Thursday, March 24, 2011

DailyMarkets.com - Forex – GBP/JPY Down During The Asian Session

DailyMarkets.com - Forex – GBP/JPY Down During The Asian Session

Forex – GBP/JPY Down During The Asian Session

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 05:45 PM PDT

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

GBP/JPY was trading at 130.51, down 0.03% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 130.24, Thursday's low, and resistance at 132.99, Tuesday's high.

Meanwhile, the British Pound was down against the U.S. Dollar and the Euro, with GBP/USD shedding 0.05% to hit 1.6114 and EUR/GBP rising 0.03% to hit … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Capitalize On The Disconnect

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 05:43 PM PDT

In “Have Consumers Gone on Strike?” CNBC.com’s John Carney discusses an issue I’ve raised many times at Financial Armageddon: the disconnect between what people believe is happening with the economy and what is actually going on.
The economy may be in worse shape than many economists and businesses expect.
Orders for US durable goods—manufactured items expected to last more than three years—were predicted to rise 1.5 percent overall, and to rise 2.5 percent excluding the volatile … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Ford Plans Expansion In Asia

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 05:05 PM PDT

Ford Motor Co. (NYSE:F) plans to introduce 8 new models in Southeast Asia over the next 5 years in order to boost its market share from the 3% presently in the region. The automaker has already announced production of Ford's Ranger pickup truck, which will be manufactured in Thailand and exported to 180 countries.
At the same time, Ford plans to invest 7 billion yuan ($1.1 billion) in China in order to expand production capacity. The automaker will enhance the production capacity at its new … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Forex – NZD/USD Up In Asian Trade

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 04:50 PM PDT

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

NZD/USD was trading at 0.7512, up 0.31% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 0.7293, Monday's low, and resistance at 0.7522, today's high.

Meanwhile, the New Zealand Dollar was up against the Australian Dollar and the Euro, with AUD/NZD shedding 0.36% to hit 1.3585 and EUR/NZD falling 0.32% to hit … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

HP To Introduce Sensing Tech

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 04:40 PM PDT

The world's largest computer maker Hewlett-Packard Company (NYSE:HPQ) and Royal Dutch Shell (RDS.A) have jointly developed an inertial sensing technology, which will record seismic data at low frequencies.
The new system is designed to provide a better understanding about the earth’s subsurface, thereby enhancing chances of locating oil and gas reserves to satisfy the ever-increasing energy needs.
This is one of the new ventures by the company in the sensor technology segment, which is expected … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

CIT Issues High Yield Bonds

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 04:35 PM PDT

On Wednesday, CIT Group Inc. (NYSE:CIT) announced the pricing of Series C Second-Priority Secured Notes (non-callable) worth $2 billion in aggregate principal amount.
CIT is offering these bonds in two parts. One set will offered be in a $1.3 billion batch due 2014, priced at par and yielding interest at 5.25%. The other, in a $700 million tranche due 2018, priced at par and bearing interest rate of 6.625%
CIT stated that these bonds would be sold to qualified institutional buyers (QIBs) as per … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Xoma Drug Disappoints

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 04:35 PM PDT

Xoma Ltd. (NASDAQ:XOMA) recently reported negative results from a mid-stage trial of type II diabetes treatment, XOMA 052. The phase IIb trial failed to meet the primary endpoint of reducing glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in type II diabetes patients after six months of treatment with XOMA 052, compared to placebo. In the trial, patients were given one of the four XOMA 052 doses or placebo subcutaneously, once a month over a period of six months.
However, it was observed that biological activity of … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Raytheon Raises Dividend

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 04:35 PM PDT

Raytheon Co. (NYSE:RTN) announced that its Board of Directors increased its quarterly dividend by 15%, bringing its annualized dividend rate to $1.72 per share from the previous payout rate of $1.50 per share.
With this hike, the company said it has now raised dividend for the seventh consecutive year.
Raytheon Co. said it will now pay a quarterly dividend of 43 cents per share to its shareholders, compared with $0.375 paid earlier. The increased quarterly dividend will be paid on April 28, 2011 … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Hot Stocks For Friday

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 04:22 PM PDT

( click to enlarge )

Harmony Gold Mining Co. (NYSE:HMY) had a very good bullish rally this week accompanied with large volume. A gap was formed also with good volume. The stock is now near the red line as RSI approaches the 90 level. It may still move up some cents but I expect a correction any time as I have observed that a lot of indicators have already reached overbought level. Right now it is way too risky for a long position.

