Thursday, September 1, 2011

DailyMarkets.com - Forex – EUR/USD Advances In Early Asian Trade

DailyMarkets.com - Forex – EUR/USD Advances In Early Asian Trade

Forex – EUR/USD Advances In Early Asian Trade

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 04:40 PM PDT

Forexpros –
Forexpros – The euro edged higher against the U.S. dollar in Asian trade Friday, following data showing a smaller than expected contraction in the U.S. manufacturing sector.
EUR/USD hit 1.4256 in early Asian trade, the pair's lowest since August 19; the pair subsequently consolidated at 1.4267, rising 0.01%.
The pair was likely to find support at 1.4151, the low of August 12, and resistance at 1.4549, Monday's high.
Earlier Thursday, the U.S. Institute of Supply Management … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Hot Option Plays: Employment Weighing On The Market?

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 04:18 PM PDT

Cusick’s Corner
The market broke down into the close with pressure from Finance, GS news weighed on it -$4, and the uncertainty with the pending employment numbers, all reflecting continued high volatility of 31.81. Tomorrow will be volatile into the open and long weekend, and while some of us are looking for volatility to come off into the end of the day and weekend, the reality is that the data tomorrow could only increase uncertainty. I will admit that this pullback looks more like a light … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Forex – EUR/USD Up During The Asian Session

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 04:10 PM PDT

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

EUR/USD was trading at 1.4267, up 0.05% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 1.4227, today's low, and resistance at 1.4549, Monday's high.

Meanwhile, the Euro was up against the British Pound and down against the Japanese Yen, with EUR/GBP gaining 0.02% to hit 0.8815 and EUR/JPY falling 0.05% to hit … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Hard To Argue With That

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 04:05 PM PDT

If you ask Wall Street analysts, strategist, economists, central bankers, and sundry other highly-paid experts where the U.S. unemployment rate is headed next, most will say lower, with even those who are less sanguine about the outlook suggesting we are nearer the top than the bottom as far as jobless tallies go.
However, a post at Streettalk Live’s Financial Blog, “Why Unemployment Is About To Surge,” citing one data series stretching back decades, predicts exactly the opposite. The … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

US Automakers Post Strong Sales

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 03:50 PM PDT

09/01/11 American carmakers posted double-digit gains for August sales, but Toyota and Honda recorded … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Forex – NZD/USD Up In Asian Trade

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 03:35 PM PDT

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

NZD/USD was trading at 0.8516, up 0.09% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 0.8386, Monday's low, and resistance at 0.8572, Wednesday's high.

Meanwhile, the New Zealand Dollar was up against the Australian Dollar and the Euro, with AUD/NZD shedding 0.09% to hit 1.2592 and EUR/NZD falling 0.11% to hit … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

US Employment Report, Euro-zone PPI

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 10:20 AM PDT

09/01/11 The August employment report will be closely watched on Friday morning. The unemployment rate is expected to hold … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

EIA: Crude Stocks Pile Up

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 03:01 PM PDT

The U.S. Energy Department’s weekly inventory release showed a surprise build-up in crude stockpiles. The agency's report further revealed that distillate stocks added to supplies, while gasoline inventories declined. Meanwhile, refiners reduced processing rates by 1.1%.
The Energy Information Administration (“EIA”) Petroleum Status Report – which contains data for the previous week ending Friday, outlines information regarding the weekly change in petroleum inventories held and produced by … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Exxon, Rosneft In Strategic Pact

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 03:01 PM PDT

U.S. energy behemoth ExxonMobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) and Rosneft – Russia's biggest oil producer – have entered into a Strategic Cooperation Agreement. The deal underlines the companies' aim to jointly explore and develop hydrocarbon resources in Russia, the U.S and other countries throughout the world. Both companies also plan to start technology and expertise sharing activities.
The deal, signed by Rosneft President Eduard Khudainatov and ExxonMobil Development Company President Neil … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Sempra Energy Going Green

