Friday, December 9, 2011

DailyMarkets.com - Bristol-Myers Presents Data

DailyMarkets.com - Bristol-Myers Presents Data

Bristol-Myers Presents Data

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 03:15 PM PST

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) and partner AstraZeneca (NYSE:AZN) recently presented data from a late-stage study which evaluated their candidate dapagliflozin in adults suffering from type II diabetes over 48 weeks.
Data from the randomized, parallel-group, double-blind, placebo-controlled study revealed that treatment with the combination of dapagliflozin and glimepiride resulted in similar reduction in blood sugar levels over 48 weeks as was observed over 24 weeks. Results from the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

AmEx Snipped Lobby Costs In 3Q

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 03:05 PM PST

Yesterday, American Express Co. (NYSE:AXP) (AmEx) reported that it witnessed a significant decline in its third quarter lobbying charges, apparently emerging more relaxed with respect to the regulatory issues. As the data filed, the company spent $0.34 million, plummeting 26% from $0.46 million in the year-ago quarter and 44% from $0.61 million reported in the sequential quarter.
In the July-September period of 2011, AmEx undertook the federal government into its confidence regarding the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

AXIS Capital Returns More Value

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 03:05 PM PST

In its concerted effort to return more value to shareholders, the board of directors of AXIS Capital Holdings Limited (NYSE:AXS) approved a 4% increase in its quarterly dividend. The company will now pay a dividend of 24 cents per share, up from 23 cents paid on October 17, 2011. Shareholders of record as on December 30, 2011 will receive the dividend on January 17, 2012.
The recent dividend increase marks the company's eight consecutive annual increase. AXIS Capital's annualized dividend … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

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

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 03:00 PM PST

Forexpros – The Euro was higher against the U.S. Dollar on Friday after the release of U.S. data on Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index.

EUR/USD was trading at 1.3386, up 0.35% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 1.3282, today's low, and resistance at 1.3486, Monday's high.

Earlier in the day, preliminary data showed that U.S. UoM consumer sentiment rose more-than-expected to a seasonally adjusted 67.7 last month from 64.1 in the preceding month.

Analysts had … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

AstraZeneca Announces Job Cuts

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 02:55 PM PST

AstraZeneca (NYSE:AZN) announced that it will reduce its US sales force by approximately 24% or 1,150 employees. The company's decision to cut its sales force is in line with its strategy of improving efficiency and delivering better results.
Employees in leadership positions as well as sales representatives will be affected by the job cuts. Though the job cuts will be finalized by early February 2012, employees have the option to self-identify and leave AstraZeneca.
The layoff decision comes … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Stryker Boosts Shareholder Return

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 02:55 PM PST

Orthopedic devices major Stryker Corp (NYSE:SYK) has beefed up its quarterly dividend to 21.25 cents a share from 18 cents, representing an 18% hike. This lifts the annual dividend to 85 cents per share from the current payout of 72 cents, which equates to a dividend yield of roughly 1.8%. The revised quarterly dividend is payable on January 31, 2012, to shareholders of record as on December 29, 2011.
Separately, the Michigan-based company's Board has approved an additional $500 million share … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Serbia Central Bank Cuts Rate A Further 25bps To 9.75%

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 02:42 PM PST

The National Bank of Serbia cut its 2-week repo rate by 25 basis points to 9.75% from 10.00% previously.  The Bank said: ”The key disinflationary factors, both now and in the foreseeable future, will be weaker cost-push pressures arising from administered and food prices as well as low aggregate demand. The process of disinflation will be further aided by the continued drop in inflationary expectations. Inflation is expected to retreat within the target tolerance band in the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Capella Inflates Buyback Program

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 02:40 PM PST

Capella Education Company (NASDAQ:CPLA), the provider of online education, recently raised its existing share repurchase authorization by $50 million, reflecting its plan to utilize its free cash to enhance shareholders' return.
The increase in the share buyback program was based on the $34.8 million that remained at its disposal at the end of the third quarter of 2011. During the quarter, Capella repurchased 694,000 shares, aggregating $25.2 million.
Management hinted that the company may … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

