Wednesday, December 29, 2010

DailyMarkets.com - Monetary Tightening Threatens China’s Economic Prospects

DailyMarkets.com - Monetary Tightening Threatens China’s Economic Prospects

Monetary Tightening Threatens China’s Economic Prospects

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 05:45 PM PST

China's role on the global stage has grown tremendously during the past several years. And there are valid reasons to believe this trend will continue. But it will not go as smoothly as many pundits assume …

On Christmas Day, Beijing raised the benchmark deposit and lending rates by 25 basis points (bps) to 2.75 percent and 5.81 percent respectively. This is the second step in the current tightening cycle, following the first surprise 25 bps hike on October 19.

But that's not … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Forex – GBP/JPY Down During The Asian Session

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 04:45 PM PST

Forex Pros – The British Pound was lower against the Japanese Yen on Thursday.

GBP/JPY was trading at 126.25, down 0.19% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 126.12, Wednesday's low, and resistance at 128.05, Tuesday's high.

Meanwhile, the British Pound was up against the U.S. Dollar and the Euro, with GBP/USD gaining 0.14% to hit 1.5522 and EUR/GBP falling 0.05% to hit … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

The Day Ahead: Jobless Claims & Pending Home Sales

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 04:00 PM PST

12/30/10 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

Forex – NZD/USD Down During The Asian Session

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 03:50 PM PST

Forex Pros – The New Zealand Dollar was lower against the U.S. Dollar on Wednesday.

NZD/USD was trading at 0.7672, down 0.20% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 0.7457, Monday's low, and resistance at 0.7693, today's high.

Meanwhile, the New Zealand Dollar was down against the Australian Dollar and the Euro, with AUD/NZD gaining 0.19% to hit 1.3260 and EUR/NZD rising 0.17% to hit … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Excel Maritime Develops TC Contract

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 03:35 PM PST

Excel Maritime Carriers Ltd. (NYSE:EXM), a leading worldwide seaborne transporter for dry bulk cargoes, recently improved and consolidated the time charter contracts for its fleets. The company announced that it has entered into time charter agreements with first class charterers for seven of its Kamsarmax vessels. Excel Maritime is trying hard to recharter a total of twelve Kamsarmax vessels by the end of 2010.
Out of the seven Kamsarmax vessels, which won new time charter contracts, four were … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Magnum Hunter Buys Marcellus Assets

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 03:05 PM PST

Independent exploration and production company Magnum Hunter Resources Corporation (MHR) signed a deal with PostRock Energy Corporation (PSTR) to acquire the latter's Marcellus Shale assets. The purchase price of the assets is valued at $39.75 million. Magnum Hunter will execute the contract through its wholly-owned subsidiary Triad Hunter LLC, who will act as an operator of the acquired properties.
The scope of the deal covers the acquisition of approximately 8,652 net acres of land with … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Neutral On ANADIGICS

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 03:05 PM PST

We recently reiterated our Neutral recommendation on ANADIGICS, Inc. (NASDAQ:ANAD).  
ANADIGICS is positioned in three fast-growing markets: 3G, Wi-Fi and CATV. In addition, the company is increasing its product content in markets where multiple power amplifiers and multiple tuner ICs are needed.
The continued expanded high demand of wireless connectivity in a growing number of consumer devices, including smart phones, datacards, netbooks, notebooks and tablets, provide substantial … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Embraer’s First Legacy 650

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 03:05 PM PST

Last week, Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A., or Embraer (NYSE:ERJ), the largest Brazilian aircraft manufacturer, delivered the first Legacy 650 large executive jet in Brazil.
Recently, Embraer signed an agreement with Deutsche Lufthansa AG for eight new EMBRAER 195 jets for a total value of $338 million and delivered the first ultra large Lineage 1000 executive jet to VIP charter company Falcon Aviation Services of Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Embraer's product portfolio … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

GE In Russian Joint Ventures

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 02:35 PM PST

General Electric Co. (NYSE:GE) entered into joint ventures in Russia with two companies, Russian Technologies and INTER RAO UES, to develop the country's energy and healthcare sector. The companies did not reveal the financial details of the agreement, signed in Moscow.
Through the venture, the companies (all three) will construct, combine, sell and service energy-efficient heavy-duty gas-fired power generation turbines in Russia. Moreover, GE and Russian Technologies plans to jointly serve the … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

