Wednesday, March 16, 2011

DailyMarkets.com - Assurant Maintained At Neutral

DailyMarkets.com - Assurant Maintained At Neutral

Assurant Maintained At Neutral

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 06:10 PM PDT

We are maintaining our Neutral recommendation on shares of Assurant Inc. (NYSE:AIZ), following the release of fourth quarter and fiscal 2010 results.
Assurant's fourth quarter 2010 earnings were fairly ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate, led by improved performances at the Health and Employee Benefit segments, partially offset by lower operating income from Solutions and Specialty Property.
The top line at Assurant Solutions, which constitutes the largest percentage of total revenues, grew … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Praxair Announces Price Escalation

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 06:05 PM PDT

Praxair Inc. (NYSE:PX) recently announced increases in product prices, facility fees/monthly basic charges and other items.
Prices of nitrogen, oxygen, argon, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide have gone by 15%, helium soared by 20% and facility fees or monthly basic charges and cylinder rental rates by 15%. Prices of equipment and consumables were raised upto 6%. The price rise, which went into effect yesterday, will be applicable to the bulk and packaged industrial and medical gas customers in … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Abaxis Remains Neutral

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 06:05 PM PDT

We recently reiterated our 'Neutral' recommendation on Abaxis Inc. (NASDAQ:ABAX) with a target price of $28.
Abaxis reported an EPS of 17 cents in the third quarter of fiscal 2011, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by a penny but beating the year-ago quarter's 15 cents.
Net sales in the third quarter increased 16% year over year to $35.9 million, almost in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate. The growth was fueled by a 21% increase in sales to $30.1 million in North America … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

EBay Going After Sellers

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 06:05 PM PDT

eBay Inc. (NASDAQ:EBAY) announced a couple of initiatives for buyers in an attempt to improve the traffic to its online marketplace. Sellers will now be able to list up to 50 items for free. They will also be eligible for lower charges when they allow free shipping to customers.
In the past, eBay faced a lot of criticism from sellers for announcing a seller rating system that effectively enabled buyers to identify those sellers that offered them a better experience, including free shipping.
While … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Medtronic Strikes Deal With Nile

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 06:05 PM PDT

Medtronic (NYSE:MDT) recently entered into an agreement with Nile Therapeutics for the latter's proprietary peptide 'cenderitide', which is meant to treat heart failure and renal disease. Medtronic will provide adequate funding and offer its drug-device expertise to carry out Nile's phase I clinical trial which is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2012.
In this trial peptide will be delivered to the patients with the help of Medtronic diabetes pump technology. The financial … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Hasbro-Jagex Team Up

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 05:25 PM PDT

Hasbro Inc. (NYSE:HAS) recently sealed a deal with Jagex Limited to jointly develop a new online game based on the Transformers brand.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Per the agreement, the two companies will launch the Transformers online game in North America, Latin America, Europe, New Zealand and Australia in 2012.
UK-based Jagex is one of the largest independent game developers and publishers in the world with millions playing more than 40 online games that it offers. Jagex … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

LSI Sells Storage Business

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 05:25 PM PDT

LSI Corporation (NYSE:LSI) recently signed an agreement to sell its external storage systems business to NetApp, Inc. (NASDAQ:NTAP) for $480 million in cash.
The storage business generated revenues of $705 million in 2010. LSI Corp will however retain the RAID adapter business, which develops MegaRAID and 3ware storage controllers and software for direct-attached storage environments.  
Under the terms of the agreement, NetApp will purchase substantially all of the LSI external storage systems … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Shell To Raise Volumes, Cut Costs

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 05:05 PM PDT

At its annual strategy update, energy major Royal Dutch Shell PLC (RDS.A) unveiled its business policy. In particular, the company outlined plans to increase production 12% by 2014, while continuing to restructure its downstream operations that have been struggling with weak demand. 
According to the oil behemoth, these initiatives are expected to improve the organization's efficiency and sharply boost cash flow from operations.
Shell will now focus on growth in its exploration and … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

EQT Corporation Still Neutral

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 05:05 PM PDT

We maintain our neutral recommendation on EQT Corporation (NYSE:EQT) following its impressive fourth-quarter 2010 results, significant resource potential in the Appalachia Basin, accelerating Marcellus growth trend as well as low-cost structure.
The company registered impressive fourth-quarter 2010 results, marked by higher production volumes, gathering & processing volumes and higher natural gas liquid (NGL) prices. However, the results were partially offset by the lower realized natural gas … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Forex – EUR/USD Down In Asian Trade

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 05:05 PM PDT

Forex Pros – The Euro was lower against the U.S. Dollar on Thursday.

EUR/USD was trading at 1.3890, down 0.07% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 1.3856, Tuesday's low, and resistance at 1.4013, Tuesday's high.

Meanwhile, the Euro was up against the British Pound and down against the Japanese Yen, with EUR/GBP gaining 0.13% to hit 0.8686 and EUR/JPY falling 0.60% to hit … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Life Technologies Heads East

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 04:40 PM PDT

For the past few quarters, Life Technologies (LIFE) has been focusing on the emerging markets and the Asia Pacific region. To further strengthen its foothold in the Asian market, the company recently opened a regional distribution hub in Singapore. Through this, Life Technologies will be able to target India, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea, South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Asia Pacific, one of the key focus areas of the company, recorded more than 15% growth in sales in 2010.
Life … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Goldman Might Vend Litton

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 04:40 PM PDT

The Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (NYSE:GS) is looking for strategic options for its mortgage-servicing subsidiary, Litton Loan Servicing, which includes a possible sale, The New York Times reported on Tuesday.
Goldman might make a decision to sell its subsidiary as the mortgage-servicing industry is under greater scrutiny for their foreclosure practices.
The unit was acquired in 2007 for $428 million from Credit-Based Asset Servicing and Securitization LLC, known as C-BASS, a subprime mortgage … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Earnings Preview: FedEx

