery « Larry Doyle »

Larry Doyle — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:01:02 +0000

Alan Greenspan is certainly not viewed in the same light now as he was during a large part of his tenure as chairman of the Federal Reserve. That said, when the former Fed chair speaks, people do listen. What is he saying now? Greenspan is throwing some cold water on the topic of a V-shaped economic recovery. Bloomberg highlights his views this morning in writing, Greenspan Sees ‘Slow’ Recovery, Is ‘Concerned’ if Stocks Drop:
Former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan said a … [visit site to read more]

Video: The Day Ahead: Earnings Reports « NYFP »

NYFP — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:00:00 +0000

The stories, data, and stocks that may have the greatest impact during the next trading session. … [visit site to read more]

Gold Is Showing Signs Of Being Oversold « Frank Holmes »

Frank Holmes — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 01:50:07 +0000

The U.S. dollar was up last week against the euro out of fear of how debt problems in Greece and elsewhere in Europe will be resolved, and as a result gold had a tough week.

The dollar’s rally appears to be a short-term safe haven move, rather than a response to improving economic conditions in the U.S.

In fact, Friday’s report of a net loss of 20,000 jobs in December (the expectation was for a net gain in employment) and that many thousands more would-be workers have given up looking for … [visit site to read more]

The Silver ETF (SLV) Has Nowhere To Go But Up « David Bettencourt »

David Bettencourt — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 01:30:29 +0000

“Gold is on another amazing run, breaking $1,000 and not looking back. IDE’s Rusty McDougal thinks it still has lots of room to move up. I agree. But I have something much better than gold for you right now. It’s a metal whose supply and demand is completely out of whack… I’m talking about silver. Because the world’s stockpile of this metal has taken a tumble of historical proportions,” Howe Street Reports.

“In 1950, silver companies were maintaining a 10 billion-ounce stockpile. It … [visit site to read more]

Forex Trading: Potential Bearish Breakdown Of Consolidation In GBP/USD « James Chen »

James Chen — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 01:01:18 +0000

Price action on GBP/USD, a daily chart of which is shown, has finally begun to show a bearish emergence from the sideways consolidation that has characterized this currency pair on a long-term basis for several months now. A clean breakdown below the 1.5700 support region last Friday represented a tentative breakdown below the consolidation, in line with a medium-term downtrend that has been in place since mid-November 2009. In the process of this breakdown last Friday, the pair has established … [visit site to read more]

WisdomTree (WSDT) Reports 2009 Earnings « Michael Johnston »

Michael Johnston — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:16:10 +0000

WisdomTree, the New York-based ETF issuer best known for its line of fundamentals-weighted and currency ETFs, reported on Monday its operating results for the fourth quarter of 2009. Most ETF issuers are either privately held or operated as divisions of larger public companies, meaning that gaining insight into the financial health of the industry can be challenging. So WisdomTree’s results are often eagerly-anticipated within the ETF community since they shed some light on an otherwise murky … [visit site to read more]

Are Diamonds In The Cards For Coal? « Frank Holmes »

Frank Holmes — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:01:23 +0000

While many market forecasters are expecting a slowdown in commodity demand due to a reduction in stimulus around the globe, coal is one commodity that’s expected to stand strong.

The reason coal prices are expected to remain buoyant is unprecedented demand from China.

As the chart shows, China moved from a net exporter to a net importer of coal last year and a big jump in the amount of coal imported is expected. The amount of coal imported into China is forecasted to balloon to more … [visit site to read more]

Economic Recovery: Demanding More Purchasing Power « Daily Reckoning »

Daily Reckoning — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:42 +0000

What a delight it would be to have some inflation! Yes, dear reader, that’s the real reason that fiscal stimulus appears to work. That is, that’s the reason inflation can sometimes boost employment. It creates inflation. And inflation lowers wages. Lower wages make it cheaper to hire people. And they make US output more competitive on the world market – so exports tend to increase.
And one other thing. Inflation reduces the debt burden. Right now, debt is crushing the private sector…and … [visit site to read more]

New Orleans Saints Are Superbowl Champs, But What Of The Commercials? « Chris Krasowski »

Chris Krasowski — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 23:22:32 +0000

A football team embraced by a city as escapism; and for the excitement it provided the residents of New Orleans following the disastrous aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, has now come full circle to offer its hometown the celebration it deserves and desires. The New Orleans Saints defeated the Indianapolis Colts in Superbowl XLIV, the 44th such contest of football’s conference champions, and sent the French Quarter and the surrounding and still rebuilding areas into a frenzy that’s likely … [visit site to read more]

The Week Ahead In US: Retail Sales And U.Michigan Consumer Confidence Index « Matteo Radaelli »

Matteo Radaelli — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 23:01:28 +0000

Trade Balance (Wednesday 10) - With consumer spending rebounding at the tail end of the year, we expect exports to increase more than imports in December, widening the trade balance deficit. Our estimate is for imports to increase by 2.6% to USD179.12bn and exports by 2% to USD141bn. Should our estimates prove correct, trade balance surplus may rise to USD38.1bn.

Retail Sales (Thursday 11) - Retail sales figure were highly volatile over the last few months, probably reflecting problems … [visit site to read more]

Daily ETF Roundup: GDX Drops 3.8%, DBA Jumps « Michael Johnston »

Michael Johnston — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 23:01:08 +0000

More red ink washed over Wall Street at the start of a new week, as jitters over the state of public finances in Greece, Portugal, and Spain continued to weigh on European economies and rippled throughout global markets. In the U.S., the financials sector led the day’s decline after the Fed announced plans to detail its “exit strategy,” indicating that central bank officials are busy discussing how to unwind massive stimulus plans in coming months. Elsewhere, Google announced big plans … [visit site to read more]

Beginning Of The End « Daily Reckoning »

Daily Reckoning — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 23:00:13 +0000

Could the commodity and equity rallies have ended? Has a change been triggered by a resurgent dollar, meaning its purportedly strong negative correlation with gold and commodities continues to drive the process? But if so, would this also not signal the end of the reflation and carry trades? Would it not also mean that contractionary monetary forces may soon dominate? If that is the case, is other evidence that the correlation between gold and the dollar, which on average actually has been … [visit site to read more]

Telefonica To Buy More Unicom « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 22:42:14 +0000

Spain’s incumbent telecom carrier Telefonica (TEF) is planning to expand its stake in China Unicom (CHU), the second-largest Chinese wireless carrier. The Spanish telecom giant expects to gradually increase its share in the Chinese company to further boost its foothold in the world’s largest mobile market.
The companies concluded a $1 billion stake purchase in each other’s stock in October 2009. Per the agreement, Telefonica bought roughly 694 million shares in China Unicom while … [visit site to read more]

Video: NYSE Closing Bell Market Monitor: HD, HAS, CIT « NYFP »