MGI Begins Cash-to-Account In China

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 02:40 PM PST

In an effort to spreading into China, yesterday MoneyGram International Inc. (NYSE:MGI) announced the launch of cash-to-account service with Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) – a leading Chinese bank – to make money transfers across China.
The company already offers money transfer services to ICBC's 1,500 locations in over 400 cities. Meanwhile, the cash-to-account service will also be available to more than 269 million personal banking customers of ICBC.
Initially, the service … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Lowe’s Plans Customer Support Center

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 02:35 PM PST

It goes without saying that customer service is of utmost importance for any company to run its business. Following this rationale, Lowe's Companies Inc. (NYSE:LOW) recently announced its plan to open a new Customer Support Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Lowe's added that the new center will be operational in the first quarter of 2012. The center will generate a total of 600 jobs by the end of 2013 of which 250 jobs will be created within March 2012.
Moreover, the new center will … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

J. C. Penney Bets On Martha Stewart (revised)

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 02:35 PM PST

The economy is struggling, and so is J. C. Penney Company Inc. (NYSE:JCP). The company has been trying every means to uplift itself, and the latest move of acquiring a 16.6% stake in Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc. (NYSE:MSO) is just an another step towards that direction.

J. C. Penney is betting hard on New York-based Martha Stewart, for it to be a fortune changer. It has invested $38.5 million (or $3.50 per share) to buy 11 million newly issued shares of Martha Stewart Living and become a … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Hot Option Plays: Markets Rally On Europe & Consumer Sentiment

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 02:35 PM PST

Cusick’s Corner
We are going into the weekend with some solid rhetoric out of the EU — Strict and Universal fiscal policy and the promise that liquidity will be provided. However, there was not much of anything set in stone. The EU was the major headline this week and will still be a very important situation to watch. As we look ahead to next week there will be a lot of data released, plus there’s a Fed meeting and final options expiration for 2011, so a light week. Truth be told, if the data … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

US Stocks Soar On Consumer Sentiment; Dow Up 1.55%

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 02:35 PM PST

Forexpros – U.S. stock markets rallied on Friday as investors rushed to equities buoyed by firming consumer sentiment numbers at home and by European progress in tackling the debt crisis across the Atlantic.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended Friday up 1.55%, the S&P 500 index roared ahead 1.69%, while the Nasdaq Composite index was up 1.58%.

In Europe, 26 of the 27 treaty nations agreed to tighter fiscal integration and discipline measures, with Britain acting as the holdout on … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Edison Int’l Raises Dividend

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 02:30 PM PST

Edison International (NYSE:EIX) has increased its quarterly dividend by 1.56% bringing the annualized dividend to $1.30 per share, from the previous payout of $1.28 per share. This is the eighth consecutive dividend increase by the company.
The quarterly dividend, incorporating the hike, will come to 32.5 cents per share, up from the prior payment of 32 cents per share. This increased quarterly dividend will be payable on January 31, 2012, to shareholders of record as on December 30, 2011.
The … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

FMC Signs LLOG Subsea Deal

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 02:30 PM PST

FMC Technologies Inc. (NYSE:FTI) has entered into an agreement, worth $40 million, with LLOG Exploration Company, LLC. Per the deal, the former will design, manufacture and deliver subsea production systems that will be utilized to develop the Who Dat project in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico.
The scope of the contract involves the supply of seven subsea production trees and control systems. Equipments will be supplied from FMC's Houston operations and deliveries are slated to start in … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Americans Are Spending

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 02:24 PM PST

…less than the mainstream “experts” anticipated this holiday season (see here and here; as predicted here and here). Indeed, it looks like the “new black” as far as shopping venues go is the old (and really cheap) stuff:
Consignment stores
“Spenders Get Thrifty for Holiday Shopping”  (Fairport-E.Rochester Post)
As departments stores become flooded with shoppers this holiday season, some are choosing to shop at consignment stores to give themselves a hand — a second hand, that is.
For … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

The Going Gets Tough For PLDs This Xmas

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 02:20 PM PST

Programmable Logic Devices (PLD) maker Altera Corporation (NASDAQ:ALTR) recently slashed its revenue guidance for the fourth quarter of 2011.
Altera now expects revenues in the fourth quarter to decline by 13% to 16% on a sequential basis, compared to the previous guidance of 7% – 11%. The new guidance implies revenues in the range of $438.9 million – $454.6 million, significantly lower than the previous guidance of $465.0 million – $485.9 million.
Reasons for Downgrade
Altera stated that the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Cures For The Cardiac Rhythm Market