FirstEnergy Sells Production Stakes

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 02:35 PM PST

FirstEnergy Generation Corp., a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corporation (NYSE:FE), sold its 6.65% stake in the output of the Ohio Valley Electric Corporation (OVEC) to Peninsula Generation Co-operative, in order to focus its attention on building its electricity generation business. The company announced that the sale will take effect on December 31, 2010.
As part of the deal, FirstEnergy has sold 150 megawatts (MW) of capacity from OVEC’s generating facilities in southern Ohio and southern Indiana. … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Hot Option Plays: Small Caps Move Impressive

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 02:19 PM PST

Cusick's Corner
Today's session was just like the last three, a slow grind to the upside. This move has been impressive in the Small Caps, IWM. These high beta stocks are the ones that typically show signs of growth and weakness before the Large Caps, and right now the RUT and IWN have been outpacing the general market advance. So use the Small Caps to signal a potential turning point or continuation in market trend. The reason I bring this to light is that I have had some questions about … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Two Latin American ETFs For 2011

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 02:19 PM PST

As the developed world continues to struggle out of the Great Recession, emerging markets performed relatively well in 2010 and are expected to sustain this growth and performance in the coming year.  China continues to draw headlines and steal most of the attention; however, in the coming year, Latin America may be the place to look and for good reason.
Inflationary threats and real estate bubbles have taken front and center stage in China, resulting in the nation increasing its benchmark … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Hot Basic Materials Stocks

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 02:13 PM PST

( click to enlarge )

Uranerz Energy Corp. (URZ) was up over 18% with very unusual volume after announced that it has completed its “at-the-market” financing and has raised US$20 million in gross proceeds through Haywood Securities Inc. The company now has approximately $36 million in its treasury, and there are 70,781,433 shares issued and outstanding. As a result for today’s trading session, its volume traded daily went to a 2-month high. Looking at the technical daily chart above, it … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

GOL’s New Agreement

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 02:05 PM PST

Brazil's largest low-fare airline operator, GOL Linhas Aereas Inteligentes S.A. (NYSE:GOL) entered into an agreement with one of the Brazilian domestic airline, Passaredo Linhas Aereas, to sell the latter's airline tickets.
This new strategic agreement will add more routes to GOL and would definitely help the company penetrate into new destinations from wherever Passaredo operates.
GOL has been continuously increasing the frequency of its flights to the existing high-demand markets and adding … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Triumph Continues Triumphant

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 02:05 PM PST

The Circuit Court of the First Judicial District of Hinds County, Mississippi dismissed a suit filed by Eaton Corporation (NYSE:ETN) against Triumph Group Inc. (NYSE:TGI). Moreover, in the last few months, the company has been benefiting from the Vought acquisition.
The Vought acquisition has been accretive to earnings with the contribution of $0.30 per share in the second quarter of fiscal 2010. This is expected to be the same in the coming years with synergies of approximately $15.0 million … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Forex – EUR/USD Up At The End Of U.S. Session

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 01:55 PM PST

Forex Pros – The Euro was higher against the U.S. Dollar on Wednesday.

EUR/USD was trading at 1.3224, up 0.83% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 1.3073, Monday's low, and resistance at 1.3274, Tuesday's high.

Meanwhile, the Euro was down against the British Pound and the Japanese Yen, with EUR/GBP shedding 0.02% to hit 0.8532 and EUR/JPY falling 0.11% to hit … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

I Wonder How They Will Interpret This?

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 01:53 PM PST

Many “experts” were taken aback by yesterday’s news that confidence among U.S. consumers unexpectedly fell in December, noting that it was at odds with reports of strong holiday sales.
Their assumption, of course, is that estimates from MasterCard Advisors’ SpendingPulse and the National Retail Federation paint a better picture of where things stand for the U.S. economy than the Conference Board’s monthly survey.
I wonder, then, how they will interpret the latest Discover Small Business Watch … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Forex – USD/JPY Down Toward The End Of U.S. Session

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 01:40 PM PST

Forex Pros – The U.S. Dollar was lower against the Japanese Yen on Wednesday.

