Wednesday, February 23, 2011

DailyMarkets.com - Forex – AUD/USD Up On Economic Data

DailyMarkets.com - Forex – AUD/USD Up On Economic Data

Forex – AUD/USD Up On Economic Data

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 05:00 PM PST

Forex Pros – The Australian Dollar was higher against the U.S. Dollar on Thursday after the release of Australian data on Private New Capital Expenditure.

AUD/USD was trading at 1.0047, up 0.25% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 0.9967, Tuesday's low, and resistance at 1.0152, Monday's high.

Earlier in the day, official data showed that Australian private new capital expenditure rose less-than-expected to a seasonally adjusted 1.30% in the last quarter from 6.20% … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Australian Private New Capital Expenditure Rises Less-than-expected

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 04:45 PM PST

Forex Pros – Australian private new capital expenditure rose less-than-expected in the last quarter, official data showed on Thursday.

In a report, Australian Bureau of Statistics said that Australian private new capital expenditure rose to a seasonally adjusted 1.30%, from 6.20% in the preceding quarter.

Analysts had expected Australian private new capital expenditure to rise 2.20% in the last … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Forex – GBP/JPY Down During The Asian Session

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 04:45 PM PST

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

GBP/JPY was trading at 133.62, down 0.12% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 133.27, Tuesday's low, and resistance at 135.46, Monday's high.

Meanwhile, the British Pound was up against the U.S. Dollar and down against the Euro, with GBP/USD gaining 0.15% to hit 1.6236 and EUR/GBP rising 0.06% to hit … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Gas Prices In Europe, Japan And USA

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 04:24 PM PST

From The Economist:
Note: Gas in the Netherlands costs about $8 per … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Rating Action On XL

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 04:05 PM PST

A.M. Best Co. has assigned issuer credit ratings (ICR) of "bbb" to XL Group plc (NYSE:XL). The rating agency also assigned an FSR of A (Excellent) and an ICR of "a" to XL Insurance Switzerland Ltd. The outlook assigned to the ratings is stable.
Additionally, FSR of A (Excellent) and ICR of "a" for the property casualty subsidiaries XL Group has been affirmed by A.M. Best Co. Also, the rating agency affirmed the ICR of "bbb" and all debt ratings of XL Group Ltd. The outlook for all … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

The Day Ahead: Earnings, US Durable Goods Orders, Jobless Claims, New Home Sales

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 03:50 PM PST

02/24/11 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 In Asian Trade

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 03:50 PM PST

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

NZD/USD was trading at 0.7454, down 0.02% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 0.7428, today's low, and resistance at 0.7657, Friday's high.

Meanwhile, the New Zealand Dollar was down against the Australian Dollar and the Euro, with AUD/NZD gaining 0.16% to hit 1.3459 and EUR/NZD rising 0.14% to hit … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

NYSE Forms JV With APX

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 03:35 PM PST

Expanding its presence in the rapidly growing energy markets, NYSE Euronext Inc. (NYSE:NYX) announced the culmination of its joint venture (JV) with exchange operator APX Inc. after the due approval by the regulators. The JV is known as NYSE Blue. However, the value of the JV remains concealed. The companies had previously announced the agreement to establish the JV in September 2010.
NYSE Blue will primarily deal with the emerging environmental and sustainable energy markets, in order to … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Dell Completes Compellent Buyout

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 03:35 PM PST

Yesterday, Dell Inc. (NASDAQ:DELL) announced that it has completed the acquisition of storage-solution provider Compellent Technologies Inc. (CML), after receiving shareholders' approval at a special shareholder meeting. As consideration, Dell had to pay $27.75 per share for each Compellent share in cash. Dell expects the acquisition to be accretive to pro forma earnings in fiscal 2012.
Data storage plays a crucial role in cloud computing, which helps users access remote computing power and data … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Quicksilver Reveals Record Reserves