NYFP — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 22:24:32 +0000

The latest in news, commentary, and information on what’s moving the US equities markets. Watch this broadcast LIVE at 4:00 pm EST daily @ “http://www.nyx.com/marketmonitor” … [visit site to read more]

Smith Int’l Plans Acquisitions « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 22:22:36 +0000

Smith International Inc. (SII), a major oilfield services company, expects to spend approximately $350 million on acquisitions in this quarter, following the company’s last year’s $700 million-plus stock issue. In addition to acquisition initiatives, the company also intends to deploy this fund to pay down its debt level.
Smith has been quite active in recent days with an increasing trend in the North American drilling scenario, coupled with stable prices for the company’s products and … [visit site to read more]

The Next Phase Of My Evaluation « Michael Panzner »

Michael Panzner — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 22:19:00 +0000

In yesterday’s post-cum-psychological profile, “Economic Rorschach Test,” I wanted to know the first thing that popped into your head after hearing that Geithner, Paulson, and Greenspan agree the economy is recovering.
In the next phase of my professional evaluation — after all, if these guys have the gall to consider themselves economic experts then I see no reason why I can’t be considered a psychological expert — I’d be interested in learning how you feel after reading recent reports … [visit site to read more]

Video: Crude Quiet To Start The Week « NYFP »

NYFP — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 22:18:40 +0000

Front month crude prices were quiet this session following a lack of economic data. … [visit site to read more]

Video: Newport Cigarette Maker Lorillard’s 4Q Goes Up In Smoke « NYFP »

NYFP — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 22:15:26 +0000

Newport cigarette maker Lorillard Incorporated posted a quarterly drop in net income due to higher costs. … [visit site to read more]

ProShares Plans 300% Leveraged ETFs « Michael Johnston »

Michael Johnston — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 22:13:24 +0000

ProShares, the issuer responsible for pioneering leveraged and inverse ETFs, has filed prospectuses for 16 new funds. Expansion is nothing new for ProShares–the company has launched a handful of new ETFs over the last year–but the filing was interesting because it detailed plans for 300% leveraged ETFs. ProShares’ current product line, which consists of more than 90 funds, includes only two ETFs with 300% leverage, the UltraPro S&P 500 (UPRO) and UltraPro Short S&P 500 … [visit site to read more]

Economic, News And US Earnings Reports For The Week Of February 8 - 12 2010 « KhronoStock »

KhronoStock — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 22:12:17 +0000

This week is not so heavy on the economic calendar front. One notable item is the January retail sales.

Earnings reports continue to be heavy. Notable companies set to report this week include: CVS Caremark (CVS), NYSE Euronext (NYX), Baidu (BIDU), Walt Disney (DIS), Sprint (S), Phillip Morris (PM) and Duke Energy (DUK).

You can view all the detailed information below:

1. Comprehensive Global Economic Calendar including the United States from … [visit site to read more]

Berkshire Rating Cut On Debt Issue « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 22:05:54 +0000

Last week, Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BNI). Following this announcement, rating agency Standard & Poor’s (S&P) stripped the company of its AAA ratings.
S&P downgraded the rating to AA+ from AAA, citing concerns that the $8 billion issue of debt will strain the Berkshire’s capital adequacy. The rating was placed on credit watch last November when the plans for rail acquisition were announced. The outlook for the rating remains stable.
In March of last year, Fitch downgraded … [visit site to read more]

Equity Market Correction A One Quarter Event « Daily Reckoning »

Daily Reckoning — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 22:00:57 +0000

I believe equity markets (and riskier assets in general) are in the midst of a 10-15% correction that plays out within one quarter, which is normal, not at the onset of the next financial avalanche, which lasts many quarters.
There was never any question that the extraordinary policy maneuvers of 2009 would begin to be unwound in 2010. But the culmination of events in Europe, China and the United States over the last two months have brought this all to a head very early on in 2010. Profit … [visit site to read more]

How The Shipping ETF Is Charting Its Course « Tom Lydon »

Tom Lydon — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:50:47 +0000

The shipping exchange traded fund (ETF) has had its share of rough waters, however, many believe it should find smoother sailing as more raw materials and finished goods criss-cross the seas.

Shipping has struggled across all ship types. Claymore/Delta Global Shipping (SEA) tracks a cross-section of bulk and tanker ships, so it hasn’t been immune from the downturn, Don Dion for The Street says.

But there are a couple of things that may work in the ETF’s favor in the coming months:

A … [visit site to read more]

Alkermes Retains Neutral Rec « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:49:09 +0000

We maintain our Neutral rating on Alkermes, Inc. (ALKS) with a price target of $11.50.
Alkermes is a drug delivery biotech company which uses its proprietary specialized drug delivery technologies to develop drugs for the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) disorders, alcoholism and diabetes.
Alkermes has two approved products on the market. Its lead product, Risperdal Consta (or simply Consta), was developed for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The drug is marketed … [visit site to read more]

Novatel Gets Downgraded « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:35:38 +0000

We downgrade our recommendation for Novatel Wireless Inc. (NVTL) to Neutral, which means the stock should perform in line with the broader market. The company is facing intensifying competition for its core embedded solutions for wireless access.
In addition to its traditional rival, Sierra Wireless (SWIR), Novatel is facing significant challenges from newly launched products by large manufacturers, including Qualcomm Inc. (QCOM) and L.M. Ericsson (ERIC). Qualcomm has launched its Gobi … [visit site to read more]

Five ETFs For A Trade War With China « Michael Johnston »

Michael Johnston — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:20:54 +0000

Sino-American relations are quickly reaching a breaking point, as the Obama administration continues to spar with the People’s Republic of China over a variety of issues. The first clash was seen in the tariffs proposed on Chinese steel pipe manufacturers last year, followed by another dispute related to tire producers shortly thereafter. The Chinese took a hard line approach in their response, threatening to apply similar duties to American products such as agricultural goods, much to the … [visit site to read more]

MICROS Beats Estimates « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:20:14 +0000

MICROS Systems, Inc. (MCRS) reported revenues of $225.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2010, down 4.6% from a year ago but almost flat sequentially.
On a segment basis, hardware revenues came in at $45.8 million, down 17.7% year over year. Software revenues came in at $30.5 million, down 19.084% year over year. Service revenues came in at $149.4 million, up 4.3% year over year.
Most customers are either in the hospitality or specialty retail industry. Consumer spending is not … [visit site to read more]

Trends In Gold, 10 Year Treasury Yields, And Crude Oil « Guy Lerner »

Guy Lerner — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:15:00 +0000

Over the past year, I have most often discussed the composite indicator constructed from the trends in gold, crude oil, and yields on the 10 year Treasury in the context of high readings. Collectively, when these trends are strong and rising, stocks tend to under perform. This has been the case over the past 25 years and over the past 10 months during this epic bull run. But what happens to equities when this indicator registers a low reading - as in the trends in gold, crude oil, and yields on … [visit site to read more]

Magellan’s Net Income Rises « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:08:35 +0000

Magellan Midstream Partners L.P. ([url=http://www.zacks.com/stock/quote/mmp]MMP[/url]), a master limited partnership (MLP), announced robust fourth quarter results, buoyed by higher transportation tariffs and product gains in the pipeline system. The partnership reported earnings per unit (EPU) of 77 cents, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2 cents. In the year-ago period, Magellan earned 51 cents per unit.
Distribution Maintained
Magellan maintained its quarterly distribution of 71 … [visit site to read more]

3 Reasons For Optimism Found In Canada’s ETF « Tom Lydon »

Tom Lydon — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:55:46 +0000

Canada’s exchange traded fund (ETF) is looking better. Indicators are on the rebound, the economy is growing again and consumer spending is forecast to continue making strides this year.