USD/JPY was trading at 81.65, down 0.90% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 81.61, today's low, and resistance at 83.16, Friday's high.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Dollar was down against the Euro and the British Pound, with EUR/USD gaining 0.84% to hit 1.3225 and GBP/USD rising 0.86% to hit … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Closing Bell Market Monitor: CVX, BJ

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 01:39 PM PST

12/29/10 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

Analyst Interviews: Aerospace And Defense Outlook

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 01:35 PM PST

OVERVIEW
 
The growth of the Aerospace and Defense industry depends largely on the spending outlook of government defense departments, with the U.S. defense budget as the primary driver. The U.S. is the world's largest aerospace and defense market, and also home to the world's largest military budget.

On December 17, 2010, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a $725 billion bill for Defense spending in fiscal 2011. This surpassed the earlier estimated $708 billion, and will … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Wimm-Bill-Dann Beats EPS

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 01:35 PM PST

Moscow-based Wimm-Bill-Dann Foods OJSC (NYSE:WBD) posted third quarter fiscal 2010 earnings of 56 cents, surpassing the Zacks breakeven estimate. The better-than-expected results were driven by growth in the top line. However, the net income of the company plunged 52.7% year over year as costs increased following a big hike in raw-milk prices.
The Russian dairy and juice company said its total revenue climbed 22.3% year over year to $640.9 million driven by strong performance across all the … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Theravance Evenly Poised

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 01:35 PM PST

We are maintaining our Neutral recommendation on Theravance Inc. (NASDAQ:THRX) with a target price of $27.
Theravance founded in 1996 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of small molecule medicines. The company develops medicines for respiratory diseases, bacterial infections and gastrointestinal motility dysfunction.
Theravance's lead drug Vibativ (telavancin), is an injectable antibiotic which has been approved by the … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Forex – EUR/USD Up Toward The End Of U.S. Session

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 01:25 PM PST

Forex Pros – The Euro was higher against the U.S. Dollar on Wednesday.

EUR/USD was trading at 1.3224, up 0.83% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 1.3073, Monday's low, and resistance at 1.3274, Tuesday's high.

Meanwhile, the Euro was down against the British Pound and the Japanese Yen, with EUR/GBP shedding 0.03% to hit 0.8532 and EUR/JPY falling 0.04% to hit … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Daily US Dollar Index Roundup – 12/29

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 01:16 PM PST

The US Dollar Index (DXY) continues to struggle to clear the 130-day moving average, losing nearly one percent after rejecting near this key resistance overnight. As a result, dollar bears were redirected towards newly formed platform support at 79.58, leaving a downside breach of daily (9-period) RSI trendline support. Further weakness will expose 78.82/79.22, between the December 14th swing low and the key 38.2% retracement. Overcoming downward sloping trendline resistance near 80.20 is … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

U.S. Markets Close Higher; Dow Jones Up 0.09%

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 01:10 PM PST

Forex Pros – U.S. stocks were up after the closing bell on Wednesday.

At the close of U.S. trade, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.09%, the S&P 500 index gained 0.10%, while the Nasdaq 100 index climbed 0.19%.

Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, European stock markets were mixed at close. France's CAC 40 was up 0.83%; Germany's DAX gained 0.34%; Britain's FTSE 100 declined 0.21%; and the EURO STOXX 50 rose … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Neutral Maintained On NYSE

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 01:00 PM PST

Last week, we maintained our recommendation on NYSE Euronext Inc. (NYSE:NYX) at Neutral, based on its disciplined expense management and improved cash flows, partially offset by weak top line growth.
NYSE's third quarter earnings of 46 cents were three pennies ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate, benefiting from various cost reduction programs. These programs helped reduce the fixed expenses by 6% year over year.
However, the top line was marred by weak transaction and clearing volumes, … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Lowe’s Keeps Neutral Recommendation

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 01:00 PM PST

Being the world's second largest home improvement retailer, Lowe's Companies Inc. (NYSE:LOW) boasts a proven strategy of investing in stores to enhance customer-shopping experience by improving point-of-sale and directional signage, and adding more product selection. The company's sustained focus on Everyday Low Prices, New Lower Price, Go Local and Specialty Sales initiatives have helped it to grow its market share. 
Lowe's, which competes with The Home Depot Inc. (NYSE:HD), expects … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Forex – GBP/USD Up During The U.S. Session

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 12:45 PM PST

Forex Pros – The British Pound was higher against the U.S. Dollar on Wednesday.

