Search Results
Results 51–100
of 303 found.
And That's The Week That Was
by Ron Brounes of Brounes & Associates,
Tragedy in Algeria brought another reminder about just how dangerous the world can be. Oil prices rose on the enhanced turmoil in the region as well as on news that supplies unexpectedly dropped in the recent gov report. Financials led earnings season in a mostly positive way, though several releases included reminders about the financial crisis and the greed factor of certain professionals. The favorable economic data was well received as S&P 500 index again hit a five-year high though even the optimists remain cautious as the budget negotiations yield little positive results.
And That's the Week That Was
by Ron Brounes of Brounes & Associates,
Finally, a week not totally dominated by "fiscal cliff" discussions (though politicos now have their hands full with a gun control debate...what are the chances of compromise there?). Alcoa kicked off earnings season as usual and the early results lend credence to the thought that China will again be relied upon to lead any global recovery. Major banks announced major settlements as they continued to try to close the (negative) books on the financial crisis. Oil rose on Saudi production cuts.
And That's the Week That Was
by Ron Brounes of Brounes & Associates,
Welcome to a new beginning, a new yeara new optimistic investor, a new bipartisan Congress, (well, maybe not). The more things change, the more they stay the same. While investors embraced the budget deal (that is less of a deal than a procrastination), the pragmatists realize that very little has changed other than the "fiscal can" has been kicked down the road for two months. Stocks skyrocketed; bonds plunged; politicos bickered. Welcome to 2013.
And That's the Week That Was
by Ron Brounes of Brounes & Associates,
Welcome to the end of 2012. Investors are hardly basking in the glow of a positive year for stocks. They are less than enthusiastic about the recovery in housing. They seem to be overlooking the actions of the Fed and the implications for the indefinite low rate environment. Two words remain firmly entrenched in the minds. FISCAL CLIFF. What say you (besides bickering and backstabbing)Prez O, Speaker Boehner, Senators McConnell and Reid? Time is running out and five straight down days proves that investors are growing more and more nervous. Happy New Year (I think).
And That's the Quarter that Was
by Ron Brounes of Brounes & Associates,
Politics ruled the day over the past three months (and beyond) and unfortunately the trend may very well continue as the averted "fiscal cliff" was merely postponed for another two months. For now, investors are happy, but what will tomorrow bring? (That's a question for you, Prez Obama and Speaker Boehner.) Happy New Year
And That's the Week That Was
by Ron Brounes of Brounes & Associates,
Welcome to the end of 2012. Investors are hardly basking in the glow of a positive year for stocks. They are less than enthusiastic about the recovery in housing. They seem to be overlooking the actions of the Fed and the implications for the indefinite low rate environment. Two words remain firmly entrenched in the minds. FISCAL CLIFF. What say you (besides bickering and backstabbing)Prez O, Speaker Boehner, Senators McConnell and Reid? Time is running out and five straight down days proves that investors are growing more and more nervous. Happy New Year (I think).
And That's the Week That Was
by Ron Brounes of Brounes & Associates,
Down to the homestretch. While investors generally spend the last few days of the year window-dressing and setting positions for the next, this year they face the added uncertainties of the "fiscal cliff" and the negative implications for the economy. Though the data of the week seemed positive and reflective of "solid" (too strong?) growth, the budgetary matters and inability of our "best and brightest" to work together do not bode well. So much for Plan B. Perhaps a late year holiday gift is still in order?
And That's the Week That Was
by Ron Brounes of Brounes & Associates,
Time for some year-end window dressing (before investments fall off the fiscal cliff). With little to no progress to report on the budget, politicos continue trying to earn brownie points at home, while losing them in the press. Investors still seem to believe a deal will be reached, but with the holidays (and vacations) approaching, time is really of the essence. Retailers and manufacturers rebounded in November from superstorm Sandy, but the cliff still looms as a definite possibility.
And Thats The Week That Was
by Ron Brounes of Brounes & Associates,
Obama meets with the nations governors and speaks before the Business Roundtable to continue drumming up support for his budget deal. (Arent most governors counted among the countrys wealthy?) Expect the bickering and blame-placing to continue until finally a small deal is reached with the majority of the work tabled for later in 2013. (How will Moodys and S&P perceive that move?) The economic calendar heats up with critical news from labor and manufacturing and retailers share insight into the holiday shopping season thus far. And Europe is never far from the radar screen.
