Friday, December 17, 2010

DailyMarkets.com - The Latest Bespoke Roundtable Is Out

DailyMarkets.com - The Latest Bespoke Roundtable Is Out

The Latest Bespoke Roundtable Is Out

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 04:43 PM PST

Bespoke Investment Group is out with its second annual Roundtable, featuring investing insights and predictions about the year ahead from a number of popular bloggers, including yours truly. Here is the list of those taking part:

A Dash of Insight - 2011 Bespoke Roundtable Q&A
Crossing Wall Street - 2011 Bespoke Roundtable Q&A
Financial Armageddon - 2011 Bespoke Roundtable Q&A
Footnoted.org - 2011 Bespoke Roundtable Q&A
Paul Kedrosky’s Infectious Greed – … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Regulatory Setback For AstraZeneca

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 04:05 PM PST

AstraZeneca (NYSE:AZN) recently suffered a major setback with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issuing a complete response letter (CRL) for Brilinta (ticagrelor). The company was seeking approval for the use of Brilinta in the treatment of acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
The agency has asked AstraZeneca to conduct additional analyses of data from the Study of Platelet Inhibition and Patient Outcomes (PLATO). The PLATO trial was conducted to determine whether Brilinta was more effective in … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

The Week Ahead: US GDP, Existing Home Sales, Durable Goods Orders, Personal Income And Spending, Consumer Sentiment

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 04:00 PM PST

12/17/10 The stories, data, and stocks that may have the greatest impact during the next trading … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Neutral On PepsiCo

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 03:35 PM PST

We currently reiterate our Neutral recommendation on PepsiCo. (NYSE:PEP).
New York-based PepsiCo's core earnings advanced to $1.22 per share in the quarter from $1.09 registered in the year-ago period, in-line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate. The year-over-year growth reflects the acquisition of its two anchor bottlers, broad-based gains across its snack and beverage portfolio in key international markets, disciplined investments and prudent cost controls.The quarterly total sales jumped 40% … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

A.M. Best Affirms Allstate Ratings

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 03:35 PM PST

Yesterday, A.M. Best Co. affirmed the credit and debt ratings of Allstate Corp. (NYSE:ALL) and its subsidiaries namely, Allstate Insurance Group, Allstate Financial and Allstate Life Insurance Co.
The rating agency has affirmed issuer credit ratings (ICR) of "a-" and debt ratings for Allstate Corp. Alongside, the financial strength rating (FSR) of "A+" (Superior) and ICR of "aa-" has been asserted on Allstate Insurance Group, Allstate Financial and its associates.  These ratings … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

An ETF To Play Soaring Treasury Yields

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 03:18 PM PST

Over the past few days, Treasury yields have been soaring heading back to seven month highs.  On Wednesday, 10-year yields briefly touched 3.56%, their highest level since May and are up nearly 118 basis points since August.  Furthermore, yields on 30-year bonds have shot up nearly 1 percent and five year bonds are up more than 100 basis points since August. 
This recent surge in Treasury yields could possibly be attributable to increased investor risk appetite which could … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Charles River’s Business Outlook

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 03:05 PM PST

Charles River Laboratories (NYSE:CRL) recently discussed its business outlook with investors and clarified its focus on four key initiatives to drive shareholder value. The company also announced 2011 guidance and made some changes to its 2010 outlook.
The four key initiatives are as follows:
Improving operating margins: The company aims to generate adjusted operating margin of 20% within three-to-five years, which will be driven by cost control and operating efficiencies. The company pegs the … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

AutoZone Authorizes Buyback

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 03:05 PM PST

AutoZone Inc. (NYSE:AZO) has authorized the repurchase of an additional $500 million of its common stock under its ongoing share repurchase program on top of an authorization of another $500 million in September this year.
Since the inception of the share repurchase program in 1998, AutoZone has authorized the repurchase of $9.9 billion worth of shares (including the new authorization). From January 1, 1998 to November 20, 2010, the company has repurchased 123 million shares at an aggregate cost … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Amgen Drug Meets Primary Endpoint

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 03:05 PM PST

Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) recently presented much-awaited results on Xgeva (denosumab) from a phase III study that was conducted in 1,432 men with castrate-resistant prostate cancer. Top-line results from the '147 study showed that Xgeva improved median bone metastasis-free survival by 4.2 months compared to placebo.
Additionally, Xgeva significantly improved time to first occurrence of bone metastases. However, overall survival (secondary endpoint) was similar in both treatment arms. Moreover, the … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Monetary Policy Week In Review – 18 Dec 2010

