Tuesday, March 6, 2012

DailyMarkets.com - Failing To Make The Grade: Student Loan Debt

DailyMarkets.com - Failing To Make The Grade: Student Loan Debt

Failing To Make The Grade: Student Loan Debt

Posted: 06 Mar 2012 04:00 PM PST

03/06/12 Educational loan indebtedness soared above American household debt on credit card and automobile debt. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s report, the student loan delinquency rate continues to … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Hot Option Plays: VIX Up, SPX Able To Hold1340

Posted: 06 Mar 2012 03:23 PM PST

Cusick’s Corner
Yes, this was the worst trading day of 2012 but we need to keep this in perspective. We have had an 8 week run to the upside, good domestic data, and one of the mildest winters in a long time (it’s over 60 in Chicago today). Also the yields in the bonds pulled back, 10yr below 2%, a slight positive for the bulls in equities and the S&Ps were able to hold 1340. I expect a whippy consolidation at these levels, with all eyes on Crude inventories and Apple’s (NASDAQ:AAPL) highly … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Westamerica Lowered To Underperform

Posted: 06 Mar 2012 03:20 PM PST

We have lowered our long-term recommendation on Westamerica Bancorporation (NASDAQ:WABC) from Neutral to Underperform based on the company's weak fourth-quarter 2011 results and the overall sluggish economic environment.
We anticipate that a weak interest rate environment and low investment returns will restrict any significant bottom-line improvement in the near term. However, we also expect continued synergies from Westamerica's strong expense discipline, conservative credit culture and a … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Greece, ADP Report In Focus

Posted: 06 Mar 2012 03:20 PM PST

03/06/12 Greece will continue to be in the spotlight ahead of the Thursday deadline on its bond swap offer to private creditors. The ADP report will be released in mid-week, ahead of Friday’s US jobs … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Patterson-UTI: 240 Rigs At Work

Posted: 06 Mar 2012 03:05 PM PST

Onshore contract driller Patterson-UTI Energy Inc. (NASDAQ:PTEN) declared that its February 2012 drill rig count averaged 240, essentially flat from 241 in the previous month. The company operated 224 rigs in the U.S. and 16 in Canada in February, compared with 225 rigs in the U.S. and 16 rigs in Canada during January this year.
Patterson-UTI's activity levels in the U.S. peaked in early October 2008 with a rig count of 275. Since then through the second quarter of 2009, the company witnessed a … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Stocks To Watch On Wednesday, March 07

Posted: 06 Mar 2012 02:57 PM PST

( click to enlarge )

I'm looking at a possible double bottom reversal on Rubicon Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:RBCN) stock chart. I know that it’s too early to say for certain but looking at the technical chart is very likely. Notice how the MACD Histogram is starting to rise and the RSI is turning up from being oversold. The slow stochastic line is also near to cross the fast line, so there are good chances of reversal happening here. Keep watching the stock.

 ( click to enlarge )

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

Pepco Plans Capital Restructuring

Posted: 06 Mar 2012 02:50 PM PST

Pepco Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:POM) announced its plan to offer up to 15,584,415 shares of common stock pursuant to an automatic shelf registration statement previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The price of this common stock offering will be $19.25 per share.
As per the agreement, the underwriters have an option to purchase 2,337,662 additional shares of common stock within a period of 30 days following the offering to cover over-allotments, if any.
Pepco Holdings intends to … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Telefonica In Neutral Lane

Posted: 06 Mar 2012 02:50 PM PST

We are maintaining our long-term Neutral rating on Spanish telecom giant Telefonica (NYSE:TEF) following fiscal 2011 earnings results. Telefonica outperformed its peers in 2011, with industry leading profitability, improving margins and increasing returns to its shareholders.
Moving through this year, Telefonica's main purpose is to enhance the overall revenue with continued focus on fixed and mobile broadband growth as well as strong commercial activity across all markets. The increased … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Neutral On Pitney Bowes