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 04:35 PM PDT

FedEx Corporation (NYSE:FDX), the world’s second-largest package delivery company, is slated to release its third quarter 2011 earnings on March 17, before the market opens.
The current Zacks Consensus Estimate for the third quarter is 83 cents, representing an 8.75% annualized growth. 
FedEx had negative surprises of 0.83% and 11.45% in the last two quarters (first and second quarters, respectively). The third quarter is also expected to be dampened by high fuel costs and severe winter … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Auxilium Pharma In Neutral Lane

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 04:35 PM PDT

We recently reiterated our Neutral recommendation on specialty biopharmaceutical company Auxilium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:AUXL). Auxilium Pharma is engaged in the development and marketing of products that focus on urology and sexual health. Auxilium Pharma has two US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved products in its portfolio – Testim and Xiaflex (EU trade name: Xiapex).
The company recently reported a fourth quarter loss of 34 cents per share, wider than the year-ago loss of 25 … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Big Lots In Neutral Lane

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 04:35 PM PDT

Recently, Big Lots Inc. (NYSE:BIG) posted fourth-quarter 2010 earnings of $1.46 per share, which outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.38 and surged 11.5% from $1.31 last year.
Total revenue rose 3.8% to $1,518.9 million, which came ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1,515.0 million.
The company saw a high demand for discretionary products during the fourth-quarter 2010. However, this was offset by sluggish demand for consumables merchandise, the category in which the company … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Forex – USD/JPY Down During Asian Trade

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 04:15 PM PDT

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

USD/JPY was trading at 78.69, down 1.14% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 76.41, today's low, and resistance at 83.30, Friday's high.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Dollar was down against the Euro and up against the British Pound, with EUR/USD gaining 0.15% to hit 1.3921 and GBP/USD falling 0.05% to hit … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

MoneyGram Expands In Malaysia

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 03:55 PM PDT

Yesterday MoneyGram International Inc. (NYSE:MGI) announced its plans to expand its presence in Malaysia, where the company already functions in over 600 locations with the leading Maybank and other non-bank agents such as International Money Express (58 locations), Prabu Money Transfer (30 locations) and EZ Money Express (5 locations in Sabah). Meanwhile, SMJ is also expected to add 5 locations in Sabah.
MoneyGram initiated its money transfer operations in Malaysia in 2007 with the swiftly … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Eastman Kodak Completed Notes Issue

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 03:55 PM PDT

Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE:EK) successfully completed the issue of senior secured notes of $250 million, in a private placement to qualified institutional buyers as per Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933.
The interest rate for the senior notes was set at 10.625% per year, with maturity in 2019.
Eastman Kodak plans to use $200 million of the sale proceeds from the issue for general corporate purposes and the remainder for repurchasing 7.25% senior notes due 2013. Consequently, Eastman … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

VeriSign Remains Neutral

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 03:55 PM PDT

We recently reiterated our Neutral recommendation on VeriSign, Inc. (NASDAQ:VRSN). VeriSign provides essential Internet infrastructure services to companies, service providers and website owners.
Earnings estimates for 2011 have more or less been static in the last 30 days as the company reported roughly in line results for the fourth quarter. The current Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2011 is $1.33, down by a penny in 60 days.  Nevertheless, estimates for 2012 have increased by 4 … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Wyndham Grand Enters Middle East

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 03:55 PM PDT

Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE:WYN) recently announced its plan to debut a Wyndham Grand Hotel in the Middle East.
Currently operating as the Grand Regency Doha, the re-launched hotel will be owned by Regency Group Holding and managed by Wyndham Hotel Management. The 246-room Wyndham Grand Regency Doha is expected to open under the brand of Wyndham Grand in spring 2011.
Apart from this hotel, Wyndham's managed hotel portfolio in Europe and the Middle East includes the Wyndham Grand London … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Marriot Remains Neutral

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 03:55 PM PDT

We are maintaining our Neutral recommendation on Marriott International Inc. (NYSE:MAR), a leading worldwide hospitality company that primarily focuses on property management and franchising.
Marriott reported fourth quarter 2010 adjusted earnings of 39 cents per share, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 36 cents. The results were driven by stronger corporate and leisure demand, resulting in a higher average daily room rate.
Total revenue was $3.64 billion, up 8% year over year and … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Wireless Carriers Offer Free Calls To Japan

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 03:55 PM PDT

03/16/11 Wireless and landline telecommunications companies are offering free phone calls and SMS messages to … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Why You Must Consider Volatility When Trading With The TICK

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 03:42 PM PDT

If you're an intraday user of the NYSE TICK – a powerful market internal – you must accommodate current market volatility into your trading decisions.  If you don't do so, you're likely to get in trouble.
Why?
Let's take another look at the NYSE TICK and how it changes over time depending on the volatility of the current market:

What we're seeing is the SPY (or just as easily could be the S&P 500) overlaid with the NYSE TICK ($TICK) which I frequently show in blog posts … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Veolia Finds Allies For VIA Program

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 03:35 PM PDT

Veolia Environnement (NYSE:VE) announced that it has entered into alliances with some of the most innovative startups in the cleantech sector through its Veolia Innovation Accelerator ("VIA") program. Veolia had launched this program a year back to encourage innovation in eco technologies.
Veolia’s VIA program approaches to achieve its goal in three steps. First, the program aims to detect emerging technologies through a network of partnerships with universities, institutes and … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Costliest Aussie Office Mkt: Perth?