GBP/USD was trading at 1.5507, up 0.90% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 1.5346, Tuesday's low, and resistance at 1.5518, today's high.

Meanwhile, the British Pound was up against the Euro and down against the Japanese Yen, with EUR/GBP shedding 0.01% to hit 0.8534 and GBP/JPY falling 0.04% to hit … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

BMC Software Reaches Taiwan

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 12:35 PM PST

Leading large enterprise software company BMC Software Inc. (NYSE:BMC) announced that its mainframe solutions will be used by a Taiwan-based software consultancy firm, Galaxy Software Services Corp. Financial. Details of the agreement were not disclosed.
Since its inception, Galaxy Software has been providing business application software and consulting services to its broad range of customers including government, medical, manufacturing and financial institutions. With the help of BMC … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Attachmate Raises Funds For Novell Buy

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 12:35 PM PST

According to a Bloomberg report, Attachmate Corporation plans to raise $1.09 billion in loans to fund its acquisition of Novell Inc. (NASDAQ:NOVL), an enterprise software developer.
Attachmate is a software company providing connectivity solutions and is supported by private equity firms such as Golden Gate Capital, Francisco Partners and Thoma Bravo.
According to the report, Attachmate is on the look out for an $825 million in first-lien term loan, a $40 million first-lien revolving line of credit … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Lincoln Electric To Buy Russian Biz

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 12:05 PM PST

Lincoln Electric Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:LECO) announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Russia-based leading manufacturer of welding consumables, OOO Severstal-metiz welding consumables. The transaction includes acquiring manufacturing operations as well as exclusive distribution rights of the Severstal brand of welding products.
Severstal-metiz Welding Consumables is the subsidiary of Severstal-metiz and produces a wide range of electrodes, welding wire for the pipe industry and … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Cabela’s Growth, Risk Balancing Act

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 12:05 PM PST

Boasting a healthy balance sheet, viable strategy and improving operating efficiencies, Cabela's Inc. (NYSE:CAB) offers investors one of the strongest growth profiles in the specialty retail industry. The company remains on course to achieve the targeted long-term return on invested capital of 12% to 14% through its next generation store format.
The new store model of standard sizes requires less capital investment, enhances store productivity and helps increase sales per square foot.
Cabela's … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Cooper Makes U.K. Acquisitions

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 12:05 PM PST

Cooper Industries Plc (NYSE:CBE) announced the acquisitions of Mount Engineering Plc, a producer of adaptors and reducers for hazardous environments, and Apex Lighting Controls Ltd., a manufacturer of Energy Management lighting controls.
Mount Engineering is a strategic fit to Cooper Safety’s existing portfolio of cable glands and Cooper Crouse-Hinds' offerings of harsh and hazardous solutions. The acquisition of Apex Lighting Controls reaffirms Cooper's commitment to expand the range of … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Forex – USD/CAD Down During The U.S. Session

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 12:05 PM PST

Forex Pros – The U.S. Dollar was lower against the Canadian Dollar on Wednesday.

USD/CAD was trading at 1.0006, down 0.05% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 0.9975, today's low, and resistance at 1.0111, Monday's high.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Dollar was down against the Euro and the British Pound, with EUR/USD gaining 0.76% to hit 1.3215 and GBP/USD rising 0.90% to hit … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Stock Investing & Risk Management

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 11:52 AM PST

After more than 28 years of investing personally and professionally, I am of the opinion that risk management is single handed the most important component of the investment process. Most investors learn about market risk the hard way – they lose money. If we take the time to learn how to manage risk relative to each position in our portfolio we will be far ahead of the game.

