Wednesday, January 11, 2012

DailyMarkets.com - Hot Option Plays: Gap & Hold

DailyMarkets.com - Hot Option Plays: Gap & Hold

Hot Option Plays: Gap & Hold

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 12:23 PM PST

Cusick’s Corner 01-11-2012
The gap and go is holding, the market continues to consolidate into the Midday. In spite of the move early in the session into the bonds, TLT, looks to be nothing more than a bounce off support, 118 on the TLT. If we see that the Euro does break more, then this TLT trade could potentially pick up and could be further catalyzed if the equities are not able to hold these new support levels, 1283 on the SPX. We also had an astute reader ask about the GLD Broken-Wing … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Plains Raises Returns For Unitholders

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 12:05 PM PST

Plains All American Pipeline LP (NYSE:PAA) extended its practice of sharing more benefits with its unitholders through the increase of the cash distribution rate. The partnership announced a new quarterly cash distribution rate of $1.025 per unit on all of its outstanding limited partner units.
The partnership has a long history of increasing distributions to unitholders. With this distribution, Plains has increased the quarterly distribution to limited partners in 29 out of the past 31 quarters. … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Auxilio’s Partnership With Sodexo Brings Results

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 11:50 AM PST

Auxilio's Partnership with Sodexo Brings Results
Ken Nagy, CFA

Auxilio, Inc. (AUXO), a Managed Print Services (MPS) company for the health care industry, announced that it signed a five year, $5 million agreement with Memorial Health System in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Memorial Health System has over 4,100 employees including over 650 beds and 950 physicians.

Auxilio will implement its print management solutions program, which is anticipated to cut costs and maximize efficiencies to the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Life Tech For Faster Sequencers

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 11:50 AM PST

The DNA sequencing market is likely to get more competitive with both Life Technologies Corporation (LIFE) and Illumina (NASDAQ:ILMN) showcasing devices that can sequence a human genome in a single day rather than weeks.
Calsbad, California based Life Technologies unveiled the Benchtop Ion Proton Sequencer, priced at $149,000, at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The company is already taking orders for the same, which is expected to hit the market in mid-2012. Based on the next … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Forex- Dollar Gains On Euro Zone Worries

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 11:44 AM PST

Forexpros – The U.S. dollar added to gains against its major counterparts as renewed euro zone debt worries sent investors into the relative safety of the greenback.

During late session U.S. trade, the dollar was higher against the euro with EUR/USD giving back 0.59% to hit 1.2703.

Fitch Ratings triggered the selling after stating the European Central Bank needs to ramp up its efforts to bail out the euro zone by upping its bond purchases.

Elsewhere, revised data indicating that the euro … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Earnings Preview: Textron Inc.

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 11:35 AM PST

Diversified U.S. conglomerate, Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) is slated to report its fourth quarter 2011 financial results before markets open on January 25. The current Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter is 36 cents a share. The Zacks Consensus estimates revenue at $3,286 million.
Third-Quarter 2011, a Synopsis
Backed by a rejuvenated business jet market leading to higher volumes, Textron announced third quarter 2011 adjusted earnings of 45 cents per share, handsomely beating the Zacks Consensus … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

COPEL Stays ‘Neutral’

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 11:20 AM PST

We reiterate our Neutral recommendation on Companhia Paranaense de Energia (NYSE:ELP). The company, also named COPEL, is a fully integrated electric utility of Brazil serving approximately 3.8 million customers in 393 municipalities and 1,115 localities in the State of Parana.
Energy demand in Brazil is rising based on the resumption in economic growth and industrial development. The country's energy utility companies are thus gearing up to serve the mounting consumption scenario, thereby … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Recommended: FRED Add-In For Microsoft Excel

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 11:13 AM PST

I use the Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED) from the St. Louis Federal Reserve on almost a daily basis and for those of you that also access these data on a regular basis, you might be interested in the free “FRED Add-In for Microsoft Excel” available here.