Economists are optimistic about the recovery in Canada, for good reason:

For the third straight month in November, Canada’s economy grew, backed by strength in the gas and oil industries, wholesale trade and continued real estate activity, reports Mortgage Broker News.

Jay Bryan for The Gazette … [visit site to read more]

Top-Line Increases At AppliedMicro « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:52:31 +0000

AppliedMicro (AMCC) reported revenues of $53.7 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2010, up 9% sequentially and up 13% year over year.
Product revenues increased 10% sequentially. Processor revenues were $28.0 million, up sequentially. Transport revenues were $22.7 million, sequentially up 7%, and licensing revenues were $3 million.
On a geographical basis, sales to North America accounted for approximately 34% of total revenues. Europe contributed 17% of total sales while Asia contributed … [visit site to read more]

China Mobile Touts Ophone Plan « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:36:52 +0000

China Mobile (CHL), the world’s largest mobile operator by subscribers, is reportedly warming up to launch up to 30 new smartphone models in 2010 that are designed to run on the carrier’s home-grown TDSCDMA 3G standard. The devices (called “Ophones”) are being developed using the company’s proprietary “Open Mobile System (OMS)” smartphone operating system based on Google’s (GOOG) open-source Android software platform.
Moreover, China Mobile has revealed its plans to build more … [visit site to read more]

American Axle Swings To Profit « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:21:34 +0000

American Axle and Manufacturing (AXL) returned to profitability in the fourth quarter of 2009 after reporting losses since the first quarter of 2008. The company has posted a net income of $8.3 million or 14 cents per share (before special items), compared to a loss of $42.6 million or 83 cents per share (before special items) in the fourth quarter of 2008.
American Axle also surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 11 cents per share for the quarter. The company has achieved … [visit site to read more]

Investing In Japan: Two Ways To Play Its Stock Market Revival « Alexander Green »

Alexander Green — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:19:05 +0000

Monday, February 8, 2010: Issue #1192
Here’s a handy way to know when to sell your investments: everyone is talking about them.
There is an obvious corollary to knowing what to sell. If you want to know what to buy, consider what no one is talking about.
And that brings me to investing in Japan…
Investing in Japan: Land of the Rising Sun And Stock Market
From a high near 40,000 in 1989, the once-mighty Nikkei 225 – the equivalent of our S&P 500 – fell over 80% and hit a 27-year low … [visit site to read more]

Forex Trading: EURUSD Looking For Direction. Testing The Support Levels « Greg Michalowski »

Greg Michalowski — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:08:42 +0000

The clues from the market suggest the price is due for a directional move. The 100 and 200 bar movin average are getting closer (within 7 pips - blue and green lines above). There is an uptrend line the market is testing but can not get through, and the the price action is consolidating. The 100 bar MA comes in at the 1.3678 level. The 200 bar comes in at 1.3671. The trendline comes in at 1.3667.
The price has moved below the 100 bar MA and the 200 bar MA but held the … [visit site to read more]

Nippon Telephone Outperforms « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:06:14 +0000

Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp. (NTT) declared better-than-expected fiscal third quarter 2010 financial results. On a GAAP basis, net income in the third quarter of fiscal 2010 was approximately $1,523 million or $1.15 per share, compared to net income of approximately $1,473 million or $1.10 per share in the prior-year quarter.
The third quarter EPS of $1.15 far exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 46 cents per share. This was primarily due to a significant decline in operating … [visit site to read more]

What The Past Tells Us « Daily Reckoning »

Daily Reckoning — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:00:35 +0000

Perhaps because we are a young country, Americans tend not to pay much attention to the lessons of history. Well, we should start, because those lessons are brutal. Power, even great power, if not well tended, erodes over time. Nations, like corporations and people, can lose discipline and morale. Economic and political vulnerability go hand in hand. Remember, without a strong economy, a nation’s international standing, standard of living, national security, and even its domestic tranquility … [visit site to read more]

U.S. Oil Consumption Still Weak « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:51:33 +0000

The U.S. Energy Department’s weekly inventory release showed a surprise climb in crude stockpiles, while distillate supplies posted a smaller-than-expected draw. The agency’s bearish report further added that refiners continued to cut production, and are currently operating at their lowest rate in two decades.
This has instilled renewed doubts about the health of the U.S. economy, and pulled down oil prices to a seven-week low of around $71 per barrel. The only saving grace came in the form … [visit site to read more]

The Greatest Money War Of All Time « Martin D. Weiss »

Martin D. Weiss — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:50:22 +0000

We are caught in the grips of a great war!

It is not a traditional land or sea war with tanks and battleships.

Nor is it an anti-terrorist, guerilla war for hearts and minds.

Rather, it is war of a third kind - pitting government bureaucrats against millions of investors … and causing massive collateral damage to innocent Americans.

Battle by battle, this great war has been escalated - each time with bigger guns deployed by Washington, each time with deadlier attacks striking Wall … [visit site to read more]

Loews Corp Reports Profit « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:37:59 +0000

Loews Corporation’s (L) fourth quarter income from continuing operations came in at 94 cents per share, 2 cents below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 96 cents. However, the results were significantly better compared to the year-ago quarter’s results when the company had reported a loss of $2.20 per share.
For full-year 2009, income from continuing operations was $566 million or $1.31 per share, compared to a loss of $182 million or 38 cents per share in 2008.
Loews reported a 39.3% … [visit site to read more]

Essential Employees In The Government Growth Industry « Daily Reckoning »

Daily Reckoning — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:30:02 +0000

There was a storm raging on Wall Street too. And by the end of the day, traders, investors and speculators probably wished they had stocked more alcohol for the weekend.
The Dow was up 10 points. After being down 100 points. Gold fell $10.
“Clearly we have entered the worry, fear camp,” said one pro.
Unfortunately, today’s action was not as clear-cut as we would like. There was no bounce back. And no further decline. Our guess is that stocks will probably trend downward for a long time. … [visit site to read more]

FII Initiated As Neutral « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:21:55 +0000

We are initiating coverage on Federated Investors Inc. (FII) with a Neutral recommendation. The company’s fourth-quarter earnings of 51 cents per share missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by a couple of pennies on money fee waivers and higher operating expenses.