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 02:10 PM PST

When are the woes for the Cardiac Rhythm Management (CRM) market going to end? This question continues to nag us as sliding sales of the stalwarts of this market do not show any sign of abatement.
This hi-tech specialized niche includes implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), cardiac resynchronization therapy devices (CRTs), and pacemakers, all catered to address cardiac abnormalities.
Though pressed against the wall, we would like to believe that the segment holds attractive … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

The Remarkable Political Stupidity Of The Street

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 02:06 PM PST

Wall Street is its own worst enemy. It should have welcomed new financial regulation as a means of restoring public trust. Instead, it's busily shredding new regulations and making the public more distrustful than ever.
The Street's biggest lobbying groups have just filed a lawsuit against the Commodities Futures Trading Commission, seeking to overturn its new rule limiting speculative trading.
For years Wall Street has speculated like mad in futures markets – food, oil, other … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Hartford Announces 2012 Guidance

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 02:05 PM PST

Yesterday, Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. (NYSE:HIG) declared its 2012 core earnings guidance of $3.30–3.60 per share in an investors' meeting. The company also revealed its fourth-quarter earnings expectations of 80–85 cents per share but lowered the 2011 guidance to $3.27–3.32 per share from $3.70–3.90 per share, which was announced in February this year.
In comparison, The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the fourth quarter of 2011 is currently 84 cents per share, down 21% year … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

EU Summit Sees US Stocks Post Second Week Of Gains

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 02:00 PM PST

12/09/11 NYFP’s Closing Bell Report: As the EU summit came to a conclusion Friday, US stocks were in rally mode following Europe’s new budgetary … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Accenture To Serve California FTB

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 01:50 PM PST

Globally accredited management and technology consulting company Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) will now provide technology architecture and Enterprise Data Warehouse support to the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB). For successful implementation, Accenture will work jointly with CGI Group Inc. (NYSE:GIB). Financial terms of the deal were kept confidential.
The FTB is responsible for managing two of California’s major tax programs, namely Personal Income Tax and Corporation Tax. The responsibilities … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Spectra Energy Sees Upbeat ’12

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 01:50 PM PST

Natural gas distributor Spectra Energy Corp. (NYSE:SE) provided its financial estimates for 2012. The projections are ahead of the Zacks expectations of $1.89 on high demand for infrastructure in U.S. oil and gas producing regions.
Per the financial budget for 2012, the company expects to achieve annual diluted earnings per share of $1.90, which is approximately 15% above the 2011 target of $1.65. Spectra Energy also confirmed that it will raise its annual dividend in 2012 by 8 cents to $1.12 per … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Magna Expands In South America

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 01:50 PM PST

Magna International Inc. (NYSE:MGA) announced that its body and chassis systems operating unit, Cosma International, has closed a transaction with Germany-based ThyssenKrupp Automotive Systems GmbH to acquire the latter's Brazilian unit, ThyssenKrupp Automotive Systems Industrial do Brasil Ltd (TKASB).
TKASB manufactures and assembles chassis structural components and modules for Brazilian original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). It operates four facilities in the country, located in Sao … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Smithfield Exceeds Estimates

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 01:40 PM PST

Smithfield Foods Inc. (NYSE:SFD) posted adjusted earnings of 76 cents per share for the second quarter of fiscal 2012, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 69 cents by 10.1%.
The record increase in proforma earnings for the quarter was driven by strong fresh pork earnings and double-digit exports in spite of higher raw material costs.
GAAP earnings were reported at 74 cents per share, down by 14.0% from the net earnings of 86 cents per share in the year-ago quarter. The results include … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

HP, Microsoft Sign Cloud Agreement

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 01:40 PM PST

Cloud computing has emerged as the buzzword for all major technology players and Hewlett-Packard Company (NYSE:HPQ) is no exception. The company recently announced that it has entered into a four-year agreement with Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT). Under the agreement, HP will provide cloud computing solutions to Microsoft for extending its communication and collaboration applications to business and government customers.
Both the tech majors have sensed significant opportunity prevailing in the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Kroger Balances Itself

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 01:35 PM PST

The term “survival of the fittest” goes well with The Kroger Company (NYSE:KR), which holds a dominant position among the nation's largest grocery retailers, and remains committed to balance itself in an economy that is looking for ways to shield itself from the ongoing financial crisis. 
Drivers of Growth
Kroger's strong corporate and national brands help gain customers' loyalty, sustain growth in top line, expand its store base and boost its market share.
The company's … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

