Category Archives: Bonds

Municipal Bond Tax Exempt Proposals –

Posted on 6. June 2011 by Jim Sutliff

Municipal bonds are facing proposals that would eliminate their tax exempt status.  Republican Paul Ryan submitted a budget proposal that was aimed at lowering the deficit but also would end municpal bond tax exemption.  It is not likely that municipal bonds will lose … Continue reading →

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Stocks Slide On Economic Data –

Posted on 1. June 2011 by Jim Sutliff

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell almost 300 points after a weak jobs report.  The jobs report was followed by the Institute for Supply Management factory index that indicated a slow pace of expansion for U.S. manufacturing.  Yields for ten year Treasury … Continue reading →

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Euro Loses Ground –

Posted on 30. May 2011 by Jim Sutliff

The Euro lost ground against other major currencies as the Greek debt crisis concerned traders.  Also, European stocks were flat or showed slight declines in light trading on Monday. To read a related Reuters article, please click here: http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/05/30/us-markets-global-idUSTRE71H0EB20110530 James … Continue reading →

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Greek Bonds Drop –

Posted on 23. May 2011 by Jim Sutliff

The economic conditions in Greece are forcing the Greek government to accelerate asset sales.  The asset sales coupled with budget cuts totaling 6 billion euros are hoped to win more aid.  The debt crisis in Europe is also having an effect on domestic markets.  … Continue reading →

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Municipal Bonds Rebound –

Posted on 17. May 2011 by Jim Sutliff

Municpal bonds have rebounded over the last month with yields for AAA rated munis falling for 25 consecutive trading days.  Investors are willing to accept slightly more risk to achieve greater returns than from safe U.S. Treasuries.  The tax free component of municipal bonds is another factor … Continue reading →

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Treasuries Fall –

Posted on 14. May 2011 by Jim Sutliff

Treasuries ended a five week winning streak and fell on economic data and a rise in commodities.  Yields remained low this week with the sale of $72 billion in notes and bonds.  Also, inflation concerns are easing and investors are seeking higher returns than … Continue reading →

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Greece Debt Crisis –

Posted on 7. May 2011 by Jim Sutliff

Greece has denied reports that they may be leaving the European Union.  Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou has stated that the scenario hasn’t been discussed.  The Greek economy has been a focus of EU officials and it remains in a deep recession.  … Continue reading →

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Investors Crave Corporate Bonds –

Posted on 22. April 2011 by Jim Sutliff

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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Oil Rallies –

Posted on 8. April 2011 by Jim Sutliff

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 →

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

Dow Rises Again –

Posted on 8. February 2011 by Jim Sutliff

The Dow Jones hit a 2 1/2 year high after posting a gain for the 7th straight  day.  The Dow increased 71.52 to settle at 12, 233.15.  This level hasn’t been seen since June 16th, 2008.  The consumer sector helped to drive the … Continue reading →

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China Monetary Policy Shift –

Posted on 3. December 2010 by Jim Sutliff

China has announced a long awaited shift in monetary policy to help control inflation.  The shift to a prudent monetary policy may include higher interest rates some time time next year.  The higher rates should help to slow inflation and … Continue reading →

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Alliant Techsystems ATK –

Posted on 1. December 2010 by Jim Sutliff

Alliant Techsystems is an aerospace and defense company that has a line of smart weapons.  One smart weapon is the shoulder fired XM25 which has a range of 2,300 feet.  The weapon has been described as a game changer because it … Continue reading →

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Global Concerns Hurt Stocks –

Posted on 23. November 2010 by Jim Sutliff

Stocks fell more than 140 points as global concerns weighed on investors.  The Korean conflict started to heat up again with artillary fire between North and South Korea.  The markets were already concerned with the debt crisis in Europe and the potential for Portugal and … Continue reading →

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Republican Stock Market?

Posted on 4. November 2010 by Jim Sutliff

The sweeping victories by the Republicans may serve to keep the bulls running in the market.  The House is now solidly controlled by the Republicans and Democratic control of the Senate has been watered down a great deal.  Democrats in … Continue reading →

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Stock Market Rises –

Posted on 2. November 2010 by Jim Sutliff

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is up 74 points on the day with investors focused on the election and the Federal Reserve.  The expectation that Republicans will make gains in both the House and Senate are part of the reason … Continue reading →

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