  ( click to enlarge )

Parker Drilling Company (NYSE:PKD) … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Verizon Issues Debt

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 04:05 PM PDT

The largest wireless carrier in the North America, Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) announced a debt issuance of  $6.25 billion. The issue will spread over five tranches of $1 billion three-year floating-rate notes, $1.5 billion three-year fixed-rate notes, $1.25 billion five-year fixed-rate bonds, $1.5 billion 10-year fixed-rate bonds and $1 billion of 30-year fixed-rate debt.
Verizon's debt sale represents its first debt sale since 2009 (issued $2.75 billion of 10 and 30 year debts … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

FedEx’s Interim Labor Contract

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 03:55 PM PDT

FedEx Corporation (NYSE:FDX) has reached an agreement with its Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) to provide a 3% pay hike annually. The agreement holds good for one or two years at the union's option and includes perks such as 1% lump sum payment up to $2,600 to its pilots, new safety programs and expanded foreign duty assignment.
FedEx and the ALPA reached this agreement in less than six months and it was approved by approximately 68% of the pilots participating in the vote. The ALPA … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Boeing Builds Order Book

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 03:55 PM PDT

The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) said the national Israeli carrier EL AL Airlines ordered four Next-Generation 737-900ERs (extended range) and reserve options for future aircraft.
Boeing will receive roughly $343.2 million for the four-airplane order.
The Boeing 737-900ER is the most recent member of the Next-Generation 737 airplane family. The new airplane has the capacity to seat up to 215 passengers in a single-class configuration and can fly up to 3,265 nautical miles (6,045 km). The 737-900ER … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Risk-Reward Balances Coach

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 03:55 PM PDT

Being a leading American marketer of fine accessories and gifts, Coach Inc. (NYSE:COH) boasts a proven strategy of investing in stores to enhance store sales productivity through product innovation, compelling pricing strategy, new merchandise assortments, and a cost-effective global sourcing model. This should help drive comparable-store sales and operating margins in the long term.
Management remains confident of sustaining double-digit growth in both the top and bottom lines, following … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

USPS To Cut Jobs, Offer Buyouts

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 03:55 PM PDT

03/24/11 The U.S. Postal Service plans to slash 7,500 jobs and close seven administrative … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

FedEx’s Interim Labor Contract

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 03:35 PM PDT

FedEx Corporation (NYSE:FDX) has reached an agreement with its Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) to provide a 3% pay hike annually. The agreement holds good for one or two years at the union's option and includes perks such as 1% lump sum payment up to $2,600 to its pilots, new safety programs and expanded foreign duty assignment.
FedEx and the ALPA reached this agreement in less than six months and it was approved by approximately 68% of the pilots participating in the vote. The ALPA … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

PKX Enters India’s Transformer Market

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 03:35 PM PDT

Korean steel producer POSCO (NYSE:PKX) is set to enter the Indian transformer market, as its affiliate, POSCO-CORE India, is ready with its new production line for GO lamination sheets.
POSCO-CORE India is a joint venture between POSCO-TMC (74% shares) and POSCO-IPPC (India Pune Processing Center) (36% shares) and is situated at Pune Industrial Complex, in the state of Maharashtra, India.
The joint venture’s production facility has El Core Press and two lamination transformers all … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Technology Solutions Expand At Avnet

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 03:10 PM PDT

Avnet, Inc. (NYSE:AVT) announced that its operating group – Avnet Technology Solutions – signed a distribution agreement with Lincor Solutions. Under the agreement, Avnet will become a specialty distributor for Lincor's hospital point-of-care clinical access and entertainment system, MEDIVista.
Avnet operates in two segments: the Electronics Marketing (EM) Group and the Technology Solutions (TS) Group. The TS Group distributes mid- and high-end servers, data-storage gear, networking equipment … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