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 03:35 PM PST

Quicksilver Resources Inc. (NYSE:KWK) came out with its preliminary operating results as of December 31, 2010. The company's proved reserves for 2010 increased more than 20% to a record of over 2.9 trillion cubic feet of natural gas equivalent (Tcfe).
Quicksilver attributes majority of the 2010 reserve growth to the increase in its Fort Worth Basin Barnett Shale reserves that grew over 2.6 Tcfe at year-end 2010, recording a 22% growth in 2010. These reserves represent about 90% of the company’s … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Now This Seems Sure Seems Like Like A No-Brainer

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 03:30 PM PST

“With the Texas state budget in crisis, is there anything beneficial the legislature can do that would not cost anything?  Yes, there sure is. Lawmakers can significantly improve access to health care and save their constituents money, at no cost to taxpayers.

All they have to do is add Texas to the list of 35 other states that allow advanced practice nurses to diagnose and prescribe without the oversight of doctors. The move would open the door to more retail health clinics in the state … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

BUY SFMI At $0.1515 – US Dollar

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 03:29 PM PST

Today the junior miners were more restrained than the larger miners and many now sport obvious positive divergences between their price action and the underlying True Strength Index (TSI) indicator.  Usually, but not always, a positive divergence is resolved with an upward movement of price in the immediately following days.

With that as the basis of my purchase, I added a new position today to Silver Falcon Mining (SFMI) at $0.1515. 

Click on a chart to ENLARGE

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

Hot Option Plays: Enter Today’s Date Into Your Trading Diary

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 03:17 PM PST

Cusick's Corner
What a day — the market at the Midday did test the 1300 level in the Futures & Cash (ESH11 & SPX) but then bounced. Holding the lower channel into the After Hours of this 3 month rally was important, it has not shifted the short-term trade of short risk assets and long crude. Crude was something to watch with Feb Futures (CLG11) over $100 and April right behind (CLJ11) at $98. The market will stay focused on this market, especially if production looks to be … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Moody’s Upgrades ArvinMeritor

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 03:10 PM PST

Moody’s Investors Service, the credit rating agency of Moody’s Corporation (NYSE:MCO), upgraded its corporate family and probability of default ratings and ratings on senior unsecured notes on ArvinMeritor Inc. (NYSE:ARM). The ratings upgrade was based on improving credit metrics and the likely improvement in commercial vehicle demand in near term.
The ratings agency raised the company’s corporate family and probability of default ratings by one notch from B3 to B2. It also lifted ratings on senior … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Alliance Data Ties With J.Jill

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 03:05 PM PST

Alliance Data Systems Corporation (NYSE:ADS) has inked a long-term agreement to provide private label credit card services to J.Jill, a leading multichannel fashion retailer of women’s apparel, accessories, and footwear headquartered in Quincy, Massachusetts.
Per the agreement, Alliance Data will provide private label credit card services for the J.Jill credit card. Services will  include account acquisition and activation, receivables funding, card authorization, private label credit card … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

CCI Spikes: A Hint Of Healing?

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 03:05 PM PST

Is economic recovery gaining some traction? Yes, perhaps, if we go by the report released by the Conference Boardon Tuesday.According to the Conference Board, its Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) for the month of February jumped to the highest level since February 2008. The sharp rise is a reflection of growing consumer optimism on the short term, the Board says.
What is CCI?
First off, CCI is a qualitative indicator designed to measure the degree of consumers' optimism on the state of the … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Gilead Expands Through Acquisition

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 03:05 PM PST

In a bid to expand its pipeline, Gilead Sciences Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD) has inked a deal to purchase privately-held biotechnology firm Calistoga Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for $375 million. Gilead intends to finance the transaction with its current cash balance. Calistoga Pharma focuses on developing therapies to combat cancer and inflammatory diseases.
Under the terms of the deal, which is expected to close in the second quarter of 2011, Gilead will have to pay up to an additional $225 million to Calistoga … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Top Trade Ideas For Thursday, February 24