4 Stocks To Watch In The Week Ahead

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 01:35 PM PST

( click to enlarge )

Shares of Solarwinds, Inc. (SWI) joined the bull party today and made a new 52-week high of $33.68. Looking at the technical chart the stock is well above the three moving averages, which are all moving up. The bulls may continue their domination but stay cautious because some technical indicators indicators are displaying negative divergences as they failed to make new highs. Honestly, I believe that a short correction may be in the offing but the bull rally is under … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Analyst Interviews: Holiday Retail Outlook & Review

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 01:20 PM PST

Does the start of holiday sales suggest a break from the phase when US consumers were reeling under a series of macro-economic shocks? For now, the initial data released by National Retail Federation suggests that Santa has a bagful of gifts for the majority of retailers this holiday season.

Early reports hinted that the retailers have won over prolonged macro-economic uncertainty. Shoppers shrugged off their economic woes to mark record holiday weekend sales of $52.4 billion.

Supporting the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Hershey Sweetens Its Portfolio

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 01:20 PM PST

With expansion prospects, the U.S.’s largest chocolate maker The Hershey Company (NYSE:HSY) has set forward an agreement to acquire a private Canadian confectionary company named Brookside Foods Ltd. based in British Columbia. The terms of the deal are not yet disclosed.
Though Hershey has not received any regulatory consent, the company expects to expand Brookside product line, which consists of chocolate-covered traditional fruits and nuts and chocolate-covered fruit juice pieces, in the retail … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Cooper Tire To Buy Serbian Plant

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 01:10 PM PST

Cooper Tire & Rubber Company (NYSE:CTB) recently entered into an agreement to acquire the assets of an existing tire plant in Kruševac, Serbia. The acquisition involves an initial investment of about $17.3 million.
Following the acquisition, the plant will be renamed as Cooper Tire Serbia and will complement the production at the company’s existing facility in Melksham, England, which manufactures high performance tires. The new plant is expected to strengthen Cooper's business in the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Forex – GBP/USD Firms On European Pact

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 01:06 PM PST

Forexpros – The pound rose against the dollar Friday as despite British opposition to terms of a pact to strengthen fiscal discipline in Europe, London remained committed to a stable euro, which was the very aim of the pact all along.

Healthier than expected U.K. trade figures bolstered the currency as well.

GBP/USD hit 1.5664 in late U.S. trading, up 0.22%.

The pair tested support at 1.5586, Friday’s low, and resistance at 1.5770, Friday’s high.

In Europe, 26 of the 27-member eurozone … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Human Genome Upped To Neutral

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 01:05 PM PST

We are upgrading our recommendation on Human Genome Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:HGSI) to Neutral from Underperform since we believe that the sales of the company's potential blockbuster lupus drug Benlysta will pick up in the coming quarters, thereby strengthening the top line.
Benlysta performed disappointingly in the third quarter of 2011, recording sales of only $18.8 million. Benlysta has been co-developed by Human Genome with GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE:GSK). We note that the third quarter of 2011 was … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Eurozone: Make Or Break

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 01:05 PM PST

The European leaders appear to have agreed on tougher fiscal discipline, such as balanced budgets on the part of individual countries. However, according to Reuters, Germany stands between critical steps being passed – issuing of Eurozone bonds and allowing the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) to become a bank.
Issue of Eurozone bonds will pave the way for greater fiscal union in Europe. And as a banking entity, ESM will be able to raise resources from the market and operate with some … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

C.H. Robinson Raises Dividend

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 12:55 PM PST

C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc. (NASDAQ:CHRW) has recently increased its dividend to 33 cents per share, or $1.32 on an annualized basis. The company dividend was raised from 29 cents paid previously in the past quarters of 2011. The new dividend will be payable on January 3, 2012 to shareholders of record on December 20
C.H. Robinson has been paying regular dividends to its shareholders for more than twenty five years and continues to do with support from its strong balance sheet and liquidity … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Bank Business Loan Charge-Off Rates Returning To 2007 Levels, Bank Failures Lowest Since 2008

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 12:51 PM PST

The two charts above provide some evidence that the U.S. banking sector is recovering from the effects of the Great Recession and financial crisis of 2008-2009. 