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 03:01 PM PDT

Southern California Gas Company, a regulated subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE:SRE) entered in to a joint research and development agreement with Oberon Fuels to produce clean transportation fuel using natural gas. Oberon Fuels, based in San Diego, is focused on the development of small-scale, skid-mounted units that produce Dimethyl Ether ("DME").
The duo will design and construct the first commercial facility in the U.S. to produce DME from natural gas for use as a transportation fuel.  … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

ADM Announces Strategic Measures

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 02:35 PM PDT

In a bid to enhance the grain storage capacity and quicken the unloading activities Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE:ADM), recently announced strategic measures including the acquisition of five grain storage elevators from Olsen Brothers Enterprises in Wisconsin, USA and an agreement to acquire four more elevators from Olsen’s Mill Acquisition Company. Moreover, Archer Daniels has entered into a lease agreement for an elevator with the latter.
However, the financial terms of the acquisition … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Genomic Health Remains Neutral

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 02:25 PM PDT

Recently we reiterated our Neutral recommendation on Genomic Health (NASDAQ:GHDX) with a target price of $26.00.
Genomic Health reported an EPS of 8 cents in the second quarter of fiscal 2011, way above both the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 2 cents and EPS of 3 cents in the year-ago period driven by higher revenues.
Total revenue in the reported quarter climbed 17% year over year to $50.8 million, in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Product revenues (primarily from the Oncotype DX breast … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Boeing Launches New 737 Variant

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 02:25 PM PDT

The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) launched a new engine variant of its 737 series airliners christened 737 MAX. Boeing 737 is a short- to medium-range, twin-engine narrow-body passenger jet airliner. The new engine variant 737 MAX would be powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines.
CFM International is an equally owned joint venture between GE Aviation, a division of General Electric Company (NYSE:GE) and French conglomerate Safran.  
The fuel efficient engines would enable the 737 MAX airliners … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

FDA Action Date For Salix’s Relistor

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 02:25 PM PDT

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently accepted a supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) filed by Salix Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. (NASDAQ:SLXP) and Progenics Pharmaceuticals, Inc.  (NASDAQ:PGNX) for Relistor. Salix and Progenics are looking to get Relistor approved for use in chronic non-cancer pain patients with opioid-induced constipation. The FDA has assigned an action date of April 27, 2012.
Relistor, a subcutaneous injection, is currently approved for the treatment of … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

FedEx Offers Latest Print Solution

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 02:25 PM PDT

The world's largest package delivery company, FedEx Corporation (NYSE:FDX) has introduced its advanced FedEx Office Print Online solutions. The new Print Online solutions will provide access to Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) Docs and enable customers to take prints using the FedEx Office application.
FedEx' Office Print Online solutions were first launched in 2007 and have evolved as a most sought after online print solution. It offers an array of printing options for various layouts like posters, postcards … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Closing Bell Market Monitor

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 02:15 PM PDT

09/01/11 The major stock averages closed down by -1% on the first trading session in September. The August jobs report is expected to post an unchanged unemployment … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Monsanto GMO Corn Infected

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 02:01 PM PDT

Monsanto Company’s (NYSE:MON) genetically altered corn seeds have recently been reported of getting infected with some seed resistant bugs. The corn seeds are produced by combining seed and pesticides, developed by Monsanto. However, traits have shown some insects are developing resistance to these genetically altered combination seeds, of late.
Potential Danger
Reports determined that western corn rootworms in four Iowa corn fields have been evolved to develop resistance to a natural pesticide, … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Lobbying Charges Up For Kraft

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 02:01 PM PDT

Kraft Foods Inc. (NYSE:KFT) reported that it spent $730,000 during the second quarter 2011 on issues related to transportation, agriculture, food safety, milk price regulation, marketing and other matters. The lobbying charges inched up 7.4% from $680,000 spent during the second quarter of 2010 and 1.4% from $720,000 spent in the first quarter of 2011.
According to the filing with the House clerk’s office on July 20, Kraft lobbied Congress, U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Office of Management … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Earnings Scorecard: MICROS

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 02:01 PM PDT

MICROS Systems Inc. (NASDAQ:MCRS) reported earnings of 55 cents per share in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, easily beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 47 cents.
The company has a strong and expanding portfolio of products and services support, which will assist MICROS in delivering continued profitable growth.
Fourth Quarter Earnings Highlights
The company’s revenue improved 10.4% from the year-earlier quarter to $274.1 million, driven by growth across all segments.
Geographically, revenues … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Canada OKs BIOLASE Waterlase IPlus