What is risk management? It is the process of managing the risk of money in relationship to the … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Novo Presents Positive Insulin Data

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 11:35 AM PST

Recently, Novo Nordisk (NYSE:NVO) reported solid top-line results from three phase III studies of Degludec and two studies of DegludecPlus. Degludec significantly reduced the risk of hypoglycaemia during the night compared to Sanofi Aventis' (NYSE:SNY) Lantus in two long-term studies.
Degludec (also known as NN 1250) and DegludecPlus (also known as NN 5401) are next-generation insulin analogues. Degludec is an ultra long-acting basal insulin, and DegludecPlus is a fixed ratio combination of … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

12/29 FX Options Report

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 11:30 AM PST

12/29/10 Heading into the new year, safe-haven demand lifted the CHF and JPY. China’s central bank hiked interest rates by a quarter of a percentage … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Hot Option Plays: Adding Yield To Your Porfolio – Muni Bonds

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 11:19 AM PST

Cusick's Corner
Today I want to talk a little about adding yield to your portfolio, specifically municipal bonds. Muni bonds are issued by state and local governments to finance everything from road projects to school construction. Munis, as they are often called, are often not subject to federal, state, or local taxes if issued in the municipality where you reside (please consult a tax advisor). Right now there are munis that are yielding 6-8%, but unlike treasuries, they potentially carry … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Forex – EUR/USD Up During The U.S. Session

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 11:15 AM PST

Forex Pros – The Euro was higher against the U.S. Dollar on Wednesday.

EUR/USD was trading at 1.3220, up 0.80% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 1.3073, Monday's low, and resistance at 1.3274, Tuesday's high.

Meanwhile, the Euro was down against the British Pound and the Japanese Yen, with EUR/GBP shedding 0.06% to hit 0.8528 and EUR/JPY falling 0.08% to hit … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Repsol-Sinopec Complete Alliance

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 11:05 AM PST

Spain's largest integrated oil and gas company, Repsol YPF, S.A. (NYSE:REP) and Chinese oil major China Petroleum & Chemical Corp., aka Sinopec (NYSE:SNP) announced the successful completion of their agreement to form a Brazilian alliance worth $17.8 billion. The deal, which was announced on October 1, mainly aims at jointly developing the exploration and production of Brazil offshore assets.
With the completion of the deal, Repsol has managed to raise funds of $7.1 billion from Sinopec, which … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Fifth Third Upped To Outperform

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 11:05 AM PST

We are upgrading our recommendation on Fifth Third Bancorp (NASDAQ:FITB) to Outperform from Neutral. We are encouraged to see the aggressive credit management efforts by the company and expect an improvement in its credit quality in the upcoming quarters.
Fifth Third's capital and reserve levels remain solid. Its reserve coverage is strong relative to problem assets and losses. This, along with an improvement in earnings would provide the company ample opportunity to register growth in the next … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Forex Trading: USDJPY Eyes The Next Target Support At The 81.57 Level

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 10:39 AM PST

Bull With Butterfly Wings Envisions Brighter Days Ahead For Equinix

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 10:36 AM PST

Bull with butterfly wings envisions brighter days ahead for Equinix
Today’s tickers: EQIX, XLF, XING & AVP
Equinix, Inc. (NASDAQ:EQIX) – A large bullish butterfly has taken up residence in June 2011 contract calls this afternoon. It looks like the investor responsible for the spread’s construction expects shares in the provider of global data center services to rally significantly in the next six months to expiration. EQIX shares are currently down slightly by 0.25% to arrive at $79.72 as of … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

AIG Settles $146M Lawsuit

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 10:35 AM PST

Recently, American International Group Inc. (NYSE:AIG) negotiated with the insurance regulators and settled a multi-state workers compensation probe for $146.5 million. This comprises about $100 million in fines and other penalties to resolve claims and about $46.5 million in additional taxes and assessments.
The litigation was filed by the insurance regulators who alleged that AIG and its affiliates had deliberately reported more than $2 billion of its workers compensation premiums as general or … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Earnings Scorecard: Carnival

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 10:35 AM PST

Carnival Corporation (NYSE:CCL), the world's largest cruise company, missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by a penny due to voyage disruption as a fire broke out in the engine room of the Carnival Splendor off the coast of Mexico. The recent earnings announcement, subsequent analyst estimate revisions and the Zacks ratings for both the short-term and long-term outlook for the stock are covered in depth below.
Earnings Report Review
During the fourth quarter of 2010, Carnival reported earnings of … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Forex – AUD/USD Up During The U.S. Session

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 10:35 AM PST

Forex Pros – The Australian Dollar was higher against the U.S. Dollar on Wednesday.