Charge-off rates for all commercial banks are displayed in the top chart, and show that:

a. Business loan charge-off rates, at 0.73% in Q3, are the lowest in 14 quarters (since 0.71% in 2008 Q1) and have now almost returned to the pre-recession levels. 

b. Real estate loan charge-off rates fell in Q3 … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Marathon Sets 2012 Budget

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 12:35 PM PST

Marathon Oil Corporation (NYSE:MRO) unveiled its capital, investment and exploration budget for 2012. The company intends to expend around $4.822 billion on its capital program, of which nearly 65% will be targeted toward the development of liquid assets.
Of the total budget, Marathon plans to put in approximately $900 million for the core exploration and production (E&P) assets including its operations in the Gulf of Mexico, Norway, U.S. conventional oil and gas plays, Equatorial Guinea, the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

US Stocks Rally On Consumer Sentiment; Dow Up 1.58%

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 12:21 PM PST

Forexpros – U.S. stock markets rallied on Friday about an hour ahead of the closing bell, as investors rushed to equities buoyed by firming consumer sentiment and European progress in tackling the debt crisis across the Atlantic.

In late afternoon trading, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 1.58%, the S&P 500 index roaring ahead 1.72%, while the Nasdaq Composite index up 1.74%.

In Europe, 26 of the 27 EU nations agreed to tighter fiscal integration and fiscal discipline measures, … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Bank Indonesia Pauses Interest Rate At 6.00%

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 12:21 PM PST

Indonesia’s central bank, Bank Indonesia, held the BI reference rate unchanged at 6.00%.  Bank Indonesia Governor, Darmin Nasution, said: “This decision is based on overall assessment on recent economic condition, risk factors, and economic prospects. Board of Governors views that current BI Rate is still consistent with inflation targets, and remains conducive for financial stability and mitigating the impacts of worsening global economic outlook on Indonesian economy. The … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Risk-Reward Balanced At Theravance

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 12:20 PM PST

We have maintained our Neutral recommendation on Theravance, Inc. (NASDAQ:THRX) with a target price of $24.00 per share following appraisal of third quarter 2011 financial results.
Theravance's third quarter 2011 loss per share of 37 cents was wider than the Zacks Consensus Loss Estimate of 33 cents as well as the year-ago loss of 29 cents per share. The wider loss was attributable to a lukewarm top-line performance as well as increased research and development (R&D) expenses. Revenue at … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

AEP-Duke To Build Transmission Line

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 12:05 PM PST

Pioneer Transmission, a joint venture formed by American Electric Power Co. Inc. (NYSE:AEP) and Duke Energy Corporation (NYSE:DUK), will begin the engineering and permitting activities of their Greentown-New Reynolds project in 2012. The total cost of the venture is expected to run into $245 million. The aim of the project is to improve regional power system reliability and market efficiency, while enabling public policy mandates, like low emission of toxic products.
Under the Greentown-New Reynolds … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Legland: “EU Summit…relief For The Market”

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 12:00 PM PST

12/09/11 Société Générale’s Global Head of Research, Patrick Legland, give us his perspective on the EU summit and the outlook for the euro-zone region heading into … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Bank Of Korea Keeps Interest Rate At 3.25%

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 11:59 AM PST

The Bank of Korea maintained its 7-day repurchase rate unchanged at 3.25%.  The Bank said: “In Korea, exports have shown a steady increase, but consumption has remained at a level similar to that in the previous month and facilities investment has decreased sharply. The trend of improvement in employment conditions has been sustained, led by the private sector. The Committee anticipates that the domestic economy will not deviate significantly from its long-term trend of … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

J&J In Oncology Deal

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 11:50 AM PST

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) recently entered into an agreement which should strengthen its oncology pipeline. Johnson & Johnson's Janssen Biotech, Inc. signed an agreement with Pharmacyclics, Inc. (NASDAQ:PCYC) for the development and marketing of a mid-stage oncology candidate, PCI-32765. The deal covers the development of PCI-32765 for oncology and other indications, excluding inflammation and immune mediated conditions.
The Candidate
The agreement is focused on anti-cancer compound, … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Peruvian Central Bank Holds Rate At 4.25%

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 11:39 AM PST

The Central Reserve Bank of Peru held its monetary policy reference rate unchanged at 4.25%.  The Bank said: “This decision takes into account the lower growth being recorded by some components of expenditure, the current international financial risks, and the rise of inflation associated mainly with temporary supply factors. Future adjustments in the reference interest rate will depend on the evolution of inflation and its determinants.”