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 03:35 PM PDT

According to a report published by CB Richard Ellis Group Inc. (NYSE:CBG), the world's largest commercial real estate services company (on the basis of 2010 revenues), the city of Perth on the Western coast of Australia would outshine Sydney as the most expensive office market in the country by 2015.
Perth has long been a home to some of the leading mining firms of Australia, and with the current commodities boom driven by the rapid strides in industrialization and urbanization in China and … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

DISH Network Finally Gets DBSD

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 03:35 PM PDT

DISH Network Corp. (NASDAQ:DISH), the second largest satellite-TV operator in the U.S., yesterday received an approval from a U.S. bankruptcy court to acquire a 100% stake of DBSD North America Inc.
At present, DBSD is under bankruptcy and is reorganizing its businesses. DBSD is a hybrid satellite and terrestrial communication service provider.
In the previous month, DISH Network initiated a bid to fully acquire DBSD for around $1 billion. However, within a few days, two large private equity firms, … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Celanese Increases EVA Prices

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 03:35 PM PDT

Effective April 15, 2011, Celanese EVA Performance Polymers Inc., a subsidiary  of specialty material company Celanese Corp. (NYSE:CE), will increase the price of all grades of Ateva Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) by 8 cents per pound and all grades of LDPE by 6 cents per pound.
Earlier, Celanese had announced that it will expand EVA capacity by up to 15% in the second half of 2011 at its Edmonton manufacturing facility, driven by strong growth in strategic and high-value segments.
With … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Forex – NZD/USD Down In Asian Trade

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 03:35 PM PDT

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

NZD/USD was trading at 0.7185, down 1.33% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 0.7118, today's low, and resistance at 0.7456, Friday's high.

Meanwhile, the New Zealand Dollar was down against the Australian Dollar and the Euro, with AUD/NZD gaining 0.87% to hit 1.3626 and EUR/NZD rising 1.54% to hit … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

US Dollar – Failed Daily Cycle Confirmed

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 03:23 PM PDT

Well, that was fast.  This daily cycle for the US Dollar topped on Day 4 and just minutes ago it traded below the 76.12 level that would represent a failed daily cycle.

And today is just Day 8.

The implication, of course, is that the dollar is indeed going to be heading south for some time and that is just what we need to fuel the final parabolic of gold and silver.

Click on the chart to … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

The Day Ahead: US CPI, Jobless Claims, Industrial Production, Leading Indicators, Philadelphia Fed Survey

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 10:20 AM PDT

03/16/11 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

Hot Option Plays: Contagion Is The Word Of The Day 03-16-11

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 03:18 PM PDT

Cusick's Corner
Crisis, big volume, and the market finished right off the lows as we enter into Expiration. This is going to add some fuel (as I noted in the Midday) because there are a lot of strategists who were short puts (long delta & short gamma), who are now selling the underlying to hedge. This is ramping up the downside and as the time ticks, the reality of assignment nears as depressed prices are now upon the market. CPI data will also add some additional fuel on the fire, … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Watson Remains Neutral

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 03:10 PM PDT

We recently reaffirmed our Neutral stance on Watson Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NYSE:WPI) following the release of fourth quarter and fiscal year 2010 financial results. Quarterly earnings of 93 cents per share were in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate and 8 cents above the year-ago earnings.
Revenues increased 21.2% to $952.7 million, mainly due to the strong performance of the generics business. Fourth quarter revenues surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $921 million.
For full year 2010, … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

CME Restated At Neutral

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 03:10 PM PDT

Yesterday, we reiterated our recommendation on CME Group Inc. (NASDAQ:CME) at Neutral based on the critical sustainability factor. The company's fourth quarter earnings missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate on higher operating, interest and tax expenses coupled with reduced average rate per contract. However, earnings were higher over the prior-year period on considerable top-line growth.
CME Group continues to post modest average volumes with significant growth across the entire product spectrum. … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

EBay Going After Sellers

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 03:10 PM PDT

Zacks has removed this article. Thank you
 
AMAZON.COM INC (AMZN): Free Stock Analysis … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Neutral On Dow Chemicals

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 03:10 PM PDT

We maintain a Neutral recommendation on chemical giant The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE:DOW).
Dow continues to deliver cost synergies from the Rohm & Haas (ROH) acquisition, which is expected to consolidate the higher margin and higher growth specialty businesses while reducing volatility in earnings and cash flow.
Joint ventures and acquisitions are integral parts of Dow's growth strategy. They provide access to potential markets, new technologies and feedstock, while at the same time … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

IFF’s 1Q And Long-term Outlook

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 03:10 PM PDT

International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (NYSE:IFF) disclosed its long-term business strategy and financial objectives at its Investor meeting in New York City.
The flavors and fragrances creator entered the first quarter of 2011 on a strong note and expects earnings per share growth to exceed 10%, attributed to strong sales growth and cost discipline. For the full fiscal year 2011, operating margin is expected to approach the company's previous long-term target of 18%.
The company … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Metronic’s New Annuloplasty Ring

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 03:06 PM PDT

Leading medical devices maker Medtronic (NYSE:MDT) has launched Contour 3D Annuloplasty Ring globally to treat tricuspid valve disease. With this device, the surgeons will be able to remodel the natural valve's shape and size and restore the normal functioning of the valve.
This segment holds huge potential as Tricuspid dilation is the most common form of heart disease in today's world leading to severe tricuspid regurgitation. At present Medtronic has got the approval for this new … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Parkinson’s Drug Fares Well In Study

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 03:05 PM PDT

GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE:GSK) recently presented positive top-line data on its Parkinson's disease candidate, IPX066, from a phase III study. Results from the ADVANCE-Parkinson's Disease (ADVANCE-PD) study showed a 37% decrease in “off-time” in the IPX066 arm compared to a 17% decrease in the immediate-release (IR) carbidopa-levodopa (CD-LD) arm. IPX066 is an extended release (ER) version of CD-LD.
The primary endpoint of the study was the percentage of "off time" during waking hours. The … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Neutral On Merck

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 03:05 PM PDT

We recently reiterated our Neutral recommendation on Merck (NYSE:MRK) following the release of fourth quarter and 2010 results. Merck reported fourth quarter 2010 earnings per share of 88 cents, 5 cents above the Zacks Consensus Estimate and 9 cents above the year-ago earnings. Revenues for the quarter climbed 20% to $12.1 billion, above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $11.5 billion. Products like Januvia, Janumet, Singulair, Isentress and Remicade performed well during the quarter.
Full year 2010 … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

