Jan 15, 2010

Daily Markets - Financial News & Opinions

Daily Markets - Financial News & Opinions


Positive Auction Results Bring Out Bond Bulls

Posted: 15 Jan 2010 07:17 AM PST

Fundamentals
Bond futures are higher for the second consecutive session, after several encouraging Treasury auctions and expectations that inflation may be tamer than previously expected. The yield curve had moved up extremely sharply, but now seems to be flattening a bit after comments from several Fed members indicating that the central bank does not expect to tighten its interest policy anytime soon. This would normally be seen as a policy that could result in inflationary conditions, but … [visit site to read more]


Forex Trading: GBPUSD Breaking Trendline Support. Looking For The Momentum Down.

Posted: 15 Jan 2010 07:13 AM PST

 
The GBPUSD is breaking trendline support. Now we are looking for the momentum to the downside to intensify.  The trendline broke at 1.6283. Look for the price to stay below the 1.6290 level to keep the pressure on the … [visit site to read more]


Apache Buys 51% Kitimat LNG Stake

Posted: 15 Jan 2010 07:00 AM PST

Apache Canada Ltd., a subsidiary of U.S. energy firm Apache Corp. (APA), has agreed to acquire a controlling stake in a proposed C$3 billion ($2.9 billion) liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminal in northwestern British Columbia. The company announced the purchase of a 51% ownership interest in Canada-based Kitimat LNG Inc.’s planned venture. Apache, which is set to become the project's operator, has also reserved 51% of the capacity in the terminal as part of the deal. 

The … [visit site to read more]


JPMorgan Beats On Surging Profit

Posted: 15 Jan 2010 06:53 AM PST

                     
JPMorgan Chase & Company's (JPM) 4th quarter earnings came in at 74 cents per share, substantially ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 61 cents. This also compares favorably with earnings of 6 cents in the prior-year quarter.

Better-than-expected results of JPMorgan were primarily aided by continued strong performance of the company’s Investment Bank. All … [visit site to read more]


Nokia Siemens Network Wins Contract

Posted: 15 Jan 2010 06:45 AM PST

In a major boost to its fragile top-line, Nokia Siemens Network together with LM Ericsson AB (ERIC) has been selected by TeliaSonera AB (TLSN) to provide radio network solutions for its nationwide next-generation (4G) LTE network deployment. Nokia Siemens Network is a 50-50 joint venture between Nokia Corp. (NOK) and Siemens AG (SI). TeliaSonera will roll out a super fast LTE network in 25 municipalities in Sweden and 4 in Norway. The joint venture also received another contract from … [visit site to read more]


Scripps Networks To Outperform

Posted: 15 Jan 2010 06:30 AM PST

We upgrade our recommendation for Scripps Networks Interactive Inc. (SNI) to Outperform. According to our assessment, an improving advertising market for cable TV networks and massive growth in affiliate fee revenue will boost the company's financials in the near-term. The flagship Food Network and HGTV continue to enjoy strong ratings from their core prime-time viewers. Scripps Networks has acquired a majority stake in Travel Channel, which we believe will be incrementally positive … [visit site to read more]


Stock Market News Briefs: CF Industries Holdings, Inc., Deutsche Bank AG, Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The), HSBC Holdings Plc, J P Morgan Chase & Co, Terra Industries Inc., Toll Brothers Inc., Bare Escentuals, Inc., Intel Corporation

Posted: 15 Jan 2010 06:27 AM PST

 Intel (INTC) bested buoyant estimates with final quarter earnings of 40 cents, beating Zacks estimates of 34 cents, versus 4 cents a year ago on revenues of $10.6 billion, ahead of Zacks expectations of $10.1 billion and last year’s $8.2 billion. The firm also provided upside first quarter revenue guidance of $9.7 billion, plus or minus $400 million. The firm reported record margins of 65%

 JP Morgan (JPM) reported fourth quarter earnings which topped expectations, although … [visit site to read more]


Accuray Downgraded From Neutral

Posted: 15 Jan 2010 06:15 AM PST

We recently downgraded Accuray Incorporated (ARAY) to Underperform with a target price of $6. Accuray reported a net loss of 6 cents per share in the first quarter of fiscal 2010, compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a net loss of 3 cents per share and unchanged from the year-ago figure. Total revenues declined 9.5% year over year to $50.6 million in the reported quarter. 

Gross margin in the reported quarter declined 820 basis points (bps) year over year to 42.7%. Selling and … [visit site to read more]


Obama Reveals Plan For Bank Tax

Posted: 15 Jan 2010 06:00 AM PST

On Thursday, the Obama Administration unveiled its proposal of imposing a tax on about 50 of the nation’s largest financial firms in order to recover the losses incurred by the government on its $700 billion bailout program to rescue the financial system. 