AUD/USD was trading at 1.0175, up 0.74% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 0.9988, Monday's low, and resistance at 1.0183, today's high.

Meanwhile, the Australian Dollar was down against the Euro and the Japanese Yen, with EUR/AUD gaining 0.15% to hit 1.3006 and AUD/JPY falling 0.19% to hit … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Hot Option Plays: Tough Environment For Swing Traders

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 10:19 AM PST

Cusick's Corner
The market continued to whip around unchanged to slightly positive levels for the remainder day — the March S&P settled at 1254.25. This type of action can be expected for a holiday week, plus throw in the snowstorm out East which left many traders at home. It's been a tough environment to be trading stocks and for swing traders, it's been a difficult range, just too tight. There is no economic data due out until Thursday, but a few stocks are going ex-div, like KFT … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Dollar Decline Continues As Yen Keeps Rising

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 10:15 AM PST

12/29/10 The US dollar has continued to decline this session following light trading volume and yesterday’s weak economic … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Williams Closes Bakken Acquisition

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 10:05 AM PST

Integrated natural gas firm Williams Companies (WMB) completed the acquisition of a private company Dakota-3 E&P Company LLC along with its properties in the Bakken oil play of North Dakota. Williams  paid a total consideration of $925 million in cash.  The effective date of the purchase was October 1 and was announced in mid November.
(Read the full report at:  Williams to Take Position in Bakken)
The acquired acreage spreads across the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Toyota’s Output Dips Again

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 10:05 AM PST

Toyota Motor Corp. (NYSE:TM) witnessed an 8.7% fall in global production for the third straight month in November to 656,924 vehicles. The automaker, highly criticized for its spate of automotive safety recalls this year, saw a dip in exports by 9.4% and a plunge in domestic sales by 35% during the month. However, the fall in domestic sales can be blamed on the expiration of government incentive programs in September.
Meanwhile, production outside Japan inched up 0.3% based on the higher output in … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Forex – NZD/USD Up During The U.S. Session

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 10:00 AM PST

Forex Pros – The New Zealand Dollar was higher against the U.S. Dollar on Wednesday.

NZD/USD was trading at 0.7642, up 1.13% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 0.7457, Monday's low, and resistance at 0.7655, today's high.

Meanwhile, the New Zealand Dollar was up against the Australian Dollar and the Euro, with AUD/NZD shedding 0.62% to hit 1.3284 and EUR/NZD falling 0.54% to hit … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

European Markets Mixed At Close; Dax Up 0.34%

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 09:55 AM PST

Forex Pros – European stocks were mixed after the closing bell on Wednesday.

At the close of European trade, Germany's DAX rose 0.34%, London's FTSE 100 shed 0.21%, France's CAC 40 climbed 0.83% and the EURO STOXX 50 was up 0.60%.

Meanwhile, on Wall Street, equity markets were up after the open. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 0.32%; the S&P 500 index gained 0.29%, while the Nasdaq 100 index climbed … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

The S+P Freight Train

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 09:05 AM PST

I know, I know.  Never stand in front of a freight train.  You’re right.  And being short two S&P 500 contracts is, well, wrong! This first chart is the SP-500 daily.

By the way, the sentiment data from Investor’s Intelligence is just in and it shows that the bullish % has backed off a couple % to 55.6%.  All in all, I continue to believe the stock market is in for a dousy of a correction, but probably not until the True Strength Index (TSI) indicator says it’s time. … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Forex – EUR/USD Up At The End Of European Session

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 09:00 AM PST

Forex Pros – The Euro was higher against the U.S. Dollar on Wednesday.

EUR/USD was trading at 1.3185, up 0.53% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 1.3073, Monday's low, and resistance at 1.3274, Tuesday's high.