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 02:49 PM PST

( click to enlarge )

As I’ve mentioned earlier, the stock has shown increased trading activity and signs of being under accumulation or being bought, by institutions. I believe that shares have room for a significant uptick beyond these levels. Technically speaking, MMI is setup to move higher and could break the $30 mark and its 50-day moving average this week, something that could attract more traders to jump in and push shares even higher. Price has now crossed the 7-day moving average to … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Higher Output Doesn’t Help Cabot

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 02:25 PM PST

Independent energy exploration and production ("E&P") company Cabot Oil and Gas (NYSE:COG) reported fourth quarter earnings per share (excluding special items) of 19 cents, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 23 cents and way below the year-ago adjusted income of 51 cents. Revenue of $216.9 million was also slightly behind our expectation of $218.0 million and was down 7.1% year-over-year.
The weaker-than-expected results can be attributed to lower gas prices (which make up the … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Denbury Betters Estimates

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 02:05 PM PST

Denbury Resources Inc. (NYSE:DNR) reported fourth-quarter 2010 earnings of 22 cents per share (excluding one-time items), exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $19 cents and the year-earlier earnings of 18 cents. Full-year 2010 earnings declined 11% year over year to 62 cents per share, beating the Zacks Consensus of 58 cents.
Total revenue increased substantially to $519.1 million from the year-ago level of $270.8 million and also comfortably surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $493 … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Humana Starts JV With Discovery

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 02:05 PM PST

U.S. Health Insurer Humana Inc. (NYSE:HUM) announced a joint venture with South Africa-based Discovery Holdings Ltd. to provide a wellness and loyalty program to its clients. The joint venture is also a strategic fit as it emphasizes cost-management through wellness and prevention.
According to the terms of the deal, Humana will form a new entity called HumanaVitality, LLC in which South Africa-based Discovery will hold a 25% stake. The headquarters of HumanaVitality will be opened this month in … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Earnings Preview: Safeway

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 02:05 PM PST

Safeway (NYSE:SWY), one of the largest food and drug retailers in North America, is expected to report its fourth quarter and fiscal 2010 results before the market opens on Thursday, February 24, 2011.
Following third quarter results, Safeway announced that it expects its fiscal 2010 EPS to be at the lower end of its previous guidance range of $1.50-$1.70. The company expects same-store sales (excluding fuel) to decline 1%-1.5% with free cash flows of $0.9-$1.1 billion.
Safeway is expected to earn … [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: 23 Feb 2011 01:55 PM PST

Forex Pros – The Euro was higher against the U.S. Dollar on Wednesday after the release of U.S. data on Existing Home Sales.

EUR/USD was trading at 1.3748, up 0.71% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 1.3526, Tuesday's low, and resistance at 1.3786, today's high.

Earlier in the day, industry data showed that existing home sales rose unexpectedly to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.36M last month from 5.22M in the preceding month whose figure was revised down … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

AMED’s EPS Beats, Revenue Misses

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 01:40 PM PST

Amedisys (NASDAQ:AMED), a home healthcare provider reported an EPS of 77 cents during the fourth quarter of 2010 compared to $1.35 in the year-ago period. However, after adjusting for certain one-time items, the EPS was 95 cents, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 5 cents but 29.6% lower than the year-ago quarter.
For fiscal 2010, the company reported adjusted EPS of $4.29, beating the Zacks Consensus estimate of $4.22 but down 12.3% compared with 2009.
Amedisys earns revenue through its home … [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: 23 Feb 2011 01:40 PM PST

Forex Pros – The U.S. Dollar was lower against the Japanese Yen on Wednesday after the release of U.S. data on Existing Home Sales.

USD/JPY was trading at 82.48, down 0.36% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 82.32, today's low, and resistance at 83.53, Monday's high.