 According to the St. Louis Fed, 

“This Add-In is free software that will significantly reduce the amount of time spent collecting and organizing macroeconomic data. The FRED add-in provides free access to over 30,000 data … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Nordstrom Expands In Virginia

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 11:09 AM PST

Nordstrom Inc. (NYSE:JWN), one of the largest fashion specialty retailers in the U.S., plans to further expand its Rack concept by opening a new two-level store in Tysons Corner, Virginia. The store, scheduled to open in fall 2012, will include a wide selection of apparels, accessories and shoes of the Nordstrom Rack store.
The new store, spanning across 42,000 square feet, will share the floor with tenants such as Morton's Restaurant Group Inc.'s (NYSE:MRT) Steakhouse, Bertucci's restaurant … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Macy’s Offers Debt

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 11:09 AM PST

Macy’s Retail Holdings Inc., a wing of Macy's Inc. (NYSE:M), recently announced the issuance of $800 million senior notes. The notes are divided into two parts – $550 million and $250 million.
The $550 million senior debt carrying a due date of 2022 bears a coupon rate of 3.875% while the $250 million notes with a due date of 2042 carry a coupon of 5.125%.
Macy's expects to close the offering on January 13, 2012 and intends to utilize the proceeds for business purposes. The company may also … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Supervalu’s EPS In-Line, Sales Dip

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 10:55 AM PST

Supervalu Inc. (NYSE:SVU), one of the largest grocery chains in the United States, delivered in-line fiscal third quarter 2012 earnings. Supervalu Inc.'s earnings per share (EPS) of 24 cents shot up 125.5% compared to a loss of 94 cents posted in the year-ago period. The quarterly earnings were in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate in the quarter.
Consequently, Supervalu updated its full-year 2012 earnings guidance. The company now expects fiscal 2012 adjusted earnings to be in the range of … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

AMAG Q4 Sales Set To Disappoint

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 10:55 AM PST

AMAG Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:AMAG) recently announced preliminary fourth quarter 2011 results besides providing an update on its sole marketed product Feraheme and its overall business. Feraheme is an injectable drug for intravenous use as an iron replacement therapy for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in adult patients suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Fourth Quarter Preliminary Results
AMAG expects to generate total revenues of $14.3–$15.0 million in the final … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Valspar Announces Debt Offering

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 10:55 AM PST

The Valspar Corporation (NYSE:VAL) agreed to sell $400 million aggregate principal amount of 4.200% senior notes due January 15, 2022. 
The net proceeds from this offering will be used for general corporate purposes including repayment of a portion of its commercial paper borrowings and the repayment of $200 million principal amount of 5.625% Senior Notes due May 1, 2012 at maturity.
As of October 28, 2011, long-term debt was $679.8 million, down 27.9% from $943.2 million in the prior … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Crude Oil Futures Drop On Inventory Gains, Slowdown Fears

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 10:55 AM PST

Forexpros – bsp;Forexpros – Crude oil futures dropped Wednesday on U.S. government data indicating that inventories climbed more than expected and deepening euro zone debt fears adding to demand concerns.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, light sweet crude futures for February settlement traded at USD101.86 a barrel during mid U.S. trade giving back 0.38%%.

It is trading off a two day low of USD100.58 hit earlier in the session falling by as much as 1.55%.

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

2012: The Year Of The Undervalued Junior Miners

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 10:43 AM PST

Recent Radio Interview with Jeb Handwerger
"We're back on with Jeb Handwerger to discuss "The January effect," and how to pick the best mining stocks. According to Jeb, gold and silver miners will rise again in 2012, and the time honored trope regarding the month of January will reign true, as the first week of the New Year shows these stocks opening on a bullish note. When asked about the best gain for 2012, Jeb says investors must look at undervalued junior mining natural … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Valdes: “People On The Sidelines…have Lost Confidence”

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 10:30 AM PST

01/11/11 DME Securites’ Alan Valdes discusses trading volume in the US equity markets, and weighs in on the outlook and implications of the EU debt … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Fossil To Acquire Skagen