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 02:40 PM PST

In the past week the central banks of Sri Lanka, US, Hong Kong, Norway, Namibia, Sweden, Botswana, Egypt, Switzerland, India, Poland, Turkey, Chile, Columbia all met to review monetary policy settings. There were a few movements in interest rates with those to tighten being: Sweden +25bps and Chile +25bps, while those that dropped rates were: Namibia -75bps, Botswana -50bps, and Turkey -50bps. While the rest held steady, and the US made no alterations to its quantitative easing program. Of … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Dejour (DEJ) Poised To Increase Oil Production In 2011

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 02:35 PM PST

Steven Ralston, CFA
Dejour (DEJ) announced today that it has received approval from the British Columbia Oil and Gas Commission (OGC) for the implementation of a waterflood program at its Woodrush oil and gas project in northeast British Columbia. In preparation for the approval, the project design has already been completed and now construction can begin in early January. The scope of the waterflood project includes the drilling of a water supply well and converting one producing well to an … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Northrop’s Euro Hawk Endures

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 02:35 PM PST

Defense operator Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) and Cassidian, the defense and security division of European Aeronautics, Defense & Space Co., have jointly developed an unmanned aircraft system for the German Air Force. The aircraft Euro Hawk successfully passed the endurance test with a 30.3-hour flight over Edwards Air Force Base, California.
Euro Hawk (R) is the first international configuration of the RQ-4 Global Hawk high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aircraft system. This … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Hot Option Plays: SPX Stuck With 1245 Resistance In Place

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 02:18 PM PST

Cusick's Corner
The market stayed in this consolidative grind going into the After Hours. It was a fair and orderly Quad Witching, leaving us all with a lot of decisions to make over the weekend and into the holiday week. Right now the market is clearly stuck with overhead resistance in place, SPX 1245, and with housing data in the data mix next week, could lead to some potentially interesting moves. What might even make that trade a little more interesting is if there is any momentum in the … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

ETFs And ETPs Pass $1 Trillion Mark

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 02:18 PM PST

According to a study conducted by BlackRock, assets in US listed ETFs and exchange traded products surpassed $1 trillion for the first time on Thursday. 
Over the past year, ETFs have truly penetrated the investment world as both retail and institutional investors have turned to them to access hard to reach markets and add diversification to portfolios.  At the end of 2009, there were 772 US listed ETFs with assets of $705.5 billion from 29 different providers being offered on two … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Solta Medical Reaches Milestone

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 02:05 PM PST

California-based aesthetic laser treatments provider Solta Medical (SLTM) has reached an important landmark as the company has shipped its one millionth consumable treatment tip for its coveted Thermage and Fraxel devices for skin tightening and resurfacing.
Consumable treatment tips attached to the handpiece of these devices, regulates epidermis (the outer layer of the skin) cooling and monitors treatment data during aesthetic procedures. The milestone underscores Solta's leadership in the … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Earnings Preview: Homes For The Holidays

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 01:35 PM PST

Earnings Preview 12/17/10

The third quarter earnings season is over, and we will actually start to see a handful of fourth quarter reports this week, those with November fiscal ends. Next week only 32 firms will report, but 12 of those will be S&P 500 firms. We define any fiscal period ending in November, December and January to be the fourth quarter.

While there are a not a lot of reports, the reports we get will provide some early clues on the fourth quarter. The firms reporting this … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Centro Norte’s New Investment

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 01:35 PM PST

Mexican airport operator, Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte, S.A.B. de C.V. (NASDAQ:OMAB), declared an investment of MXN$500 million for better handling of baggage in its 13 airports. A part of the investment will be financed by UPS Capital Business Credit.
As the market is gradually picking up, Centro Norte is coming up with new investments as well as routes.
Recently, Centro Norte began operations at its new Terminal B at Monterrey International Airport, where Aeromexico and Aeromexico Connect … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Autoliv Hikes Dividend

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 01:35 PM PST

Autoliv Inc. (NYSE:ALV) raised its quarterly dividend payment for the second time of the year by 14% to 40 cents per share from 35 cents. The raised dividend is close to the highest dividend of 41 cents paid by the company before the global economic crisis. It will be paid on March 3, 2010 to shareholders of record as of February 3, 2010 for the first quarter of 2011.
In August this year, Autoliv raised its quarterly dividend payment by 17% to 35 cents per share for the fourth quarter of the year … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