Earlier in the day, industry data showed that existing home sales rose unexpectedly to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.36M last month from 5.22M in the preceding month whose figure was revised … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Analyst Interviews: REIT Industry Outlook

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 01:37 PM PST

The U.S. Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) industry continued its growth momentum in fiscal 2010 with sustained improvements in the economy, driven by a spurt in real estate fundamentals and an increased inflow of funds as institutional investors have allocated more capital to the industry.

The FTSE NAREIT Equity REIT Index reported total returned 27.96% for full year 2010 vs. a 16.91% and a 15.06% for the NASDAQ Composite and the S&P 500 Index, respectively. This marks a solid … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

American Tower’s Top Line Soars

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 01:37 PM PST

American Tower Corp. (NYSE:AMT) today declared its fourth quarter of 2010 financial results, with significant top-line growth, attributable to the company's global expansion strategy. Quarterly total revenue was more than $547.6 million, up 22.2% year over year, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $537 million.
On a GAAP basis, fourth-quarter net income was $83.5 million or 21 cents per share compared with a net income of $64.4 million or 16 cents per share in the prior-year quarter. … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Frontier Underperforms

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 01:37 PM PST

Frontier Communications (NYSE:FTR), a provider of telecommunications services to rural areas, reported its fourth quarter adjusted earnings per share of 5 cents missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 9 cents. Adjusted earnings also deteriorated from the year-ago earnings 15 cents.
Frontier incurred acquisition and integration costs of $7 million or a penny per share (after tax) related to the integration of West Virginia operations acquired from Verizon Communications' (NYSE:VZ) fixed-line … [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: 23 Feb 2011 01:25 PM PST

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

EUR/USD was trading at 1.3747, up 0.70% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 1.3526, Tuesday's low, and resistance at 1.3786, today's high.

Meanwhile, the Euro was up against the British Pound and the Japanese Yen, with EUR/GBP gaining 0.26% to hit 0.8480 and EUR/JPY rising 0.38% to hit … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

U.S. Markets Close Lower; Dow Jones Down 0.88%

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 01:10 PM PST

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

At the close of U.S. trade, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.88%, the S&P 500 index shed 0.61%, while the Nasdaq 100 index declined 0.94%.

Earlier in the day, industry data showed that existing home sales rose unexpectedly to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.36M last month from 5.22M in the preceding month whose figure was revised down from 5.28M.

Analysts had expected existing home sales to fall to … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

‘Pillar Of The American Economy’?

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 01:09 PM PST

(Image: source.)
One thing I found hard to grasp in the lead-up to the financial crisis was the widespread and seemingly nonchalant acceptance of economic imbalances, financial excesses, and patterns of behavior that were out of whack with economic reality and which were clearly unsustainable in the long run.
Whether you were talking about overall indebtedness, the trajectory of house prices, the proportion of the economy devoted to finance, insurance and real estate (FIRE), the low … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

NASDAQ Looking To Merge

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 01:06 PM PST

Given the flurry of merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in the industry, NASDAQ OMX Inc. (NASDAQ:NDAQ) is reportedly hunting for a partner to bid against NYSE Euronext Inc. (NYSE:NYX) who has agreed to combine with Deutsche Boerse in a $10 billion deal, last week. NASDAQ is also weighing other options of acquisitions or itself be acquired.
Yesterday, Reuters and the Wall Street Journal reported that the NYSE deal with the Deutsche Boerse has been ground-breaking for NASDAQ, who is now desperately … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

QLogic Gains Market Share In 4Q

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 01:06 PM PST

A leading supplier of high-performance network infrastructure solutions, QLogic Corp. (NASDAQ:QLGC) gained revenue market share in Fibre Channel adapters, Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) converged networking adapters and 10Gb Ethernet adapters in calendar year 2010.
According to the latest reports provided by the two leading industry research firms Dell'Oro Group and Crehan Research, QLogic retained its #1 position in Fibre Channel adaptors for the second straight year. QLogic had 54.0% of … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Closing Bell Market Monitor: HPQ, XOM, Middle East