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 02:01 PM PDT

Leading dental laser maker BIOLASE Technology (NASDAQ:BLTI) has won regulatory approval in Canada to market its WaterLase iPlus all-tissue dental laser across the North American nation. Canada, with roughly 19,000 licensed dentists, has been one of the key markets for the company's products. BIOLASE markets its products in that country through a direct sales force and distributors.
Waterlase iPlus was launched in the U.S. in early 2011. Besides addressing the key functional needs of laser … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

PACCAR To Build New Plant In Brazil

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 02:01 PM PDT

PACCAR Inc. (NASDAQ:PCAR) plans to build a truck assembly plant in the city of Ponta Grossa, located in the state of Paraná in Brazil for its DAF line-up. The truck maker will invest $200 million for the 330,000-square-foot assembly facility.
The new plant is designed to assemble DAF LF, CF and XF line-ups in order to meet demand of the growing Brazilian transport industry. The company has chosen Ponta Grossa due to its productive workforce and proximity to strategic supplier partners and the port … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

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

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 01:55 PM PDT

Forexpros – The Euro was lower against the U.S. Dollar on Thursday after the release of U.S. data on ISM Manufacturing Index.

EUR/USD was trading at 1.4264, down 0.75% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 1.4227, today's low, and resistance at 1.4549, Monday's high.

Earlier in the day, industry data showed that The U.S. ISM manufacturing PMI fell less-than-expected to 50.6 last month from 50.9 in the preceding month.

Analysts had expected the ISM manufacturing … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

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

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 01:40 PM PDT

Forexpros – The U.S. Dollar was higher against the Japanese Yen on Thursday after the release of U.S. data on ISM Manufacturing Index.

USD/JPY was trading at 76.91, up 0.32% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 76.43, Wednesday's low, and resistance at 77.24, today's high.

Earlier in the day, industry data showed that The U.S. ISM manufacturing PMI fell less-than-expected to 50.6 last month from 50.9 in the preceding month.

Analysts had expected the ISM … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

M&T Stays Neutral

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 01:30 PM PDT

We have reiterated our Neutral recommendation on M&T Bank Corporation (NYSE:MTB) after a thorough review of its second quarter 2011 earnings results in the light of the current economic environment and the completion of the acquisition of Wilmington Trust Corporation.
Second Quarter 2011 Results
M&T Bank Corp.'s second quarter 2011 operating earnings of $2.16 per share significantly exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.53. Earnings also expanded substantially from $1.67 per share … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Verifone Pens New Distribution Agreement

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 01:30 PM PDT

California-based VeriFone Systems, Inc. (NYSE:PAY) recently announced a new direct distribution relationship for retailers, acquirers and processors in Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Austria and Switzerland. This new direct distribution agreement will enable organizations to obtain products, services, support and value-added solutions directly from VeriFone.
VerfiFone stated that this new distribution agreement will benefit retailers from a direct sales and support relationship point of view with … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Pelangio Now Owns 100% Interest In Manfo Property In Ghana

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 01:25 PM PDT

Steven Ralston, CFA
Pelangio now owns 100% interest in Manfo property in Ghana

Pelangio Exploration (PX.V: TSX-V and PGXPF: OTCBB) announced that it has acquired a 100% interest in the Manfo Property in Ghana. Having made option payments totaling $435,000, along with $2,000,000 in work expenditures, the title to the Manfo Property will be transferred to Pelangio after approval of the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources. The property is subject to Ghana's legislated 10% carried interest … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Pelangio Now Owns 100% Interest In Manfo Property In Ghana

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 01:25 PM PDT

Steven Ralston, CFA
Pelangio now owns 100% interest in Manfo property in Ghana

Pelangio Exploration (PX.V: TSX-V and PGXPF: OTCBB) announced that it has acquired a 100% interest in the Manfo Property in Ghana. Having made option payments totaling $435,000, along with $2,000,000 in work expenditures, the title to the Manfo Property will be transferred to Pelangio after approval of the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources. The property is subject to Ghana's legislated 10% carried interest … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Aaron’s Acquires Buzz Stores