Posted: 06 Mar 2012 02:50 PM PST

We maintain a Neutral recommendation on Pitney Bowes Inc (NYSE:PBI). The company continued to make investments during 2011, as per its Strategic Transformation programs. However, the revenue for the year failed to show any growth, declining by 3% year over year and 6.5% for the fourth quarter.
Benefits from the Strategic Transformation programs were evident from EBIT improvement in four of the company's seven business segments. Pitney's equipment sales also improved in the first half of the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Fresenius Promotes Awareness

Posted: 06 Mar 2012 02:50 PM PST

Fresenius Medical Care North America ("FMCNA"), the North American division of Fresenius Medical Care (NYSE:FMS), recently revealed that while the prevalence of diabetes and hypertension, in the U.S., is widely recognized, many people do not understand that these conditions often lead to chronic kidney disease ("CKD").
In fact, over 26 million individuals in the U.S. suffer from CKD. Unknown to them, many more individuals are at risk. Changes in passing urine, swelling of the hands, feet … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Naming Your Beneficiary: Retirement Accounts

Posted: 06 Mar 2012 09:50 AM PST

03/06/12 InnerHarbor Advisors’ Michael J. Keating, CFP, talks about the importance of updating beneficiaries on retirement … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Earnings Scorecard: Macy’s

Posted: 06 Mar 2012 02:30 PM PST

Macy's Inc. (NYSE:M) exited fiscal 2011 with a bang, and we believe it will sustain the same tempo in 2012. The company's relentless endeavors to keep itself on the growth trajectory have paid off in an economy, which is still finding its way out of the woods. Early hour store openings, huge discounts, promotional activities, and free shipping on online purchases, were enough to lure customers.
In the paragraphs that follow, we cover the recent earnings announcement, subsequent estimate … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Newell Rubbermaid Stays Neutral

Posted: 06 Mar 2012 02:25 PM PST

We are maintaining our long-term Neutral recommendation on Newell Rubbermaid Inc. (NYSE:NWL) with a target price of $20.00. Moreover, the company has a Zacks #3 Rank, implying a short-term Hold rating on the stock.
Newell, one of the leading manufacturers of home and office products in the U.S, possesses a strong portfolio of well established brands, such as Sharpie, Paper Mate, Dymo, Expo, Waterman, Parker, Irwin, Lenox, Rubbermaid, Levolor, Graco, Calphalon and Goody. Therefore, Newell … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Yet Another Deal For NHI

Posted: 06 Mar 2012 02:25 PM PST

National Health Investors, Inc. (NYSE:NHI) recently struck a deal with Bickford Senior Living and its affiliates Bickford to build up to 8 assisted living and memory care facilities over the next three years. The facilities will be leased to Bickford for 15 years at an initial annual lease rate of 9%.
National Health has agreed to immediately provide a $3 million revolving credit facility to Bickford to fund the market feasibility and pre-construction costs associated with the new development … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Forex Trading: Usd/sgd Finding Some Resistance In This Sideways Channel.

Posted: 06 Mar 2012 02:18 PM PST

usd/sgd finding some resistance in this sideways … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

PNC Accomplished RBC Bank USA Deal

Posted: 06 Mar 2012 02:09 PM PST

Last Friday, PNC Financial Services Group Inc. (NYSE:PNC) has completed the purchase of RBC Bank (USA), the U.S. retail banking subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada (NYSE:RY), according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Monday. PNC Financial bought 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of RBC Bank for around $3.47 billion in cash.
Following the closure of the deal, RBC Bank was merged with and into PNC Bank, an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of PNC Financial. As a result … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Solid Quarter At Sierra Monitor As It Prepares For Largest Order Ever

Posted: 06 Mar 2012 02:00 PM PST

Solid Quarter at Sierra Monitor as it Prepares for Largest order Ever
Ken Nagy, CFA

On March 6, 2012, Sierra Monitor Corporation (SRMC), the designer, manufacturer and seller of electronic safety and environmental instrumentation, reported financial results for its fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2011.

