Jan 30, 2010

Daily Markets - Financial News & Opinions

Daily Markets - Financial News & Opinions


Low Risk Trading Setups Explained For Gold And Stocks

Posted: 30 Jan 2010 05:45 AM PST

I thought I would put this more detailed report on finding and trading low risk setups for gold, silver, oil indexes etc…. In short it does not matter what time frame you trade with or if you trade exchange traded funds, futures contracts or CFD’s (contract of difference).

This type of trading setup works for virtually every investment but I mainly focus on trading: Gold Futures, Gold ETFs, Gold CFD’s, and the SP500 & Dow 30 futures, ETF’s and CFD’s as I find they are very accurate and … [visit site to read more]


Forex Trading: U.S. Dollar’s Longer-Term Outlook Looks Bright

Posted: 30 Jan 2010 01:51 AM PST

The U.S. Dollar closed out the month of January sharply higher as aggressive buyers helped the Greenback surge to the upside following Friday morning’s better than expected U.S. GDP report. The report, which blew out forecasts, encouraged traders to buy with both hands as investor sentiment turned more optimistic toward a strong U.S. economic recovery.
Earlier in the week, the Dollar was bolstered by a more upbeat statement by the Federal Reserve. Although the FOMC left interest rates … [visit site to read more]


Top 5 Economic Graphs For The Week Ended 30 January 2010

Posted: 30 Jan 2010 01:50 AM PST

The past week saw important updates on several key economies. First up is US GDP figures, showing an acceleration of the inventory cycle and stimulus led recovery. Then we look at a far slower recovery in the UK (if you can even call it a recovery), then review some much stronger figures from one of the Asian tigers. Then we look at Japan; considering how this week’s trade, inflation, and employment data feed into the current picture and outlook for Japan.

The theme to take from the … [visit site to read more]


The Gold And Silver Bull Market: Instant Gratification Or Complete Apathy?

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 05:45 PM PST

The financial markets have millions of people competing for profitable trades but unfortunately their natural instinct gets in the way of the final goal.  Through evolution these investors are programmed to proceed (buy stocks) when they are feeling confident and run (sell) when they are scared.  The result of this “basic instinct” mentality is the classic, buy high and sell low, losing trade.

It is our opinion that the average investor falls into one of the following two … [visit site to read more]


Beware Of A Bubble In Bond ETFs

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 05:01 PM PST

Shaken by the financial debacle of 2008, jumpy investors turned to bonds and related exchange traded funds (ETFs) to safeguard what was left of their wealth. The problem with this scenario is that investors aren’t letting go of bonds, despite the changing investment atmosphere.

The Federal Reserve opted to leave interest rates unchanged for now, so the risk is low at this point. But as the economic recovery continues along, the risk that rates will rise is a very real one and if you’re … [visit site to read more]


Economic Events For The Trading Week Jan 31 - Feb 5

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 04:01 PM PST

With the Fed’s monetary policy decision behind us, the U.S. Non-Farm Payrolls and the G7 meeting along with three interest rate announcements from the Reserve Bank of Australia, the Bank of England, and the European Central Bank will take the center stage in what could become another pivotal week ahead for equities, commodities and currencies.

In preparation for the new trading week, here is a quick look at the most important economic events that every currency trader should pay attention … [visit site to read more]


The Federal Budget Is Not The Biggest Loser

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 03:00 PM PST

On the TV show, overweight contestants take vigorous measures to lose excess weight, by cutting back on calories and increasing healthy exercise… all in pursuit of a cash prize. If only the feds were able to undertake a similarly austere strategy.
The federal budget isn't really the showbiz-type of "Biggest Loser," it's more the traditional … [visit site to read more]


Daily ETF Roundup: GDX Sinks, VXX Rises

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 02:16 PM PST

After posting strong early gains, markets finished the week in the red as weakness in the mining and technology sectors and concerns over Europe weighed on investors. "The pattern has been to sell into the weekend, wait for sovereign risk and sovereign default news in Europe, and if it doesn't happen, the relief rally begins." said Robert Francello, head of equity trading for Apex Capital in San Francisco.
The recent sell-off has pushed the S&P 500 down close to 7% in the past eight … [visit site to read more]


Chubb Betters Expectations

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 02:14 PM PST

Chubb Corporation's (CB) fourth quarter net income of $1.66 per share was ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.46. Results also compared favorably with the prior-year earnings of $1.58 per share. Results benefited from investment gains compared to investment losses last year.
Operating income was $569 million, the same as in the fourth quarter of 2008. Net premiums written decreased 4.0% year-over-year to $2.8 billion. Premium growth was adversely impacted by currency fluctuation on … [visit site to read more]


Cartoon: Health vs Banking - A Balancing Act

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 02:01 PM PST

Source: Mike Keefe, Comics.com, January 26, … [visit site to read more]