Results reflected an increase in fixed income equity funds, fixed income assets and equity assets, decrease in non-operating expenses and a decline in the amortization of deferred sales commissions. This was partially offset … [visit site to read more]

Macy’s Raises Outlook « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:05:29 +0000

Macy’s Inc. (M) raised its earnings guidance for the fourth quarter and fiscal 2009, buoyed by better-than-expected sales and effective cost management.

Macy’s now expects fourth-quarter earnings in the range of $1.35 to $1.37 per share, up from its prior view of $1.14 to $1.18. For fiscal 2009, management expects earnings between $1.36 and $1.38 per share, up from an earlier projection of $1.15 to $1.19.

For fourth quarter 2009, Macy’s sales dropped 1% to $7,851 million … [visit site to read more]

Paychex Inc. Offers A Chance To Profit From The New Employment Paradigm Shift « Horacio Marquez »

Horacio Marquez — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:01:28 +0000

The U.S. labor picture may not be clear, but investors can profit by acquiring shares of Paychex Inc. (PAYX) to take advantage of the new employment paradigm.

As the former head of credit and analysis for ADP Capital Management, the investment arm of Automatic Data Processing (ADP), I know the outsourced payroll industry from the inside out. ADP - a company in which I have kept the stock I received - is the leader in the payroll sector. It focuses on the larger and more stable … [visit site to read more]

Inflation: Ignoring Doesn’t Make It Go Away « Daily Reckoning »

Daily Reckoning — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:00:06 +0000

Being absolutely Frightened Out Of My Mind (FOOMM) about inflation, I am always looking at how much things cost and seeing if there is any inflation, so that the next time somebody tells me that inflation is “tame, benign, absent, nothing to worry about”, I can shake my proof in their stupid little faces and say, “Oh, yeah? Then what do you call this, ya moron?”
I bring this up because I recently got a “time to re-subscribe” notice from The Wall Street Journal, which has been, over … [visit site to read more]

Forex Trading: GBPUSD Falls Below Support At 1.5629/36 And Tests 100 Bar MA « Greg Michalowski »

Greg Michalowski — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:54:03 +0000

The 1.5629/36 level was resistance on the way up today, support on the correction and then the level gave way leading a move down to test the 100 bar MA on the 5 minute chart at the 1.5606 level (low reached 1.5604). The price has rebounded off the low. The price should now find resistance at the 1.5629 … [visit site to read more]

NHP Acquires 2 Properties « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:48:31 +0000

Nationwide Health Properties, Inc. (NHP), a real estate investment trust (REIT) that invests in healthcare facilities, recently acquired 2 medical office buildings (MOB) from Pacific Medical Buildings LLC. Pacific Medical specializes exclusively in the development and management of MOB, outpatient facilities and parking structures for hospitals, medical groups and universities.

Nationwide Health acquired the Pomerado Outpatient Pavilion in Poway, California for approximately $74 … [visit site to read more]

99 Cents Easily Beats Ests « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:32:31 +0000

99 Cents Only Stores Inc. (NDN) recently reported its fiscal 2010 third quarter results. The company recorded a strong 97% growth in earnings to $24.5 million from $12.4 million in the year-ago period. Earnings per share came in at 35 cents, easily beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 10 cents. The company reported EPS of 18 cents in the year-earlier quarter.

The company has an impressive track record of surpassing earnings expectations as it has topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate … [visit site to read more]

Video: Lack Of Economic Data Creates Mixed Money Markets « NYFP »

NYFP — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:19:00 +0000

The money markets traded mixed this session following a lack of economic data that has left currency pairs mostly unchanged. … [visit site to read more]

BG Wraps Up Initial Moema Deal « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:15:09 +0000

Bunge Ltd. (BG), a leading global agribusiness and food company in the U.S., has recently completed the first phase of 100% acquisition of Usina Moema Participacoes S.A., a holding company that wholly owns one sugarcane mill in Brazil and has ownership interests in five others.

With this, Bunge has obtained 100% ownership of three of the mills (Moema, Frutal and Ouroeste), 70% of a fourth mill (Guariroba) and approximately 44% of a fifth mill (Itapagipe).   

The company … [visit site to read more]

Japanese Car Trouble « Daily Reckoning »

Daily Reckoning — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:11:01 +0000

The past few weeks have not been easy for the Japanese.
First off, the nation’s largest company, Toyota, was forced to issue a recall for automobiles on three continents after it was revealed that the brake pedal on certain models had a tendency to “get stuck.” Consumers have become rather attached to the brake accessory on modern automobiles and didn’t take kindly to Toyota’s technical oversight. The company was forced to issue a worldwide public apology…then added that it will … [visit site to read more]

Video: Market Movers: HAS, AZO, MCO, MHP, DIS, ARG, APD « NYFP »

NYFP — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:08:28 +0000

The latest news and information on U.S. stocks that are moving the market. … [visit site to read more]

Bruce Greenwald Interview On Benjamin Graham And Value Investing « Jacob Wolinsky »

Jacob Wolinsky — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:01:46 +0000

I found a recent video interview with guru value investor Bruce Greenwald. Bruce Greenwald is interviewed by an Financial Times Reporter on value investing. Bruce Greenwald is one of my favorite value gurus. He is the author of Value Investing: From Graham to Buffett and Beyond (Wiley Finance) which is a superb book on value investing. The book is required reading for guru Joel Greenblatt’s class in Columbia business school. Bruce Greenwald is also a director of research at First Eagle Funds. … [visit site to read more]

EU Approves Merck’s Elonva « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:00:53 +0000

Recently, Merck & Co. Inc. (MRK) received approval from the European Commission (EC) for its fertility drug Elonva (corifollitropin alfa injection). The drug will be used as a treatment in controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) coupled with a GnRH antagonist for the development of multiple follicles in women who have participated in an assisted reproductive technology (ART) program.

This approval does not come as a surprise as in 2009 Elonva received a recommendation for approval … [visit site to read more]

Luminex Revenues Expand « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:45:21 +0000

Luminex Corp. (LMNX) reported fourth-quarter fiscal 2009 earnings (excluding the release of the valuation allowance) of $5.2 million or 12 cents per share, up from $2 million or 5 cents per share in the year-ago quarter. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the reported quarter was a gain of 7 cents.

Quarter in Detail

Total revenues for the reported quarter came in at $38.2 million as against $28.2 million in the year-ago period, up approximately 35%. As per segments, revenues from … [visit site to read more]

ON Semi Looks Good « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:30:32 +0000

ON Semiconductor (ONNN) reported fourth quarter earnings that beat the Zacks Consensus estimate by 4 cents.