The Day Ahead: EU Summit, US GDP, U. Of Michigan Consumer Sentiment

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 03:10 PM PDT

03/24/11 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

Fossil Downgraded To Neutral

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 03:05 PM PDT

We recently downgraded our long-term recommendation on Fossil, Inc. (NASDAQ:FOSL), a global design, marketing and distribution company that specializes in consumer fashion accessories, to Neutral with a price target of $85.00. Fossil also holds a Zacks #3 Rank, which translates into a short-term Hold rating, and correlates with our long-term recommendation.
We remain concerned about the company's customers remain sensitive to macroeconomic factors including interest rate hikes, increase in fuel … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

UTHR Completes Patient Enrollment

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 03:05 PM PDT

United Therapeutics Corporation (NASDAQ:UTHR) recently announced that it has finished enrolling patients for its phase III study with a sustained release oral formulation of treprostinil diethanolamine (UT-15C).
The 16-week, multi-center, international, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled FREEDOM-C2 study will evaluate oral treprostinil as an add-on therapy in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients who are receiving an endothelin receptor antagonist and/or a phosphodiesterase-5 … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

URS Wins FEMA Contract

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 03:05 PM PDT

URS Corporation (NYSE:URS) has won a contract awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide technical and research services to the agency's Risk Reduction Division.
The contract has an initial term of one year and is followed by four one-year option periods with a maximum value of $35 million to URS.
URS will provide architectural and engineering research, studies, assessments and other services to support the Division's work in developing a disaster-proof … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Air Products Enters Contract

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 03:05 PM PDT

Industrial gases company Air Products & Chemicals Inc. (NYSE:APD)  has entered a contract with one of the United States’ largest independent MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) service providers, Genesis Medical Imaging Inc.
Per the agreement, Air Products will supply its KeepCOLD Cryogenic Services product for around 150 magnets that are presently installed by Genesis for MRI scans at medical service providers across the country.  
Air Products appears to have a great deal of … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Cincinnati Bell In Neutral Zone

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 03:05 PM PDT

We are maintaining our long-term Neutral recommendation on Cincinnati Bell Inc. (NYSE:CBB) supported by the Zacks # 3 Rank (‘Hold’) .
Though Cincinnati Bell reported lackluster fourth quarter bottom-line results, fiscal 2010 results exceeded its own guidance. The company reported revenue and adjusted EBITDA of $1.38 billion and $502 million, respectively, beating its outlooks of $1.30 billion and $500 million.
We believe strong fiscal 2010 results and recent acquisitions have laid a foundation for … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

DOW Tenders $1.5B Debt

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 03:05 PM PDT

Chemical giant, The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE:DOW) announced that it has tendered $1.5 billion in notes in a modified “Dutch Auction.” The notes were issued by Dow and its subsidiaries, Union Carbide Corp. and Rohm and Haas Co. in a process that uses bids to set a price for the securities.
Dow announced the offer is the last in a series of moves to cut debt during the first quarter, including paying off $950 million in debt. This enabled Dow to reduce its gross debt by $2.5 billion, and slash the … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

CVS Plans Free Health Screening

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 03:05 PM PDT

CVS Caremark (NYSE:CVS), one of the largest domestic integrated pharmacy service providers, is going to introduce a health screening program named ”To Your Health” for the first time in Los Angeles, California. 
This free health screening program, along with 240 events, is scheduled for launch on March 26, 2011 and is expected to continue through the end of 2011. By launching this program, CVS is trying to take a step towards creating an awareness of the risks of chronic diseases and … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Honeywell On Board China Jet

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 03:05 PM PDT

Honeywell International Inc. (NYSE:HON) will set up three joint ventures in China to supply components for the new passenger jet plane program.
The company is likely to collaborate with Hunan Boyun New Materials Co. to make wheels and brakes; with AVIC Flight Automatic Research Institute to make flight controls; and with AVIC Harbin Dong'an Engine Group Corp. to make auxilary power units.
Honeywell is a leading supplier of electronics, consumable hardware, engine controls, environmental … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

