Author Archives: Jim Sutliff

European Stocks Fall –

European stocks fell 3 percent in Monday trading and the Euro dropped against the Dollar.  The risks associated with Euro-Zone investments increased with weak economic data and outcomes from recent elections in Germany.  The Euro fell to $1.4111 against the US Dollar.  To … Continue reading

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Republicans Target Capital Gains Tax –

A few Republican Presidential candidates are supporting the elimination of long term capital gains.  The reduction in the capital gains rate could spark investments and increase job growth.  Currently, there are five Republican Presidential candidates that support the capital gains … Continue reading

Posted in Banking, Democrat, Economic News, General, Investments, Political News, Republican, Stocks, Tax | Leave a comment

Crude Oil Slightly Higher –

Crude oil finished slightly higher in trading on Friday and closed at $85.37 a barrel.  Traders closely watched comments by Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke which indicated that the Fed stands ready to implement stimulus programs if needed.  Gasoline traded lower … Continue reading

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Gold Hits $1,900 –

Gold reached the $1,900 an ounce mark in trading Monday afternoon.  The price of Gold was only $1,800 an ounce two weeks ago.  Gold may continue to rise as global recessionary concerns rise.  The increase in gold prices over the last ten years … Continue reading

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Crude Oil Falls On Growth Outlook –

Crude oil fell $1.23 and closed at $86.65 a barrel.  The weak economic outlook has lowered demand forecasts in a market that is already well supplied.  In addition, GDP for European zone economies only grew .2% in the second quarter.  The U.S. Dollar also increased … Continue reading

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Stocks & Oil Tumble –

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell over 600 points in trading on Monday.  The downgrade of U.S. debt and concerns for the global economy continued to drive the market lower throughout the day.  Crude oil also fell in trading and finished … Continue reading

Posted in Banking, Bonds, Currency, Earnings, Economic News, General, Interest Rates, Investments, Metals, Oil, Options & Futures, Regulatory, Stocks, Trading, Treasury | Leave a comment

Stock Market Slammed –

The Dow Jones fell more than 500 points on Thursday and has fallen 8 of the last 9 trading days.  The 500 point drop is the worst one day decline since December 2008.  Almost 15 stocks fell for every stock that rose on … Continue reading

Posted in Banking, Bonds, Currency, Earnings, Economic News, General, Investments, Options & Futures, Stocks, Trading | Leave a comment

Manufacturing Slows –

According to the Institute for Supply Management, national factory activity fell to the lowest level since July 2009.  The index came in at 50.9 which was four points lower than economists had expected.  The report sent stocks lower and the … Continue reading

Posted in Economic News, General, Infrastructure, Investments, Stocks | Leave a comment

European Union Offers New Greek Aid Plan –

European leaders announced $229 billion of additional aid for Greece.  They also gave their $440 billion Euro rescue fund the ability to  purchase debt from Euro nations under pressure in the markets.  The leaders hope that the plan will prevent the debt … Continue reading

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Currency Trading –

The biggest financial market in the world is Forex with $4 trillion traded daily.  Retail trading is steadily increasing with daily trading volume over $300 billion.  A recent Wall Street Journal article discusses the basics of FX trading and the reasons for the rise … Continue reading

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Republicans May Agree To Raise Debt Ceiling –

Republicans may agree to a short term deal to raise the debt ceiling.  According to the U.S. Treasury Department, the debt ceiling has to be raised by August 2nd to meet current obligations.  The current debt ceiling is $14.3 Trillion and negotiations will … Continue reading

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Dow Jones Posts Strong Gains –

The Dow Jones Industrials gained almost 170 points and capped the best week of trading in two years.  The gain was a great start for july and the fifth straight day of gains for the Dow Jones.  Although trading volume was light, the … Continue reading

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Stocks Rebound –

Stocks rebounded in trading on Monday and finished up almost 110 points on the day.  Microsoft and Bank of America were two of the market movers that helped to drive the rebound.  Microsoft increased 90 cents on the possibility that Windows 8 … Continue reading

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Economic Growth Forecast Lowered –

Crude oil fell to $94 a barrel after the Federal Reserve lowered the economic growth forecast.  Crude oil inventories also fell 1.71 million barrels which was slightly less than analysts had expected.  The Energy Department also released figures that showed … Continue reading

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Dow Industrials Rise –

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose almost fifty points and finished slightly above 12,000.  This was the first weekly gain for the Dow after having six losing weeks.  Investors were optimistic that Greece would receive a bailout and that sent the Dow … Continue reading

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