Revenue

Revenue of $497.1 million was up 5.1% sequentially and down 1.7% year over year. This was better than management’s revenue expectations of 480-495 million (up 2-5% sequentially). The Americas drove the strength in the last quarter, increasing 41.8% sequentially. In comparison, Europe was flat (up 0.6%) and Asia actually declined 2.2%. The largest chunk of ON’s … [visit site to read more]

Silgan Outperforms « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:15:34 +0000

Silgan Holdings Inc. (SLGN) reported its fourth-quarter earnings last week. The company posted earnings of 63 cents per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 54 cents and up 40.0% from the year-ago earnings of 45 cents per share.

Net sales in the quarter declined 4.9% to $705.3 million from $741.6 million in the prior-year quarter, primarily lower unit volumes in the Metal Food Container and Closures segments due to the effect of the buy ahead in the fourth quarter of 2008 … [visit site to read more]

Toyota Prius Faces Recall « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:12:59 +0000

Toyota Motor’s (TM) popular 2010 Prius hybrid automobile faces a recall, adding to the series of the automaker’s recalls in the past few months. Toyota will decide upon the magnitude of the recall this week.
In September last year, Toyota recalled the largest-ever U.S. batch of 3.8 million vehicles, triggered by a high-speed crash in August involving a 2009 Lexus ES350 that killed a California Highway Patrol officer and three members of his family near San Diego. Investigators with the … [visit site to read more]

Life Sells Mass Spectrometry Biz « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:00:44 +0000

Life Technologies Corporation (LIFE) recently completed the sale of its mass spectrometry business to Danaher Corporation (DHR) for $450 million in cash, subject to a conventional working capital adjustment. Danaher also acquired Life’s joint venture partner in the mass spectrometry business, MDS Analytical Technologies, a division of MDS Inc. (MDZ).

We view Life’s decision to divest its Mass Spectrometry business as a smart strategic move. This decision should allow the … [visit site to read more]

Forex Trading: AUDUSD Stalls At The Key Resistance. « Greg Michalowski »

Greg Michalowski — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:52:57 +0000

The AUDUSD has stalled at the 87.07 resistance level (see prior post). Above the level is also the high from last Friday which comes in at the 0.8717 level . The high reached 0.8708.

The correction lower off the high has been able to stay above the 100 bar MA on the 5 minute chart which ultimately is the bottom side support/stop level. If this MA level can hold, it keeps the potential open for another test of the high resistance levels (0.8707/17). A move above this … [visit site to read more]

Earnings Preview: Teradata « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:30:48 +0000

Teradata Corporation (TDC) announced that it would release its 2009 fourth quarter results before the market opens on Feb 11, 2010.

During the third quarter earnings release, management had raised its outlook for fiscal 2009 due to continued focus on operational execution, which is driving growth. Accordingly, earnings per share were expected to be in the $1.34 – $1.38 range, up from its previous outlook of $1.22 –$1.28. As a result, 1 out of the 9 analysts covering the stock … [visit site to read more]

Forex Trading: EURJPY Tests Key Level At 122.42 « Greg Michalowski »

Greg Michalowski — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:29:43 +0000

The EURJPY has key resistance at the 122.42 level. The level corresponds with the 61.8% of the move up from the Jan 2009 low to the June 2009 high. The price moved up and tested the level in the last move higher but has come off . A move above is needed to inject more bullishness for the pair today.

Looking at the hourly chart the price did move above this level earlier in the day - reaching a high of 122.77. This is the next target on the upside. … [visit site to read more]

Australian Dollar: Continuation Of The Rebound « Trading Central »

Trading Central — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:17:46 +0000

Update on supports and resistances. … [visit site to read more]

Canadian Dollar: Continuation Of The Rebound « Trading Central »

Trading Central — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:17:44 +0000

Update on supports and resistances. … [visit site to read more]

SPIL Tops Estimates « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:15:26 +0000

Siliconware Precision Industries Co. Ltd (SPIL) reported earnings from continuing operations of 21 cents per ADR for the fourth quarter of 2009, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 14 cents.

Sales revenues for the fourth quarter of 2009 were NT$ 16,813 million ($520.6 million), which represented a 0.5% increase in revenues compared to the third quarter of 2009 and a 35.1% increase in revenues compared to the fourth quarter of 2008.

Segment Overview

For the fourth … [visit site to read more]

Badger Meter Disappoints « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:00:36 +0000

Badger Meter (BMI) recently reported its fourth quarter results. The company reported earnings of 34 cents per share, which is below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 37 cents per share as well as the prior-year EPS of 42 cents.

Quarterly sales declined 16.6% to $56.4 million from $67.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2008. The company said that the sales were down across most of the product lines due to economic downturn and slowdown in customer purchases as they wait for federal … [visit site to read more]

Brazilian Rate Hike In March? « Daily Reckoning »

Daily Reckoning — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:00:05 +0000

The dollar bulls were celebrating again on Friday, as the dollar rally continued. The recent strength in the US dollar will probably continue this week, as it looks like it will be fairly uneventful as far as data releases. We won’t have any reports out in the US today, and tomorrow will only bring the wholesale inventory number. Wednesday we will see December’s trade balance along with the monthly budget statement for January. Both of these numbers will likely reflect an ever-growing … [visit site to read more]

Forex Trading: USDJPY In Narrow Range Still « Greg Michalowski »

Greg Michalowski — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:51:01 +0000

The 200 and 100 bar MA have done a good job of capping the topside resistance at the 89.33-36 level during the NY session. As London gets ready to leave for the day will the 11-12PM time period start a move? A move down, has to now get through the 89.13-18 area to confirm the bearishness. A move back above 89.36 turns the short term bias to the upside. A break should lead to further upside momentum.
With the price remaining below the moving average so … [visit site to read more]

Eight Ways To Profit From The World’s Biggest Spending Boom « Money Morning »

Money Morning — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:50:38 +0000

Back in the 1970s, environmentalists feared we were going to “blacktop the Earth.” It’s not likely that will ever happen. However, governments around the world do have plans to pave a good portion of it in the decade to come. And they also plan to build bridges, power plants, water systems, and to develop other infrastructure projects that will bolster the global recovery and meet the needs of an increasingly modern global population.

What’s more, the projected pace of new infrastructure … [visit site to read more]

Conmed Surpasses Estimate « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:45:10 +0000

Conmed Corporation (CNMD) reported fourth quarter and full fiscal 2009 results. For the quarter, earnings per share were 37 cents, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 32 cents and the year-ago earnings of 34 cents. In fiscal 2009, earnings per share were $1.00, lower than the year-ago earnings of $1.54.

Quarterly results

Total sales in the fourth quarter increased 6.4% year over year to $190.6 million. Growth was registered across all major business … [visit site to read more]

Video: NYSE Opening Bell Market Monitor: CVS, HAS, DIS « NYFP »

NYFP — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:39:24 +0000

The latest in news, commentary, and information on what’s moving the US equities markets. … [visit site to read more]

Video: CVS Prescribes A 4Q Profit « NYFP »

NYFP — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:32:23 +0000

The CVS Caremark Corporationn (CVS) announced Monday that it posted a larger-than-expected 4Q profit. … [visit site to read more]

CVS Beats By A Penny « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:30:01 +0000

CVS Caremark’s (CVS) fourth quarter earnings came in at 79 cents per share, a cent above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 78 cents and higher than 70 cents reported in the year-ago period. Revenues increased 7% year-over-year to $25.8 billion primarily due to robust growth of both segments - Pharmacy Services and Retail Pharmacy.