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 01:25 PM PDT

Aaron’s Inc. (AAN) recently acquired 8 stores owned and operated by Buzz’s Lease Purchase & Sales, as part of its game plan of having 60 HomeSmart stores. The company plans to convert all the acquired stores to the HomeSmart format. The stores are in the business of providing weekly payment lease agreements for products similar to the ones in Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership stores
In July this year the company acquired all 30 stores owned and operated by Crusader Rent to Own. These … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

AFLAC Initiates Note Exchange Offer

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 01:25 PM PDT

Yesterday, AFLAC Inc. (NYSE:AFL) announced a private offer to exchange the company's outstanding 8.5% senior notes due 2019 for new notes due in 2022.  The company has $850 million worth notes outstanding at present. The offer is only open to holders of old notes who are either qualified institutional buyers or are not U.S. persons, as defined by the Securities Act, 1933.
The exchange offer will expire on September 28, 2011, unless extended or terminated earlier by AFLAC. Additionally, … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Rockwell Collins Good With Inmarsat

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 01:25 PM PDT

Rockwell Collins (NYSE:COL) and Inmarsat have entered into an agreement under which Rockwell will play a major role in the development, production and distribution of User Terminals ("UTs") for Inmarsat’s prospective Global Xpress ("GX") aeronautical services to the aviation industry. 
Inmarsat is the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services. The company’s services are delivered through a worldwide network of more than 400 distribution partners and service … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

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

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 01:25 PM PDT

Forexpros – The Euro was lower against the U.S. Dollar on Thursday after the release of U.S. data on ISM Manufacturing Index.

EUR/USD was trading at 1.4273, down 0.69% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 1.4227, today's low, and resistance at 1.4549, Monday's high.

Earlier in the day, industry data showed that The U.S. ISM manufacturing PMI fell less-than-expected to 50.6 last month from 50.9 in the preceding month.

Analysts had expected the ISM manufacturing … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Are ETFs Responsible For Rising Market Correlations?

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 01:18 PM PDT

SmartStops commentary:  Diversification alone is not going to be enough to manage risk in our 21st century markets.  Smartstops offers a superior dynamic intelligent risk management service.   Ask yourself, who is watching your back?
originally published at ETFTrends
S&P 500 stocks are moving as a herd and the increased presence of exchange traded funds in financial markets may be partly responsible for the spike in correlations, according to a report … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

U.S. Markets Close Lower; Dow Jones Down 1.03%

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 01:15 PM PDT

Forexpros – U.S. stocks were down after the closing bell on Thursday.

At the close of U.S. trade, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.03%, the S&P 500 index shed 1.19%, while the Nasdaq 100 index declined 0.98%.

Earlier in the day, industry data showed that The U.S. ISM manufacturing PMI fell less-than-expected to 50.6 last month from 50.9 in the preceding month.

Analysts had expected the ISM manufacturing PMI to fall to 48.5 last month.

Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, European … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Analyst Interviews: Hotels & Lodging Industry Outlook

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 12:55 PM PDT

The hotels and lodging industry is finally showing improvements, and seems poised for long-term growth, thanks to the gradual global economic recovery. The industry has been witnessing a return of business travelers and a growing demand for leisure, though concerns about the health of the U.S. economic recovery pose some risks to this outlook.

Riding on the back of improvement in the U.S. economy and the consequent rise in operating metrics, most of the hoteliers have started reporting strong … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Starbucks To Offer K Cups

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 12:55 PM PDT

Coffee lovers will soon be sipping coffee and Tazo Tea from Keurig K Cups offered by the leading coffee shop retail Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX). The retail giant will offer coffee in K cups across food, drug, mass, special and department stores in the U.S. Management has also revealed that the K cups will be available in retail outlets like Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE:WMT) and Target Corp. (NYSE:TGT).
Starbucks had got into a deal with Keurig's brewer parent Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc. … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