KKD Outsources To Sysco

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 02:25 PM PDT

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc. (NYSE:KKD) announced that it is entering into a supply chain distribution deal with the nation’s biggest food distributor Sysco Corp. (NYSE:SYY), whereby Sygma, a Sysco subsidiary, will distribute proprietary doughnut mixes, other ingredients and supplies to Krispy Kreme franchise and company shops in the eastern United States.
IFG, another Sysco subsidiary, will be responsible for the export of Krispy Kreme goods to 20 foreign countries where the company’s international … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Closing Bell Market Monitor: TLB, WAG, BBY

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 09:15 AM PDT

03/24/11 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

First Step Toward LUV-AAI Merger

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 02:05 PM PDT

The shareholders of AirTran Holdings Inc. (NYSE:AAI) approved its pending merger with the largest U.S. low-cost carrier, Southwest Airlines (NYSE:LUV) for $1.4 billion.
Under the merger agreement, each AirTran common share will be exchanged for $3.75 in cash and 0.321 share of Southwest common stock. The proposed merger is expected to close in the second quarter of this year and is awaiting approval from the U.S. Department of Justice and other regulatory clearances. 
An airline consolidation … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Neutral On Nordstrom

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 02:05 PM PDT

We are reiterating our long-term ‘Neutral’ recommendation on Nordstrom Inc. (NYSE:JWN) with a target price of $45.00 per share.
Nordstrom is one of the leading players in the extremely-fragmented specialty retail sector. The company offers a broad array of over 500 brands, targeted at the entire family, through a strong nationwide network of 204 stores situated across 28 states.
Also, the company has a strong line-up of globally known brands, catering primarily to the upscale segment, enabling … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

RIMM Disappoints On Revs, Guidance

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 02:05 PM PDT

BlackBerry maker Research In Motion (NASDAQ:RIMM) beat its fiscal 4Q EPS estimates by 2 cents per share, but missed slightly on quarterly revenues and offered guidance well below the current consensus. This has sent RIMM shares down nearly 10% in after-market trading.

Research In Motion posted earnings of $1.78 per share in the quarter, topping the $1.76 estimate. But its $5.6 billion in revenues missed expectations for $5.64 billion. Far more damaging, however, was the company’s reported guidance … [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: 24 Mar 2011 01:55 PM PDT

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

EUR/USD was trading at 1.4175, up 0.62% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 1.4054, today's low, and resistance at 1.4248, Tuesday's high.

Meanwhile, the Euro was up against the British Pound and the Japanese Yen, with EUR/GBP gaining 1.35% to hit 0.8796 and EUR/JPY rising 0.70% to hit … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Conoco To Shed More

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 01:40 PM PDT

Integrated energy company ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) intends to expand its asset disposal program in order to fund its $10 billion share buyback agenda and make capital investments.
ConocoPhillips intends to buyback a total of $11 billion in shares through 2012.
Houston, Texas-based ConocoPhillips plans to sell an additional $5 billion to $10 billion worth of non-core resources by the end of 2012 as it looks for more oil and gas production and exploration by streamlining the business and improving … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

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

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 01:40 PM PDT

Forex Pros – The U.S. Dollar was higher against the Japanese Yen on Thursday after the release of U.S. data on Core Durable Goods Orders.

USD/JPY was trading at 80.98, up 0.09% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 80.71, Wednesday's low, and resistance at 81.32, Monday's high.