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 01:00 PM PST

02/23/11 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

TJX Tops Estimates

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 12:55 PM PST

The TJX Companies Inc.’s (NYSE:TJX) fiscal fourth-quarter earnings grew 12.0% to $1.05 a share from 94 cents in the year-ago period. The quarterly earnings were ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.02 a share. Profits were primarily driven by prudent inventory management and increased store traffic.
For the full year 2011, TJX reported a 23% increase in earnings to $3.49 a share versus $2.84 reported in fiscal 2010. Earnings were also ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.47.
For the … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Catalyst Health Beats Estimates

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 12:55 PM PST

Catalyst Health Solutions Inc. (CHSI) reported fourth-quarter 2010 adjusted earnings of 56 cents per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 52 cents. The results also compare favorably with earnings of 43 cents in the prior-year quarter.
In fiscal 2010, Catalyst Health posted adjusted earnings of $1.93, which exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.88 and the prior-year earnings of $1.55.
Catalyst Health's adjusted earnings in the reported quarter exclude the adjustment for … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

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

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 12:45 PM PST

Forex Pros – The British Pound was higher against the U.S. Dollar on Wednesday after the release of U.S. data on Existing Home Sales.

GBP/USD was trading at 1.6206, up 0.43% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 1.6102, Tuesday's low, and resistance at 1.6274, today's high.

Earlier in the day, industry data showed that existing home sales rose unexpectedly to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.36M last month from 5.22M in the preceding month whose figure was … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

RadioShack Underperforms

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 12:35 PM PST

Yesterday after market close, RadioShack Corp. (NYSE:RSH) posted its fourth quarter 2010 financial results, which was below the Zacks Consensus Estimates. In the after-market trade in NYSE, stock price of RSH was down 16 cents (1.05%) to $15.15.
However, comparable store sales for the company-operated stores and kiosks (stores and kiosks opened at least a year) grew 1.3% year over year. This is a key retail performance indicator measuring growth from existing sales locations.
GAAP net income, in … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Hot Option Plays: Volatility The Norm Over Next Few Sessions

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 12:18 PM PST

Cusick's Corner
The market has firmed up into the Midday, holding at this time critical support of 1305 in the ESH11. While a bounce into the After Hours is not out of the question, resistance will kick in, 1315 on the ESH11, and market watchers and technicians will watch closely the breadth of any upside movement. Volatility is going to be the norm over the next few sessions as the turmoil in the Middle East continues. I am now hearing rhetoric of a protest potentially scheduled in Saudi … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Nicor Profit Dips, Misses Estimate

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 12:10 PM PST

Gas distributor Nicor Inc. (NYSE:GAS) reported disappointing fourth quarter 2010 results, hampered by weakness in its shipping and other energy-related businesses.
Earnings per share came in at 87 cents, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 6 cents and way below the year-ago income of $1.21.Total operating revenues, at $738.8 million, was ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $711.0 million but was down 3.8% year over year.
Segmental Performance
Gas Distribution: The segment operating income … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Growth And Offsets In China

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 12:05 PM PST

Ken Nagy, CFA
Growth and Offsets in China
Trans-Pacific Aerospace Company (TPAC) intends to monetize its proprietary technology.  TPAC and its joint venture partners intend to manufacture aerospace quality standard spherical bearings, rod ends and bushings (bearings) in China. Growth in China is two-fold: First the number of planes in China is expected to jump from 1,256 today to 4,330 over the next 20 years.  With 3,000 spherical bearings on each plane the market is substantial. … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Chesapeake Tops Consensus

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 12:05 PM PST

Chesapeake Energy Corp. (NYSE:CHK) reported sharper-than-expected adjusted fourth quarter 2010 earnings of 70 cents per share, striding ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 64 cents. The outperformance came on the back of a 12% increase in production volumes. However, the reported figure was below the year-earlier profit of 77 cents.
Full-year 2010 adjusted earnings improved more than 15% to $2.95 per share from last year's profit level of $2.55. The full-year earnings also surpassed the … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Lowe’s Tops Estimates