Economic Recovery Period: When The Stock Market Notices The Depression

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 02:00 PM PST

Yesterday, the Dow was down 150 points the last time we checked it. And this morning, Asian stocks are falling again. China's stock market has fallen below its 200-day moving average – a bad sign.
Is this a little correction in the long upward climb of stock prices? Is it a pause in humanity's march to perfection? Or is it a resumption of the bear market that began 2 years ago?
The way we see it, things go up and down…round and round…back and forth. Human life may become more … [visit site to read more]


Fortune Tops, Guidance Falls

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 02:00 PM PST

Fortune Brands Inc. (FO) reported fourth quarter results before the opening bell today. The company swung to a net income of $11.5 million from a net loss of $281.3 million in the year-ago quarter. Excluding special items, earnings per share came in at 66 cents, which topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 51 cents derived from 9 covering analysts.
However, the company offered a conservative outlook for 2010 and said that it expects EPS of $2.30 to $2.80 per share, which is below the Zacks … [visit site to read more]


Video: NYSE Closing Bell Market Monitor: WMT, HON, CVX

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 01:52 PM PST

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


Dover Sees End-market Recovery

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 01:43 PM PST

Dover Corporation (DOV) reported fourth quarter earnings of 55 cents per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 48 cents. However, third quarter EPS was down 39.6% year-over-year.
Quarterly revenue fell 12.7% to $1.5 billion, from $1.7 billion reported last year. The revenue decline was driven by a 19.3% drop in organic revenue, partially offset by a 4.4% contribution from acquisitions and favorable foreign exchange impact of 2.2%. Three of the four business segments reported revenue … [visit site to read more]


CA Delivers Decent Numbers

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 01:28 PM PST

CA Inc. (CA) reported third quarter 2010 EPS of 43 cents, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 42 cents.
Revenue
The company reported third quarter 2010 revenue of $1.13 billion, up 8.2% from $1.04 billion reported in the year-ago quarter. This is attributed to revenue growth across all its business segments except Professional service, along with revenue growth in North America and Other International.
In terms of business segments, Subscription and Maintenance revenue for the third … [visit site to read more]


Video: “U.S. 4Q GDP Blew Socks Off Of Expectations”

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 01:27 PM PST

1/29/10 U.S. GDP came in better-than-expected in 4Q, surging by 5.7%. … [visit site to read more]


Burger King Set To Beef Up… Just Not Enough To Tempt Us

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 01:18 PM PST

Burger King Holdings (NYSE: BKC) just can't hold up to the competition.
McDonald's (MCD) easily wins out on size alone, with its 31,000 restaurants raking in $23 billion in sales around the world, nearly ten times the amount that Burger King's 12,000 locations bring in.
With revamped restaurants and healthier menus, McDonald's has watched its sales climb and its market share rise to 47% over the last few years. Burger King, on the other hand, can only claim 14% market share, a limited … [visit site to read more]


Buy Into CTS Post-Selloff?

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 01:11 PM PST

Guilt by association may be a buying opportunity for shares of CTS
At some point in the past week, investors became concerned the Toyota Motor (TM) sudden acceleration recall was perhaps about to impact CTS Corp. (CTS). The shares, which traded as high as $10.36 in early January, traded down to $7.68 as of yesterday's close.
CTS issued two press releases and spent a great deal of time on its quarterly conference call trying to ease investors’ concerns.
Specifically, CTS stated that … [visit site to read more]


Newsflash: Ron Paul Loves Liberty

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 12:58 PM PST

When Dr. Paul delivered a one-hour speech Wednesday night in a small auditorium at this editor's alma mater – Loyola University in Maryland – we knew what to expect. His message is a familiar one, and perhaps one of Dr. Paul's more endearing qualities is that his message rarely changes. If you've ever seen him on TV or heard him speak, you might as well have been there with us. There was no big news, or announcements, or changes in policies. The man wants liberty, and that's … [visit site to read more]


The Changing Composition Of GDP

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 12:41 PM PST

With the release of the first cut at the 4Q GDP, it is worth taking a look at what the overall composition of GDP looks like, and how it has changed over time. GDP is equal to the sum of spending by the Consumer, business Investment, Government and Exports, minus Imports, or to put into the famous equation: GDP = C + I + G + (X – M).
It’s not enough to say the total GDP was running at an annual rate of $14,463.4 billion in the fourth quarter. The contributions from each of those segments … [visit site to read more]


Emerging Market Consumers: These Companies Are Set To Profit

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 12:31 PM PST

Whether Wall Street analysts and individual investors know it or not, emerging market consumers have a growing appetite for quality goods, a fact that big name brands took notice of quite a while ago.
Cadbury ADR (CBY), for example, committed three years of research and development to creating the newest version of its Dairy Milk chocolate bar, which it recently unwrapped in Mumbai, India. By doing that, it directly combated the idea that emerging markets only care about cheap, … [visit site to read more]


PACCAR Maintains Profit

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 12:24 PM PST

PACCAR Inc. (PCAR) has posted a profit of $57.5 million or 16 cents per share (excluding special items), compared to $113.1 million or 31 cents per share in the same quarter of 2008. With this, the company outdid the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 7 cents per share. Net sales and financial service revenues declined 23% to $2.24 billion.
For 2009, PACCAR reported income of $111.9 million 31 cents per share compared to $1.02 billion or $2.78 per share in 2008. The income is higher than the Zacks … [visit site to read more]


Beware The Dollar Rally?

