Monthly Archives: April 2011

Another Big Blue Buyback –

IBM announced that it is increasing their stock buyback plan by $8 billion dollars.  This increases the total stock buyback program to $12.7 billion with additional increases likely to be approved in October.  IBM also raised their quarterly dividend to 75 … Continue reading

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Investors Crave Corporate Bonds –

Low interest rates are increasing investor demand for corporate bonds.  High-yield and investment grade corporate bond issuance both showed a significant increase in the first quarter of 2011.  High-yield bond issuance jumped 36% internationally and 29% domestically.  Investment grade figures were … Continue reading

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IBM Earnings Beat Estimates –

IBM released their corporate earnings after the close of the market and the numbers beat analysts expectations.  The first quarter operating profit and revenue both exceeded estimates and sales increased by 7.7%.  IBM also increased their forecast for operating profits. To read … Continue reading

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Glencore Valuation –

Glencore is expected to sell a 15% to 20% stake with an estimated value of $9 to 11 billion.  Reuters reports that Barclays Capital and Credit Suisse have released valuations that place Glencore at $52.5 to $69.2 billion.  The Reuters article … Continue reading

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Earnings Lift Dow –

The Dow Jones Industrial Average finished slightly higher on the day because of corporate earnings reports.  High expectations for earnings reports helped to reverse an earlier downward trend for the Dow.  The market moving earnings reports will be announced after the … Continue reading

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Crude Oil Tumbles –

Crude oil tumbled for a second straight day falling to $106 dollars a barrel.  Crude oil has fallen almost $7 dollars in two days over economic growth concerns.  Oil related stocks also fell in trading but may rebound after earnings … Continue reading

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Oil Rallies –

Crude oil continued to rally and reached a 30 month high at nearly $113 dollars a barrel.  Crude rose with other commodities like gold and tin which also reached trading highs on Friday.  Investors shifted holdings to commodities as speculation grew that … Continue reading

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Oil And Gold Rise –

Oil hit 2 1/2 year highs in afternoon trading and fueled concerns regarding inflation.  Crude oil is putting pressure on the $110 dollar a barrel mark and some analysts are predicting $150 oil before the end of the year.  The inflationary … Continue reading

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Private Equity Transparency –

Transparency in Private Equity firms has always been a concern for investors.  New leadership at three major private equity firms are attempting to address the concerns and change of image of the private equity sector.  The three private equity houses are Blackstone, PAI Partners, … Continue reading

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Stocks Rise On Data –

Stocks finished the week with gains after the release of positive employment and manufacturing data.  The market had just completed the best first quarter since 1998.  The market gained in spite of oil rising to the highest level since September 2008. To read a … Continue reading

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