PepsiCo Forms JV With Strauss

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 03:05 PM PDT

PepsiCo, Inc. (NYSE:PEP) and Strauss Group entered an agreement to form a joint venture partnership to primarily produce and sell fresh dips and spreads in key markets outside North America. Since 2007, the two companies have operated a successful North American joint venture under the Sabra brand.
Sabra is a top brand of hummus and is also a leader in the chilled dips and spreads category. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The new joint venture focuses primarily focuses to … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Earnings Scorecard: Western Refining

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 03:05 PM PDT

Earlier this month, independent oil refiner and marketer Western Refining Inc. (NYSE:WNR) announced its financial results for the fourth-quarter and year-end 2010.
Now that the analysts have had some time to ponder over the quarterly performance of Western Refining, they are weighing their estimate revisions. Below we cover the results of the recent earnings announcement, subsequent analyst estimate revisions and Zacks ratings for the outlook.
Earnings Review
On March 3, 2011, Western Refining … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Cosan Offers 37% Less For Zanin

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 03:05 PM PDT

Sugar and ethanol producer, Cosan Limited (NYSE:CZZ) revised down its offering to R$90.0 million from R$142 million offered earlier for acquiring equity interests of its rival sugarcane producer, Usina Zanin Açúcar e Álcool Ltda. (Zanin).
This revision was brought about by adjustments in working capital and deduction of liabilities and contingencies. In addition to the transaction value agreed upon, Cosan will also assume debt amounting to R$240 million. Cosan intends to use available cash to … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Volcano Reaffirmed At Neutral

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 03:05 PM PDT

Recently, we reaffirmed our Neutral recommendation on Volcano Corporation (NASDAQ:VOLC) with a target price of $25.00.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, Volcano reported break-even earnings on an adjusted basis compared to an EPS of 3 cents, according to the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Revenues increased 14.4% annually to reach $81.2 million during the quarter with strong growth in IVUS and FM single-procedure disposables. Revenues were higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $78 … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Noble’s Gulf Permit

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 03:05 PM PDT

Noble Energy Inc. (NYSE:NBL) has received the necessary permit to resume drilling at the Santiago prospect in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico. The start of activity in the Gulf of Mexico removes a major concern for Noble Energy and other companies operating in the region, which include Anadarko Petroleum Corp. (NYSE:APC) and Murphy Oil Corp. (NYSE:MUR).
Drilling operations in the Gulf of Mexico were suspended in June 2010 as the federal government placed a deepwater drilling moratorium in the Gulf. The … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Core-Mark Misses On Lower Margins

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 03:05 PM PDT

San Francisco, California-based Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc. (NASDAQ:CORE) recently posted fourth quarter 2010 adjusted earnings of 50 cents, which was lower than both the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 56 cents and the year-ago performance of 53 cents. The lower-than-expected results were due to margin contraction.
Core-Mark, a distributor of packaged consumer products to the retail industry, reported net sales of $1.65 million, up 12.4% from the prior-year quarter. The upside in revenue … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

ReneSola Issues Notes

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 03:05 PM PDT

ReneSola Ltd. (NYSE:SOL) closed its offering of $175 million of convertible senior notes to qualified institutional buyers. The aforementioned notes are convertible into ReneSola’s American Depositary Shares (ADSs), at an initial conversion rate of 94.8114 ADSs per $1,000 principal amount of the notes (equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $10.55 per ADS).
The notes will accrue interest at an annual rate of 4.125%. Interest on the notes will be payable semi-annually in arrears … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

CBI In Kearl Oil Sands Project

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 03:05 PM PDT

Chicago Bridge & Iron Company N.V. (NYSE:CBI) won an engineering, procurement and construction contract for the Kearl oil sands project in Alberta, Canada.
The contract was from Imperial Oil Resources and involves more than $900 million of work to be executed by Chicago Bridge & Iron, of which $500 million of expansion work was booked before 2011.
The company's work on the project is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2012, involving EPC work of the bitumen extraction plant … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Discover Upped To Outperform

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 03:05 PM PDT

On the back of strong fourth quarter results, we recently upgraded Discover Financial Services (NYSE:DFS) to Outperform.
The company reported a strong fourth quarter on the heels of loan loss reserve releases as well as gains from the payments business, which also drove the credit card sales volumes. Results outshined the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 22 cents.
Additionally, Discover expects its credit card sales volume to increase with the improvement in consumer spending trends. Discover card … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Trade Ideas For Thursday, March 17

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 02:55 PM PDT

( click to enlarge )

eBay Inc. (NASDAQ:EBAY) closed slightly below the lower channel trend-line. The stock needs to bounce back from this crucial trendline support levels to remain in a channel which it is maintaining since July 2010.

( click to enlarge )

EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering (NASDAQ:EXFO) continues showing bearish divergences in the daily chart, although 50 SMA continues guiding the movement, acting as dynamic support now around $10.37. The near-term trend is bearish and the stock … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Closing Bell Market Monitor: LEN, TM, AAPL

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 02:45 PM PDT

03/16/11 The latest in news, commentary, and information on what’s moving the US equities … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Analyst Interviews: Coal Industry Outlook

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 02:35 PM PDT

The outlook for the coal industry has taken a turn after the long spell of weakness experienced in 2008 and 2009, driven by several powerful trends in the U.S. and Asia. Recent economic indicators suggest that the U.S. economy is regaining its stability, and sees a rebound in various industries — the coal industry being one of them. The emerging situation in Japan that has given the nuclear industry a black eye also is a net positive for the coal industry.