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 12:20 PM PST

The next flight to dollar safety may very well be faster and more violent than the first.
It doesn't make any sense — unless the buyers 'know' something that the rest of the investing public doesn't. If we are on the verge of another collapse, the dollar, as bad a shape as it's in and crazy as it seems, will be the beneficiary.
Here's why: When the dollar began its meteoric rise late in the summer of 2008, nearly everyone believed it was a countertrend. But as it grew in both … [visit site to read more]


Newell Rubbermaid In-Line

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 12:06 PM PST

Newell Rubbermaid Inc. (NWL), the maker of Sharpie pens, Calphalon cookware and Rubbermaid containers, reported fourth quarter and full-year 2009 recurring earnings of $0.27 and $1.31 per share respectively, compared to recurring earnings of $0.11 and $1.21 in the same period in 2008. The recurring quarterly earnings were in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate while the fiscal recurring earnings marginally missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by a penny.
There were no estimate revisions in … [visit site to read more]


SanDisk Exceeds Expectations

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 11:48 AM PST

Sandisk's (SNDK) fourth quarter 2009 earnings of $1.18 per share exceeded the Zacks Consensus EPS by 56 cents.
Revenue
Total revenue for the quarter was $1.24 billion, up 44.0% on a year-over-year basis and up 33.0% on a sequential basis. Revenue for the quarter exceeded the company's expectation of $1.1 billion and $1.2 billion, due to a substantial increase in Product revenue, although the decline in License & Royalty revenue was a spoiler.

This apart, the company's results were … [visit site to read more]


Honeywell Beats By A Penny

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 11:31 AM PST

Honeywell International Inc. (HON) reported fourth quarter 2009 earnings from continuing operations of 91 cents per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 90 cents. Fourth quarter sales were $8.1 billion versus $8.7 billion in 2008.
Segment Details
Aerospace sales were down 18% compared with the fourth quarter of 2008, primarily due to lower volumes in the commercial aerospace aftermarket, original equipment sales to Business and General Aviation and Defense sales. These were … [visit site to read more]


Invesco Misses View, Profit Swells

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 11:18 AM PST

Invesco Limited's (IVZ) fourth-quarter earnings came in at 25 cents per share, 3 cents short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 28 cents. However, this compares favorably with the earnings of 8 cents in the prior-year quarter.
 
We noticed modest improvement of analysts' sentiment on Invesco shares over the last 30 days, with 5 of the 15 analysts covering the shares having raised estimates for the fourth quarter of 2009. Also, the reported results should further add to the positive … [visit site to read more]


A Growing Share Of Americans’ Income Comes From The Government

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 11:17 AM PST

While most eyes were focused on the better-than-expected gross domestic product data for last year’s fourth quarter, this week’s report from the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Economic Analysis also included details on U.S. personal income.
Along with wages and salaries, dividends and interest income, this category includes personal current transfer receipts, which the BEA defines as “income payments to persons for which no current services are performed and net insurance settlements.” That … [visit site to read more]


Why You Should Ignore New ETF Filings

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 11:01 AM PST

The old saying says, “Don’t believe everything you read.” While this is good advice, investors today have a bigger problem: News that is accurate but irrelevant.

I see this all the time as I track the ETF industry. Just about every week - and sometimes several times a week - I receive breathless news like “So-and-so has filed for an ETF to track the price of kangaroo milk in New Guinea!”

Will this be the next ETF?

OK, that wasn’t a real story, but I hope you get the point. … [visit site to read more]


Danaher Exceeds Expectations

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 11:01 AM PST

Danaher Corp. (DHR) reported fourth-quarter earnings from continuing operations of $1.08 per share, which excludes additional restructuring charges, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.
 
Quarterly sales were $3.1 billion, 1.5% less than the $3.2 billion reported in the year-ago quarter. Core revenues declined 9% in the quarter, compared to the fourth quarter of 2008.
 
It was heartening to note the continued sequential end market improvements in the fourth quarter, as well … [visit site to read more]


Chevron Misses On Weak Refining

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 10:56 AM PST

Chevron Corporation (CVX) posted weaker-than-expected fourth-quarter 2009 earnings, pulled down by sharply lower downstream results on the back of depressed refining margins. This was partially offset by higher commodity prices and growing production in its upstream segment.
Earnings per share (excluding foreign-currency effects) came in at $1.57, below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.69. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2008, Chevron's adjusted earnings per share fell 17.4% (from $1.90 … [visit site to read more]


Celgene Beats Zacks Estimate

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 10:44 AM PST

This morning, Celgene Corp. (CELG) reported fourth quarter and full year results for fiscal 2009.
 