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 12:05 PM PST

Lowe's Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW) recently posted better-than-expected fourth-quarter 2010 results. The quarterly earnings of 21 cents a share beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 18 cents and soared 50% from 14 cents earned in the prior-year quarter. The quarterly earnings also exceeded the company's guidance range of 16 cents to 19 cents a share.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate rose by a penny prior to the earnings release with 5 out of 26 analysts covering the stock revising their estimates … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

02/23 FX Options Report

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 12:05 PM PST

The USD weakened vs. the EUR and GPB on rate differentials. Geopolitical risks are lending support to the … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Forex – USD/CAD Down In U.S. Trade

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 12:05 PM PST

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

USD/CAD was trading at 0.9901, down 0.06% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 0.9819, Friday's low, and resistance at 0.9960, today's high.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Dollar was down against the Euro and the British Pound, with EUR/USD gaining 0.70% to hit 1.3747 and GBP/USD rising 0.44% to hit … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

A Tale Of Two Countries

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 11:53 AM PST

This tale is not to be confused with the Dickens classic written in 1859 and set in the time of the French Revolution in Paris and London. Nothing in it should ever be confused with famous literature.

This story is set in 2011 and deals with the differences between two of the world's largest trading partners who trade along the longest border in the world.

One country is the "big … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Credit Card Deliquencies Fall To 2007 Level

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 11:44 AM PST

The delinquency rate on credit cards at all commercial banks dropped for the sixth straight quarter to 4.17% during the October-December period last year, which is the lowest level since the second quarter of 2007 according to new data released by the Federal Reserve.  That’s quite an improvement in credit card delinquencies over the last six quarters, especially when compared to the all-time high of 6.75% in the second quarter of … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Strong Showing From JA Solar

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 11:25 AM PST

JA Solar Holdings Co. Ltd. (NASDAQ:JASO) announced adjusted earnings per American Depositary Share (EPADS) of 54 cents in its fourth quarter, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 47 cents. Results also comfortably beat the year-ago adjusted earnings per ADS of 14 cents.
Quarterly Performance
JA Solar's revenues in the reported quarter were $584.3 million comfortably ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $565 million. Revenues also were greater by 6.6% versus $548.3 million reported in the … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Take A Second Look At LGL

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 11:25 AM PST

Ken Nagy, CFA
Take a Second Look at LGL
LGL Group (LGL), through its subsidiaries manufactures custom-designed highly engineered electronic components.   Beyond its blue chip customer base the firm has significant opportunity for growth in specialty products in the military instrumentation and space avionics market (MISA) as well as high growth emerging areas such as India and China.  Further the firm's long-term goals include plans to diversify away from strictly selling … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Take A Second Look At LGL

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 11:25 AM PST

Ken Nagy, CFA
Take a Second Look at LGL
LGL Group (LGL), through its subsidiaries manufactures custom-designed highly engineered electronic components.   Beyond its blue chip customer base the firm has significant opportunity for growth in specialty products in the military instrumentation and space avionics market (MISA) as well as high growth emerging areas such as India and China.  Further the firm's long-term goals include plans to diversify away from strictly selling … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Encouraging Quarter For HP

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 11:25 AM PST

Hewlett-Packard Company (NYSE:HPQ) reported first quarter 2011 earnings per share (EPS) of $1.36, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.29. However, revenue of $32.3 billion fell slightly short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $32.9 billion.
Revenues
Revenues increased 4.0% from $32.3 billion reported in the year-ago period, on a constant currency basis. The company reported broad-based revenue growth across all its segments. Moreover, the company saw sequential increases in every … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Excellent 4Q For DIRECTV

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 11:25 AM PST

DIRECTV (NASDAQ:DTV), the largest satellite TV operator of the U.S., declared brilliant fourth-quarter of 2010 financial results today. The solid result was the combined effect of a double-digit revenue growth, significant margin expansion, and better-than-expected net customer addition.
Management's strategy to target high-end customers paid-off nicely as the demand for the company's HD channels and digital-video recording services sky rocketed in the reported quarter.
In synergy with its … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Did Your Charts Predict The Mid-East Crisis?