And That's the Week That Was
by Ron Brounes of Brounes & Associates,
Investors breathed a sigh of relief (perhaps temporarily) and expressed thanks in the form of the strongest week in the market in several months (though on light volume). Domestically, housing data confirmed strength in the sector and retailers opened their doors earlier than usual with the hope that "if you open, they will come." Overseas, Europe's struggles continued, though manufacturing in China looked to be on the mend. Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy the weekend; after all, next week starts the home stretch for the end of the year...(and the fiscal cliff).
And That's the Week That Was
by Ron Brounes of Brounes & Associates,
Could it be signs of progress? While Obama and key congressional leaders didn't exactly emerge form budget meeting arm-in-arm and singing kumbaya, they did report some progress (dare I say "compromise"?) regarding spending cut and tax hikes (better known as "fiscal cliff"). Investors remain fearful as prior discussions were always derailed over partisan bickering and the S&P and other ratings agencies remain on call should they need to act on US credit. Thanksgiving marks the beginning of what many retailers hope is a successful holiday shopping season.
And That's the Week That Was
by Ron Brounes of Brounes & Associates,
"Four more years...Four more years." While those words may be music to the ears of Obama supporters worldwide, investors seemed less than impressed (at least initially). A second Obama administration brings plenty of question marks about the global economy, the tax code, the regulatory environment, Corporate America, and, of course, the financial markets. Stocks plunged on the first day post-election, but many analysts believe that is less a statement about the Obama victory and more a concern that the "fiscal cliff" is now clearly atop the news headlines.
And That's the Week That Was
by Ron Brounes of Brounes & Associates,
Superstorm Sandy overshadowed most all newsworthy stories during the week as much of the East Coast (and beyond) suffered some ill-effects and many will be fighting to overcome challenges for many days (weeks, months) to come. The stock market closed over consecutive days to start the week and uncertainty (volatility) ensued with investors enjoying the best single day performance in a month-and-a-half, only to give up those gains a day later as many set portfolios in advance of the election. Soon the campaign will be a distant memory (but the "fiscal cliff" will become a near-reality).
And That's the Week That Was
by Ron Brounes of Brounes & Associates,
Disgruntled investors took a look at the earnings reports and ran for the hills. With some industrial and techs issuing pessimistic reports (mainly in their outlooks), investors chose to take a hiatus. Election season is just a week-ish away and then the fiscal cliff looms in the not-so-distance future, so plenty of uncertainties and concerns remain for the time being. (And don't forget Spain.)
And That's the Week That Was
by Ron Brounes of Brounes & Associates,
Maybe a four day work week would make some sense? Well, at least, it would have been helpful this week. After a strong start in the equity markets (and a four-day winning streak), the anniversary of Black Monday brought horrid memories of past bearish times and stocks gave up all (most) of their early gains. Major techs reported poor earnings and the Nasdaq struggled more than most as weak PC demand continues to take its toll. Good news...one bad day does not a market make.
And That's the Week That Was
by Ron Brounes of Brounes & Associates,
Though investors seemed to overlook the negative earnings projections for the third quarter, the initial releases finally brought out the sellers. While the naysayers had been drowned out by the optimism of the Fed moves, the early results and management warnings prompted investors to sell (and sell and sell) as the major equity indexes each plunged over 2% in what was considered the worst week since June. Heck even a "cheery" Joe Biden couldn't save the markets this week.
And That's the Week That Was
by Ron Brounes of Brounes & Associates,
Don't bury Candidate Romney quite yet. The man looks to be in come-back mode and he has some experience in this area. Remember when Republicans preferred anyone but Mitt (Perry, Bachmann, Cain, Gingrich, Santorum) and yet he emerged victorious from the primary season.
And That's the Week That Was
by Ron Brounes of Brounes & Associates,
Bad news from Spain (no good news, no bad news.) Investors spent the week trying to make heads or tails about the headlines out of Europe, while analyzing the news from a suddenly resurging housing sector and a suddenly ailing manufacturing sector. For the most part, however, many were booking profits from a successful third quarter, while reallocating positions for the final stretch of the year. (Surely the Prez election and the "fiscal cliff" must enter into their decision-making moving forward).
And That's the Week That Was
by Ron Brounes of Brounes & Associates,
These days, the various central bankers keep trying to outdo themselves with new stimulus deals. This week, Bank of Japan followed the Fed leads with an expanded bond buying program. Perhaps the moves will reap dividends and the global economy will surge to higher highs in the not so distant future. (Or perhaps the "easy money" strategies will have little impact long-term and lead to periods of inflation and asset bubbles.) Apple's latest "new new" thing remains in hot demand (but can supplier keep up?).