Peru’s central bank also held … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Hot Option Plays: Waiting For Breakout

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 11:36 AM PST

Cusick’s Corner
No headlines now that the EU meetings have wrapped up, causing the market to firm up into the Midday. The bulls appear to be holding their ground and going into the weekend, there could be a little covering by the weak handed bears. One market that has not shown the strength that the equities have shown is Gold, GLD, and this is acting like a coiled spring with a tighter and tighter range. Now the correlation between Gold, GLD, and Equities, SPY, started to realign today and if … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Another Billion For Boeing

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 11:35 AM PST

The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) announced that it has finalized an agreement with Air Lease Corporation (AL) for supplying four 787-9 Dreamliners. Air Lease also exercised an existing option for procurement of four Next-Generation 737-800s. Overall, the order value came at above $1.2 billion.
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is a slightly larger version of the 787-8 and will carry 250-290 passengers on routes spanning 8,000 to 8,500 nautical miles. The 787 provides airlines with higher fuel efficiency, … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Botswana Central Bank Keeps Interest Rate At 9.50%

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 11:24 AM PST

The Bank of Botswana’s Monetary Policy Committee kept its benchmark interest rate steady at 9.50%.  The Bank said: “Low growth in domestic demand and the forecast modest external inflationary pressures contribute to the positive inflation outlook in the medium term.” also noting “However, in the short-term, inflation is expected to remain above the bank’s objective range of 3 – 6 percent due to the impact of transient factors. These include the increase in fuel prices and public … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Wells Fargo Clears Bid-Rig Case

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 11:20 AM PST

Wells Fargo & Co. (NYSE:WFC) is in the headlines and this time for a penalty. The company has agreed to pay $148 million to settle charges brought by federal and state authorities that its acquired unit – Wachovia Bank N.A. participated in fraudulent activities. Wachovia was allegedly involved in bid-rigging for winning business from municipalities.
According to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Wachovia rigged at least 58 municipal bond reinvestment transactions in 25 states and … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Markets In Everything: Dog Poop Lottery

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 11:12 AM PST

From The Inquisitr (ht: Mike W.):

“The Taiwanese city of New Taipei this week came up with a unique solution for cleaning their streets of dog feces, they launched a city wide lottery that everyone could participate in.
City officials were able to collect 14,500 bags of dog poop from more than 4,000 people, removing half of the cities dog feces from streets and sidewalks.

For each bag turned over to the government a lottery ticket was awarded and eventually a 50-something woman claimed the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Crude, Fuel Inventories Move Up

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 11:05 AM PST

The U.S. Energy Department’s weekly inventory release showed an unexpected increase in crude inventories on the back of higher imports, while gasoline supplies rose for the fourth straight week. The agency's report further revealed that distillate stocks posted a higher-than-expected build, as production hit record high. Meanwhile, refiners improved processing rates by 3.1%.
The Energy Information Administration (“EIA”) Petroleum Status Report – which contains data for the previous week … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Forex – Dollar Softens As Euro Takes Center Stage

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 10:51 AM PST

Forexpros – The dollar fell in early afternoon U.S. trading Friday as markets digested with cautious approval growing European commitment to running tighter fiscal ships and bolstering recue funds.

In Europe on Friday, 17 eurozone countries and nine nations who want to join began signing a pact to bolster fiscal discipline across the continent.

The continent’s leaders also agreed to earmark 200 billion euros to the International Monetary Fund to help firewall the crisis, which has spread to … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Delta To Buy Minority Stake In GOL

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 10:50 AM PST

The second largest U.S. airline Delta Air Lines Inc. (NYSE:DAL) plans to acquire a minority stake in Brazil's second largest airline GOL Linhas Aereas Inteligentes (NYSE:GOL).
Delta will buy a 3% of stake In GOL Linhas for $100 million and will become a member of its board. The investment, awaiting approval from the board of directors of both companies, will be in the form of American Depositary Shares.
The acquisition will aid Delta to accelerate its presence in Latin America, where it is lagging … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Schoenberger: “Any Way Pendulum Shifts…dictates Sentiment”

