Monday, December 19, 2011

DailyMarkets.com - The Legacy Of N. Korean Dictator Kim Jong Il

DailyMarkets.com - The Legacy Of N. Korean Dictator Kim Jong Il

The Legacy Of N. Korean Dictator Kim Jong Il

Posted: 19 Dec 2011 04:51 PM PST

This one picture above of the Korean peninsula does a pretty good job of capturing the legacy of Kim Jong Il by comparing electricity usage at night between North and South Korea.

Here’s another comparison: The CIA estimates that North Korea’s GDP per capita in 2009 was $1,800.  That’s equivalent to the inflation-adjusted U.S. per capita GDP back in the year 1847, or more than 150 years ago.   … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

The Defining Issue: Not Government’s Size, But Who It’s For

Posted: 19 Dec 2011 04:01 PM PST

The defining political issue of 2012 won't be the government's size. It will be who government is for.
Americans have never much liked government. After all, the nation was conceived in a revolution against government.
But the surge of cynicism now engulfing America isn't about government's size. It's the growing perception that government isn't working for average people. It's for big business, Wall Street, and the very rich instead.
In a recent Pew Foundation poll, 77 percent of … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Forex Trading: USDCNH Trading On Trendline

Posted: 19 Dec 2011 03:30 PM PST

After breaking through some resistance the USD rally stalled and we saw the USDCNH move lower with some help from the Bank of China. If one believes that China's economy has hit the skids and bubbles are about to burst, a lot of easing could be on the horizon out of China that could propel the pair back higher. Currently it is pressing against what was developing as trendline support and perhaps  a break back into the channel could prove bullish in the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Coca Cola Projects Better Future

Posted: 19 Dec 2011 03:30 PM PST

The European supplier of Coco-Cola drinks, Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc. (NYSE:CCE), yesterday, came out with its projections for the rest of 2011 and for 2012.
Coco-Cola Enterprises expects its earnings for full year 2011 to reach the higher end of its previously guided earnings per share (EPS) range of $2.14 to $2.18, reflecting a modestly improved outlook for operating income, as well as the nominal decrease in expected effective tax rate for 2011. The guidance includes a 15 cent per share foreign … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

US Housing Data, Smattering Of Quarterly Results To Be Eyed

Posted: 19 Dec 2011 03:20 PM PST

12/20/11 More US housing data is scheduled for release. Earnings from Nike, General Mills and Diamond Foods will be closely … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Andersons Hikes Dividend

Posted: 19 Dec 2011 03:09 PM PST

The Andersons, Inc. (NASDAQ:ANDE) upped its quarterly dividend by 4 cents to 15 cents to bolster shareholder value. The dividend hike translates to a 36% increase from the prior dividend of 11 cents. The increased dividend will be paid on January 24, 2012, to stockholders of record on January 3, 2012.
Since its first year of trading on the NASDAQ in 1996, the company has consistently paid cash dividends for 61 straight quarters. The current dividend hike comes exactly after a year. The last dividend … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Exxon Eyeing Kurdistan Prospects

Posted: 19 Dec 2011 03:00 PM PST

According to market sources, oil major ExxonMobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) plans to make a potential takeover bid of Kurdistan focused explorer Gulf Keystone Petroleum valued at £7 billion ($10.9 billion).
ExxonMobil has not confirmed or revealed any detail with respect to this news. Its bid offer values each share of Gulf Keystone Petroleum, which has made massive oil discoveries in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan province of Iraq, at 800 pence.
The U.K. based Gulf Keystone has holdings in one of … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Gingrich’s Intrade Odds And Gallup Lead Collapse

Posted: 19 Dec 2011 02:59 PM PST

In a huge reversal that has happened in just the last week, Gingrich’s Intrade odds are down below 9% and Romney has surged back up to almost 70% (see chart above). 