Quarterly Results
 
The company earned 62 cents per share in the fourth quarter as opposed to 43 cents in the year-ago quarter. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter was 57 cents.
Total revenues for the reported quarter came in at $761 million, an increase of 21.2% over the same period in 2008. The rise in total revenues was driven by worldwide market share gains, increased … [visit site to read more]


Video: Market Movers: MOT, ORLY, BKD, BKC, DGX

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 10:38 AM PST

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


Janus Capital Beats By A Penny

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 10:27 AM PST

Janus Capital Group Inc.'s (JNS) fourth-quarter earnings per share came in at 20 cents, a penny higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 19 cents, primarily due to higher average assets under management (AUM) and decreased operating and interest expenses. This also came in significantly higher than the 15 cents reported in the sequential quarter and 12 cents in the year-ago quarter. Net income was $37 million, compared to $8.2 million in the sequential quarter.
 
Total revenues … [visit site to read more]


Forex Trading: EURUSD May Have Seen The Bottom. 200 Week MA And Channel Trendline Tested At The Lows

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 10:24 AM PST

A reader of our blog informed me that the EURUSD tested the 200 week moving average at the 1.3857 level.  The low for the day reached 1.3862 and the channel trendline we have been following came in at 1.3860.

As a result, the low may be in place for the day. Look for buyers on dips now, with stops below the 1.3858 … [visit site to read more]


American Electric Surpasses

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 10:12 AM PST

American Electric Power Company Inc. (AEP) released stable fourth quarter results before the opening bell yesterday. In the reported quarter, the company beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 46 cents by four cents with an EPS of 50 cents. The uptrend was witnessed in fiscal 2009 performance where EPS of $2.97; comfortably beat the Zacks Consensus EPS Estimate of $2.95. However, the numbers for the reported period fell short of the year-ago quarter and fiscal 2008 by 9 cents and 27 cents … [visit site to read more]


Looking For A Bright Spot? Productivity Growth May Be America’s Secret Weapon

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 10:01 AM PST

The U.S. employment picture isn’t pretty. At 10%, the unemployment rate is at its highest level in nearly three decades, and it’s expected to move higher. American employers cut 4.2 million jobs last year, and nearly 15.3 million people are unemployed.

Those bemoaning the increase in U.S. joblessness are right to do so. But they should also remember that unemployment is a direct result of the U.S. economy’s greatest strengths - its ability to grow productivity even in a recession.

The … [visit site to read more]


Where The GDP Growth Came From

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 10:00 AM PST

When looking at the GDP report, and trying to look at what is driving growth, it is important to keep in mind that now all parts of GDP are of equal size, and thus equal importance. Furthermore, some parts of GDP tend to be very stable, while others can swing wildly.
It is these volatile parts of GDP that generally make the difference between boom and bust. Thus in this post, I will look at how much each part of the economy contributed to the overall 5.7% growth rate.
The discussion will be … [visit site to read more]


Video: USD Extends Gains Vs. Majors

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 09:59 AM PST

The U.S. dollar extended gains against the EUR.GBP, and JPY. EUR/USD declined below $1.39 level. … [visit site to read more]


CONSOL Energy Beats

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 09:57 AM PST

Coal producer CONSOL Energy Inc. (CNX) posted earnings from continuing operations of 78 cents per share in the fourth quarter, higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 74 cents but below the 97 cents reported a year ago. The better-than-expected results came on the back of increased thermal coal realizations, while the decrease versus last year was due to lower thermal coal production, lower metallurgical coal production and lower gas prices. 

Net revenue in the quarter decreased … [visit site to read more]


The Descent Of Money

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 09:54 AM PST

Science and technology have produced many wondrous breakthroughs. But there are some things it cannot improve. A kiss from natural lips is still the lover's choice. Baby formula proved no match for the real thing. Ersatz money is a flop too. That last item is not so much a fact as a prediction.
The first modern competition between gold and paper money ended like the pre-modern ones. Gold won. Herewith, a short summary:
A rogue, John Law, was the protagonist of the story. He killed Beau Wilson … [visit site to read more]


Forex Trading: EURCHF Has Also Soared Higher, But Reaction Is Still Muted.

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 09:45 AM PST

The EURCHF has also soared higher moving above the 100 and 200 hour MAs at the 1.4709/18 levels.  Look for support against these levels now.  A move below 1.4698 would not be welcomed.
Looking at the longer term chart,the price reached a low at 1.4631 today.  If you recall the 1.5000 level was the old floor the SNB had said was the point of tolerance. Then comments from officials opened the window for an orderly decline in the pair as global growth started to … [visit site to read more]


Textron Tops, Outlook Disappoints

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 09:42 AM PST

Textron Inc. (TXT) posted a narrower GAAP net loss of $63 million, compared to a loss of $209 million in the year-ago quarter. Excluding certain special items, earnings per share came in at 15 cents, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 9 cents derived from 10 covering analysts.
 