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 10:25 AM PST

To expand its portfolio, Fossil, Inc. (NASDAQ:FOSL) has agreed to purchase the privately held Nevada-based Skagen Designs, Ltd. and some of its partners for approximately $225 million in cash and 150,000 Fossil shares. The total value paid by Fossil would be approximately $236.8 million.
Skagen Designs is an international company engaged in the manufacture and marketing of contemporary Danish design accessories including watches, jewelry, sunglasses and clocks.
As per the deal, Skagen may get an … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Forex Trading: EURUSD Pushes Higher On Potential US Aid

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 10:18 AM PST

There was a report from Handelsblatt saying the US may contribute to the IMF bailout fund – contingent on progress of the EU crisis. This sent the EURUSD quickly above the 1.2688 resistance and up to test the 100 bar MA on the 5 minute chart. The price was also near the 38.2% of the days entire trading range.  Sellers have entered against the level and a move above will be needed to keep upside momentum. A failure to do so, and right now that is the case, would keep bears in control and … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

MetLife Ends Forward Mortgage Unit

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 10:09 AM PST

Yesterday, MetLife Inc. (NYSE:MET) announced the closing of its forward residential mortgage business, which originated under MetLife Home Loans. Management had been already exploring a sale of this business as announced in October last year. The closure in turn is expected to lay off about 4,300 employees, about 6.5% of MetLife's total 66,000 employee base, associated with this business.
MetLife Home Loans is the residential mortgage division of MetLife Bank, an operational segment of MetLife … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Citi’s China JV Gets Regulatory Nod

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 10:09 AM PST

Citigroup Inc.'s (NYSE:C) securities joint venture (JV) in China with Shanghai-based Orient Securities Co. has received a regulatory nod and with this Citi inches closer to increasing its foothold in the territory.
On Wednesday, Citi and Orient announced that China Securities Regulatory Commission have granted them the permission to form the JV, which will be named Citi Orient Securities Co. The JV will carry on investment banking activities including securities underwriting and sponsoring. This … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

BP Joins Sempra For Wind Power

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 10:00 AM PST

U.K. energy major BP Plc (NYSE:BP) has collaborated with San Diego-based Sempra Energy (NYSE:SRE) for the development of two wind farms – Mehoopany Wind Farm in Pennsylvania and the Flat Ridge 2 Wind Farm in Kansas. Both the companies together intend to invest in excess of $1 billion for the project.
The facilities, with a combined production capacity of 560 megawatts, were initially developed by BP's wind-development unit. Later, Sempra Energy acquired a 50% interest in the wind farms. BP will … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Ryder’s Green Initiative Underway

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 10:00 AM PST

Ryder System Inc. (NYSE:R), the world’s largest provider of integrated logistics and transportation solutions, has entered into its first "Flex-to-Green" lease agreement with Source Interlink, a U.S.-based publishing and logistics company.
Per the agreement, Ryder will provide Source Interlink with a flexible option to exchange diesel vehicles for natural gas-powered vehicles. However, the terms of the deal remain undisclosed.
In September last year, the company first launched its … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Liberty Media Initiated As Neutral

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 10:00 AM PST

We initiate coverage on Liberty Media Corp. (LMCA) with a Neutral recommendation. The company's third quarter of 2011 financial results significantly outperformed the Zacks Consensus Estimates. In November 2011, in a major strategic move, Liberty Media abandoned its plan to buy a controlling stake in Barnes & Noble, but instead intended to invest in the company.
We believe this new deal will boost Liberty Media in four ways: (1) the new deal will save a huge amount of cash … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Forex – EUR/USD Plunges On France Downgrade Worries, Contraction Fears

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 09:58 AM PST

Forexpros – bsp; Forexpros – The euro dropped to 16 month lows versus the U.S. dollar due to France downgrade worries and German economic contraction.
EUR/USD hit a low of 1.2662 during U.S. trade.

The pair is off a high of 1.2790 and is currently trading at 1.2687 down 0.71%.

EUR/USD was likely to find support at 1.2587, the August 2010 low and technical resistance exists at 1.2790, the sessions high point.