Related from Gallup: “After enjoying 14- to 15-percentage-point leads over Mitt Romney in early December, Newt Gingrich is now statistically tied with Romney in national Republican preferences for the 2012 GOP presidential nomination: 26% for Gingrich vs. 24% for Romney. This follows a steady decline in support for Gingrich … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Fitch Has Eurozone Misgivings

Posted: 19 Dec 2011 02:50 PM PST

Ratings agency Fitch has misgivings about Europe's ability to tackle the sovereign debt crisis. Moody's, a division of Moody's Corporation (NYSE:MCO) and Standard & Poor's had earlier warned about the failing economic health of the European Union (EU) worsened by the indecision of the political class to address the crisis.
At the recent summit, Europe tried to send positive signals to the market and the world about its sincerity to address the issue. Strong fiscal discipline, stronger … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

EA Launches The Sims FreePlay

Posted: 19 Dec 2011 02:50 PM PST

Video game developer and publisher, Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS), better known as EA, recently launched a new mobile version of its popular life-simulation franchise "The Sims," exclusively for Apple Inc.'s (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch devices.
The new mobile version, namely The Sims FreePlay is available to Apple users for free. For the first time in the franchise's history, The Sims FreePlay will be available on Apple's iconic tablet computer iPad, and is expected to … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Wall Street Slides, Big Banks Tumble

Posted: 19 Dec 2011 09:40 AM PST

12/19/11 US stocks ended in negative territory, with Bank of America sliding to to a one-year low. EU finance ministers will come up with €150 billion in additional loans to the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Stocks Watchlist For Tuesday, Dec 20

Posted: 19 Dec 2011 02:35 PM PST

 
   ( click to enlarge )

Elan Corporation, plc (NYSE:ELN) is setting up for a very interesting upside move. The stock hit a high of $12.60 today, but was not able to above this level. I expect to see a high volume move once the stock breaks through resistance, as traders are watching this stock closely.   From a technical standpoint, this stock is currently in an uptrend and is finding support from its 50-day MA at 11.10 . The OBV is showing a rising move, … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Risk Reward Balances Target

Posted: 19 Dec 2011 02:20 PM PST

Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) is persistently trying every means to keep afloat in this turbulent environment. The company's P-fresh remodel program, 5% REDcard Rewards program, City Target stores and its foray into foreign markets are its arsenal to battle the economic downturn.
Initiatives Undertaken
Target's efficient marketing, multi-channel strategy, product innovation, compelling pricing strategy, and new merchandise assortments, should drive comparable-store sales and operating margins … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Apache To Buy Burrup Stake

Posted: 19 Dec 2011 02:20 PM PST

Apache Corporation (NYSE:APA) announced its plans to take over 65% stake in the Burrup Holdings Limited for an estimated amount of A$560 million or $560 million. The deal is expected to be closed in late January or early February 2012.
The remaining 35% interest in Burrup Holdings will be controlled by Norway-based Yara International.
Apache, along with a consortium including Burrup Holdings Limited, intends to develop a technical ammonium nitrate (TAN) plant in the Burrup Peninsula … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Forex Trading: Usd/sgd In A Daily Wedge.

Posted: 19 Dec 2011 02:18 PM PST

usd/sgd is in a daily … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

GM Boosts Investment In Canada

Posted: 19 Dec 2011 02:05 PM PST

General Motors Company (NYSE:GM) announced that it will invest $68 million at its Oshawa, Ontario assembly plant in Canada for manufacturing the new version of the Chevrolet Impala, on top of an investment of $117 million announced by the company previously for producing the Cadillac XTS at the same plant in 2012.
The total investment will help retain 1,100 jobs at the plant. Currently, it employs more than 4,400 people. The 10 million square feet plant is one of the largest auto plants in the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Beam To Still Irish Whiskey

Posted: 19 Dec 2011 02:00 PM PST

Spun off of Fortune Brands, liquor producer Beam Inc. (BEAM) will buy renowned Irish whiskey maker Cooley Distillery. Per the deal, Beam will gain control of this leading spirits company for about $95 million on a debt-free basis.
Under the transaction, Beam will offer Cooley shareholders $8.25 in cash in exchange of every Cooley share. Depending on the acceptance of a minimum of 80% Cooley shareholders and other customary conditions, the companies expect to close the transaction in the first … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

U.S. Stocks Close Lower On European Uncertainty; Dow Off 0.84%

Posted: 19 Dec 2011 01:43 PM PST

Forexpros – U.S. shares fell lower as worries that euro zone leaders were failing to make progress solving the debt crisis and Mario Draghi’s bearish comments.