ONEOK Invests In NGL Projects

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 01:35 PM PST

With an intention to enhance its Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) transportation capacity ONEOK Partners L.P. (NYSE:OKS) has decided to invest between $180 million and $240 million in the Cana-Woodford Shale and Granite Wash plays.
These investments will be made in phases, between now and the first half of 2012. Once completed this project will boost the existing transportation capacity of the partnership in the Mid-Continent and the Arbuckle Pipeline by 75,000 to 80,000 barrels per day (bpd).
The … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Closing Bell Market Monitor: MI, MCD, ACN

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 01:26 PM PST

12/17/10 The latest in news, commentary, and information on what’s moving the US equities markets. Watch this broadcast LIVE at 4:00 pm EST daily @ … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Full House

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 01:14 PM PST

Actually, it’s five of a kind — the kinds of bullish sentiment extremes that usually mean just one thing: Watch out below!
1. Individual investors

(Hat tip to Pragmatic Capitalism.)
2. Investment newsletter writers

(Hat tip to Pragmatic Capitalism.)
3. Options traders

4. Wall Street strategists

(Source: Bespoke Investment Group.)
5. The mass media

(Hat tip to Slope of … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Gentiva Issues 2011 Outlook

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 01:05 PM PST

Gentiva Health Services, Inc. (NASDAQ:GTIV) has provided its financial guidance for fiscal 2011, while it has unchanged the outlook for fiscal 2010.
For fiscal 2010, Gentiva reiterates its outlook for revenues in the range of $1.42 billion−$1.45 billion and adjusted income from continuing operations − excluding the costs of restructuring, legal settlements and acquisition and integration activities, the results of discontinued operations and the impact of any future acquisitions − to be in the … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

FedEx Continues Inorganic Growth

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 01:05 PM PST

FedEx Corporation (NYSE:FDX) recently entered into an agreement to acquire MultiPack, a Mexican domestic express package delivery company. The deal is expected to be completed in the second calendar quarter of 2011, subject to regulatory approvals and customary conditions.
The services offered by the newly acquired firm MultiPack includes package delivery, transportation, warehousing and logistics services with a pick-up and delivery network support across all 31 Mexican states and the Distrito … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Microchip Downgraded To Neutral

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 01:05 PM PST

We recently downgraded our recommendation to Neutral from Outperform on Microchip Technology Incorporated (NASDAQ:MCHP).
Microchip Technology recently narrowed its guidance for the third quarter of fiscal 2011 based on bookings and sales activities in October and November. The company now expects net sales to be down 3% – 7% sequentially, compared with the previous estimate of a decline of 2% – 8%.
Microchip stated that the two months of the December quarter progressed as expected. Gross margin … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Franklin Declares Share Buyback

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 01:05 PM PST

In an effort to return wealth to investors and boost their confidence in the stock, Franklin Resources Inc. (NYSE:BEN) announced an increase in quarterly dividend as well as an addition to its stock repurchase program.
Franklin hiked its quarterly dividend by 14% to 25 cents per share and announced a buyback plan of up to an additional 10.0 million shares of its common stock in either open market or off-market transactions. This new share repurchase authorization is in addition to its existing … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Regional Banking ETF Put Volume Pops During Afternoon Trading

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 12:54 PM PST

Regional Banking ETF put volume pops during afternoon trading
Today’s tickers: KRE, CPN, PRGO, FITB, DPS, SMH & M
SPDR KBW Regional Banking ETF (KRE) – A large-volume debit put spread initiated on the SPDR KBW Regional Banking ETF this afternoon suggests one options investor is wary that the significant run up in the price of the underlying fund since the start of December could reverse course next year. Shares of the KRE, an exchange-traded fund that tracks the performance of the KBW … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Regional Banking ETF Put Volume Pops During Afternoon Trading

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 12:52 PM PST

Regional Banking ETF put volume pops during afternoon trading
Today’s tickers: KRE, CALP, PRGO, FITB, DPS, SMH & M
SPDR KBW Regional Banking ETF (KRE) – A large-volume debit put spread initiated on the SPDR KBW Regional Banking ETF this afternoon suggests one options investor is wary that the significant run up in the price of the underlying fund since the start of December could reverse course next year. Shares of the KRE, an exchange-traded fund that tracks the performance of the KBW … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Xilinx Downgraded To Neutral

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 12:35 PM PST

We recently downgraded our recommendation on Xilinx Inc. (NASDAQ:XLNX) to Neutral from Outperform.
We believe Xilinx lost market share to Altera Corporation (NASDAQ:ALTR) in 2010. Altera's lead at the 40 nm technology node can bring about a market loss for Xilinx in the coming years as well.
Capital spending by carriers in China is also expected to slow down in 2011, leading to an inventory correction across the semiconductor space, which should impact Xilinx as communications is the largest end-market … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