DOJ Blocks AT&T/T-Mobile Merger

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 12:55 PM PDT

The Department of Justice (DoJ) has filed a antitrust lawsuit to block AT&T Inc.'s (NYSE:T) ambitious $39 billion purchase of Deutsche Telekom's unit, T-Mobile USA, announced in March. The proposed AT&T and T-Mobile merger is the largest in the wireless industry since 2004.
According to the DoJ, the combination of the second and fourth wireless operators will create America's largest mobile phone company surpassing the present leader, Verizon Wireless, a joint venture of  … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

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

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 12:55 PM PDT

Forexpros – The British Pound was lower against the U.S. Dollar on Thursday after the release of U.S. data on ISM Manufacturing Index.

GBP/USD was trading at 1.6183, down 0.39% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 1.6132, today's low, and resistance at 1.6454, Monday's high.

Earlier in the day, industry data showed that The U.S. ISM manufacturing PMI fell less-than-expected to 50.6 last month from 50.9 in the preceding month.

Analysts had expected the ISM … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Peabody-MT Raised Bid Disarms MCC

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 12:35 PM PDT

Coal miner Peabody Energy Corporation (NYSE:BTU) and the steel giant ArcelorMittal SA (NYSE:MT) enhanced their joint offer to acquire all of the shares of Macarthur Coal Limited ("MCC"). The increased offer has been accepted by the members of Macarthur Board. Macarthur Coal is the world’s largest producer of seaborne low volatile pulverized coal injection.
In July 2011, an offer was made through PEAMCoal to acquire all the outstanding shares of MCC. The initial offer price was AU$15.50 per share, … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

First Solar Modules For Aussie Farm

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 12:35 PM PDT

First Solar Inc. (NASDAQ:FSLR) will supply 150,000 advanced thin film photovoltaic (PV) modules and also provide engineering, procurement and construction services for the first photovoltaic, 10-megawatt power plant to be built in Australia. Once operational, it will also assist in operations and maintenance support of the Greenough River Solar Farm.
The project will be built on 80 hectares of cleared land, 50 km southeast of Geraldton and will fulfill the energy requirements of the Southern … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

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

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 12:30 PM PDT

Forexpros – The U.S. Dollar was lower against the Swiss Franc on Thursday after the release of U.S. data on ISM Manufacturing Index.

USD/CHF was trading at 0.7950, down 1.33% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 0.7926, today's low, and resistance at 0.8241, Monday's high.

Earlier in the day, industry data showed that The U.S. ISM manufacturing PMI fell less-than-expected to 50.6 last month from 50.9 in the preceding month.

Analysts had expected the ISM … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Hot Option Plays: Chop Chop

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 12:18 PM PDT

Cusick’s Corner
The market has been flexing all over the place this midday. The early data was not eye catching — Claims were in line and still in recovery levels of below 410K, plus the ISM was better than expected. The move after the ISM, a swing to almost new day highs and a fall right back down to opening levels, shows the thinness of the market. In the commodities market, Copper, JJC, fell after China reported lower exports. Copper is a decent barometer of infrastructure growth so this … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

The Gender Wage Gap And Occuptional Fatality Gap

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 12:17 PM PDT

From LearnLiberty.org at Institute for Humane Studies:

“Are women discriminated against in the workplace? Looking at the data, women on average earn an annual wage that is approximately 75% that of men, which many people believe is the result of discrimination. However, when Prof. Steve Horwitz analyzes the data more closely, he finds that women make certain choices, such as career selection and raising children, which tend to result in lower wages than men. These choices could be the result … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Forex – USD/CAD Down In U.S. Trade

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 12:10 PM PDT

Forexpros – The U.S. Dollar was lower against the Canadian Dollar on Thursday after the release of U.S. data on ISM Manufacturing Index.

USD/CAD was trading at 0.9757, down 0.20% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 0.9726, Wednesday's low, and resistance at 0.9834, Monday's high.

Earlier in the day, industry data showed that The U.S. ISM manufacturing PMI fell less-than-expected to 50.6 last month from 50.9 in the preceding month.