And That's the Week That Was
by Ron Brounes of Brounes & Associates,
Dr. B. has spoken and investor are happy (though some Republican investors probably have mixed feelings). Though not all economists were on board with QE3, the policymakers looked at the labor market and took action. With promises of more bond-buying and low fund rates into 2015, investors went on a risk asset buying spree and stocks shot up to multi-year highs. So let the over-analysis (and political bickering) begin.
And That's the Week That Was
by Ron Brounes of Brounes & Associates,
Isaac vs. Romney vs. Bernanke. Each took their turn in the limelight this week. While the Hurricane dropped plenty of rain and brought damaging winds into Louisiana, the devastation didnt compare to Katrina. Romney humbly accepted his party's nomination, while still trying to prove to T-Partiers (and women) that he should be their guy (and he can bash his opponents with the best of them.
And That's the Week That Was
by Ron Brounes of Brounes & Associates,
When Ben Bernanke talks...investors listen, Republican moans, Romney belittles, and markets react. For now, the jury is still out about any upcoming stimulus move as the policymakers appear far from consensus. Housing continued its rebounding ways, though manufacturing again raised concerns. Europe still appears to be in disarray as Greece takes direction (and a scolding) from its stronger brethren. Stocks ended their nice winning streak, though closed the week on a high note.
And That's the Week That Was
by Ron Brounes of Brounes & Associates,
Once upon a time, Facebook and Groupon were prospective Wall Street darlings. Now both they are pushing all-time lows with analysts questioning their overall revenue models. For now, they are in the minority, as some decent earnings numbers and economic data brought back the "bulls" (at least those who arent on vacation) and sent the major indexes higher (again). Europe still has plenty of issues; the jury is still out on the Fed's next moves; and the campaign season is heating up.
And That's The Week That Was
by Ron Brounes of Brounes & Associates,
Action speaks louder than words. While the positive rhetoric coming from the mouths of center bankers brought optimism to the markets, their actions (or lack thereof) sent the indexes into a four day losing streak. Only a strong non-farm payroll release late in the week salvaged the market and a solid rebound left the major indexes in positive territory for the week (though the eternal pessimists believed the data was an aberration). Maybe Bernanke has more words of wisdom for them?
And That's The Week That Was
by Ron Brounes of Brounes & Associates,
Oh, the power of words. While the week in the markets got off to a dismal start as the European saga continued, news from the ECB (and rumors about the Fed) renewed investors' interests. Many overlooked the confusing earnings numbers, the lackluster economic data, and the elevated rates in Europe and pinned their hopes on Central Bankers to save the day. (Both the Fed and European Central Bank meet next week.) The Dow jumped past 13k for the first time since early May.
And That's The Week That Was
by Ron Brounes of Brounes & Associates,
Tragedy in Colorado overshadowed earnings and economic news and even the Prez candidates could find common ground in expressing sorrow. The earnings numbers remain confusing at best (often better than downwardly revised projections); economic data depicts ongoing consumer concerns; Bernanke is attacked and attacks right back; and the markets settle not far from where they began the week. Coming up in the week ahead: New Home Sales (Wednesday), Durable Goods Orders (Thursday), GDP (Friday).
And That's The Week That Was
by Ron Brounes of Brounes & Associates,
Now that's a nice way to end a losing streak. After six consecutive down days (and little in the way to promote optimism), investors jumped back into the equity pool feet first and the Dow surged over 200 on the final day of trading. In terms of new news, the JP Morgan earnings announcement was not as bad as expected (I guess), though investors may have been looking for any excuse to seek out bargains in the aftermath of a pretty dreary week-plus.
And That's the Quarter That Was
by Ron Brounes of Brounes & Associates,
So much for that Random Walk Theory. During the past two years, equities started strong before running into headwinds in the second quarter and Europe (namely Greece) was perceived to be the primary culprit. As another very solid first quarter came to a close, perhaps smart investors should have been looking at charts and reading the Greek press to predict another downturn.
And That's the Week That Was
by Ron Brounes of Brounes & Associates,
Hip Hip Hooray. Europe is saved (again); the equity markets are back on track (again); and investors can enjoy a much needed holiday come hump day next week. With positive news out of Europe and some favorable signs for the housing sector, investors moved back into risk assets and stocks enjoyed a nice end of the week (quarter). Supreme Court Chief Justice put his stamp on ObamaCare (and earned some enemies along the way). The second quarter could not end soon enough.