BMC Software Seals CenITex Deal

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 12:35 PM PST

Leading large enterprise software company, BMC Software Inc. (NYSE:BMC) recently announced that CenITex, the shared-services information technology (IT) agency of the government of Victoria (Australia) has successfully implemented its proactive operations monitoring and management solution. Financial terms of the deal were not divulged.
CenITex was set up as a State body by the Victorian Government to centralize Information and Communications Technology (ICT) support to government departments and … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Tax Bill Passes: An Economic Boon?

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 12:05 PM PST

Finally, the hurdle related to sustaining the Bush-era tax cuts has come to an end. Following the clearance from the Senate on Wednesday, the $858 billion tax-cut package got the green light in the U.S. House of Representatives with 277-148 votes. The votes in favor from Democrats were 139, while the Republicans contributed 138 votes.
Now the bill just needs the president's signature. However, questions on the efficacy of the tax-cut to stimulate the economy still linger.
The immediate good … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Gen-Probe Buys GTI Diagnostics

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 12:05 PM PST

California-based diagnostic products maker Gen-Probe Inc (NASDAQ:GPRO) has acquired Wisconsin-based privately-held specialty diagnostics firm GTI Diagnostics from equity firm Riverside Company for $53 million in cash. The company has funded the acquisition with its available cash.
GTI Diagnostics specializes in medical diagnostics assays for transplantation, blood bank and coagulation markets. The entity was incorporated in 1985 as a subsidiary of the Blood Research Institute ("BRI"), which is … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Outlook For Gold, Silver, Mining Stocks In 2011 – Will The Rally Sustain?

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 11:52 AM PST

Gold has gained 26% this year, putting it on track for its third double-digit gain of the last four years. To chart gold's price movements since 2000 take a piece of paper and draw an outline of an imaginary mountain slope (think Everest) with a few footholds to rest on the steep way up. There is still a long way up before you can plant the flag at the top.

Euro-zone concerns dominated the gold trade in the first half of the year. For the astonishing second half, dollar weakness was … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Comstock Raises 2011 Budget

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 11:35 AM PST

Oil and natural gas firm Comstock Resources (NYSE:CRK) announced a higher development and exploration budget for 2011, riding on the back of increased activity levels in Haynesville and Bossier shales. The company expects to incur an expenditure of approximately $522.0 million in 2011 for development and exploration program, 35.6% above than the initial estimated expenses for 2010.
With increased budget and drilling activities, the company expects to generate production in the range of 85 to 90 … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Dejour (DEJ) Poised To Increase Oil Production In 2011

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 11:35 AM PST

Steven Ralston, CFA
Dejour (DEJ) announced today that it has received approval from the British Columbia Oil and Gas Commission (OGC) for the implementation of a waterflood program at its Woodrush oil and gas project in northeast British Columbia. In preparation for the approval, the project design has already been completed and now construction can begin in early January. The scope of the waterflood project includes the drilling of a water supply well and converting one producing well to an … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

AmEx To Buy Loyalty Partner

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 11:35 AM PST

Boosting its international presence, American Express Co. (NYSE:AXP) (AmEx) announced yesterday its intention to purchase Loyalty Partner, a premier German marketing services organization well known for its loyalty program, for €496 million (US $660 million). The deal is expected to culminate by the first quarter of 2011, subject to regulatory approvals. Loyalty Partner also offers consulting and analysis programs for merchants.
The transaction price comprises a cash payment of €425 million … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Hot Option Plays: Equities Starting To Cool

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 11:18 AM PST

Cusick's Corner
The market has been full of headlines but nothing that hasn't already been priced into the market. The market is in a tight consolidation and there are fewer jumping into this market at this stage. While this is more of a short-term neutral sentiment, it highlights that equities are starting to cool, not making new highs as frequently as they have been over the past sessions. Markets to monitor into the weekend — the Dollar, UUP, is holding support and potentially bouncing; … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

FactSet Exceeds Estimates

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 11:05 AM PST

FactSet Research (NYSE:FDS) reported first quarter 2011 EPS of 88 cents, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 84 cents.
 Revenue
The company reported revenue of $173.3 million in the first quarter of 2011, up 12.0% from $155.2 million reported in the year-ago quarter.  FactSet witnessed some benefits from the increase in demand in its served markets, and also witnessed improvement in annual subscription value.
Revenues from the U.S. were $118.2 million, up 12.0% compared to the … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Cypress Bio Gives In To Ramius