Sierra Monitor reported mixed results with year over year fourth quarter revenues falling $647,963 or 15.4 percent, to $3.572 million from $4.220 million for the comparable … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Talisman To Let Go Field Stake

Posted: 06 Mar 2012 02:00 PM PST

Canadian energy explorer Talisman Energy Inc. (NYSE:TLM) entered into an agreement with Swedish energy firm Lundin Petroleum AB to sell its 30% interest in the Brynhild field (previously known as Nemo), offshore Norway. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The proposed transaction – subject to approval from the Norwegian authorities – will provide Lundin Petroleum a 100% ownership in the Production License 148 in the North Sea. In November last year, Lundin, which was the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Air Products Invests In Russia

Posted: 06 Mar 2012 02:00 PM PST

Air Products and Chemicals Inc. (NYSE:APD) announced its plan to make two new investments in Russia, in sync with its strategy of investing in growth regions. The combined value of the investments is over $30 million.
Air Products will construct and operate an over 200 ton per day oxygen, nitrogen and argon liquefier and  cylinder gases depot in Krasny Sulin – an established manufacturing locale in the Rostov region. The company expects both the liquefier and packaged gases depotto be … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Glaxo And Daiichi To Set Up JV

Posted: 06 Mar 2012 01:40 PM PST

British drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE:GSK) recently announced that it has signed an agreement with Daiichi Sankyo (DSKYF) to form a joint venture (JV). The JV will be called Japan Vaccine Co., Ltd. and will focus on the vaccines business in Japan. According to Glaxo and Daiichi, Japan Vaccine Co. will be the largest vaccine company in Japan.
Japan Vaccine Co. will purchase vaccines from both Glaxo and Daiichi at fixed prices (undisclosed). The companies will share the costs and profits from … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

ARS Update: STILL Hostage In The ARS Roach Motel

Posted: 06 Mar 2012 01:38 PM PST

Wall Street may think it is back to business as usual but what about those investors and our fellow American citi (NYSE:C)zens who were left behind and forgotten as a result of the crisis from 2008? Of whom do I speak?
The tens of thousands of our fellow citi (NYSE:C)zens who remain hostage in the ARS Roach Motels.
Who are the managers of seemingly the most grotesque ARS Roach Motels? Oppenheimer Holdings and Pimco. How do we know? 
Daisy Maxey of Dow Jones provides a fabulous "ARS Roach … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Skechers Transforms In Japan

Posted: 06 Mar 2012 01:30 PM PST

Following its sluggish fourth-quarter 2011 results, Skechers USA Inc (NYSE:SKX) is trying hard to reposition itself for 2012. Yesterday, the company announced its intention to double its business in Japan over the next three to five years by transitioning its business model from a third-party distributor to a wholly owned subsidiary.
Japan has been one of the company's biggest distribution markets. Thus, the company plans to roll-out new Skechers retail stores across the country, including its … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

SANW: Adding Acres For This Year’s Alfalfa Crop. Increasing Estimates For Revenue And Earnings.

Posted: 06 Mar 2012 01:30 PM PST

S&W Seed Co (SANW); Adding acres for this year’s alfalfa crop . Increasing estimates for revenue and earnings.
Ian Gilson, CFA

The company has announced that it has added close to 360 acres to the 4,300 acres available for the cultivation of alfalfa at the end of the second quarter. This is compared to the 2,400 acres actually harvested in the fall of 2011. Of the current total 35% will be used by S&W for seed production, as opposed to buying seed from growers under contract. This will … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Wall Street Posts Steepest Decline Of 2012

Posted: 06 Mar 2012 08:30 AM PST

03/06/12 Stocks tumbled, posting their biggest decline this year, on soft global economic growth and concern over the deadline for Greece’s debt swap with its … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