For the full-year 2009, CVS reported earnings per share of $2.74 compared to $2.44 in 2008. Revenues recorded a 12.9% growth at $98.7 … [visit site to read more]

Swiss Franc: Continuation Of The Rebound « Trading Central »

Trading Central — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:18:01 +0000

Update on supports and resistances. … [visit site to read more]

Five Energy ETF Options For Bargain Hunting Investors « Michael Johnston »

Michael Johnston — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:16:12 +0000

The first six weeks of 2010 have been a bit on the tumultuous side, as equity markets that came flying out of the gate have done a complete reversal, heading lower and erasing large chunks of the gains recorded in 2009. While the rocky start has been unnerving for investors anxious over the possibility of a double dip recession, others have found a silver lining in the recent pullback, as some big losses have created attractive entrance points in sectors that now appear to be bargains.
The … [visit site to read more]

Buckeye Rises On Cost Initiatives « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:15:34 +0000

Buckeye Partners L.P. (BPL) earnings in the fourth quarter of 2009 were above Zacks Consensus Estimate of 92 cents per limited partner unit and earnings reported a year ago of 89 cents. Buckeye reported earnings of $1.03 per unit in the quarter. For the full-year 2009, the partnership reported earnings of $3.63 per unit compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.50 and the year-ago earnings of $3.00.

Revenue increased 8% year over year to $578.9 million in the quarter, while it … [visit site to read more]

Morning News Notes: 2/8/2010 « Guy Lerner »

Guy Lerner — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:07:00 +0000

The “Morning News Notes” as prepared by TL… Greece, Bernanke, Geithner, Greenspan, unemployment and job creation, and odds of an increase in Fed Funds rate.

Just click on the link or the coffee mug below.

“Morning News Notes”: February 8, … [visit site to read more]

Abiomed Beats Zacks Estimate « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:00:43 +0000

Abiomed, Inc. (ABMD) reported third quarter of fiscal 2010 results. For the quarter, net loss per share was 11 cents, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of loss per share of 18 cents and the year-ago loss of 20 cents.

Earnings Estimate Revision Trend and Zacks Rank
The earnings estimate revision for Abiomed has demonstrated a mixed trend in the past 30 days. During the period, one out of eleven analysts has downgraded his earnings estimate while none upgraded his … [visit site to read more]

Video: Asian Markets Volatile To Start Week « NYFP »

NYFP — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:53:33 +0000

The major Asian/Pacific markets got off to quite an active start this session with Japan’s Nikkei dropping on continued declines from automakers including Toyota. … [visit site to read more]

Trimble Disappoints Again « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:45:31 +0000

Trimble Navigation’s (TRMB) third quarter earnings missed consensus estimates by $0.02. Both GAAP and non-GAAP earnings were within management’s guided range.

Seasonality typically causes huge sequential fluctuations in both revenue and margins. As a result, management generally compares results on a year-over-year basis. In our discussion, we will include both sequential and year-over-year comparisons, wherever possible.

Revenue of $277.5 million was up 2.9% … [visit site to read more]

Forex Trading: AUDUSD. Is A Further Correction Due? « Greg Michalowski »

Greg Michalowski — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:34:02 +0000

Looking at the AUDUSD 5 minute chart over the last 24 hours of trading or so, there is some choppy action. However, there are some “remembered prices” which have created a few floors in the pair in the shorter term. The first floor come in at the 89.20 level where the market used as extreme lows on 3 separate occassions on Friday afternoon, before falling through. Later the level was used as support leading to the next range higher. The second floor has come in at 0.8642 … [visit site to read more]

Westamerica Misses Estimates « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:30:16 +0000

Westamerica Bancorp.’s (WABC) reported fourth quarter earnings per share of 79 cents and missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 82 cents. Earnings were higher from 71 cents reported in the year-ago quarter but a couple of pennies below 81 cents reported in the prior quarter. During the reported quarter 2009, Westamerica redeemed $42 million in preferred stock requiring accelerated discount accretion of $0.52 million, which reduced earnings per share by 2 cents.

Overall results … [visit site to read more]

Japanese Yen: The Upside Prevails « Trading Central »

Trading Central — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:18:00 +0000

Update on supports and resistances. … [visit site to read more]

British Pound: The Upside Prevails « Trading Central »

Trading Central — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:17:56 +0000

Update on supports and resistances. … [visit site to read more]

Euro: The Upside Prevails « Trading Central »

Trading Central — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:17:53 +0000

Update on supports and resistances. … [visit site to read more]

Have Traders Abandoned Gold’s “Flight To Safety” Status? « OptionsXpress »

OptionsXpress — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:17:37 +0000

Fundamentals
It sure looks like some so called “Gold Bugs” have been swatted recently, as the yellow metal’s historic price rise has hit some speed bumps lately. Ironically, one of the big bullish arguments for buying Gold was the fear of rising inflation tied to a weaker U.S. Dollar, as investors feared uncontrolled government spending and rising budget deficits. However, despite no real plan to control the U.S. budget deficit, the U.S. Dollar has risen sharply, especially versus the Euro, as … [visit site to read more]

ACS, Xerox Merger Approved « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:15:01 +0000

Affiliated Computer Services Inc. (ACS), a leading business process outsourcing firm rose 0.45% after hours after falling 2.28% to close at $59.64, following the company’s announcement that shareholders had approved its acquisition by Xerox Corporation (XRX).

The transaction is expected to close soon and as a result, Standard & Poor’s announced changes to its index. S&P MidCap 400 constituent Urban Outfitters Inc. (URBN) will replace ACS in the S&P … [visit site to read more]

J. C. Penney January Sales Fall « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:00:41 +0000

J. C. Penney Company, Inc. (JCP), a leading retailer of apparel, footwear, accessories, fashion jewelry, beauty products, and home furnishings, recently reported sales results for the four-week period ended Jan 30, 2010.

The company’s comparable store sales for January dipped 4.6% compared to a 16.4% decline in the same month last year. Comps were better than the company’s guidance range of a 5% to 8% decline.