However, the company offered a disappointing outlook for 2010 and said that it expects earnings from continuing operations of 30 cents to 50 cents per share, significantly below the Zacks Consensus … [visit site to read more]


The Dependency Ratio: Use This Number To Find The Best International Investments

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 09:37 AM PST

Friday, January 29, 2010: Issue #1186
Economists have spent decades analyzing why some countries grow and others don't.
You can talk for ages about factors like education, disposable income, export growth, interest rates, business and tax regulations, port traffic and 50 other variables. It all adds up to a complex equation.
But you can actually boil a big part of a country's economic growth down to just one number – a number that you can predict for decades with near certainty. What's … [visit site to read more]


Forex Trading: USDCHF Breaks Through The 200 Day MA For The First Time Since May 2009

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 09:33 AM PST

The level was broken at 1.0552, and the price screams up to a high of 1.0642. Next longer term resistance level comes in at 1.0699 where the 38.2% of the move from the 2009 high to the November 2009 low.  There is a report in the market that the Bank of International Settlement is in the market.  The timing corresponding with the 200 day MA and the Friday afternoon liquidity is a sneak attack of the highest magnitude seemingly designed to get the biggest … [visit site to read more]


Forex Trading: USDJPY Fighting Through The 90.40 Area, But 90.55 Looms Above Now

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 09:30 AM PST

The USDJPY has a battle going on with the 90.40 area and it seems a move above is winning. The level corresponds with the 38.2% of retracement of the days trading range and is also where  the 100 bar MA on the 5 minute chart is found. The price has moved up to 90.43 but each time the price has been pushed back down, until just recently.  A break above still has resistance at the 90.55 level which was a triple top from the last week or so of trading.  Look for intraday sellers to … [visit site to read more]


Housing Market Faces A Lost Decade

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 09:30 AM PST

For all the ink spilled in the mainstream media over up and down fluctuations in real estate, the idea of a coming lost decade in the housing market finally sounds about right.
From the Washington Post:
"Even after the housing market stabilizes, it will take years for some owners to see the value of their homes appreciate. About 25 percent of homeowners owe more than their home is worth, according to data from First American CoreLogic, a research firm.
"While it has historically taken five … [visit site to read more]


Goodrich Gives Lackluster Results

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 09:27 AM PST

Goodrich Corp. (GR) reported a 37.4% year-over-year decline in fourth quarter earnings from continuing operations to $105.5 million. Earnings per share came in at 83 cents per share, which was well below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 89 cents. 

The company, which supplies aerospace components, stated that sales declined 3.1% to $1.6 billion from $1.7 billion in the year-ago period. The decrease was primarily caused by adverse impact of current economic conditions on the company’s … [visit site to read more]


Swiss Franc: Continuation Of The Rebound

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 09:18 AM PST

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


Canadian Dollar: Continuation Of The Rebound

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 09:18 AM PST

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


Japanese Yen: The Upside Prevails

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 09:18 AM PST

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


British Pound: The Upside Prevails

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 09:18 AM PST

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


Euro: Bounce

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 09:18 AM PST

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


OXY Beats On Production Rise

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 09:12 AM PST

Occidental Petroleum Corporation (OXY) posted better-than-expected numbers for fourth quarter and fiscal 2009 driven by higher production volumes. Net income from continuing operations was $1.30 per share, higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.23 and last year's net income of $1.18. The company's earnings of $3.78 per share for full year 2009 were above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.71 but below last year's earnings of $8.94. 

Daily oil and gas sales volumes … [visit site to read more]


Mid-Term Elections In 2010 And The Stock Market

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 09:01 AM PST

I have to admit, it’s kind of eerie. I wrote “The Importance of S&P 1150 Can’t be Overstated” on January 19 and, since then, the market has dropped 5.71% in just seven trading days. Furthermore, if the market declines Friday, another domino in the line (the 100-day moving average) will fall.

Some relief may be on the way, however. With some trepidation, I remind those who believe in the lunar cycle theory as it relates to the stock market that this “bearish” phase ends this weekend … [visit site to read more]


3M Company Tops Estimates

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 08:57 AM PST

3M Company (MMM) reported earnings from continuing operations of $1.30 for the fourth quarter of 2009, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Revenues for the quarter were $6.1 billion. 

Revenues increased over 11% year on year and the growth was very broad based. Every geographic region expanded the sales with notable performances in Asia Pacific at 22% and Latin America and Canada each at 19%. The company experienced double digit sales increases in nearly all business segments led by … [visit site to read more]


Forex Trading: USDJPY Falls Sharply As Stocks Give Up Some Gains And London Liquidates

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 08:13 AM PST

The USDJPY fell sharply falling through the support at 90.55 and falling to test the 200 hour MA at he 90.33 level.  The low reached 90.26 in liquidation type selling and has since bounced back to 90.40 area.  Will be watching the 90.55 level  for upside resistance. 
London and Europe are heading home and it seems they are having an influence on the bias with sellers … [visit site to read more]


Amazon Profits Up As Margins Slide

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 07:53 AM PST

Amazon.com's (AMZN) fourth quarter earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 14 cents. AMZN’s results were driven by the very strong revenue growth characteristic of a recession-free fourth quarter. This is very encouraging, as Amazon.com appears to be one of the very few companies to report pre-recession type revenue growth in the December quarter.