The single currency plunged after Fitch Ratings stated that the European Central … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Fed Profits

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 09:54 AM PST

The Fed announced yesterday that it turned over $76.9 billion of its earnings to the Treasury (and the taxpayer) during 2011. This was near the record $79.3 billion transferred during 2010. It is about three times the amount transferred during more normal times. For example, the transfers averaged $21.5 billion from 2002 through 2005.
While total Fed earnings include fees for services like check clearing and wire transfers provided to depository institutions, the bulk of the earnings come from … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Euro Loses Gains, Falls On Fitch

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 09:45 AM PST

01/11/12 The euro gave up yesterday’s gains this afternoon following a warning to the ECB from Fitch concerning the eurozone debt … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Sold DUST @ $35.99

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 09:39 AM PST

I was pleasantly surprised to see my position in Direxion’s Gold Miner Bear 3X ETF (DUST) rising in the pre-market and after the opening bell. But I had to make the responsible decision to not try and serve two masters – my trade and my class. So I sold…. @ $35.99 ….. and got on with teaching my students. 

My TSI Trading Record has been updated.

A more current look at DUST on this 4 Hour Chart (below) shows some strong BUY signals in place.  Not shown is a chart of the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Central Bank Of Kenya Pauses Rate At 18.00%

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 09:28 AM PST

The Central Bank of Kenya held the benchmark lending rate unchanged at 18.00%, and held the Cash Reserve Ratio at 5.25%.  The central bank Governor, Njuguna Ndung’u, said: “The information analysed by the Committee showed that inflation is projected to ease further in early 2012. This outcome is a consequence of the monetary policy stance, the appreciation and stability of the exchange rate and the decline in oil prices. Furthermore, expected improvements in food supply will … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Success For BSD’s Rental Program

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 09:26 AM PST

Cancer treatment systems maker BSD Medical (NASDAQ:BSDM) has announced  the successful launch of the fee-per-use equipment rental program for its MicroThermX Microwave Ablation system in Salt Lake City.
The program allows hospitals to buy the company's disposable SynchroWave antennas (used with the MicroThermX system) and pay a fee-per-use rental for treating patients using the innovative MicroThermX system.
BSD Medical's equipment rental program is aimed at maximizing revenues from … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

European Stocks Hit By Fitch Words, German Contraction; DAX Down 0.17 %

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 09:23 AM PST

Forexpros – European shares dropped from a one week high Wednesday after rating agency Fitch fanned credit fear flames by stating the European Central Bank must do more to stem the regions debt crisis.

After the close of European trade, the EURO STOXX gave back 0.34%, France’s CAC 40 dropped 0.19%, while Germany’s DAX 30 closed down 0.17%. Meanwhile, in the U.K. the FTSE 100 fell 0.45%.

The sell off was ignited when David Riley, head of Fitch’s sovereign debt unit, stated “The ECB should … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Forex Trading: AUDUSD Finds Proper Support Today In Up And Down Session

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 09:22 AM PST

The AUDUSD has had an up and down trading day today. The price moved down to test the 38.2% of the move up from January 6th low at the 1.02708 level in early Asian trading.  It then rallied sharply higher, only to sell off to new lows on the back of the selloff in the EURUSD.   That selloff, moved below the 38.2% retracement level but found support against the 100 and 200 hour MAs (blue and green lines in the chart above).  So the risk on//risk of currency pair is … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Forex Trading: GBPUSD Makes New Three Month Low

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 09:22 AM PST

The GBPUSD has made new 3 month lows taking out the end of December lows at the 1.5360 level. Traders will be looking for momentum to the downside to continue on the break. After all, the price has moved to new lows in December on a two occassions and quickly rejected those moves (see daily chart below).  On the hourly chart above, the next target for the pair comes in at the 1.5327 level. This is the 138.2% of the move up from the January 6th low to the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Forex Trading: EURUSD Makes Move To The Next Step But Finds Dip Buyers

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 09:22 AM PST

The low for the week at the 1.2665 is the next target to get through.
On the downside, the price has not been this low since September 2010.  The lows from that time period came in at 1.2643 and below that 1.2586. These would be downside targets on a break of the low today (see daily chart below)

Looking at the hourly chart, the 138.2% extension of the move up from the January 9th low to the high of the week, comes in at the 1.2607 level. This will be another downside … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Forex Trading: GBPUSD Moves Toward Target. EURUSD Double Bottom?