Analysts had expected the ISM … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Schwab Finishes OptionsXpress Deal

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 11:50 AM PDT

On Thursday, Charles Schwab Corporation (NASDAQ:SCHW) announced that it has completed the acquisition of optionsXpress Holdings, Inc, a retail online brokerage company focusing mainly on equity options and future acquisitions. The all-stock acquisition deal was valued at $1.0 billion.
Low interest rates and declining volumes have restricted Schwab's growth momentum for the past two years. We think the addition of optionsXpress will be favorable for enhancing Schwab's equities-focused business. … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Nelnet Reaffirmed At Neutral

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 11:50 AM PDT

We are reaffirming our Neutral recommendation on Nelnet Inc. (NYSE:NNI). The decision follows a detailed review of the company's second quarter 2011 earnings results in the perspective of the current economic environment.
Nelnet Inc.reported second quarter earnings per share of $1.04, two cents ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate but down from $1.17 per share recorded in the prior-year quarter.
Nelnet's results reflected drops in provision for loan losses as well as expenses. However, a fall … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Zumiez Beats EPS, Misses Sales

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 11:50 AM PDT

Specialty retailer Zumiez Inc. (NASDAQ:ZUMZ) reported second-quarter earnings of 8 cents a share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 5 cents a share. The company also outpaced earnings of 2 cents a share posted in the second quarter of fiscal 2010. Net income from operations was $2.6 million compared with $1.9 million in the prior-year quarter.
Net sales in the reported quarter increased 14.9% year over year to $112.2 million from $97.7 million a year ago. Comparable store sales rose 7.5% in … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

One Solution For High-Priced Textbooks

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 11:48 AM PDT

From Timothy Taylor at the Conversable Economist blog:

“Take a look at prices for the best-selling and best-known introductory economics textbooks. A copy of the full-year, micro and macro version will typically list at more than $200, although students can often get discounted copies at sellers like Amazon.com for about $170-$180.

My solution is my own introductory textbook, “Principles of Economics.” The second edition of this text is out this fall through Textbook Media, Inc. The pricing … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

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

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 11:45 AM PDT

Forexpros – The Euro was lower against the U.S. Dollar on Thursday after the release of U.S. data on ISM Manufacturing Index.

EUR/USD was trading at 1.4277, down 0.66% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 1.4227, today's low, and resistance at 1.4549, Monday's high.

Earlier in the day, industry data showed that The U.S. ISM manufacturing PMI fell less-than-expected to 50.6 last month from 50.9 in the preceding month.

Analysts had expected the ISM manufacturing … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

ISM Better Than Expected

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 11:35 AM PDT

The Institute for Supply Management's (ISM) manufacturing index dropped to 50.6 in July from 50.9 in June. While the number is down, and the level is at best mediocre, it represents a major positive surprise — the consensus had been looking for the index to fall to just 48.5.

In other words, the manufacturing economy is still expanding, but just barely. Still, if one steps back a bit, the decline in the overall index has been stunning. Back in February it was at 61.4, the highest level … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Washington Real Estate Buys Mall

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 11:30 AM PDT

WashingtonReal Estate Investment Trust (NYSE:WRE) has recently acquired Olney Village Center – a shopping mall spanning 199,000 square feet in Olney, Maryland, for $58.0 million. The transaction was funded through a $22.6 million mortgage loan bearing an annual interest of 6.37% and scheduled to mature in 2023. The remainder of the purchase price was funded through available cash and borrowing capacity under its line of credit.
Built in 1979, Olney Village Center underwent a major renovation in … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

DryShips Underperforms

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 11:30 AM PDT

DryShips Inc. (NASDAQ:DRYS) declared disappointing financial results for the second quarter of 2011. All of its three reporting segments: (1) Drybulk carrier (2) Oil Tanker and (3) Offshore Drilling, performed poorly in the previous quarter.
Quarterly GAAP net loss was $114.1 million or a loss of 33 cents per share compared with a net income of $19.5 million or 7 cents per share in the prior-year quarter. However, adjusted (excluding one-time charges) EPS in the second quarter of 2011 was 4 cents, … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Prologis Acquires Phoenix Property