The World Bank estimates global … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Montpelier Lowered To Underperform

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 02:35 PM PDT

We recently downgraded Montpelier Re Holdings (NYSE:MRH) to Underperform on apprehensions that the current pricing environment in the primary insurance market and the stressed economy would restrict top-line growth.
Additionally, there exists execution risk with the newer platforms, and we expect investment yields to remain under pressure in the near term. 
Montpelier is experiencing weakness in its commercial property book. Its ability to sustain the level of price improvements seen in 2009 … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Equinix Expands In Paris

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 02:35 PM PDT

Leading data center solutions provider Equinix Inc. (NASDAQ:EQIX) announced the construction of its fourth International Business Exchange (IBX) data center, PA4, in the Paris metropolitan area.
The expansion will strengthen the company's footprint in Europe and serve the growing demand for interconnection and colocation services in Paris and across Europe.
The company expects to add a total of 4500 cabinets by 2012. The construction will be in three phases, with the first phase aimed at building … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Rough February For The Housing Market

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 09:30 AM PDT

03/16/11 In another sign of rough times for the US housing market, February housing starts fell to their lowest level in 2 years, dropping … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Human Genome Evenly Poised

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 02:05 PM PDT

We are maintaining our Neutral recommendation on Human Genome Sciences Inc. (NASDAQ:HGSI) with a target price of $29.00.
Human Genome Sciences, Inc., founded in 1992 and based in Rockville, Maryland, is a biopharmaceutical company. The US approval of Benlysta in March 2011 for treating patients suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus is a huge positive for Human Genome. The drug, which has blockbuster potential, has been co-developed with GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE:GSK). Benlysta is expected to hit the … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Starbucks To Buy Peet’s?

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 02:05 PM PDT

Starbucks Corp. (NASDAQ:SBUX) is reportedly in talks on buyout of the coffee roaster and retailer Peet's Tea and Coffee Inc. (NASDAQ:PEET). Though there have been no reports of any formal announcements regarding any merger or acquisitions from either companies, the analysts and industry sources claiming familiarity with Starbucks anticipate the takeover of the Emeryville, California-based Peet's specialty coffee retailer and roaster by Starbucks.
Peet's suffered a setback after Starbucks entered … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

The Economics Of Money

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 02:05 PM PDT

With a physical product, if the price of something goes up, the more suppliers will want to supply it and the less consumers will want to consume it. This is the premise behind the most famous graph in all of economics, what I like to call the Big X of an upward sloping supply curve and a downward sloping demand curve. Anyone who ever took Econ 101 probably came across that on the first day of class.

What happens if there is some external force that sets the price above the intersection of the … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

First Cash Raises 2011 Outlook

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 02:05 PM PDT

Arlington, Texas-based First Cash Financial Services Inc (FCFS) increased its 2011 earnings guidance to between $2.12 and $2.20 from the previous range of $2.02 to $2.10, reflecting year-over-year growth of 28% to 33%.
The pawn and payday lender boosted its outlook on better-than-expected quarter-to-date results driven by strength across all its operating markets and sectors and improving economic trends for the remaining year. Additionally, the company also acquired six pawn stores … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

10-Year History Of PPI Inflation: Is There A Case?

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 02:03 PM PDT

The BLS released data today on the Producer Price Index for February.  Looking at the 10-year history in the graph above of annual price increases for the major components of the Producer Price Index, it seems like it would be hard to make a really strong case for producer price inflation.  The crude material component of the PPI is falling, and the other other components have turned up a little bit recently at annual rates, but are still below the levels in 2007, and about the same … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

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

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 01:55 PM PDT

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

EUR/USD was trading at 1.3898, down 0.73% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 1.3753, Friday's low, and resistance at 1.4013, Tuesday's high.

Meanwhile, the Euro was down against the British Pound and the Japanese Yen, with EUR/GBP shedding 0.42% to hit 0.8670 and EUR/JPY falling 1.87% to hit … [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: 16 Mar 2011 01:40 PM PDT

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

USD/JPY was trading at 79.80, down 1.14% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 79.75, today's low, and resistance at 83.30, Friday's high.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Dollar was up against the Euro and the British Pound, with EUR/USD shedding 0.73% to hit 1.3897 and GBP/USD falling 0.31% to hit … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Time Warner Cable To Boost IPad

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 01:35 PM PDT

Time Warner Cable Inc. (NYSE:TWC), the second-largest cable operator in the U.S., is launching new software that supports iPad applications to view live TV.
The application allows subscribers to enjoy live cable television viewing on the iPad while at home. Initially, the application will support thirty high definition cable channels but later more channels will be included.
But there are few drawbacks relating to the smooth functioning of the application. Firstly, the new application can only be … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

TECO Energy Down To Neutral

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 01:35 PM PDT

We have downgraded our rating on TECO Energy Inc. (NYSE:TE) to Neutral from Outperform. The downgrade takes into account higher production costs at the energy utility's coal division, along with uncertainty regarding the timing of an economic recovery in Florida.
The positive catalysts for the company include its stable regulated utility operations, solid utility cost management and a high dividend yield. TECO's improved balance sheet stands to gain from regular debt repayments.
However, … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

IBM Expands Ops In Mexico

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 01:35 PM PDT

International Business Machines Corp. (NYSE:IBM) announced the opening of its first IBM Innovation Center in Mexico, marking IBM's centennial anniversary and its prolonged presence in the country for 84 years. Further, IBM is set to launch its Global Entrepreneur program, which enables the local entrepreneurs to access IBM's resources and expertise without any costs for rolling out their respective products in the market.
The innovation center in Mexico is an addition to IBM's global network … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

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

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 01:25 PM PDT

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

EUR/USD was trading at 1.3891, down 0.77% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 1.3753, Friday's low, and resistance at 1.4013, Tuesday's high.

Meanwhile, the Euro was down against the British Pound and the Japanese Yen, with EUR/GBP shedding 0.40% to hit 0.8672 and EUR/JPY falling 1.87% to hit … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

U.S. Markets Close Lower; Dow Jones Down 2.04%

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 01:10 PM PDT

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 2.04%, the S&P 500 index shed 1.95%, while the Nasdaq 100 index declined 2.51%.

Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, European stock markets closed lower. France's CAC 40 was down 2.23%; Germany's DAX shed 2.01%; Britain's FTSE 100 declined 1.70%; and the EURO STOXX 50 fell … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Gold And Silver In A Pullback To Test Bearish Intent

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 01:09 PM PDT

Gold and Silver Extend Corrections (3/15)
Gold (XAU/USD)

- After yesterday's sharp decline, gold is taking a breather. It looks like it is in a rising wedge pattern.
- The market is breaking below it, but that does not mean the correction or pullback is over. If the market closes below 1380, we can be in a downswing towards 1360 area (61.8% retracement). We should expect some support there.
- The current rally should stay below 1410, 1413 (61.8% retracement) if a bearish swing is to … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Pepsi Develops Renewable PET

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 01:05 PM PDT

PepsiCo Inc. (NYSE:PEP) has developed the world’s first entirely plant-based PET plastic bottle. This new bottle is made of fully renewable resources, thereby enabling the company to manufacture a beverage container with significantly reduced carbon footprint.
PepsiCo’s green bottle is 100% recyclable and outpaces all the existing industry technologies. This new bottle is made out of bio-based raw materials, such as switch grass, pine bark and corn husks.
The company expects to further broaden its … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

DENTSPLY Withdraws Guidance

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 01:05 PM PDT

Leading dental products maker DENTSPLY International (NASDAQ:XRAY) has withdrawn its earnings forecast for fiscal 2011, triggered by the uncertainties over the impact of the dire situation in Japan, following the ravaging quake and subsequent Tsunami, on the company's business. In its fourth quarter earnings call in February 2011, the Pennsylvania-based company projected earnings per share in a band of $2.00 to $2.08 for 2011.
DENTSPLY is among the medical technology firms that were badly hit by … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Xcel Energy Seeks Project Approval

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 01:05 PM PDT

Xcel Energy Inc. (NYSE:XEL) is seeking the approval of Minnesota regulators for closing down the last two coal-burning units (Units 3 and 4) at its Black Dog plant in Burnsville, Minnesota, to receive a "certificate of need" for the project.
The company plans to repower these coal-fired units by replacing them with natural gas-burning units. The Units 1 and 2 of the Black Dog plant have already been converted to natural gas combined-cycle operation in 2002.
Xcel Energy's repowering plan … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

The Great Deflation: Computer Prices

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 01:02 PM PDT

Matt Yglesias posted yesterday about the “falling price of computer power” and highlighted the chart above from this website showing falling prices for Apple products over the last five years.  

The chart below shows the downward trend in computer prices over a longer period of time using the BLS series “CPI: Personal Computers and Peripheral Equipment” (data here).  Compared to the CPI for Personal Computers of  129.4 in January 2006 when the iMac above was selling for … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

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

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 12:45 PM PDT

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

GBP/USD was trading at 1.6025, down 0.34% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 1.5978, Friday's low, and resistance at 1.6198, Monday's high.

Meanwhile, the British Pound was up against the Euro and down against the Japanese Yen, with EUR/GBP shedding 0.34% to hit 0.8676 and GBP/JPY falling 1.50% to hit … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

KeyCorp Downgraded

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 12:35 PM PDT

We are downgrading our recommendation on KeyCorp (NYSE:KEY) to Neutral from Outperform based on continued pressure on net interest margin and its inability to repay TARP money.
KeyCorp's fourth quarter 2010 net income from continuing operations of 33 cents per share substantially outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 13 cents. This also compared favorably with net loss from continuing operations of 30 cents in the prior-year quarter.
A strong capital position and continued improvement in … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Higher Feb Charge-offs Blot Citi

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 12:35 PM PDT

Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C) has reported an increase in credit card charge-offs in February. Charge-offs — balances that are uncollectible by the company and are subsequently written off — have increased to 7.95% on an annualized basis in February from 7.49% in January at Citi. The uptick in the charge-off rate reversed the declining trend that Citi witnessed in the last four months.
However, Citi's delinquency rate for loans due over 30 days inched down to 4.34% in February from 4.35% in … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Fomento Econ Stays Neutral

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 12:35 PM PDT

We reiterate our long-term Neutral recommendation on Fomento Econ (NYSE:FMX) with a target price of $59.00 per share.  Fomento (popularly called FEMSA) is the largest Coca-Cola bottler in Latin America and holds a 20% stake in Heineken, the third largest global brewer.
The company markets a strong portfolio of globally-recognized brands, including Coca-Cola, Ciel, Fanta, Sprite, Tecate, Sol, Carta and Blanca Indio. This provides a strong upside potential for the company.
Moreover, the company … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

03/16 FX Options Report

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 07:30 AM PDT

USD/JPY approached record lows, falling below the 80 level. Uncertainty over Japan’s nuclear crisis added to global risk … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Forex – USD/CAD Up In U.S. Trade

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 12:10 PM PDT

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

USD/CAD was trading at 0.9914, up 0.56% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 0.9705, Friday's low, and resistance at 0.9974, Tuesday's high.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Dollar was up against the Euro and the British Pound, with EUR/USD shedding 0.70% to hit 1.3901 and GBP/USD falling 0.38% to hit … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

America Movil Proposes Split

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 12:05 PM PDT

Latin American telecom giant America Movil S.A.B. (NYSE:AMX) announced a proposed 2:1 stock split and a cash dividend payment of 36 peso. Additionally, the company has also decided to increase its share repurchase fund from MXN$35 billion (approximately $2.92 billion) to MXN$85 billion (approximately $7.08 billion).  
The proposal for the above  will be submitted for shareholders approval on or before the company’s annual meeting, April 30, 2011. Accordingly, the dividend will be paid in … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Nucor Issues 1st Quarter Guidance

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 12:05 PM PDT

Steelmaker Nucor Corporation (NYSE:NUE) unveiled its guidance for the first quarter of 2011. The steelmaker forecasts earnings of 30 cents-35 cents per share for the quarter, compared with earnings of 10 cents per share in the same quarter of 2010 and a loss of 4 cents per share in the fourth quarter of 2010.
The projected results include a LIFO charge of $31 million, or 6 cents per diluted share, compared with a charge of $24 million or 5 cents per share in the first quarter of 2010.
The … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

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

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 11:45 AM PDT

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

EUR/USD was trading at 1.3901, down 0.70% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 1.3753, Friday's low, and resistance at 1.4013, Tuesday's high.