The Plano, Texas-based retailer, J. C. Penney said that … [visit site to read more]

Stock Market News Briefs: Alliance Data Systems Corporation, CVS Corporation, Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The), Hasbro, Inc., Home Depot, Inc. (The), International Business Machines Corporation, J P Morgan Chase & Co, Lorillard, Inc, Morgan Stanley, Newell Rubbermaid Inc., Walt Disney Company (The), Intel Corporation, NVIDIA Corporation « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:58:41 +0000

CVS Caremark (CVS) posted fourth quarter adjusted earnings of 79 cents, one cent better than Zacks estimates, on revenues of $25.8 billion, which missed Zacks estimates of $26.35 billion

Hasbro (HAS) posted fourth quarter earnings of $1.09, versus Zacks estimates of 81 cents a share on revenues of $1.38 billion up from projections of $1.33 billion

JP Morgan (JPM) upgraded Disney (DIS) to “neutral” from “underweight,” raising the price target to $30 from $28. … [visit site to read more]

SAP CEO Steps Down « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:45:30 +0000

SAP AG (SAP) announced that the SAP Supervisory Board has reached an agreement with CEO Leo Apotheker not to extend his contract as a member of the SAP Executive Board. Leo Apotheker has resigned as CEO and member of the SAP Executive Board effective immediately.
The company said that it would split the leadership between two co-chief executives, naming Bill McDermott, head of field organization, and Jim Hagemann Snabe, head of product development, to those posts.
In addition, Vishal Sikka, … [visit site to read more]

Forex Trading: USDJPY Also Participating In Choppy Monday « Greg Michalowski »

Greg Michalowski — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:40:02 +0000

The USDJPY went down and tested the 89.18 midpoint of the move up from Friday’s low in early NY trade and bounced. The bounce higher has not been able to break above the 100 and 200 bar MA on the 5 minute chart (sellers against the moving average levels - see blue and green lines above) which keeps the wraps on the bulls.
As long as the price remains below these moving average levels at the 89.33 and 89.37 levels respectively, the price bias remains to … [visit site to read more]

Another One Down, Bank Failures Hit 16 « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:30:26 +0000

U.S. regulators on Friday shuttered 1st American State Bank of Minnesota , in Hancock, pushing up U.S. bank failures to 16 so far in 2010. This compares to total number of bank failures of 140 in 2009, 25 in 2008 and only 3 in 2007.

While we expect economic recovery to gain momentum soon, there remain lingering concerns in the banking industry. Failure of both residential and commercial real estate loans as a result of the credit crisis was the primary reason that wounded banks. As the … [visit site to read more]

Forex Trading: No Specifics At G7 On Forex Or Sovereign Crisis « ACM »

ACM — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:11:35 +0000

“We expect and we are confident that the Greek government will take all the decisions that will permit it to reach that goal,” Trichet said. A statement made earlier, but reiterated by EU members of the G7 this weekend. In addition, EU members spent time trying to reassure non-EU members that Greece’s (Portugal ’s, Spain etc) fiscal problems can be solved without the help of external bodies such as the IMF. However, judging from recent price action, this rhetoric hasn’t helped ease the markets … [visit site to read more]

Forex Trading: GBPUSD Rejects A Move Below The Floor And Squeezes Higher In Choppy Trading « Greg Michalowski »

Greg Michalowski — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:05:15 +0000

The GBPUSD has had a choppy trading session as the market fights with negative fundamental bias and a market that may be oversold and in need of a consolidation/non-trend period. Last week the price moved from a high of 1.6068 to the low of 1.5533 today. The low from Friday reached 1.5557.
The price is now back above 1.5600, moving above the 100 and 200 bar MA on the 5 minute chart at 1.5583 and 1.5593 respectively. In addition, the price tested the 1.5557 level … [visit site to read more]

The Budget That Forecasts America’s Decline « Daily Reckoning »

Daily Reckoning — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:58:22 +0000

A recent analysis by David Sanger describes how US financial weakness is translating into the decline of its international power. He begins with a stark look at how the US deficit is projected to rise to 11 percent of economic output, but then goes on to explain…
“… the second number, buried deeper in the budget’s projections, is the one that really commands attention: By President Obama’s own optimistic projections, American deficits will not return to what are widely considered … [visit site to read more]

Forex Trading: EURUSD Back Below Friday’s Close/shorter Term Moving Averages « Greg Michalowski »

Greg Michalowski — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:53:39 +0000

The EURUSD held support earlier today the 1.3621 level (see floor above) and this gave the pair confidence to move higher. The price moved above the converged 100 and 200 bar Moving averages on the 5 minute chart at 1.3640 area and the price moved sharply higher to 1.3713 where sellers emerged. The price was then pressured back down as talk of union strikes in Greece brought the debt situation back to the spotlight.
So we stand at a neutral levels. The close from Friday is 1.3664. … [visit site to read more]

Where And When Will The Euro Bottom? « Bill Luby »

Bill Luby — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:01:44 +0000

Last week was the type of trading week that raised a lot more questions than it answered - at least for me.

The epicenter of many of those questions seems to be southern Europe, where Greece, Portugal, Spain and to a lesser extent the remainder of the so-called PIIGS (Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece and Spain) have flamed investor concerns that burgeoning public debt may significantly weaken investor demand for sovereign debt and exacerbate an already trouble budgetary crisis.

Many … [visit site to read more]

U.S. Joins Global Parade Of Countries Plagued By Debt Bomb « Money Morning »

Money Morning — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:50:53 +0000

The most important fundamental development of the week was not any of a slew of economic reports at all but the new federal budget proposal released by the White House. And it was a doozy: The Obama Administration proposed to spend $3.8 trillion, with $1.6 trillion on the equivalent of the national credit card.

Investors did not overtly seem to mind today, but they will. It is almost mind-numbing to think we’ve gone from the surplus that President Clinton left President Bush to the … [visit site to read more]

Is U.S. Bankruptcy Near? « KhronoStock »

KhronoStock — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:05:37 +0000

In November of 2009 Porter Stansberry wrote a shocking headline at The Daily Crus: The bankruptcy of the United States is now certain. He writes that the U.S. has $3.5 Trillion of debt rolling over including the need for 1.5 Trillion for the new deficit. He asks a good question: Where’s that money going to come from? If you can’t raise it, you are in default. Currency speculators developed a way to predict a default. It’s called The Greenspan-Guidotti rule. “The rule states: To avoid a … [visit site to read more]

Worried About The January Barometer? Don’t Fear, The Saints Won The Super Bowl! « Jacob Wolinsky »

Jacob Wolinsky — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:01:26 +0000

Should you be worried about your stock portfolio this year? Some “experts” are saying you should be very worried. The reason? According to the Stock Trader’s Almanac “as January goes so does the rest of the year”. Since 1950 the performance of the stock market in January predicts returns for the rest of the year with over a 90% accuracy. This year the market indices were down approximately 3%, this means you should sell all your stocks right?

Not so fast. The good news is the New Orleans … [visit site to read more]

How The UK Economy Is Coming Along Now That The Recession Is Over « Capitalists@Work »

Capitalists@Work — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:38:31 +0000

A quick look over the first few weeks of 2010 retail sector is not encouraging.

SRG, which operates retail brands such as Suits You, Young’s Hire and Racing Green is looking for a Company voluntary arrangement. they want 60% for 18 months.