Meanwhile, the Euro was down against the British Pound and the Japanese Yen, with EUR/GBP shedding 0.08% to hit 0.8527 and EUR/JPY falling 0.05% to hit … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Forex Trading: EURUSD Surges Through 1.3180-85 With No Problems

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 08:51 AM PST

The next targets become the 1.3202 area and then 1.3224 which is the 38.2% of the move down from the December high to the December low.  Watch for support against 1.3180 now with a move below signalling stops are … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Forex Trading: GBPUSD Approaches 200 Hour MA Resistance

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 08:43 AM PST

The 200 hour MA came in at the 1.5455 level.  The pair should find some selling interest. A break will next target the 1.5494 area and then the high from yesterdays trade at the 1.5510 level.
On the daily chart the price is back comfortably above the 200 day MA at the 1.5399 level.  For the second time, a close below the 200 day MA over the last 6 days of trading could not solicit momentum selling … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Forex Trading: EURUSD Jumps On Break Of 100/200 Hour MAs

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 08:36 AM PST

The EURUSD has jumped on a break of the 100 and 200  hour MAs at the 1.3139 and 1.3145 level respectively. The next target will be the 1.3180-85 area which corresponds with a prior support resistance on the hourly chart.  Above that 1.3200 and 1.3224.  Look for suppor at the 1.3139 level … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Forex – U.S. Dollar Falls Across The Board In Thin Year-end Trade

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 08:17 AM PST

Forex Pros – The U.S. dollar was down against its major counterparts on Wednesday in thin trade leading up to the New Year's weekend, amid concerns over the strength of the U.S. economic recovery.   

With many investors already away on year-end leave, trading volumes were low, resulting in volatile trade, while a lack of economic data left little to focus on for investors.  

Meanwhile, during European afternoon trade, the greenback was down against the euro, with … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Forex – EUR/USD Re-approaches Daily High In Choppy Year-end Trade

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 08:06 AM PST

Forex Pros – The euro was up against the U.S. dollar on Wednesday, re-approaching a daily high in choppy year-end trade, after data showed that retail sales in Spain fell less-than-expected and Germany's consumer price index rose more-than-expected.    

EUR/USD hit 1.3156 during early U.S. trade, a daily high; the pair subsequently consolidated at 1.3134, climbing 0.14%.

The pair was likely to find support at 1.3054, the low of December 23, and resistance at 1.3273, … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Desire Petroleum Shares Suffer As Dawn Prospect Disappoints

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 03:08 AM PST

Shares in Falkland Islands oil and gas explorer Desire Petroleum (LON:DES) slipped by 23% to 46p this morning after it revealed that the latest well in its programme of drilling in the North Falkland Basin had failed to encounter hydrocarbons. The 25/5-1 well on the Dawn/Jacinta prospect reached a depth of 1,313metres before wireline logging was carried out. The well will now be drilled to the planned total depth around 1,670 metres to evaluate the deeper Dawn Prospect.

Subsurface support is … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Desire Petroleum Shares Suffer As Latest Well Disappoints

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 03:08 AM PST

Shares in Falkland Islands oil and gas explorer Desire Petroleum (LON:DES) slipped by 23% to 46p this morning after it revealed that the latest well in its programme of drilling in the North Falkland Basin had failed to encounter hydrocarbons. The 25/5-1 well on the Dawn/Jacinta prospect reached a depth of 1,313metres before wireline logging was carried out. The well will now be drilled to the planned total depth around 1,670 metres to evaluate the deeper Dawn Prospect.

Subsurface support is … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Gulf Keystone Petroleum Shares Dip On News Of Legal Wrangle

Posted: 29 Dec 2010 02:34 AM PST

Shares in Gulf Keystone Petroleum (LON:GKP) slid by 10% to 164p this morning on news that the oil and gas group was facing a legal wrangle over its licences in Kurdistan. US-based advisory firm Excalibur Ventures LLC has launched contractual and non-contractual claims against Gulf Keystone in courts in New York and London. While the nature and credibility of the claims is unclear, Excalibur is understood to be fighting for an interest of up to 30% in the group's blocks in Kurdistan.

Gulf … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

How Much Do You Know About Emerging Markets?

Posted: 28 Dec 2010 10:00 PM PST

Emerging markets have had a fantastic year in 2010. From Indonesia to Colombia to Turkey to others, emerging markets have rebounded faster and stronger out of the financial crisis than developed markets.
Most of you are probably familiar with the BRICs, but what about the CIVETS or the MAVINS?
Emerging markets span a much wider spectrum than traditional developed markets in terms of economic size and stability. Did you know that a country’s classification as an emerging market country depends … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates
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