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 11:30 AM PDT

Prologis Inc. (NYSE:PLD) – the erstwhile AMB Property Corp., has recently acquired a 302,600 square foot warehouse property in Tolleson, Arizona, for $9.95 million in an all-cash transaction. This is the second major acquisition of the company in the region in the past one month.
Prologis had earlier purchased a 250,800 square foot distribution facility in Phoenix for $9.1 million. In the past 18 months, Phoenix has witnessed a plethora of acquisition activities of larger industrial buildings … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Options Players Sweet On Dunkin’ Brands Calls As Quiet Period Winds Down

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 11:16 AM PDT

Options players sweet on Dunkin' Brands calls as quiet period winds down
Today's tickers: DNKN, AXP, LXK & CBG
(DNKN) – Dunkin' Brands Group, Inc. – Options activity on the franchisor of Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins quick service restaurants spiked one day before analysts are expected to initiate coverage on the company. Shares in DNKN rallied as much as 6.1% to $27.95 this morning, but cooled to $26.95 in early-afternoon trade as investors await analyst opinion on the … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

UK Manufacturing Data Reinforces Need For Dovish BOE; Further Decline In GBP/USD, GBP/AUD Expected

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 11:15 AM PDT

Manufacturing Data A Blow to UK's Hopes of Export Led Growth
The August manufacturing PMI is a worrisome one for the industrial sector in the UK as it showed the second month of contraction and opens up the possibility of a double-dip in the sector. It's a 26-month low, and the reasons for the decline – drops in the volume of new orders amid weak domestic demand, rising global uncertainty and lower levels of new export business – suggest that near-term improvement will be hard to … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Forex – AUD/USD Up In U.S. Trade

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 11:15 AM PDT

Forexpros – The Australian Dollar was higher against the U.S. Dollar on Thursday after the release of U.S. data on ISM Manufacturing Index.

AUD/USD was trading at 1.0734, up 0.25% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 1.0562, Monday's low, and resistance at 1.0765, today's high.

Earlier in the day, industry data showed that The U.S. ISM manufacturing PMI fell less-than-expected to 50.6 last month from 50.9 in the preceding month.

Analysts had expected the ISM … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Costco Sustains Sales Momentum

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 11:05 AM PDT

Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST), one of the leading U.S. warehouse club operators, recently posted healthy sales data for the four-week period ended August 28, 2011.
The company has been able to maintain its sales momentum. After a 10% increase in July 2011, Costco's comparable-store sales for August rose 11%, reflecting comparable sales growth of 9% at its U.S. locations and 18% at its international divisions. For the fifty-two week period ended August 28, 2011, the company … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Gordmans’ EPS Beats, Rev Grows

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 11:05 AM PDT

Gordmans Stores Inc. (GMAN) posted earnings per share of 15 cents in the second quarter of fiscal 2011, outpacing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 11 cents. The quarter's earnings also surpassed management guidance range of 10–11 cents.  Earnings outperformance was mainly aided by improvements in comparable store sales and gross profit margins.
The quarter's results, however, deteriorated from 20 cents earned in the year-earlier quarter. The deterioration can be traced back to a … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Patrick Legland: Very Premature To Discuss QE3

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 11:00 AM PDT

09/01/11 Global Head of Research for Societe General, Mr. Patrick Legland, addresses the recent actions of the Fed and the speculation surrounding its future … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

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

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 10:45 AM PDT

Forexpros – The New Zealand Dollar was lower against the U.S. Dollar on Thursday after the release of U.S. data on ISM Manufacturing Index.

NZD/USD was trading at 0.8512, down 0.35% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 0.8386, Monday's low, and resistance at 0.8572, Wednesday's high.

Earlier in the day, industry data showed that The U.S. ISM manufacturing PMI fell less-than-expected to 50.6 last month from 50.9 in the preceding month.

Analysts had expected the … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Initial Jobless Claims Fall To 409K

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 10:35 AM PDT

Initial Claims for Unemployment Insurance fell by 12,000 last week to 409,000. This was slightly worse than the expected level of 408,000. Last week's numbers were revised upwards by 4,000, so one could see it as a decrease of 8,000.