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 09:22 AM PST

Forex Trading: GBPUSD Races To New Lows. Intraday Support Line May Look To Hold Here

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 09:22 AM PST

The GBPUSD hsa raced to new lows and has found some buyers against the 1.5309 level. THis is a channel trendline on the 5 minute chart above.  I will be watching this level for buyers. A break should not be ignored as the price is trending today and the next target being the more steep channel trendline below, but if it holds, it may lead to some profit taking of the above average 183 pip trading range … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Forex Trading: EURUSD Breaks To New Lows But Reluctant Sellers Forces Some Covering

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 09:22 AM PST

The EURUSD made new lows once again. ANd once again, the break was short lived. The good news for sellers is the retracements have been running into channel resistance and holding on the topside. In the current chart, the 38.2% of the reluctant move down in the NY session and the channel trendline are at the same 1.2688 level  I will be looking for the level for clues into the NY PM trading.  Do the sellers want to keep in control.  We will … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Polish Central Bank Holds Interest Rate At 4.50%

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 09:16 AM PST

The Narodowy Bank Polski’s Monetary Policy Council held the benchmark 7-day interest rate unchanged at 4.50%.  The Bank said: “In the opinion of the Council, in the medium term inflation will be curbed by gradually decelerating domestic demand amidst fiscal tightening, including reduced public investment spending, and interest rate increases implemented in the first half of 2011, as well as the expected global economic slowdown. The impact  of the situation in the global … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Gentiva Provides Weak 2012 Forecast

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 09:08 AM PST

On Tuesday, Gentiva Health Services Inc. (NASDAQ:GTIV) released its financial outlook for 2012. The company expects to generate net revenues of $1.70–1.76 billion in 2012, substantially lower than the 2011 guidance of $1.78–1.82 billion.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Gentiva's 2012 revenue lies above the company's guidance range at $1.79 billion.
Additionally, Gentiva expects the adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization attributable to continuing operations … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Genomic Looks To Diversify Offering (revised)

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 09:08 AM PST

Over the recent past, Genomic Health (NASDAQ:GHDX), an oncology based biotech company, has been working on several pipeline programs to reduce dependence on its flagship product, Oncotype DX breast cancer test. The company to that end initiated a large validation study of its prostate cancer test in collaboration with the University of California, San Francisco.

The study hopes to determine whether a multi-gene test can help distinguish an aggressive disease (that will require surgery) from a less … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Market In Wait-and-See Mode

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 09:02 AM PST

With few domestic headlines on the earnings and economy fronts, trading action today will likely lack in any meaningful directional thrust. The market is effectively in a wait-and-see mode for the earnings reporting season, which gets into high gear next week.
With respect to Europe, we have further evidence this morning that the growth outlook in the region is weakening. Estimates for German economic growth are unsurprisingly showing a modest decline in the fourth quarter, a precursor of … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

More Offerings From Activision’s MW3

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 09:02 AM PST

The unprecedented success of Activision Blizzard Inc.'s (NASDAQ:ATVI) blockbuster title Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (MW3) has prompted the company to further extend its offerings. The hugely popular game, with certain upgraded contents, will be available in the form of downloadable content through Call of Duty Elite, Activision's online portal.
Modern Warfare 3 Content Season for Call of Duty Elite will be available for the Call of Duty Elite's premium members on Xbox LIVE starting from the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Stock Market News Briefs: Charles River Laboratories International, Eastman Kodak Company, Emulex, Audiovox Corporation

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 09:02 AM PST

    Standard & Poor's announced that investment management provider Virtus Investment Partners Inc. (VRTS) would join the S&P MidCap 400 Index after Friday’s markets hours

    Share prices of Voxx International Corp. (NASDAQ:VOXX) rallied more than 20%  after the company’s third quarter earnings came in more than expected

    Sterne Agee & Leach Inc. said medical research company Charles River Laboratories International Inc. … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Cubist’s Preliminary Sales Impress

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 09:02 AM PST

Cubist Pharmaceuticals Inc.'s (NASDAQ:CBST) total preliminary net revenues for the fourth quarter of 2011 climbed 30% to $210.3 million driven by strong sales of its antibiotic injection, Cubicin (daptomycin). Cubicin is marketed in the US and several other markets for the treatment of severe bacterial infections of the skin and bloodstream.
Preliminary fourth quarter revenues beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $205.0 million. Apart from revenues from Cubicin sales, total revenues at Cubist … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Is All Well For Tiffany?