At the close of U.S. trade, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.84%, the S&P 500 dropped by 1.18% and the Nasdaq Composite index gave back 1.26%.

European finance ministers met today in an effort to agree on a rescue package for the ailing euro zone. However, ECB head Mario Draghi stated that the ECB can't ramp up bond … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Maybe Not

Posted: 19 Dec 2011 01:41 PM PST

Good news on the way?
“U.S. Economic Growth Seen Brighter into 2012″ (Reuters)
The economy has probably picked up speed in the last few months and will grow moderately in 2012, staving off the need for additional stimulus from the Federal Reserve, a Reuters poll showed on Wednesday.
The euro zone’s sovereign debt crisis is one of the biggest threats to growth next year as economists fear credit lines may freeze up. But the odds of the United States sliding into another recession were seen … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Glaxo/HGSI Initiate New Study

Posted: 19 Dec 2011 01:40 PM PST

Human Genome Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:HGSI) and partner GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE:GSK) recently announced the commencement of a late-stage study (BLISS-SC: n~816) to evaluate the subcutaneous (SC) formulation of their potential blockbuster drug Benlysta.
Adults suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) will be evaluated in the multi-center, international, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
The study will evaluate the safety, effectiveness and tolerability of the SC version of … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Waddell & Reed Raises Dividend

Posted: 19 Dec 2011 01:35 PM PST

Continuing with its history of enhancing shareholder value through dividend hikes and share repurchases, last week Waddell & Reed Financial Inc. (NYSE:WDR) announced a 25% hike in its quarterly cash dividend. The new quarterly dividend would be 25 cents per share, payable on February 1, 2012 to shareholders of record as on January 3, 2012. This will place the current annual dividend payable to shareholders at $1.00 per share, which was 80 cents since the last hike.
Prior to this, Waddell & … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Still Neutral On Unum Group

Posted: 19 Dec 2011 01:15 PM PST

We retain our Neutral recommendation on Unum Group (NYSE:UNM) owing to the lackluster performance at Unum U.K. and at Colonial Life.
Results at Unum U.K. had remained soft over the last few quarters and the third quarter was no exception. Unfavorable risk experience in group long-term disability due primarily to an increase in the average size and severity of new claims weighed on the third quarter results.
Going forward, UNUM Group expects competitive pricing, coupled with a difficult macro … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Earnings Scorecard: Best Buy

Posted: 19 Dec 2011 01:05 PM PST

Best Buy Company, Inc. (NYSE:BBY), the leading specialty retailer of consumer electronic products, recently posted weaker-than-expected third-quarter 2012 results, as the global economic unrest and cautious consumer behavior weigh on it.
Street analysts had enough time to ponder on the company's scores. In the paragraphs that follow, we cover the recent earnings announcement, subsequent analysts' estimate revisions as well as the Zacks Rank and long-term recommendation for the stock.
A … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Twin Bank Failures, Tally Hits 92

Posted: 19 Dec 2011 01:05 PM PST

After a three-week lull, U.S. regulators were back in action last Friday, shuttering two more banks in Florida and Arizona. These closures have pushed the number of failed U.S. banks to 92 so far in 2011, following 157 in 2010, 140 in 2009 and 25 in 2008.
While the financials of a few large banks have been stabilizing on the back of an economic recovery, the industry is still on shaky ground. Nagging issues like depressed home prices along with still-high loan defaults and unemployment levels … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Crude Oil Advances On Kim Jong’s Demise

Posted: 19 Dec 2011 12:52 PM PST

Forexpros – Crude oil futures eased higher on the death of Korean strong man, Kim Jong and news that his son Kim Jong took power in the nuclear armed nation.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, light sweet crude futures for January settlement traded at USD93.86 a barrel during late U.S. trade advancing 0.11%.