On approval of the Congress, the tax, which the White House calls a “financial crisis responsibility fee,” would force the banks to reportedly pay the federal government about $90 billion over 10 years. The Obama Administration also … [visit site to read more]


Obama Reveals Plan For Tax On Banks

Posted: 15 Jan 2010 06:00 AM PST

On Thursday, the Obama administration unveiled its proposal of imposing a tax on about 50 of the nation’s largest financial firms to recover the losses incurred by the government on its $700 billion bailout program to rescue the financial system. 

On approval of the Congress, the tax, which the White House calls a “financial crisis responsibility fee”, would force the banks to reportedly pay the federal government about $90 billion over 10 years. The Obama administration also expects the … [visit site to read more]


Stock Market Picks For 15 January

Posted: 15 Jan 2010 05:30 AM PST

( click to enlarge )

Since the beginning of October, HEB has seen hard times as the stock has dropped from a high of $2.24 to its present levels. Bad news regarding its products has driven the stock lower, but I believe the stock might have found a bottom in this move. HEB has traded higher the past three days and could continue this move on Friday. I like that the stock finished strong on Thursday and I expect to see a continuation move today. Resistance is $0.82, which reflects … [visit site to read more]


Forex Trading: EURUSD Tests 100 Bar MA Resistance

Posted: 15 Jan 2010 05:26 AM PST

The EURUSD did find support at the 1.4368 (SEE PRIOR POST) but is now running into the resistance at the 1.4396 level where the 100 bar MA on the 5 minute chart is found. 
The 100 bar MA has held for the day so far, keeping the trend day down intact.  However,  a break above would target addtional upside momentum with the 200 bar being an upside target at 1.4426.
If the level can hold, this would keep the bears in charge and the trend day in tact.  As a … [visit site to read more]


How Bankers Think

Posted: 15 Jan 2010 05:01 AM PST

Source: The Big Picture, January 14, … [visit site to read more]


Forex Trading: EURUSD Stays Pressured But Rebounds/stalls.

Posted: 15 Jan 2010 04:44 AM PST

The price has moved below the intraday floor at the 1.4367 level and made a new low of 1.4359.  However, the price has rebounded back above the level which may lead to some covering.  Be cautious. I am wary of breaks that get reversed quickly.  A shallow correction higher that stays below 1.4386/92 would likely lead to further pressure, but a break below the low at 1.4359 would target 1.4331 where the trendline support is found.   
Decision time for the … [visit site to read more]


Forex Trading: Greek Worries Still Linger While Portugal Risks Suffering A “Slow Death”

Posted: 15 Jan 2010 04:31 AM PST

Risk appetite continues to be shaky and markets remain nervous. Asian regional indexes are slightly higher, with European equity markets following. Early participants were abuzz with rumors that German Chancellor Merkel would resign, perhaps driven by a Time piece suggesting she was losing support of coalition partners. However, the rumors were quickly dismissed, with little linger effect FX.

At yesterday’s ECB meeting, monetary policy and exit strategies took a back seat to EU members’ … [visit site to read more]


Indian Stock Market: Sensex Down 30.57 Points On Friday

Posted: 15 Jan 2010 04:28 AM PST

Sensex fell 30.57 points or 0.2 to 17544.30
Nifty fell 7.70 points or 0.2% to 5252.20
Mid Cap rose 0.3%. Small Cap rose 0.4%.
BSE 500 fell 0.01%. Sensex gainers: 12

Of 13 BSE Sectoral indices, 7 posted losses.
Advancers: 1422, Decliners: 1509, Unchanged: 62
Advance/Decline Ratio: 7:8

Sensex Day’s Range: 17639.85 - 17529.11
Nifty Day’s Range: 5279.85 - 5242.45
Nifty 52-Wk Range: 5310.85 - 2539.45
Sensex 52-Wk Range: 17790.33- 8047.17

Sensex gainers included Reliance Comm +4.6%, … [visit site to read more]


Forex Trading: GBPUSD Watching Trendline Support And 100 Day MA

Posted: 15 Jan 2010 04:24 AM PST

The GBPUSD has some key levels to watch today at the 1.6308 level (100 day MA) and the trendline at the 1.6277 level.  The trendline has been tested on a number of occassions over the last 5 or so days.  This increases the level of importance for the pair.
On the topside, the 1.6354 level is the 50% retracement of the move down from the November high to the low in December. The price stalled at the 1.6355 level today.  It must get through this level to extend the upside momentum … [visit site to read more]


Forex Trading: USDCHF Tests 100 Day MA Resistance.

Posted: 15 Jan 2010 04:11 AM PST

Like the GBPUSD and the USDJPY, the USDCHF is near/testing the 100 day MA today at the 1.0269 level (blue line in the chart above).  The high extended above the key level to a high of 1.0284, but the price has since fallen back below.  Also of note is the 1.0272 level which is the 38.2% resistance of the move down from the December high to the November low.  A move above both these levels, should be a signal for a resumption of the bullish bias for the pair to the … [visit site to read more]


Forex Trading: EURUSD Tracks 100 Bar MA Today In Trend Day Down.