BofA Sued By AMF Over RMBS

Posted: 06 Mar 2012 01:16 PM PST

Last week, Bloomberg reported that a lawsuit has been filed against Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) by Chicago-based Asset Management Fund (AMF) in the New York State Supreme Court. BofA has been accused of providing flawed information regarding the loans that were backing $239.5 million worth of residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS).
AMF alleged that BofA issued misleading statements and omissions related to RMBS and concealed the risks associated with these securities. Further, … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Comcast Eyes Home Security Market

Posted: 06 Mar 2012 01:07 PM PST

In order to gain a strong foothold in the U.S. home security market, Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCSA) plans to accelerate the rollout of Xfinity Home service across all its domestic market. Apart from installing the product in 33% of its location, the company also plans to aggressively deploy the product across U.S. markets within a span of one year.
Earlier in June 2010, Comcast launched the product under the Xfinity Home Security brand. The house monitoring product and services includes a touch … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Monster Jumps On Strategic Alternatives

Posted: 06 Mar 2012 12:55 PM PST

Monster Worldwide, Inc. (MWW) recently announced that it retained Stone Key Partners LLC and BofA Merrill Lynch as its financial advisors in connection with its review of strategic alternatives done previously.
Last week, Monster announced that it is considering strategic alternatives to boost shareholder value in the coming months.
At a conference held last week, Monster stated that the near term priorities for  the company includes executing on its share buyback program … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

CSC Wins U.K Government Deal

Posted: 06 Mar 2012 12:50 PM PST

Days after securing an $874 million contract from the US Department of Defense, technology major Computer Sciences Corporation (NYSE:CSC) announced the signing of a non-binding Letter of Intent with the UK Department of Health (NHS), under which CSC will deliver healthcare solutions and services, primarily across the North, the Midlands and East of England, as a part of NHS’ reform agenda.
The Letter of Intent reflects a new approach aimed at more localized initiatives, suggesting the shift to … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Analyst Interviews: MedTech Industry Stock Outlook

Posted: 06 Mar 2012 12:35 PM PST

Last year proved to be challenging for medical technology ("MedTech") stocks given the exigent economic conditions and the precarious healthcare environment. The performance of incumbent players was hamstrung by several macro issues, including sustained price and procedure volume pressures.

The difficult macroeconomic backdrop, pricing headwinds, austerity measures, reimbursement pressure, a still unstable job market and the impact of health care reform continue to weigh on the medical … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Loews Corp. To Underperform

Posted: 06 Mar 2012 12:35 PM PST

We are downgrading Loews Corporation (NYSE:L) to Underperform from Neutral on the back of weak fourth quarter results. Operating earnings in the fourth quarter lagged the Zacks Consensus Estimate owing to lower investment income from the limited partnership, increase in insurance reserves for its payout annuity business, lower earnings at Diamond Offshore and weak equity investments.
Loews' subsidiary – Diamond Offshore (NYSE:DO) – again posted lower earnings in the fourth quarter due to a … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Hot Option Plays: Ripples Turn Into Waves

Posted: 06 Mar 2012 12:22 PM PST

Cusick’s Corner 03-06-2012
I expected ripples but instead we are seeing waves. This market is ugly, meaning the intraday trend of down looks to have the strength going into the After Hours. For the longs — what has given a glimmer of hope is the ability of stocks to bounce and counter the market trend, i.e. AAPL well off the 510 lows. This is where the fortitude of the longs will be tested and I will be watching the 1337 level on the S&Ps to potentially hold into the close. See you After … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

CE Mark For Medtronic CapSure Sense

Posted: 06 Mar 2012 12:20 PM PST

Leading medical devices player,  Medtronic (NYSE:MDT) announced the CE Mark approval and subsequent launch of the CapSure Sense MRI SureScan pacing leads, for use during Magnetic Resonance Imaging ("MRI"). This lead is the smallest MR-conditional lead available in the world. The CapSure Sense MRI leads have been tested in more than 400,000 scenarios to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.
In February last year, the company received US approval for its Revo MRI SureScan … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Baxter Wins Marketing Rights In EU