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 09:02 AM PST

Tiffany & Company (NYSE:TIF), who once impressed investors with its sturdy nature against economic upheavals, is perhaps showing a few cracks amidst the latest economic threats. Shares of the company suffered a fall of over 10% yesterday as it curtailed its full year 2011 earnings forecast following a dismal holiday season sales in the U.S. and Europe. More importantly, this also highlighted the company's vulnerability to the turbulent and dwindling economy.
Other specialty jewelry retailers … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

MMI Enhances Droid Portfolio

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 09:02 AM PST

Looking at the increasing popularity of Droid devices, Motorola Mobility Holdings Inc. (MMI) launched another Droid phone called Droid 4. The new 4G-enabled smartphone will be marketed through Verizon Communication Inc.'s (NYSE:VZ) wireless store in the upcoming weeks.
The new 4G-enabled handset is based on the popular Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) and can also be upgraded to the latest Android 4.0 (Ice cream Sandwich) operating platform. The new smartphone is one of the slimmest handset currently … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Denny’s Posts Upbeat Prelim Results

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 09:02 AM PST

Denny's Corporation (NASDAQ:DENN), engaged in the ownership and operation of a chain of family-style restaurants, recently announced the preliminary same-store sales and unit growth results for the upcoming fourth quarter and fiscal 2011. The same-restaurant sales remained positive benefiting from higher traffic.
For fourth quarter 2011, the company's system-wide same-restaurant sales (comps) have upped 1.5% on 1.0% upside in company-operated units and 1.7% climb in franchised units. This was a … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Sales Surge At Body Central

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 09:02 AM PST

Body Central Corp. (BODY) reported net sales of $80.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2011, up 22.0% year over year. Total revenue surpassed the company's guided range of $75 to $79 million. The company's same-store sales and comparable store sales (comps) also rose a respective 21% and 7% in the same period.
Quarterly sales were positively impacted by the introduction of gift cards. Sales also benefited from the continued focus on offering latest trends at value prices. New stores as … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Tesoro Puts Hawaii Unit For Sale

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 09:02 AM PST

In an attempt to redesign its operational base,Tesoro Corporation (NYSE:TSO) is set to offload its oil refinery in Hawaii. The company intends to complete the divestiture in the second half of 2012.
Tesoro stated that the to-be divested assets include the Kapolei refinery – having capacity of 94 thousand barrel per day – along with 32 retail gasoline stations and associated logistical assets.
Favorably located, the Kapolei refinery boasts a strong logistical infrastructure that lends support … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Hits And Misses In 2011 Airlines

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 09:02 AM PST

The airline industry was hit hard last year owing to persistent market turmoil and surging fuel costs despite a strong turnaround in 2010. Unfortunately, we foresee a similar scenario in 2012. Airlines are also losing money due to poor customer service, which is considered as a key growth metric.
Customer service metrics are based on number of operational measures such as baggages handling, on-time arrivals, long and excessive delays, bumping of passengers, flight cancellations and complaints … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Novelis To Supply Cans To Coca-Cola

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 09:02 AM PST

Atlanta based Novelis Inc. has agreed to supply aluminum can sheeting in a multi-year deal signed with the Coca-Cola Bottlers’ Sales & Services Company LLC (CCBSS), which is a unit of The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO).
As per the deal, Novelis, which will act as the primary supplier to Coca-Cola, will supply aluminum can body stock, can end stock and can tab stock to the different producers of beverage cans for Coca-Cola in North America.
Though Novelis has not disclosed the financial terms of … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