Posted: 15 Jan 2010 03:45 AM PST

The EURUSD has been tracking the 100 bar MA on the 5 minute chart today and this level will be resistance this morning for the pair (blue line in the chart above).  As we all know, the EURUSD has been in a trading range that can turn on a dime, so watching the key technical levels for clues is important. 
The 100 bar MA on the 5 minute chart currently comes in at the 1.4406 level.  The market tested the moving average during the London session, but reasserted the downward … [visit site to read more]


Mutual Funds: Top Fidelity Funds

Posted: 14 Jan 2010 10:21 PM PST

In our Best of Funds Family series, we are focusing today on funds from Fidelity Investments, the largest US mutual fund company with $1.57 trillion of assets under management. We are spotlighting five equity funds focusing on different sectors; energy, telecom, utilities, technology and raw materials.
Fidelity Select Energy Portfolio (FSENX) seeks long-term capital appreciation. It was incepted in July 1981.
The majority of the fund's assets are invested in energy sector companies. This … [visit site to read more]


Mutual Funds: Top Health Equity Funds

Posted: 14 Jan 2010 10:03 PM PST

Today we are featuring top-performing "Health” equity mutual funds, which primarily invest in equity securities of healthcare and related companies because this sector continues to show promise despite concerns about the impact of the new health care legislation. Even though, policy changes continue to be a significant indicator to investing in the sector, those companies that have diversified into foreign markets, whose business models are based on information technology platforms or those … [visit site to read more]


Bull Of The Day: Big Lots, Inc. (BIG)

Posted: 14 Jan 2010 09:00 PM PST

Big Lots, Inc. (BIG) is the largest broad-line closeout retailer with annual revenue over $4 billion. The closeout format gives it an edge over traditional discount retailers as customers are offered merchandise assortments at very low prices.
We think the company’s focus on closing underperforming stores, reducing operating expenses and improving merchandise content are steps in the right direction. Moreover, the company’s in-store initiatives and testing of smaller prototype stores will … [visit site to read more]


Stock Buy: Herbalife Ltd.

Posted: 14 Jan 2010 09:00 PM PST

Herbalife Ltd. (HLF) has more than doubled the market’s return over the past year. Analysts polled by Zacks boosted forecasts on Herbalife’s recent reaffirmation of 2009 and 2010 earnings outlook.
Company Description
Herbalife Ltd. is a global network marketing company that sells weight-management, nutrition and personal care products. Its products are sold in 72 countries through a network of approximately 1.9 million independent distributors.
Bullish Forecasts and a Surging Share … [visit site to read more]


Stock Buy: Cinemark Holdings Inc.

Posted: 14 Jan 2010 09:00 PM PST

Cinemark Holdings Inc. (CNK) just hit a new 52-week high at $15.28 in response to the compamny’s strong Q3 resulte from early November that saw outsized gains from Latin America.
Company Description
Cinemark Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries own and operate a chain of movie theatres in the united States and Latin America, with over 4,900 screens. The company has a market cap of $1.66 billion.
Third-Quarter Results
Revenue was up 4.3% from last year to $496.8 million. Earnings also came in … [visit site to read more]


Bear Of The Day: EQT Corporation (EQT)

Posted: 14 Jan 2010 09:00 PM PST

Ahead of the fourth-quarter results, we are initiating coverage on EQT Corporation (EQT) with an Underperform recommendation and a target price of $39.
The company continues to deliver consistent production growth on the back of its E&P segment. It estimates a 20% hike in gas sales this year, supported by an attractive Appalachian resource potential and an extensive drilling program. Given our cautious outlook for natural gas prices in the near to medium term, we believe these positives … [visit site to read more]


Stock Buy: AmBev

Posted: 14 Jan 2010 09:00 PM PST

AmBev (ABV) is setting 52-week highs as analysts continue to raise full-year estimates on the heels of an excellent quarter.
Company Description
AmBev produces beer, soft drinks, and other beverages in Brazil. The company is best known for its licensing agreement with Anheuser-Busch, which they distribute in Canada.
Top Line Growth
AmBev reported quarterly results in November that saw net sales grow almost 20%. The company also saw 4.7% organic growth.
Earnings per share for ABV came in at an … [visit site to read more]


Stock Buy: Herbalife Ltd.

Posted: 14 Jan 2010 09:00 PM PST

Herbalife Ltd. (HLF) has more than doubled the market’s return over the past year. Analysts polled by Zacks boosted forecasts on Herbalife’s recent reaffirmation of 2009 and 2010 earnings outlook.
Company Description
Herbalife Ltd. is a global network marketing company that sells weight-management, nutrition and personal care products. Its products are sold in 72 countries through a network of approximately 1.9 million independent distributors.
Bullish Forecasts and a Surging Share … [visit site to read more]


No comments:

Post a Comment