Meanwhile, the Euro was down against the British Pound and the Japanese Yen, with EUR/GBP shedding 0.36% to hit 0.8675 and EUR/JPY falling 1.42% to hit … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Invest In Cash-Rich Companies

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 11:40 AM PDT

With so much uncertainty in the world right now, there is a big temptation for people to curl up into the fetal position and retreat to cash. However, cash doesn't give you any return right now, and you miss the chance for the upside.

Here is a better idea: buy companies that are sitting on a lot of cash. What is “a lot” of cash? Clearly that is a relative number, not an absolute one. My definition of “a lot” of cash is cash and marketable securities which are at least 75% of the market … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

General Dynamics Crosses 1B Mark

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 11:35 AM PDT

General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:GD) said it has achieved the one billion mark of ammunition production for the U.S. Army’s Second Source Small Caliber Ammunition program. General Dynamics carries out the U.S. Army's program through its subsidiary General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems.
The Small Caliber Second Source program plays an important part in meeting the urgent needs of warfighters, and it continues to provide combat readiness of the Armed Forces.
General Dynamics was awarded … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

China Fire Incurs 4Q Loss

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 11:35 AM PDT

China Fire & Security Group Inc. (NASDAQ:CFSG) reported a loss per share of 8 cents in its fourth quarter, way short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of positive 23 cents and EPS of 10 cents in the year-ago quarter. Reported quarter EPS was hurt by lower-than-expected revenues and gross margins.
Revenues
Total revenue plunged 32.5% year over year to $11.4 million, failing to meet the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $26 million. Revenue from China Fire's product sales exhibited a growth in the … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Ford Recalls Windstars In China

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 11:35 AM PDT

Ford Motor Co. (NYSE:F) plans to recall 260 units of imported Windstar minivans in China in order to fix some connection problems. The problems may lead to loss of control of the vehicle.
Ford had already recalled Windstars twice since last year due to a corrosion-related problem. The first installment involved 575,000 units of the lineup. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had found that the rear axle of the vehicles appears to collect road slush in cold weather, leading to … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Forex Trading: USDJPY Tests 16 Year Low

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 11:33 AM PDT

The low from April 1995 was at 79.75. This level has been tested by the USDJPY today. The low coming in at … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Forex Trading: EURUSD Breaks And Moves Lower

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 11:26 AM PDT

The EURUSD has broken trendline support and the 100 hour MA at the 1.3909 level and further selling has ensued. The pair moves toward the low from yesterday at the  1.3854 level. The level also corresponds to the 61.8% of the move up from the March 10th low to the high (see chart below).

The daily chart is also showing support. The trendline off the low for 2011 comes in at the 1.3856 level.  A break below this trendline and the support off the hourly chart should solicit additional … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Housing Affordability Reaches All-Time High In Jan.

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 11:22 AM PDT

Rising prices for oil, gas and food are making those items less affordable these days, but housing is a different story – there’s probably never been a time when it’s been more affordable than today.  Data from the National Association of Realtors show that its composite Housing Affordability Index reached an historical high of 191 in January of this year.  Thanks mostly to falling home prices, a family with the median income of $61,533 had almost twice (191%) the income needed … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Hot Option Plays: Bears Come Out Of Hibernation

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 11:18 AM PDT

Cusick's Corner
If you are a Bear then you have come out of hibernation. The data, PPI and Housing, were worse than expected. Earlier today an EU atomic expert made a statement that the situation in Japan is "out of control". The headlines and data put this market on alert and rightfully so. This data concerns me because the consumer is going to have to be able to absorb these price increases, opening up the potential that they won't. This also put the Fed on notice that the Hawks are … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Forex – AUD/USD Down In U.S. Trade

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 11:15 AM PDT

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

AUD/USD was trading at 0.9773, down 1.38% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 0.9762, today's low, and resistance at 1.0159, Friday's high.

Meanwhile, the Australian Dollar was down against the Euro and the Japanese Yen, with EUR/AUD gaining 0.50% to hit 1.4198 and AUD/JPY falling 2.44% to hit … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

“Bad Day For Markets All The Way Around”

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 11:10 AM PDT

03/16/11 DME Securities’ Alan Valdes discusses US equities, and weighs in on Japan’s nuclear crisis and the geopolitical situation in the Middle … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Pipeline Setback For Regeneron

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 11:05 AM PDT

 Recently, the oncology pipeline at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:REGN) suffered a setback with its candidate aflibercept (VEGF Trap) failing in a late-stage study (VITAL; n= 913). The study evaluated the candidate as a second-line therapy for treating patients suffering from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
The candidate is being co-developed with Sanofi-Aventis (NYSE:SNY). Regeneron intends to present complete data from the study at an upcoming medical meeting.
Results from the … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Tata Motors Sales Up 18.4%

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 11:05 AM PDT

India's auto giant Tata Motors Ltd. (NYSE:TTM) posted an 18.4% rise in sales of wholesale vehicles to 102,411 units in February. Out of this, commercial vehicles, including Tata, Tata Daewoo and the Tata Hispano Carrocera, totaled 46,747 units, a growth of 10% from the prior year. Meanwhile, passenger vehicles totaled 55,664, up 18% from the same month in 2010.
Sales of Jaguar and Land Rover rose 26% to 21,653 units on the back of a 33% increase in sales of Land Rover models. Sales of Jaguar … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

European Markets Close Lower; Dax Down 2.01%

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 10:55 AM PDT

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

At the close of European trade, Germany's DAX fell 2.01%, London's FTSE 100 shed 1.70%, France's CAC 40 declined 2.23% and the EURO STOXX 50 was down 2.26%.