Posted: 06 Mar 2012 12:05 PM PST

Baxter International (NYSE:BAX) recently revealed that the European Commission has given it the authorization for marketing Vepacel in all member nations and Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
Pre-pandemic vaccine grants a measure of safety against an unfolding extremely pathogenic influenza strain before an official pandemic is declared. Vepacel is a pre-pandemic influenza vaccine to be used for immunizing adults, at least 18 years of age, against the H5N1 category of influenza A, frequently … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Reserve Bank Of Australia Keeps Rate On Hold At 4.25%

Posted: 06 Mar 2012 11:31 AM PST

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) kept the cash rate on hold at 4.25%.  The RBA said: “With growth expected to be close to trend and inflation close to target, the Board judged that the setting of monetary policy remained appropriate for the moment. Should demand conditions weaken materially, the inflation outlook would provide scope for easier monetary policy. The Board will continue to monitor information on economic and financial conditions and adjust the cash rate … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

The Trend Trader For Stock Trading On Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Posted: 06 Mar 2012 03:35 AM PST

By ForexMansion.com

The Trend Trader for the Dow 30 Stocks
For Trading On Wednesday, March 7, 2012

In alphabetical order by symbol

Close
%
Change

3×1

7×5
Minor
Trend
Major
Trend
Trend Reading

AA – Alcoa Inc
9.47
− 4.05
9.91
10.30

Bearish

AXP – American Express Company
51.74
− 2.32
52.61
53.34

Bearish

BA – Boeing Co
72.56
− 2.12
73.99
75.10

Bearish

BAC – Bank of America Corporation
7.71
− 3.26
7.96
8.01

Bearish

CAT – Caterpillar Inc
105.93
− … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

The Trend Trader For ETF Trading On Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Posted: 06 Mar 2012 03:35 AM PST

By ForexMansion.com

The Trend Trader for ETFs
For Trading On Wednesday, March 7, 2012

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
110.56
+ 0.20
110.46
110.54

Bullish

BND – Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF
83.71
+ 0.17
83.69
83.76

Neutral

DBC – DB Commodity Index Tracking Fd
28.86
− 1.64
29.22
29.46

Bearish

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

The Trend Trader For Futures Trading On Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Posted: 06 Mar 2012 03:35 AM PST

By ForexMansion.com

The Trend Trader for Futures
For Trading On Wednesday, March 7, 2012

INDICES

Close
%
Change

3×1

7×5
Minor
Trend
Major
Trend
Trend Reading

S&P 500 – Mar ESH2
1342.00
− 1.65
1361.00
1366.33

Bearish

Dow Jones – Mar YMH2
12744
− 1.67
12902
12957

Bearish

Nasdaq – Mar NQH2
2589.50
− 1.01
2619.42
2624.08

Bearish

Russell – Mar TFH2
786.80
− 2.29
799.68
810.00

Bearish

INTEREST RATES

US T-Bond – Jun ZBM2
142-00
+ … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

The Trend Trader For Forex Trading On Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Posted: 06 Mar 2012 03:35 AM PST

By ForexMansion.com

The Trend Trader for Forex
For Trading On Wednesday, March 7, 2012

THE BIG SIX

Close
%
Change

3×1

7×5
Minor
Trend
Major
Trend
Trend Reading

AUDUSD – Aust Dollar / US Dollar
1.0552
− 1.10
1.0679
1.0745

Bearish

EURUSD – Euro / US Dollar
1.3113
− 0.78
1.3197
1.3289

Bearish

GBPUSD – British Pound / US Dollar
1.5716
− 0.93
1.5826
1.5873

Bearish

USDCAD – US Dollar / Canadian Dollar
1.0017
+ 0.74
0.9933
0.9926

Bullish

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