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 11:05 AM PST

After months of wooing Cypress Bioscience (NASDAQ:CYPB), Ramius LLC finally has reached an agreement with Cypress Bio’s board. Cypress Bio entered into a definitive merger with Ramius V&O Acquisition LLC, an affiliate of Ramius and affiliates of Royalty Pharma.
Terms of the Agreement
Per the terms of the agreement, Ramius will acquire all outstanding shares of Cypress Bio that it does not already own at an increased price of $6.50 per share in cash. The deal has been valued at approximately $255 … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Dollar Turns Higher, Euro Pulls Back

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 11:03 AM PST

12/17/10 The USD traded higher against the EUR, GBP, JPY in mid-afternoon trade. The EUR weakened amidst disappointment over the EU summit decision, and the downgrade of Ireland’s … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Accenture Beats, Raises Outlook

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 10:35 AM PST

Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) reported first quarter 2011 earnings per share (EPS) of 81 cents, handsomely beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 75 cents. The quarter's earnings increased 20.9% from the year-ago quarter, attributable to higher revenues and margins, as well as a lower share count and tax rate, partially offset by unfavorable foreign-exchange rates.
Revenues
Accenture reported first quarter 2011 net revenue of $6.05 billion, up 12.3% from $5.38 billion reported in the year-ago … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Manitowoc Divests Biz

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 10:35 AM PST

Manitowoc Co. Inc. (NYSE:MTW) has decided to divest its Kysor/Warren and Kysor/Warren de Mexico businesses to Lennox International Inc. (NYSE:LII) for approximately $138 million, subject to a post-closing working capital adjustment. Kysor/Warren is a leading producer of refrigerated display merchandisers and systems primarily for retail applications.
The Kysor/Warren business was part of Manitowoc's Foodservice Equipment segment. Foodservice Equipment is a leading manufacturer of commercial … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Tax Bill Passes: An Economic Boon?

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 10:35 AM PST

Finally, the hurdle related to sustaining the Bush-era tax cuts has come to an end. Following the clearance from the Senate on Wednesday, the $858 billion tax-cut package got the green light in the U.S. House of Representatives with 277-148 votes. The votes in favor from Democrats were 139, while the Republicans contributed 138 votes.
Now the bill just needs the president's signature. However, questions on the efficacy of the tax-cut to stimulate the economy still linger.
The immediate good … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Crude Gains On Leading Economic Indicators Data

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 05:32 AM PST

12/17/10 Crude oil traded higher, following the climb in the Conference Board’s leading economic indicators reading for … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

“Investors Will Go To Growth Stocks In 2011″

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 05:29 AM PST

12/17/10 FBN Securities’ Cort Gwon weighs in on this week’s market action, and expectations for the rest of the trading … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Three-legged Bear Targets Fifth Third Bancorp.

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 09:38 AM PST

Three-legged bear targets Fifth Third Bancorp.
Today’s tickers: FITB, DPS, SMH & M
Fifth Third Bancorp. (NASDAQ:FITB) – Shares of the Cincinnati, OH-based bank holding company increased as much as 2.9% this morning to secure an intraday high of $14.32, but activity in call and put options set to expire in January 2011 suggests the rally may be short lived. It looks like one investor initiated a three-legged bearish spread, selling roughly 4,500 calls at the January 2011 $15 strike for a premium … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Weekly Market Round-up: Sirius Minerals Leads A Good AIM Innings While The FTSE 100 Drifts

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 05:32 AM PST

While a collapse on the scale of England's batsmen was never on the cards this week for London markets, the FTSE 100 continued its sideways drift approaching the end of the year, frustrating bulls that are still eyeing a 6000 Christmas present. Scant corporate news other than the BP lawsuit offered little stimulation, with traders hoping that strong performances in the US overnight and the right sounds coming out of the EU summit in Brussels would propel the index over 5900 and beyond.
Angus … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Do You Believe In A Santa Claus…Rally?

Posted: 16 Dec 2010 10:00 PM PST

You may not believe in Santa Claus but what about a Santa Claus rally? The market theory developed years ago by my friend Yale Hirsch of Stock Trader's Almanac presumes that the market tends to rise at the end of the year as an influx of funds come into the market as people try to complete trades and make adjustments for tax purposes, receive year-end bonuses, etc.
Whether the work of the jolly man from the North Pole or not, what is true is that stock markets have historically performed well … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates
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