WPPGY To Acquire Oasis

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 09:02 AM PST

Advertising titan, WPP plc (NASDAQ:WPPGY) recently agreed to acquire a majority interest in Karachi-based insight and consultancy company, Oasis Insights (Private) Limited. The acquisition will be given effect through the company's Kantar network. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Oasis was founded in 1996 and employs over 105 people. The company generated roughly PKR 254 million in gross revenues for the year ended 30 June 2011. Gross assets for the same period were PKR 109 … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Broadcom’s Series Of Advances

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 09:02 AM PST

Broadcom Corporation (NASDAQ:BRCM) recently announced a series of revolutionary innovations at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which would inevitably endear consumers to its varied product and technology advancements.
Prolific advancements have been made in the product portfolio of devices used at consumers' homes.
One of these was the launch of the first ever MoCA 2.0-Integrated HD set top boxes and Hybrid IP gateway solutions which was then a SingleLoaded Technology … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

US Stocks Retreat On EU Concerns

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 08:10 AM PST

01/11/12 The DJIA pulled back from Tuesday’s gains. Euro zone worries weighed on sentiment amidst concerns that the debt crisis will continue to put a damper on global … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

The Breadline For Financial Bloggers

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 08:00 AM PST

Time have been tough for hedge fund managers, big and small.  John Paulson, for example, needs to generate a 104 percent return to recoup a 51 percent drop in one of his largest funds after wagers on a U.S. recovery … Continue reading … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Crude Oil Futures Adds To Losses After Large U.S. Supply Gain

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 07:51 AM PST

Forexpros – Crude oil futures extended losses on Wednesday, after government data showed U.S. crude and gasoline supplies rose significantly more-than-expected last week as traders continued to eye developments surrounding the euro zone's ongoing debt crisis as well as tensions between Iran and the West.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, light, sweet crude futures for delivery in February traded at USD100.80 a barrel during U.S. morning trade, dropping 1.4%.

It earlier fell by as much … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Forex – Dollar Extends Gains As Debt Concerns Punish Euro

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 07:43 AM PST

Forexpros – The U.S. dollar extended gains against its major counterparts on Wednesday, as fresh concerns over the sovereign debt crisis in the euro zone sapped market sentiment and boosted demand for the safety of the greenback.

During U.S. morning trade, the dollar was higher against the euro, with EUR/USD falling 0.65% to hit 1.2694.

The euro fell after Fitch Ratings said the European Central Bank needs to do more to prevent the collapse of the euro, saying the bank should step up its … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Natural Gas Futures Plunge 4% To Hit Fresh 28-month Low

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 07:30 AM PST

Forexpros – Natural gas prices plunged on Wednesday, trading at the lowest level since September 2009 as forecasts continued to point to warmer-than-normal winter weather in the U.S., dampening demand expectations for the heating fuel.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, natural gas futures for February delivery traded at USD2.803 per million British thermal units during U.S. morning trade, plunging 4.7%.

It earlier fell by as much as 4.9% to trade at USD2.796 per million British thermal … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Forex – Pound Hits 3-month Low Against Broadly Stronger Dollar

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 07:27 AM PST

Forexpros – The pound fell to a three-month low against the broadly stronger U.S. dollar on Wednesday, as a combination of worries over the ongoing debt crisis in the euro zone and the outlook for the U.K. economy weighed.

GBP/USD hit 1.5345 during U.S. morning trade, the pair's lowest since October 6; the pair subsequently consolidated at 1.5351, dropping 0.84%.

Cable was likely to find support at 1.5270, the low of October 6 and resistance at 1.5490, the session high.

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

Crude Slips Alongside Euro, Still Above $101

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 02:15 AM PST

01/11/12 Crude saw a slight drop in price this morning as the euro fell against the dollar. However, prices still remain above $101 a … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Forex – EUR/USD Tumbles To 16-month Low On Debt Woes

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 07:14 AM PST

Forexpros – The euro extended losses against the U.S. dollar on Wednesday, tumbling to a 16-month low as investors exited the single currency amid renewed concerns over the sovereign debt crisis in the euro zone.

EUR/USD hit 1.2665 during U.S. morning trade, the pair's lowest since September 10, 2010; the pair subsequently consolidated at 1.2678, tumbling 0.77%.

The pair was likely to find support at 1.2587, the low of August 24 2010 and resistance at 1.2789, the session high.