Blacks are looking to raise about £20 million from the city. Readers may remember Black’s did its own CVA in November closing around 90 stores.

Abercrombie & Fitch has posted a 19% decline in December sales at stores open at least a … [visit site to read more]

Forex Trading Review For 08/02/2010 « UFXBank »

UFXBank — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:18:01 +0000

USD Dollar (USD)

The Dollar gained versus all majors except the Yen after investors continued to flee stock, commodities and other higher risk assets and turned to the safety of the Dollar. Non Farm Employment Change came out worse showing 20K more workers lost their job, but Unemployment Rate came out 9.7% better than 10% expected. NASDAQ and Dow Jones gained by 0.74% and 0.1% respectively after a volatile trading session mostly on the negative end. Crude Oil dropped by -1.71% closing at … [visit site to read more]

United States Oil Fund Says Don’t Blame The ETF For Big Oil Price Swings « David Bettencourt »

David Bettencourt — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:16:44 +0000

United States Oil Fund (USO) said Friday that it shouldn’t be blamed for big swings in oil prices because its buying and selling of U.S. oil futures usually makes up just a small fraction of total market activity, according to a company filing.

The filing was in response to “recently published reports” alleging that commodity exchange-traded funds like USO might be to blame for big swings inoil prices. USO said its total buying or selling of U.S. crude futures averaged approximately $57 … [visit site to read more]

ETF Update: Searching For Oil « Jeffrey Miller »

Jeffrey Miller — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:01:10 +0000

Are there any bright spots in this market?

In normal times investors can use sector investing to find opportunities despite overall market weakness. The last two years have provided fewer such opportunities. The correlation among sectors has been very high in both directions. Most recently, sector strength has been linked to dollar weakness.

An energy play seems counter-intuitive, but our model rates it as the top choice this week.

Background

Each week we provide a list … [visit site to read more]

Video: Super Bowl XLIV Draws In Advertising Revenue « NYFP »

NYFP — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 09:00:00 +0000

The Super Bowl attracted nearly 40 advertisers that purchased ad time during the CBS broadcast. … [visit site to read more]

Bulls Are Losing Control « Cam Hui »

Cam Hui — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 08:37:00 +0000

It is always useful to look at sector relative changes once in a while, just to spot any phase changes or shifts in leadership.

When I first got into the investment business, a grizzled veteran taught me the basic principles of sector rotation. Early in the cycle, it’s the interest sensitives that lead the way. Sector leadership rotates through the equity market spectrum until you get to the asset plays - the inflation hedge stocks at the very end of the cycle.

Financials are rolling … [visit site to read more]

Thailand And Ruble Then, Greece And Euro Now « Joseph Meth »

Joseph Meth — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 08:01:00 +0000

Everyone seems to be looking at historical precedents for gauging the severity of this correction. When the Great Depression was on everyone’s mind last spring, many used the1933-35 recovery to benchmark this Financial Crises Crash recovery (see “Two Market Consolidation Models” of Sept 30, 2009). As we crossed the neckline of the inverted head-and-shoulder bottom, I looked to the 2004 nine-month correction from the dot-com Bubble Crash as the model of what this correction might look like. … [visit site to read more]

A Win-Win Situation For The US Dollar « Bryan Rich »

Bryan Rich — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 07:01:03 +0000

The debt problems in Dubai threw a wrench in the happy-go-lucky risk trade of last year. And since then, the perception of the state of the global economy has been unraveling.

All of the sudden, the world isn’t as safe a place as was thought just months ago: Global stock markets are falling, commodity markets have cracked, and foreign currencies are back in decline.

All of this has been good for the U.S. dollar.

In fact, the dollar is operating in a win-win environment these days. … [visit site to read more]

What You Should Know About Commodity ETFs « Tom Lydon »

Tom Lydon — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 06:01:45 +0000

Commodity exchange traded funds (ETFs) have been enjoying a good run in the past year. But some ETFs haven’t been performing as well as their underlying commodities.

For most precious metals ETFs, the ETF will likely hold the physical commodity, but in many cases, a commodity ETF just holds future contracts or notes redeemable by a bank, remarks Kurt Brouwer for MarketWatch. By investing in futures contracts and other so-called derivatives, commodity ETFs may diverge from the actual … [visit site to read more]

Book Review: “Mr Market Miscalculates” By James Grant « Jacob Wolinsky »

Jacob Wolinsky — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 05:01:30 +0000

Mr. Market Miscalculates

James Grant is the editor of several other books on finance. He is also is the editor of a popular newsletter titled The Interest Rate Observer. Mr Market Miscalculates is a series of selected speeches and editorials over the past fifteen years. The Mr. Market term was invented and made famous by the father of value investing, Benjamin Graham. The title describes two eras when Mr Market was irrationally exuberant; during the dot com bubble and the housing … [visit site to read more]

Analyst Interviews: Insurance Industry Stock Update « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0000

The turmoil in the financial markets has created a highly challenging environment for the U.S. insurance industry, forcing many companies to take immense write-downs. This trend is expected to continue at least through the first half of 2010, though there are some early signs of an economic recovery. Also, structural economies of scale have pushed the industry toward consolidation.
While enormous financial support from the government rescued AIG (AIG) from collapse, many other firms remain … [visit site to read more]

Stock Buy: Scripps Networks Interactive « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0000

Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. (SNI) is seeing bullish earnings forecasts ahead of reporting next week. The current full-year Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.77 per share was upped from $1.71 over the past 3 months.
For 2010, analysts polled by Zacks have lifted forecasts from $1.96 per share to $2.12 over the past 3 months.
Fourth-quarter projections of 52 cents per share climbed from the 3 months-ago level of 49 cents.
The company is scheduled to report fourth-quarter results on Feb … [visit site to read more]

Stock Buy: Visa, Inc. « Michael Vodicka »

Michael Vodicka — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0000

Visa, Inc. (V) is once again pressuring its 52-week and all-time high at $87 after reporting better than expected Q1 results on Feb 3 that saw a 33% increase in profit from last year.
First-Quarter Results
Revenue was up 13% to $1.96 billion. Earnings also came in strong at 99 cents, 8 cents ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate. The company has surprised in each of the last four quarters by an average of 6 cents, or 8%.
Visa noted that its results were driven by an increase in transaction … [visit site to read more]

Stock Buy: Micrus Endovascular « Zacks Investment Research »

Zacks Investment Research — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0000

Micrus Endovascular Corp (MEND)) shares are surging on the latest quarterly report. The company and analysts have raised their full-year outlook.
Revenues Surging
On Feb 4 Micrus released quarterly results that showed a 24% increase in revenue, to a record high. Sales rose to %22.8 million. Net income came in at $3.3 million, up from a loss one year ago.
Earnings per share were 20 cents, almost triple the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 7 cents. This was the fourth consecutive earnings surprise. … [visit site to read more]