It earlier hit a daily high of USD94.63 a barrel.

Weakness in the U.S. dollar added to the bullish crude price environment.

The dollar index, which tracks the performance of the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Greatbatch Closes Micro Power Buy

Posted: 19 Dec 2011 12:50 PM PST

Greatbatch's (NYSE:GB) Electrochem division, which makes high performance commercial batteries, has wrapped up its recently announced acquisition of Oregon-based battery supplier Micro Power Electronics for roughly $60 million in cash.
Greatbatch funded the acquisition with available cash and $45 million in  a revolving credit facility. In addition to the purchase consideration, Electrochem also assumed debt and incurred specific acquisition-related payments and expenses.
Micro Power … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

WFSL Buys Failed Western National

Posted: 19 Dec 2011 12:35 PM PST

On Friday, Washington Federal Inc. (NASDAQ:WFSL) announced its decision to acquire Phoenix, Arizona-based failed Western National Bank. Though the acquisition would immediately be accretive to the company's financials, no material impact is expected as the size of the transaction is relatively small.
On Friday, Western National was closed by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), which appointed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) as receiver. Under the terms of the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

New Distribution Could Boost PBIO’s Sales Immediately

Posted: 19 Dec 2011 12:35 PM PST

PBIO Signs Distribution Agreement For Germany and Switzerland
Grant Zeng, CFA   

Early today (Monday morning), Pressure BioSciences, Inc. (PBIO) announced that it has entered into a distribution agreement with Germany-based life sciences company IUL Instruments GmbH. Under the terms of the agreement, IUL will have the exclusive right to market and sell PBIO’s Pressure Cycling Technology (PCT) sample preparation instruments (Barocycler NEP2320 and NEP3229) and consumables in Germany … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Forex – Dollar Gains On Looming Debt Deadline

Posted: 19 Dec 2011 12:33 PM PST

Forexpros – The U.S. dollar gained ground Monday on a looming euro zone debt deadline and Spain’s security auction tomorrow.

During late session U.S. trade, the greenback was higher against the euro, with EUR/USD off by 0.20 % to hit 1.3017.

The single currency was hit by a multitude of bearish factors including the looming self imposed euro zone IMF funding deadline, uncertainty over Tuesday’s Spanish security auction, Fitch’s downgrades and the death of Korean strong man Kim Jung”.

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

SM Marcellus Asset Sale Hits A Snag

Posted: 19 Dec 2011 12:20 PM PST

Colorado-based SM Energy Company (NYSE:SM) is contemplating legal action against Endeavor International Corporation (END) after the latter backed out of the previously agreement to buy its assets in McKean and Potter Counties, Pennsylvania for $110 million.
Earlier this week, Houston-based Endeavor acknowledged that it had terminated the purchase and sale agreement with SM Energy, SM Energy's partners and a subsidiary of Endeavor related to oil and gas assets in the Marcellus Shale in … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Raytheon Wins Taiwan Contract

Posted: 19 Dec 2011 12:09 PM PST

Raytheon Company (NYSE:RTN) has received a Foreign Military Sales ("FMS") contract worth $685.7 million from the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama for additional new fire units of the combat-proven Patriot Air and Missile Defense System for Taiwan.
Patriot is a long-range, all-altitude, all-weather air defense system to counter tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and advanced aircraft. It is the world’s most competent air and missile defense system that … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Updating That Pesky Sideways Rectangle And Breakout In Bond Funds IEF And TLT

Posted: 19 Dec 2011 11:55 AM PST

It's understandable if you've forgotten about the bond market with all the activity centered on the stock market along with the recent multi-month sideways "rectangle" pattern in Bond Prices, but if you haven't checked a recent leading Bond ETF chart, now might be a good time to do so.
Let's start with the popular 7-10 year Treasury Fund IEF to see the current structure:

We'll break the chart down in steps to make it easier.
First, notice the sideways Rectangle Pattern that … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Gold Futures Lower On Dollar Strength

Posted: 19 Dec 2011 11:07 AM PST

Forexpros – bsp;Forexpros – Gold futures are flirting between positive and negative on Monday due to U.S. dollar strength triggered by euro zone debt fears.

