Category Archives: Trading

Euro Loses Ground –

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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Natural Gas Inventory Level Rises –

Natural gas dropped 12 cents in trading after an Energy Department report indicated that supplies increased more than expected last week.  Analysts expected an increase of 90 to 94 billion cubic feet and actual inventories grew 105 billion cubic feet.  Inventories are slightly below … Continue reading

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Greek Bonds Drop –

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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Oil Rises On Inventory Report –

Crude oil rose above $100 a barrel after an Energy Department report indicated that supplies remained flat.  Analysts had expected a rise in crude oil inventory by 500,000 – 700,000 barrels.  Also, gasoline inventories rose 100,000 barrels which fell short of the nearly … Continue reading

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Municipal Bonds Rebound –

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 –

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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Crude Oil Inventories Jump –

Crude oil inventories jumped 3.8 million barrels according to a report from the U.S. Department of Energy.  The increase was more than three times the 1.2 million barrels that was predicted by analysts.  Market factors also weighed on oil prices and the … Continue reading

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Crude Oil Falls On Inventory Data –

Crude oil fell after an Energy Department report indicated that inventories rose 3.42 million barrels.  The increase puts crude oil inventories at their highest levels since last October.  A Bloomberg survey of analysts had predicted a rise in crude inventories of 2 million barrels.  … Continue reading

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Exxon Mobil Profit Soars –

Exxon Mobil reported earnings on Thursday that indicated a very strong first quarter.  Exxon earnings beat analyst expectations and were $2.14 per share.  Exxon quarterly profit was almost $11 billion which is up from the $6.3 billion the company posted for the first quarter … Continue reading

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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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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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