The company has a very strong earnings surprise history, with a four-quarter average of 23.58%, signifying that AMZN has beaten the Zacks … [visit site to read more]


Forex Trading: USDCAD Finds Support At 100 Hour MA But Quintuple Top Above

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 07:49 AM PST

The USDCAD is caught between some key levels.
The price has not been able to make a meaningful push through top side resistance at the 1.0689 level.  The high reached 1.0693 and then 1.0691 and finally 1.0687 today. The failure has created a quintuple top now over the last few days of trading and has resulted in a move back lower.
Although pressured, the  downside has found support against the 100 hour MA at the 1.0623 level.  There have been three tests of this technical … [visit site to read more]


Stock Picks For 29 January

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 07:45 AM PST

( click to enlarge )

(HEB) is trying to make a move to fill the gap from its sell-off on Dec 02. The stock hit a high of $0.75, which is resistance for today's move. Once the stock breaks through this level, the next resistance is $0.80, which was the high on the gap down day. HEB will be very volatile, so watch the stock closely and keep it on your screen throughout the day.

Disclaimer : Trading stocks involves risk, this information should not be viewed as trading recommendations.The … [visit site to read more]


Video: NYSE Opening Bell Market Monitor: CVX, HON, MAT

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 07:43 AM PST

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


SurModics Beats

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 07:42 AM PST

SurModics (SRDX) reported first quarter fiscal 2010 earnings per share (EPS) of 11 cents, down from $1.53 in the year ago period. However, after adjustments, the EPS of 24 cents surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 5 cents.

The company reported revenues of $17.4 million, down 72.5% from the corresponding period last year. The primary reason for the decline was the termination of the company's agreement with Merck (MRK). Revenues were down 9% on a sequential basis.

SurModics opened … [visit site to read more]


Mattel Beats As Barbie Jumps

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 07:40 AM PST

Mattel Incorporated (MAT) reported fourth quarter earnings of 89 cents per share. Excluding a tax benefit in the quarter, the company has earned 81 cents per share. The results are well ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 68 cents. The company had earned 49 cents in the year-ago quarter.

The better-than-expected results were primarily driven by strong sales of its Barbie dolls and Hot Wheels cars during the holidays. The company is also focused on controlling its expenses and has reaped … [visit site to read more]


In-line Quarter For CPWR

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 07:31 AM PST

Compuware Corporation (CPWR) reported revenues of $229.8 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2010, down 14.4% from a year ago.

During the quarter, software license fees came in at $52.0 million, down 0.02% from a year ago, excluding divested products.

Compuware earlier divested a few of its peripheral products and services (Quality family of products and DevPartner software). The company plans to concentrate on its software business and deliver superior end-to-end application … [visit site to read more]


Forex Trading: USDJPY Finding Some Resistance Fibo Resistance At The 90.90 Level.

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 07:21 AM PST

The 38.2% of the move down from the 2010 high at 93.75 comes in at  90.90 level. The price in the USDJPY has run into resistance at this level and looks poised to consolidate the gains.  Key support remains at the 90.55 level where a triple top from the last week of trade is found.  I would expect to see buyers against this level on dips as action pauses.  The London /Europe close from 11:00 - noon has the potential to cause some volatility as positions squaring before the … [visit site to read more]


Strong Quarter For Avnet

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 07:18 AM PST

Avnet Inc. (AVT) reported revenues of $4.83 billion in the second quarter fiscal 2010, an increase of 13.2% year over year and 10% excluding the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. On a pro forma (organic) basis, revenue was up 9.6% over the prior-year quarter.
On a segment basis, Electronics Marketing (EM) reported sales of $2.52 billion, up 11.0% year over year. On an organic basis, EM revenue increased 5.1% year over year as the recovery in the electronic component … [visit site to read more]


Where’s The Beef?

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 07:17 AM PST

Fundamentals
Apparently not in the feedlots, as the U.S. cattle herd is expected to be at its lowest levels in over 50 years. The main reason for the large drop in future “hamburgers on the hoof “was due to lower beef demand tied to the weak economy as consumers switched to cheaper sources of protein. Lower beef and dairy prices this past year gave cattle ranchers and dairy farmers little reason to expand their herds, as many were operating at a loss due to lower product prices. However, there … [visit site to read more]


Grail Launches Two Active Bond ETFs

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 07:14 AM PST

Grail Advisors, known in the ETF world as the issuer responsible for the first actively-managed ETF that allowed managers total discretion, announced today the launch of two actively-managed fixed income ETFs. The Grail McDonnell Intermediate Municipal Bond ETF (GMMB) and the Grail McDonnell Core Taxable Bond ETF (GMTB) began trading on the NYSE Arca Exchange on Friday, bringing the total number of ETFs in Grail's product line to seven.
Grail Advisors will serve as the manager for both … [visit site to read more]


Short Yen, Long Dollar

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 06:55 AM PST

The US Dollar should outperform the Japanese Yen, which is on the cusp of a secular down trend.