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 11:21 AM PST

The chart skeptics are having their day. They’re crowing that the charts didn’t predict the past two day’s declines. How do I square the bullish of the past couple of blogs (The 12-mos. Oscillator Indicates There’s Room to Run and Conquer Your Fears) with yesterday’s 2.05% decline and what seems to be a continuation today?
My response is that charts don’t predict. A charts is more like a thermometer that continuously measures the levels of investor sentiment. Chart reading is the exercise of … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Forex – EUR/USD Up In U.S. Trading Hours

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 11:15 AM PST

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

EUR/USD was trading at 1.3748, up 0.71% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 1.3526, Tuesday's low, and resistance at 1.3786, today's high.

Meanwhile, the Euro was up against the British Pound and the Japanese Yen, with EUR/GBP gaining 0.33% to hit 0.8486 and EUR/JPY rising 0.45% to hit … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Allstate Records 5% Dividend Hike

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 11:05 AM PST

On Tuesday, home and auto insurer, The Allstate Corp. (NYSE:ALL) announced a dividend increment of 5% from the prior 20 cents, marking the first hike since 2008. The quarterly cash dividend of 21 cents will be paid on April 1, 2011 to the shareholders of record as on March 11, 2011.
The last time Allstate hiked its quarterly dividend was in February 2008, when the company augmented it to 41 cents from 38 cents. However, following the hike, Allstate posted losses for three consecutive quarters, … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Washington Post Beats Estimate

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 11:05 AM PST

The Washington Post Company (NYSE:WPO) recently posted fourth-quarter 2010 results. The quarterly earnings of $11.59 per share showed a substantial increase from $9.85 delivered in the prior-year quarter on the heels of strong performance in the Television Broadcasting division.
The quarterly earnings also came well ahead of the Zacks Consensus Earnings Estimate of $8.72 per share.
On a reported basis, including one-time items, quarterly earnings came in at $9.42 per share, reflecting a rise from … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Middle East Turmoil & The U.S. Recovery

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 11:05 AM PST

Tensions in the Middle East appear to have given the market an opportunity to retreat. But is it the start of a significant correction that many have long been expecting? Or is it a knee-jerk reaction to the oil spike due to the Libyan violence?
I think it’s more of the latter; oil spikes have a history of getting in the way of economic stability and growth. And with Libya in the midst of a violent political struggle, concerns about oil supplies have come front and center for the first time in … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

“Geopolitical Unrest…worried About The Domino Effect”

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 11:00 AM PST

02/23/2011 HudsonView Captal Management’s Cort Gwon weighs in on geopolitical risk, volatility and M&A … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Retail Bears Abound

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 10:58 AM PST

Retail bears abound
Today’s tickers: XRT, IMAX, ADSK & OI
SPDR S&P Retail ETF (XRT) – Options traders are positioning for shares in the Retail ETF to fall substantially in the coming months. Massive bearish bets popped up on the XRT in the first half of the trading session with shares slipping further from last week’s new highs. The familiar outline of a put butterfly spread unfurled in the March contract, but was preceded by a large debit put spread initiated in the April contract … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Forex Trading: EURUSD Falls But Not For Long

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 10:53 AM PST

The EURUSD has moved below the 100 bar MA on a number of occassions today but each dip below the line (blue line in the chart) has found buyers.  A dip below the trendline/38.2% retracement and the 200 bar MA at the 1.3721-26 level will be needed to turn bias back to the … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Existing Home Sales Rise

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 10:35 AM PST

In January, existing home sales ran at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.36 million. That pace is 2.7% higher than in December, and 5.3% above the year-ago rate.