And That's the Week That Was
by Ron Brounes of Brounes & Associates,
Ahthe doldrums of summer. Sure Greece just completed crucial elections that could have dramatic impact on the euro-zone and the global economy; AND Spain just saw its interest rates rise above the key seven percent level into traditional bailout territory; AND JP Morgan, of failed hedging fame, just received a major ratings downgrade by Moodys Investors Services; AND Facebook disappointed the investment world with its disastrous IPO, a comedy of errors for most everyone involved
And That's The Week That Was
by Ron Brounes of Brounes & Associates,
With Fed officials preparing for next weeks policy meeting, traders and investors alike have been busy dissecting economic data and global developments as they speculate about any potential moves. While Spain and Italy saw their yields surge and Greece moved closer to Decision 2012, investors focused on the potential for European action and compromise that could put the Union back on a road to recovery (with or without Greece).
And That's The Week That Was
by Ron Brounes of Brounes & Associates,
Add the Fed to the equation to make things a bit more interesting. With stock prices plummeting (with no end in sight), enter Dr. B. and friends with comments that led some to expect future stimulus moves (or maybe not). The European Central Bank made similar remarks, and China took it a step farther with an actual rate cut. Investors welcomed the potential moves and a bit of optimism returns (even if just for a short period). As always, the political bickering is heating up (at home and in Europe) and yet November still remains several months away.
And That's the Week That Was
by Ron Brounes of Brounes & Associates,
Nothing good to report here so why even try to spin it. (Effective politicians may beg to differ.) The once promising labor picture just turned from bad to worse; manufacturing is no longer the one staple in the economy; Spain may be replacing Greece as the poster child for what ails the EU (and thats not because things are looking up in Greece). Stocks suffered their worst day of the year to end the week and the gains of the first quarter have been long forgotten. (Even the Astros stink again.)
AND THATS THE WEEK THAT WAS
by Ron Brounes of Brounes & Associates,
When something seems too good to be true For years, investors had (im)patiently awaited the Facebook IPO and a chance to own a piece of the new new thing. Zuckerberg and Co. liked the control and were already wealthy; however, inevitably, they would be selling a piece of the
pie to would-be buyers willing to invest, despite a complete lack of understanding of its revenue model. (When has that stopped investors before?) Every new random
offering brought more anticipation about Facebooks which finally went public on May 18th.
And Thats The Week That Was
by Ron Brounes of Brounes & Associates,
Dell (5/22), HP (5/23) and Costco (5/24) release earnings next week, but no one seems to care much these days. The Greek crisis and ongoing EU contagion will weigh on investors as G8 leaders head to Camp David to debate fiscal responsibility. (Any opportunities to compromise, Germany?) Talks of harsh financial regs continue to heat up in the aftermath of JP Morgan. Did you guys cash-out of any Facebook (as a hedge), Mr. Dimon?
And Thats The Week That Was
by Ron Brounes of Brounes & Associates,
Europe is never too far away from the headlines and investors surely will be watching 1) Greece to see if its internal politicos can get along to forge a coalition and 2) France to see if its new Prez can make nice with German Chancellor Merkel. Retailers take center-stage next week as Home Depot, JC Penney, Target, Wal-Mart, and Gap all post earnings. Additionally, retail sales heads a hectic week on the economic calendar, though investors must remember that declining energy prices should help in the months to come.
And Thats The Week That Was
by Ron Brounes of Brounes & Associates,
Earnings season continues (with the likes of Humana, AIG, Kraft), though investors may shift gears to focus on the economy next week as the new month brings key releases from manufacturing and labor. The recent jobless claims release has cast some doubt on the employment picture and last months lower-than-expected nonfarm additions have worried some analysts for the past month. (At least, it should look better than the picture in Spain?)
And Thats The Week That Was
by Ron Brounes of Brounes & Associates,
Dr. Bernanke and friends get together again to set monetary policy and will discuss oil and gas prices and the effect on inflation as well the newfound labor slowdown. Still, no one expects any additional stimulus moves at this time and the policymakers should reiterate their intent to keep the funds rate at near-zero percent well into 2014. The future of Europe remains atop the headlines as France holds crucial national elections and the IMF convenes for its semi-annual soiree.
And That's The "QUARTER" That Was...
by Ron Brounes of Brounes & Associates,
Europe hopes the latest (bailout and reg) moves will help it get its act together. (Good luck with that.) China applies the brakes. Labor looks strong, but can it continue? The Fed debates the need for more stimulus (without any consensus). Facebook moves closer to IPO (and investors beg to participate). The world lectures Iran and finally takes harsh measures (stand by to help Saudi). Investors hope to keep the mo going for another quarter, while being tempted to take profits along the way. Can we finally start focusing on Obama vs. Romney?