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 10:50 AM PST

12/09/11 LandColt Trading’s Todd M. Schoenberger discusses the EU summit agreement, S&P’s latest warnings and the equity market outlook for the rest of … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Crude Oil Futures Reverse Losses On EU Progress

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 10:08 AM PST

Forexpros – Crude oil futures reversed early losses Friday, gaining after investors cooled their run to currencies and other assets that shot up on news European leaders were working to right their crisis-ridden economies.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, light, sweet crude futures for delivery in January traded at USD98.39 a barrel in early afternoon U.S. trading, up 0.06% after erasing earlier losses.

The commodity dipped to USD97.41 a barrel briefly and shot up to USD99.02 before … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

The Trend Trader For ETF Trading On Monday, December 12, 2011

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 04:03 AM PST

By ForexMansion.com

The Trend Trader for ETFs
For Trading On Monday, December 12, 2011

The top 40 ETFs by net assets
In alphabetical order by symbol

Close
%
Change

3×1

7×5
Minor
Trend
Major
Trend
Trend Reading

AGG – iShares Lehman Aggregate Bd Fd
109.39
− 0.05
109.37
109.28

Bullish

BND – Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF
83.40
− 0.24
83.48
83.39

Neutral

DBC – DB Commodity Index Tracking Fd
27.29
+ 0.37
27.37
27.46

Bearish

DIA – SPDR DJ Industrial Average … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

The Trend Trader For Stock Trading On Monday, December 12, 2011

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 04:03 AM PST

By ForexMansion.com

The Trend Trader for the Dow 30 Stocks
For Trading On Monday, December 12, 2011

In alphabetical order by symbol

Close
%
Change

3×1

7×5
Minor
Trend
Major
Trend
Trend Reading

AA – Alcoa Inc
9.64
+ 1.80
9.69
9.72

Bearish

AXP – American Express Company
48.80
+ 2.07
48.52
48.61

Bullish

BA – Boeing Co
71.93
+ 2.51
70.80
71.44

Bullish

BAC – Bank of America Corporation
5.72
+ 2.33
5.75
5.73

Bearish

CAT – Caterpillar Inc
95.97
+ … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

The Trend Trader For Forex Trading On Monday, December 12, 2011

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 04:03 AM PST

By ForexMansion.com

The Trend Trader for Forex
For Trading On Monday, December 12, 2011

THE BIG SIX

Close
%
Change

3×1

7×5
Minor
Trend
Major
Trend
Trend Reading

AUDUSD – Aust Dollar / US Dollar
1.0215
+ 0.49
1.0223
1.0214

Neutral

EURUSD – Euro / US Dollar
1.3383
+ 0.31
1.3378
1.3383

Neutral

GBPUSD – British Pound / US Dollar
1.5666
+ 0.26
1.5669
1.5666

Neutral

USDCAD – US Dollar / Canadian Dollar
1.0171
− 0.56
1.0156
1.0161

Bullish

USDCHF – US Dollar / … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

The Trend Trader For Futures Trading On Monday, December 12, 2011

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 04:03 AM PST

By ForexMansion.com

The Trend Trader for Futures
For Trading On Monday, December 12, 2011

INDICES

Close
%
Change

3×1

7×5
Minor
Trend
Major
Trend
Trend Reading

S&P 500 – Mar ESH2
1253.00
+ 1.85
1245.58
1247.25

Bullish

Dow Jones – Mar YMH2
12143
+ 1.67
12062
12086

Bullish

Nasdaq – Mar NQH2
2318.50
+ 1.62
2304.92
2307.67

Bullish

Russell – Mar TFH2
742.80
+ 3.32
733.47
735.07

Bullish

INTEREST RATES

US T-Bond – Mar ZBH2
141-05
− … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Building Wisdom With Our Boots On The Ground

Posted: 08 Dec 2011 10:00 PM PST

Analysts at U.S. Global Investors scrutinize research reports and study Bloomberg data to help our investment team gain first-mover advantage. Today, I asked research analyst and Shanghai-native Xian Liang to share how he combines analyses from third-party reports with boots-on-the-ground observations to find the best opportunities Asian markets have to offer.

Q: You recently returned to China for a short research trip. How do these on-site visits differ from what we hear on the news about the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards
at

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