Earlier in the day, official data showed that U.S. core durable goods orders fell unexpectedly to a seasonally adjusted -0.60% last month from -3.00% in the preceding month whose figure was … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

SAP Recommends Hike In Dividend

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 01:35 PM PDT

SAP AG (NYSE:SAP) has recommended that shareholders approve a dividend of € 0.60 per share at the Annual General Meeting of shareholders. Compared to last year’s dividend of € 0.50 per share, this represents an increase of 20%.
The Annual General Meeting of shareholders is slated for May 25, 2011 in Mannheim, Germany.
Recently, SAP reported fourth quarter 2010 earnings per share of €0.37 (50 cents) compared to €0.57 in the prior-year quarter due to charges of €933 million and associate … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Iron Mountain Takes The Poison Pill

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 01:35 PM PDT

Data storage company, Iron Mountain Inc. (NYSE:IRM) exercised its Stockholder Rights Plan, often referred to as "Poison Pill," to fend off a hostile takeover of the company, or gaining of controlling interest in the company by any person or group of persons to the detriment of the company or its shareholders. By virtue of the Stockholder Rights Plan, Iron Mountain declared a dividend of one right share for each outstanding share of its common stock.
Earlier in the month, Elliot Management … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

CACI Wins FBI Contract

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 01:35 PM PDT

CACI International Inc. (CACI) recently received a multiple-award contract from the FBI for a ceiling value of $30 billion.
The company is among the 46 winners of the FBI's Information Technology Supplies and Support Services (IT Triple S) contract.
IT Triple S is an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract, allowing the FBI’s business and program units to accomplish their mission objectives. IT Triple S is an eight-year contract with one base year and seven option years.
Under the … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

No Engine Choice For Lockheed F-35

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 01:35 PM PDT

Per a recent news release, Lockheed Martin Corporation's (NYSE:LMT) F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter may have to use only one type of engine. Till date two separate, interchangeable F-35 engines are under development.  Of the two engines under development, United Technologies Corporation's (NYSE:UTX) Pratt & Whitney F135, is being used as the main engine. The second engine, F136, developed by General Electric Company (NYSE:GE) and Rolls-Royce plc is being developed as the alternative … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Polycom To Acquire Accordent

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 01:35 PM PDT

Polycom, Inc. (PLCM), a leading provider of video and audio conferencing equipment and related network infrastructure, intends to purchase Accordent Technologies, Inc., a leading provider of video content management and delivery solutions.
The deal will worth approximately $50 million in cash.
According to the company, this transaction will be recognized in Polycom's 2012 earnings result. The acquisition will allow Polycom to access 1,200 clients of Accordent, present in the enterprise and … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Oracle Again Tops Estimates

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 01:35 PM PDT

Oracle, Inc. (NASDAQ:ORCL) has once again beaten earnings estimates, posting 54 cents per share after the bell Thursday, which topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 50 cents. Revenues in the quarter totaled $8.76 billion.

This marks the fourth straight quarter in which Oracle has beaten estimates, and it has done so at roughly a 10% per positive surprise clip. New software license revenue surprised to the upside in the quarter, bringing in $2.21 billion instead of the expected $2 billion. Non-GAAP … [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: 24 Mar 2011 01:25 PM PDT

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

EUR/USD was trading at 1.4168, up 0.58% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 1.4054, today's low, and resistance at 1.4248, Tuesday's high.

Meanwhile, the Euro was up against the British Pound and the Japanese Yen, with EUR/GBP gaining 1.37% to hit 0.8797 and EUR/JPY rising 0.66% to hit … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

U.S. Markets Close Higher; Dow Jones Up 0.70%

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 01:10 PM PDT

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

At the close of U.S. trade, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.70%, the S&P 500 index gained 0.93%, while the Nasdaq 100 index climbed 1.83%.

Earlier in the day, official data showed that U.S. core durable goods orders fell unexpectedly to a seasonally adjusted -0.60% last month from -3.00% in the preceding month whose figure was revised up from -3.60%.