Recently, these numbers have seemed stuck once again in a trading range above the 400,000 level after a brief period lower than that earlier this year. The drop three weeks ago below 400,000 level was very good news, after 17th straight weeks above it. Alas, … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Actelion Candidate Misses Goal

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 10:25 AM PDT

European biotechnology company Actelion Ltd. (ALIOF) recently announced disheartening data from a mid stage trial (MUSIC; n=178) of its pipeline candidate, macitentan, evaluating its use in the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled, multicenter study failed to meet the primary end-point of forced vital capacity (a measure of lung function).
The study, however, showed that the safety and tolerability of macitentan was acceptable, … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Williams Partners Wins FERC Permit

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 10:25 AM PDT

Williams Partners L.P. (NYSE:WPZ), the master limited partnership (MLP) of Williams Companies Inc. (NYSE:WMB), got the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) nod to expand a pipeline in the southeastern region of the U.S.
The approval entitles the partnership to serve the evolving markets of LaGrange City in Georgia, Progress Energy Carolinas, Inc., and Southern Company Services, Inc. with an added capacity of 225,000 dekatherms of natural gas in its Transco natural gas pipeline. The expansion … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Ratio Of Takers To Givers Reaches A Tipping Point

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 10:23 AM PDT

Larry Elder has an editorial in today’s Investor’s Business Daily that starts out by quoting an Irish taxi driver who identified the No. 1 reason for the grim economic situation in Ireland as “too many takers – not enough givers.”  The charts above help to graphically illustrate that situation in the U.S.  Read the full editorial here. … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

“Tomorrow…we Might Be Disappointed”

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 10:20 AM PDT

09/01/11 Empire Executions’ Peter Costa discusses the latest global data and expectations for Friday’s US jobs … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Export Demand Slows And So Does Corn

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 10:17 AM PDT

Thursday, September 1, 2011
Corn continues to have strong fundamentals going into the fall harvest. Crop health has continued to worsen as the growing season has progressed and weaker yields could result in another significant cut in USDA estimates. In the short-term, however, technical resistance, overbought conditions and lower demand could have a negative impact on prices. Many traders may look for a pullback to the 725-730 level. At that time, some traders may ng into a bullish strategy, … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

European Markets Mixed At Close; Dax Down 0.94%

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 10:05 AM PDT

Forexpros – European stocks were mixed after the closing bell on Thursday.

At the close of European trade, Germany's DAX fell 0.94%, London's FTSE 100 gained 0.45%, France's CAC 40 climbed 0.28% and the EURO STOXX 50 was up 0.16%.

Earlier in the day, data showed that the euro zone's manufacturing PMI fell unexpectedly to 49.0 last month, from 49.7 in the preceding month.

Analysts had expected the euro zone's manufacturing PMI to remain unchanged at 49.7 last month.

Meanwhile, on … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Dollar Rises On Jobless Claims Improvement While Euro Slide Deepens On Weak Manufacturing Data

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 05:00 AM PDT

09/01/11 The euro currency continued its downturn this afternoon following weak European manufacturing data. Meanwhile, the dollar has rebounded on improved jobless claims … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Charting The Emerging Market EEM Rally Into Resistance Levels

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 09:19 AM PDT

What's going on with the popular Emerging Markets ETF (EEM) and what are the key higher timeframe reference levels?
Let's take a look, starting with the higher weekly structure which identifies the two main levels:

Cutting right the main point, major confluence support (Fibonacci and 200d SMA) resides at the $38.00 per share level – that's also a confirmed price low for 2011.
On the upside, confluence EMA resistance (20 and 50 EMAs are crossing) rests at the $45.00 per share … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Hemant Mardia Leads Filtronic Towards New Growth Opportunities In Mobile Technology

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 08:54 AM PDT

Hemant Mardia has spent more than 25 years at AIM listed communications electronics specialist Filtronic (LON:FTC) and for the last three years he has led the £22.5 million market cap group as chief executive. In that time, significant market changes have sparked a new strategy at the company as it moves to broaden its customer base and achieve higher revenues by embracing the growth opportunities presented by the fourth generation of mobile phones and infrastructure.

Mardia took on the role … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards
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