On the Comex division of the New York Mercantile Exchange, gold futures for February delivery traded at USD1597.25 a troy ounce during mid U.S. trade giving back 0.04%.

It earlier hit a high of USD1603.45.

Gold futures were likely to find support at USD1593.19 and technical resistance exists at USD1598.29.

The U.S. dollar strength … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

The Trend Trader For Stock Trading On Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Posted: 19 Dec 2011 04:33 AM PST

By ForexMansion.com

The Trend Trader for the Dow 30 Stocks
For Trading On Tuesday, December 20, 2011

In alphabetical order by symbol

Close
%
Change

3×1

7×5
Minor
Trend
Major
Trend
Trend Reading

AA – Alcoa Inc
8.53
− 3.18
8.77
9.01

Bearish

AXP – American Express Company
46.04
− 1.79
46.71
47.29

Bearish

BA – Boeing Co
70.16
− 1.20
70.80
71.13

Bearish

BAC – Bank of America Corporation
4.99
− 4.04
5.19
5.32

Bearish

CAT – Caterpillar Inc
87.25
+ … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

The Trend Trader For ETF Trading On Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Posted: 19 Dec 2011 04:33 AM PST

By ForexMansion.com

The Trend Trader for ETFs
For Trading On Tuesday, December 20, 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
110.16
+ 0.10
109.95
109.85

Bullish

BND – Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF
84.02
− 0.04
83.97
83.84

Bullish

DBC – DB Commodity Index Tracking Fd
26.05
− 0.46
26.08
26.49

Bearish

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

The Trend Trader For Forex Trading On Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Posted: 19 Dec 2011 04:33 AM PST

By ForexMansion.com

The Trend Trader for Forex
For Trading On Tuesday, December 20, 2011

THE BIG SIX

Close
%
Change

3×1

7×5
Minor
Trend
Major
Trend
Trend Reading

AUDUSD – Aust Dollar / US Dollar
0.9894
− 0.75
0.9938
1.0014

Bearish

EURUSD – Euro / US Dollar
1.2998
− 0.30
1.3018
1.3121

Bearish

GBPUSD – British Pound / US Dollar
1.5497
− 0.30
1.5507
1.5536

Bearish

USDCAD – US Dollar / Canadian Dollar
1.0384
0.00
1.0366
1.0330

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 Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Posted: 19 Dec 2011 04:33 AM PST

By ForexMansion.com

The Trend Trader for Futures
For Trading On Tuesday, December 20, 2011

INDICES

Close
%
Change

3×1

7×5
Minor
Trend
Major
Trend
Trend Reading

S&P 500 – Mar ESH2
1199.00
− 0.99
1209.86
1221.17

Bearish

Dow Jones – Mar YMH2
11703
− 0.64
11785
11875

Bearish

Nasdaq – Mar NQH2
2212.50
− 0.91
2230.75
2256.58

Bearish

Russell – Mar TFH2
703.50
− 2.07
713.27
720.07

Bearish

INTEREST RATES

US T-Bond – Mar ZBH2
146-01
+ … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Striking Portfolio Balance With Gold Stocks

Posted: 18 Dec 2011 10:00 PM PST

Gold stocks have historically ranked among some of the most volatile asset classes. Over any given one-year period, it is a non-event for gold stocks to move plus or minus 38 percent. This DNA of volatility is about three times that of gold bullion, which carries an annual volatility around 13 percent.
Despite this volatility, our research shows that investors can use gold stocks to enhance returns without adding risk to the portfolio.
In 1989, Wharton School finance professor Jeffrey Jaffe … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards
at

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