Analysts had expected Core durable goods orders to rise 1.80% … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

IBM Enhances IT Portfolio

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 12:55 PM PDT

International Business Machines Corp. (NYSE:IBM) has unveiled a new and improved services portfolio to provide advanced and innovative technological services and solutions for its clients.
IBM's advanced outsourcing services has been developed keeping in mind the client-specific needs and demands that are constantly shifting toward a more IT-driven business initiatives.
IBM has made significant advancements in its services portfolio in the form of pre-configured servers, storage service desks … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Prudential’s New Mutual Fund

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 12:55 PM PDT

Earlier this week, Prudential Investments, the mutual fund unit of Prudential Financial Inc. (NYSE:PRU), announced the offering of two new mutual funds related to real estate.
The new funds, named Prudential U.S. Real Estate Fund and the Prudential International Real Estate Fund, will be a part of the existing Prudential Global Real Estate Fund and help the investors to focus on specific markets.
Prudential U.S. Real Estate Fund will invest approximately 80% of the total fund in equity securities … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Northrop Gets Air Force Contract

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 12:55 PM PDT

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has been selected by the U.S. Air Force for a delivery order for the B-1 Bomber aircraft mission planning capability related to the Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS) platform. The JMPS is a family of scalable, extensible and configurable tools and decision aids that automate planning for sensor, weapon or aircraft missions. Northrop Grumman's delivery order has a potential value of $26 million, if all options are exercised.
The B-1 Bomber aircraft is a … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

ConAgra Beats Zacks Estimate

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 12:55 PM PDT

ConAgra Foods Inc. (NYSE:CAG) posted EPS of 50 cents for the third quarter of fiscal 2011, compared with 44 cents in the year-earlier quarter. This improvement reflected lower incentive compensation expense and recent share repurchases.
The results easily beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 46 cents. 
Revenues
Net revenues were $3,154.7 million, up from $3,030.5 million in the year-earlier quarter, representing an increase of 4.1%. Reported revenue was also above the Zacks … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

NCR Products In Demand

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 12:55 PM PDT

NCR Corp. (NYSE:NCR) recently signed an agreement to supply its mobile banking solution to Bellwether Community Credit Union (BCCU). BCCU will deploy NCR Corp.'s APTRA Mobile Banking solution in its branches throughout New Hampshire. Financial terms were not disclosed.
As a non-profit credit union, Manchester-based BCCU will be the first financial institution to offer a mobile banking facility to its more than 26,000 members. BCCU is not a stranger to NCR. The credit union has already deployed … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Hyatt Expands In India

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 12:55 PM PDT

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (H) announced management contracts for nine new hotels in India. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. This would bring the total number of properties now under construction or development in India to 38.
The agreements are for three Hyatt brands: a Grand Hyatt hotel in Noida; Hyatt Regency hotels in Jaipur, Surat, Ghazibad, Chandigarh, Lucknow and Guwahati; and Hyatt Place hotels in Bangalore Devanhalli and Mumbai Seepz. Added to these, Hyatt Regency … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Toyota Prepares North American Plants For Possible Shutdown

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 12:45 PM PDT

03/24/11 Because of parts shortages from Japan, Toyota’s U.S. manufacturing branch is preparing North American plants for a possible … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

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

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 12:45 PM PDT

Forex Pros – The British Pound was lower against the U.S. Dollar on Thursday after the release of U.K. data on Retail Sales.

GBP/USD was trading at 1.6110, down 0.78% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 1.6092, today's low, and resistance at 1.6402, Tuesday's high.

Earlier in the day, official data showed that retail sales in the U.K. fell more-than-expected to a seasonally adjusted -0.80% last month, from 1.50% in the preceding month whose figure was revised down … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Stock Market Summary For Thursday, March 24, 2011 Special Alert AGO

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 12:37 PM PDT

We are going to remove the positions in Assured Guaranty Ltd. (symbol: AGO) added to our watch list on March 1, 2011 and March 14, 2011 at the current intra-day price of $14.95.  The March 1, 2011 position in AGO was added at $13.96 and returned 7.1% while on the watch list.  The March 14, 2011 position in AGO was added at $13.90 and returned 7.6% while on the watch list.  We have one remaining position in AGO left on the watch … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Kellogg Stays Neutral

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 12:35 PM PDT

Our long-term recommendation for Kellogg (NYSE:K) is Neutral, which means the stock will perform mostly in-line with the market.
The company functions on two operating principles ("Volume to Value" and "Manage for Cash") since the past five years. The Volume to Value strategy concentrates on profits (value) rather than market share (volume). Kellogg has focused on brand building through new product innovation and improving the product mix by concentrating on optimal price/mix … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Plains Remains Neutral