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

Dynamic Market Pricing Reduces Congestion On The 520 Bridge, With Maybe Some Help From An App?

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 07:12 AM PST

In early December, there was a CD post about a Seattle-based company called Seabalt Solutions, which developed an app called Toll Avoider to help drivers avoid the new dynamically-priced tolls on the Highway 520 bridge that started in late December. 

After just a few weeks following the implementation of the bridge tolls, the Seattle Times is reporting that:

“New tolls on the Highway 520 bridge have reduced traffic so much that drivers are commonly traveling … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

U.S. Stocks Open Lower As EU Debt Woes Weigh; Dow Falls 0.25%

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 06:57 AM PST

Forexpros – U.S. stock markets declined after the open on Wednesday, as ongong concerns over the euro zone's debt crisis continued to weigh on sentiment.

During early U.S. trade, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.25%, the S&P 500 index slumped 0.2%, while the Nasdaq Composite index eased down 0.1%.

Concerns over the euro zone's debt crisis lingered after ratings agency Fitch said that the European Central Bank should do more to avoid a ‘cataclysmic’ collapse of the single … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

British Pound And Euro Pace Losses Ahead Of Central Bank Meetings

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 06:37 AM PST

Fundamental Headlines
• CFTC May Vote on Derivative Rules for Munis – Bloomberg
• Regulators May Expand Definition of 'Too-Big-to-Fail' – Bloomberg
• ECB Must do More to Prevent Euro Collapse: Fitch – Reuters
• German Economy Contracted at End of 2011 – WSJ
• Monti, Merkel Talks Focus on Growth – WSJ
European Session Summary
The rally by higher yielding currencies and risk-correlated assets that has taken place since European pre-market hours on Monday hit a snag on … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Forex – USD/CAD Up Amid Renewed Euro Zone Debt Fears

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 06:36 AM PST

Forexpros – The U.S. dollar was higher against its Canadian counterpart on Wednesday, as fresh concerns over the debt crisis in the euro zone curbed investor demand for higher-yielding assets.

USD/CAD hit 1.0195 during early U.S. trade, the session high; the pair subsequently consolidated at 1.0193, gaining 0.40%.

The pair was likely to find support at 1.0139, the session low and resistance at 1.0239, Tuesday's high.

Market sentiment was hit after Fitch Ratings said the European Central … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Gold Futures Pare Gains As U.S. Dollar Strengthens

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 06:35 AM PST

Forexpros – Gold futures pared gains on Wednesday, easing off a four-week high as the U.S. dollar re-approached a 16-month high against the euro, dampening the appeal of the precious metal.

On the Comex division of the New York Mercantile Exchange, gold futures for February delivery traded at USD1,637.75 a troy ounce during early U.S. morning trade, gaining 0.38%.

It earlier rose by as much as 1.02% to trade at USD1,647.85 a troy ounce, the highest since December 13.

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

Forex – EUR/JPY Hovering Close To 11-year Low

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 06:20 AM PST

Forexpros – The euro was down against the yen on Wednesday, trading close to an 11-year low, after ratings agency Fitch said that the European Central Bank should do more to avoid a ‘cataclysmic’ collapse of the single currency.

EUR/JPY hit 97.60 during European afternoon trade, the pair's lowest since Monday; the pair subsequently consolidated at 97.78, shedding 0.40%.

The pair was likely to find short-term support at 97.26, Monday's low and an 11-year trough and resistance at 98.37, … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Fitch Warning Turns Global Markets Lower

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 01:15 AM PST

01/11/12 The European markets are trading lower this morning following a contraction in German GDP and a warning to the ECB from Fitch to do more to assist the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

The January Effect: Buy Stocks Now Or Run For Cover?

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 02:14 AM PST

"As goes January, so goes the year." For investors that subscribe to the notion of calendar effects, Christmas and new year represent key moments in the investing calendar for taking advantage of some alleged market inefficiencies. Stock market surges triggered by the annual Santa Rally and the subsequent January Effect – together with the supposition that January is a useful barometer of market performance through the rest of the year – have long been debated forms of behavioural … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards
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