Figure 1 is a monthly chart of the USDJPY cross rate with the “next big thing” indicator in the lower panel. The “next big thing” indicator was developed to help identify those assets that are most likely to undergo a secular trend change from bear to bull. The indicator looks at those technical characteristics that are mostly frequently found at market bottoms prior to the change in trend. The … [visit site to read more]


Forex Trading: EURUSD Remains Contained This Morning.

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 06:53 AM PST

The low for the day was reached in the Far East sesssion at the 1.3911 level and the market has not been able to approach the level in the NY session. The price has reached a low 1.3918 and remain near the lows, but the sledding is rough so far.  Action remains focused onthe USDJPY which is moving higher and the GBPUSD.  EURGBP also continues its move higher from yesterday. 
Look for support at 1.3911, with stops … [visit site to read more]


Amylin Misses Estimates

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 06:47 AM PST

Amylin Pharmaceuticals (AMLN) reported a net loss of 32 cents per share in the fourth quarter of 2009, five cents wider than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 27 cents. The company had reported a net loss of 37 cents in the year-ago quarter. For the full year 2009, net loss came in at $1.20, narrower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.22 and the year-ago net loss of $1.95.
 
Total revenues for the quarter were $185.5 million, relatively unchanged from the year-ago period's … [visit site to read more]


Crown Castle Beats, Outlook Fails

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 06:30 AM PST

Crown Castle International Inc. (CCI) declared better than expected fourth quarter 2009 financial results. Quarterly net income was $13 million or 4 cents per share compared to a net loss of $69 million or a loss of 24 cents per share in the year-ago quarter. Fourth quarter EPS of 4 cents was significantly higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of one cent. This was primarily due to higher revenue and a net gain on interest rate swap. 

Quarterly net revenue was more than … [visit site to read more]


Stock Market News Briefs: 3M Company, Bank Of New York Mellon Corporation (The), Dover Corporation, Fortune Brands, Inc., Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The), Honeywell International Inc., PNC Bank Corp., Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 06:28 AM PST

 Honeywell (HON) reported a one penny fourth quarter earnings beat of 91 cents on revenues of $8.1 billion, just below Zacks estimates of $8.16 billion. The firm said it expects for 2010 earnings of $2.20 to $2.40

 Dover (DOV) reported estimate-topping fourth quarter earnings of 55 cents up from Zacks estimates of 48 cents, on revenues of $1.5 billion, versus Zacks estimates of $1.45 billion

 Fortune Brands (FO) topped estimates with fourth quarter results of 66 cents … [visit site to read more]


Morning News Notes: 1/29/2010

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 06:20 AM PST

The “Morning News Notes” as prepared by TL…GDP, MSFT earnings, S&P500 technicals, and yesterday’s performance by sector.

Just click on the link or the coffee mug below.

“Morning News Notes”: January 29, … [visit site to read more]


Forex Trading: USDJPY Tests Resistance But Watch Support At 90.55 Area

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 06:19 AM PST

The 61.8% of the move down from the January 21st high to the low reached on the 27th has 61.8% resistance at the 90.81 level and the mkt has stalled. However, the price has good support at the 90.55 level below. This level corresponds to the highs from the last week with a triple high at the level.
The formation is also a reverse head and shoulder formation with the neckline at the key support … [visit site to read more]


Fastest Economic Growth In Years

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 06:17 AM PST

U.S. economic growth appears to have moved on to a much faster trajectory in the last quarter of 2009, exactly a year after the Wall Street turmoil in the last quarter of the prior year.

According to numbers released by the Commerce Department this morning, the U.S. economy grew at a faster-than-expected 5.7% rate in the final three months of 2009, handily beating the expected 4.8% growth rate.  This was the fastest economic growth since the start of 2006.

Not only is the headline … [visit site to read more]


Fastest Economic Growth In 4 Years

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 06:17 AM PST

U.S. economic growth appears to have moved on to a much faster trajectory in the last quarter of 2009, exactly a year after the Wall Street turmoil in the last quarter of the prior year.

According to numbers released by the Commerce Department this morning, the U.S. economy grew at a faster-than-expected 5.7% rate in the final three months of 2009, handily beating the expected 4.8% growth rate.  This was the fastest economic growth since the start of 2006.

Not only is the headline … [visit site to read more]


Juniper Networks Beats

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 06:15 AM PST

Network equipment manufacturer, Juniper Networks Inc. (JNPR) posted strong fourth quarter results of 32 cents a share soundly beating both the Zacks Consensus EPS Estimate of 21 cents and the year-ago quarterly EPS of 27 cents. The upside was reflected in the annual results also where the company posted an EPS of 92 cents, towering above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 67 cents. However, EPS fell 22% from $1.18 reported in 2008 due to a challenging macro economic environment. 