The year-ago rate of 5.09 million was depressed as everyone was rushing to get the deals done in November 2009 before they thought the first time buyer tax credit would expire. The tax credit was unexpectedly extended (and expanded) at the last minute. Thus, take the year-over-year rise with a grain of salt.

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

Honda To Fix A Million Fit

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 10:35 AM PST

Honda Motor Co. (NYSE:HMC) plans to recall about a million unit of its five-door hatchback subcompact car, Fit, in the U.S. The recall will fix problems with their lost motion springs.
Lost motion spring, a component within the engine's valve train, is a type of Variable valve actuation (VVA) system that is used to alter the shape or timing of a valve lift event within an internal combustion engine. The timing, duration and lifting of these valves have a significant impact on the engine … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Forex – AUD/USD Down In U.S. Trade

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 10:35 AM PST

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

AUD/USD was trading at 0.9983, down 0.06% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 0.9967, Tuesday's low, and resistance at 1.0157, Friday's high.

Meanwhile, the Australian Dollar was down against the Euro and the Japanese Yen, with EUR/AUD gaining 0.70% to hit 1.3761 and AUD/JPY falling 0.34% to hit … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

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

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 10:00 AM PST

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

NZD/USD was trading at 0.7444, down 0.27% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 0.7434, Tuesday's low, and resistance at 0.7657, Friday's high.

Meanwhile, the New Zealand Dollar was down against the Australian Dollar and the Euro, with AUD/NZD gaining 0.33% to hit 1.3423 and EUR/NZD rising 0.97% to hit … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

European Markets Close Lower; Dax Down 1.69%

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 09:55 AM PST

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

At the close of European trade, Germany's DAX fell 1.69%, London's FTSE 100 shed 1.22%, France's CAC 40 declined 0.92% and the EURO STOXX 50 was down 0.95%.

Meanwhile, on Wall Street, equity markets were down after the open. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 0.93%; the S&P 500 index shed 0.95%, while the Nasdaq 100 index declined … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

As A Share Of Income, Clothing And Footwear In U.S. Are More Affordable Today Than Ever Before

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 09:31 AM PST

Americans spent almost $338.1 billion on clothing and footwear in 2010 (data here), which as a share of disposable personal income (data here), was the lowest ever in U.S. history, at only 2.97%. Spending on clothing as a share of income has fallen in 21 out of the last 23 years, from 4.78% in 1988 to less than 3% in both 2009 and 2010. Compared to 1950 when spending on clothing was 9% of income, spending last year was less than one-third that amount, and compared to spending on clothing of 6% … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Dollar Declines Again On Rally In Crude Prices

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 09:30 AM PST

02/23/11 The US dollar continued its steady slide this session following another day of gains in front month crude … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Bank Of Namibia Holds Rate At 6.00%

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 09:07 AM PST

The Executive Committee of the Bank of Namibia held the Repo Rate unchanged at 6.00% as it looked to balance risks to the economic recovery against rising inflation risks. Namibia saw inflation of 3.5% in January, up slightly from 3.1% in December, however prices are likely to come under upward pressure due to rising commodity prices globally; particularly food and energy prices. The Bank noted that the Namibian economy grew 4.6% during 2010; with the primary sector contributing strongly to … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Bank Of Mauritius Hikes Reserve Ratio 100bps To 7%

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 08:58 AM PST

The Central Bank of Mauritius lifted the minimum cash reserve ratio on banks’ deposits by 100 basis points to 7% from 6% previously in order to mop-up excess liquidity. The Bank also increased the minimum cash reserve ratio on any day during the “maintenance period” 50 basis points to 5% from 4.5%. Mauritius recorded inflation of 6.4% year-on-year in January, up from 6.1% in December according to the the Central Statistics Office. The Bank of Mauritius last left its repo rate on hold at … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates
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