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 12:35 PM PDT

Our rating on the independent oil and gas producer Plains Exploration & Production Company (NYSE:PXP) remains Neutral following the company's not so good fourth quarter and full-year 2010 results.
Plains Exploration & Production Company posted fourth-quarter and full-year earnings of 20 cents and $1.06 per share, widely missing the Zacks numbers for both the periods. However, the company's revenue in both the periods was encouraging driven by solid sales.
During the fourth quarter … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Merck-Sanofi JV A “No Go”

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 12:35 PM PDT

Merck (NYSE:MRK) and Sanofi-Aventis (NYSE:SNY) recently announced that they will no longer pursue their plans of combining their animal health segments. The companies mutually terminated their deal which was announced on March 9, 2010.
Sanofi and Merck were looking to set up a joint venture (JV) by combining Sanofi's animal health business, Merial, with Merck's animal health business, Intervet/Schering-Plough. However, the companies decided to terminate the deal due to the complexities involved … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

New Brewer Machine From Starbucks

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 12:10 PM PDT

Starbucks Corp. (SBUX) has announced that it will partner with Courtesy Products and introduce single-serve beverage machines. This brewer is expected to be sold at U.S. supermarket chains and warehouse club stores. It will brew Starbucks and Seattle's Best coffees, which is a subsidiary of Starbucks.
Starbucks and Courtesy Products had recently inked a deal whereby it would provide coffee to Courtesy Products’ CV1 one-cup brewers in as many as 500,000 upscale hotel rooms in the United … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Genomic Stays Neutral

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 12:10 PM PDT

Recently, we reiterated our Neutral recommendation on Genomic Health (NASDAQ:GHDX) with a target price of $26.00.
The year 2010 has been one with remarkable success for Genomic Health as it marked the first full year of profit on the back of the Oncotype DX breast cancer test. Revenues climbed 19% to $178.1 million during the year driven by strong growth in the number of tests delivered.
Genomic delivered 57,270 Oncotype DX test results during the year, up 17% despite an anticipated slowing of test … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Forex – USD/CAD Down In U.S. Trade

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 12:10 PM PDT

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

USD/CAD was trading at 0.9762, down 0.55% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 0.9732, today's low, and resistance at 0.9856, Monday's high.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Dollar was down against the Euro and up against the British Pound, with EUR/USD gaining 0.65% to hit 1.4179 and GBP/USD falling 0.79% to hit … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

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

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 11:45 AM PDT

Forex Pros – The Euro was higher against the U.S. Dollar on Thursday after the release of U.S. data on Initial Jobless Claims.

EUR/USD was trading at 1.4184, up 0.69% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 1.4054, today's low, and resistance at 1.4248, Tuesday's high.

Earlier in the day, official data showed that U.S. Initial Jobless Claims fell more-than-expected to a seasonally adjusted 382.00K last week from 387.00K in the preceding week whose figure was revised up … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Investors Hungry For Smithfield Foods Options As Shares Rally

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 11:26 AM PDT

Investors hungry for Smithfield Foods options as shares rally
Today’s tickers: SFD, SD, CBS & BMTI
Smithfield Foods, Inc. (NYSE:SFD) – Shares in the hog producer and pork processing company rallied as much as 5.95% this afternoon to touch an intraday- and more than two-year high of $24.04 following an upgrade to ‘buy’ from ‘hold’ with a 12-month target share price of $28.00 at BB&T Capital Markets. Options on Smithfield Foods are more active than usual today, but investors are favoring … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Gavin Lavelle Looks To Turn Brady Into A Vital Commodity

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 09:06 AM PDT

Commodities and technology have both been long-term darlings of the Alternative Investment Market and for Gavin Lavelle, the ability to blend the two has kept his company firmly on the radar of investors. For the chief executive of Brady (LON:BRY), a company that develops and sells trading and risk management software to the global commodity markets, economic turbulence has wreaked havoc for his customers in recent years but sales at the company have continued to grow.

When Lavelle was … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates
at

No comments:

Post a Comment