Juniper … [visit site to read more]


Municipal Meltdown: Teacher Pensions, Bondholder Coupons, Go To Court

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 06:15 AM PST

"While the Illinois Constitution protects vested pension benefits, that promise, like all the state's obligations, is only as good as its ability to pay."
-Crain's Chicago Business
"Illinois Enters a State of Insolvency" cried a January 18, 2010 headline from Crain's Chicago Business: "As Illinois' fiscal crisis deepens, the word 'bankruptcy' is creeping more and more into the public discourse."
Illinois' lack of discipline is no surprise; it is in the vanguard of the … [visit site to read more]


AZN Misses, Guidance Disappoints

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 06:00 AM PST

Yesterday, AstraZeneca's (AZN) fourth quarter earnings came in at $1.42 per American Depositary Shares (ADS), well below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.57. However, earnings increased 13.6% compared to the year-ago period. Revenues increased 4% at constant exchange rates (CER) to $8.9 billion compared to the same period last year. 

The primary reasons for the increase in revenues were strong US sales of Toprol-XL benefiting from the withdrawal of a generic, US sales of H1N1 … [visit site to read more]


Gold: Up Or Down From Here

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 05:50 AM PST

“Gold Is the New Tupperware, And You’re Invited to the Party.” This headline appeared in the December 18th, 2009 edition of the Wall Street Journal (click here to get 80% off a subscription to the Wall Street Journal). Suddently, it seems everybody is talking about gold. Does this world-wide interest in the yellow metal indicate a top?

Vince Veneziana of “The Business Insider” recently interviewed David Rosenberg of Gluskin Sheff in Toronto. Rosenberg thinks gold could move to $2623 … [visit site to read more]


Nokia Surprises In Fourth Quarter

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 05:46 AM PST

Nokia Corp. (NOK), the largest mobile phone manufacturer of the world, declared fourth quarter 2009 financial results, with net income up 60% year-over-year. This is primarily due to increasing market share in the high-end high-margin smartphone market coupled with effective cost-cutting measures taken by management. During the reported quarter, Nokia sold four new touch-screen smartphones in addition to its existing three touch-screen smartphones. 

Quarterly net income was … [visit site to read more]


Forex Trading: GBPUSD Moves Toward Last Friday’s Lows

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 05:44 AM PST

The GBPUSD has moved below trendline support as the dollar benefits on the better than expected GDP. The support comes in at the 1.6076 level which was the low price from last Friday. The low has reached 1.6083 so far. A break will next target 1.6062 - the low from January 12th. The low from January 11th comes in at 1.6046.  Longer term, the low from the end of December extended to 1.5832. This would be a longer term target.

On the topside now look for resistance at 1.6106/1.6111 area … [visit site to read more]


Microsoft Rides High On Windows 7

Posted: 29 Jan 2010 05:33 AM PST

Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) reported second quarter 2010 earnings that beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 16 cents, or 27.12%. Revenue beat by 6.4%.

MSFT’s revenue surprise was driven by growing attach rates and inventory builds for Microsoft’s Windows 7 operating system on consumer PC platforms.

Eleven of the 32 analysts polled by Zacks have made upward revisions to their earnings estimates on MSFT over the past 30 days, as checks indicated very strong attach rates for the Windows 7 OS … [visit site to read more]


Sunoco Logistics Profit Drops

Posted: 28 Jan 2010 10:01 PM PST

Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P. (SXL) – a master limited partnership (MLP) − announced weaker-than-expected fourth quarter results, hurt by lower earnings in the Crude Oil Pipeline System segment. The partnership reported earnings per unit (EPU) of $1.30, below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.41. In the year-ago period, Sunoco Logistics earned $2.23 per unit. Quarterly revenue of $1.7 billion was up 6% from the year-earlier level, driven by higher crude oil prices.
 
Despite Sunoco … [visit site to read more]


Earnings Preview: Heart Of Earnings, Jobs In Focus

Posted: 28 Jan 2010 09:00 PM PST

Earnings Preview 1/29/10
Next week is the heart of the 4Q09 earnings season. There will be a total of 494 firms reporting including 97 members of the S&P 500. These will include such bellwethers as ExxonMobil (XOM), Time Warner (TWX), Kraft (KFT), Cisco (CSCO) and Dow Chemical (DOW).
In addition to being a busy week on the earnings front, it will also be jam-packed with important economic data, culminating with the Employment Report.
Monday

 Data on Personal Income and … [visit site to read more]


Stock Buy: Olin Corporation

Posted: 28 Jan 2010 09:00 PM PST

Olin Corporation (OLN) recently reported fourth-quarter results, which included earnings per share that topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 40%. The company also declared a dividend of 20 cents per share. It is the 333rd consecutive quarterly dividend paid by Olin and translates into an industry-leading yield of 4.7%.
Company Description
Olin Corporation is a manufacturer that operates 2 business segments: Chlor Alkali Products and Winchester. Chlor Alkali Products manufactures chlorine … [visit site to read more]


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