Meanwhile, on Wall Street, equity markets were down after the open. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 1.67%; the S&P 500 index shed 1.63%, while the Nasdaq 100 index declined … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Sense On Cents Will Return

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 10:46 AM PDT

I should have informed you that for a variety of reasons Sense on Cents will not have regular commentary again until March 24th.
The world remains filled with risks, many of them new and unsettling. From Japan to Bahrain to Libya to Europe and throughout the United States, our global economy has a host of issues. The most serious concerns clearly center on Japan. Let us all continue to hold all those directly and indirectly impacted by ongoing developments in Japan in our prayers.
I look … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

ACE Forecasts Catastrophe Losses

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 10:35 AM PDT

ACE Limited (NYSE:ACE) guided first quarter 2011 preliminary net after-tax losses from natural catastrophes to be $210 million, including reinstatement premiums. The total amount comprises $115 million attributable to the New Zealand earthquake, $80 million for the Australian floods and Cyclone Yasi, and $15 million for the U.S. winter storms.
Besides, the company estimates net after-tax losses from the recent Japanese earthquake to range between $200 million and $250 million.
ACE Limited recorded … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

HCP Updates 2011 Guidance

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 10:35 AM PDT

HCP, Inc. (NYSE:HCP), the largest medical real estate investment trust (REIT) in the U.S., has recently updated its guidance for full year 2011. The company presently expects fiscal 2011 FFO (fund from operations) before non-recurring items in the range of $2.62 to $2.68 per share, significantly up from the previous range of $2.58 to $2.64. Fund from operations, a widely used metric to gauge the performance of REITs, is obtained after adding depreciation and amortization and other non-cash … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Superior Industries Excels In 4Q

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 10:35 AM PDT

Superior Industries International Inc. (NYSE:SUP) reported a net income of $22.3 million or 82 cents per share in the fourth quarter of 2010 compared with a net loss of $3.9 million or 15 cents per share in the same quarter of 2009.
The net income for the quarter included an $859,000 gain from the settlement of forward natural gas contracts while the 2009 quarter was affected by a $4.8 million of severance and other non-impairment costs associated with plant closures and other workforce … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Bull Call Spreads Pop Up On Peet’s Coffee & Tea

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 10:25 AM PDT

Bull call spreads pop up on Peet’s Coffee & Tea
Today’s tickers: PEET, EWJ, ENDP & CVC
Peet’s Coffee & Tea, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEET) – Investors are constructing bullish positions on Peet’s Coffee & Tea today with shares in the name up 4.15% at $47.91 in early-afternoon trade. Speculation that Starbucks may be interested in acquiring Peet’s Coffee inspired a flurry of options activity on the stock following a DealReporter article regarding discussions between the two companies. It looks … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Forex Trading: USDCHF In Between Support And Resistance

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 10:15 AM PDT

AMGN & The Big Top – A Lesson On Triple Calendar Spreads

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 10:14 AM PDT

One of the characteristics of option trades that is particularly vexing to the new trader is the almost infinite variation in which individual options can be combined to produce a seemingly infinite array of choices. These combinations of the various individual options are more than a theoretical exercise; each individual combination often produces a unique Profit & Loss curve.
We have discussed previously the concept of a calendar spread. To review briefly, a calendar spread is constructed … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Forex Trading: EURUSD Runs Out Of Sellers In Nervous Trade

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 09:39 AM PDT

The markets remains very fluid but the EURUSD seems to have found buyers/run out sellers. The price fell sharply below trendline support and the 100 hour MA (see blue line in the chart above), but bounced back higher. The market price should have moved sharply lower on a break of such support. 
The rebound off the bottom moved the price back above the trendline.  The market has seen support buyers against the trendline again. That level comes in at the 1.3918 level currently (see … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Jeremy Metcalfe And The Coal Fired Future For Strategic Natural Resources

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 09:36 AM PDT

The small township of Indwe, 1,000km east across sparse South African landscape from Cape Town, holds more than a little romance for Jeremy Metcalfe. For the co-founder and communications director of AIM listed Strategic Natural Resources (LON:SNRP) the town is home to a project that promises to establish the company as a major coal producer in the country. However, look closer at the grid of streets that traverse Indwe and one name will stand out. It's the road that leads from the proposed … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Forex Trading: GBPUSD Moves Closer To Support/low In Volatile Trading

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 09:27 AM PDT

When the markets are volatile, you have to be more aware and prepared.  The GBPUSD has a double bottom near the 1.5976 level. The underside of the channel trendline comes in at 1.5983 currently. The combination gives a level that traders can lean against/take profit (for those who are short).  The risk is new lows.  Will it get there?  Currently, the price has some room before it hits the level, but being patient and aware is step one … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Forex Trading: USDJPY Breaks 80.00 And Snaps Back

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 09:19 AM PDT

The USDJPY falls below the 80.00 level but bounces.
The markets are on high alert. 
Retail traders must understand that the Bank of Japan may come in but it does not mean they will. You will be the last to know as well.  So RISK is … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Software Radio Technologies Wins Stockopedia’s Q1 2011 Web Investor Relations Innovation Award

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 03:55 AM PDT

Q1 2011 WEB INVESTOR RELATIONS INNOVATION AWARD

Regular readers of Stockopedia will know of our advocacy for the use of technology in order to address the problems of information asymmetry that exist in the capital markets. UK retail stock market investors get a very rough deal in terms of management and information access compared with their institutional cousins, and this disparity has – in our view at least – contributed to the culture of short term speculation, momentum investing and … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates
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