And Thats The Week That Was
by Ron Brounes of Brounes & Associates,
Investors return to work after much-deserved R&R and face a equity market at a crossroads. Was the pullback this week a temporary blip or was it the start of a longer-term trend representing the true fundamentals of the economy and the corporate climate? Futures predict that Mondays opening may be weak due to labor data. The dreaded I word highlights the weekly data as higher energy prices may have taken a toll on the key inflation gauges. Still experts like Bernanke do not see many price pressures on the long-term horizon and any rise in crude and gasoline due to Iran may be short-lived.
And Thats The Week That Was
by Ron Brounes of Brounes & Associates,
Europe takes a well-deserved back seat to the global headlines as all eyes shift to China to see how the country deals with its recent economic slowdown. Consumer activity is on the hot seat domestically as a key confidence gauge is released and analysts closely dissect personal income and spending data in light of the sudden pickup in the labor market. The markets continue to test key levels as investors weigh the low yields in fixed income against the current risk in equities. Hows that speaking tour treating you, Dr. B.? Any Ron Paul sightings?
And Thats The Week That Was
by Ron Brounes of Brounes & Associates,
The Fed gets together next week as analysts eagerly await the (more transparent) recap of the behind-the-scenes discussions between the (dissenting) parties. Rumors have policymakers debating a new type of bond buying program (sterilized QE) in which the Fed would print money to purchase long-term securities, but investors would face certain restrictions over how those proceeds can be used. As always, the Feds aim is to keep rates low and encourage more spending and investing by consumers and biz.
And Thats The Week That Was
by Ron Brounes of Brounes & Associates,
New week; same old story. EU ministers continue debating the Greek bailout package which should (hopefully) come to resolution next week. Unemployment highlights a busy economic calendar as investors look to see how the solid weekly jobless claims releases translate into the key labor rate and nonfarm payroll data. Bring on Super Tuesday, right Mitt?
And Thats The Week That Was
by Ron Brounes of Brounes & Associates,
Earning season plods along with consumer-driven companies like Walt Disney and Coca Cola highlighting the calendar. Investors get a break on the economic front as the mad rush of releases slows, allowing them time to digest this weeks data, particular the news from the labor front. (Surely consumers should be more confident after the favorable developments?)
And Thats The Week That Was
by Ron Brounes of Brounes & Associates,
A few retailers (Abercrombie & Fitch, Nordstrom) take center stage in earnings season as investors get another glimpse into the recent holiday activity. Likewise retail sales highlights the economic calendar and offers some follow-through from the season. Fed minutes depict the mindset of the policymakers. And, of course, there will be news from Greece.
Weekly Market Commentary
by Ron Brounes of Brounes & Associates,
The spectre of Dow 13,000 haunted the market last week. In the midst of a political debate, a moral dilemma, and a global debt conflagration, nothing could be less significant than a numerical integer whose relevance is highly overrated. As numbers crunchers go, there are integers and there are integers. More to the point is the location of the integer and the trend within which it is contained. For example, if Dow 13,000 represents the end of a cycle, a destination, then its significance is diminished as opposed to a breakout on the way to somewhere else.
And Thats The Week That Was
by Ron Brounes of Brounes & Associates,
Europe will continue to make headlines as Greece took strides this week to achieving its bailout, but still must appease its European trading partners and the International Monetary Fund. The domestic economic calendar heats up as news from manufacturing and consumer-related releases highlight the data of the week as the month of February comes to a close (a day later than usual). The Federal Reserve publishes its Beige Book and investors can again start speculating about any future stimulus moves and the continued dissension among the policymakers.
And Thats The Week That Was
by Ron Brounes of Brounes & Associates,
All eyes will be on the Fed as investors hope to take the newfound insight from its meeting and translate that into profitable trading opportunities (is that the intent of the new strategy?). The ever-changing mindset of the consumer is again on display as McDonalds (1/24), Starbucks (1/26), and Procter & Gamble (1/27) headline the earnings season. Looking at the economic data, analysts get their first look at 4th quarter GDP and gain greater insight on the impact of those Thai floods and the success of the holiday season. And then theres Europeis Greece really back in the headlines?
And Thats The Week That Was
by Ron Brounes of Brounes & Associates,
As January goes, so goes the market for the year. Can we keep these gains for two more days? A few key bellwethers post earningsExxon Mobil looks to set new records; Amazon shows the effects of the holiday season; and UPS provides new signs about the strength of the overall economy. Labor and manufacturing highlight a very busy week on the economic calendar as investors hope to see continued positive trends from the ISM (manu), nonfarm payroll, and the unemployment rate. And, of course, Europe is never too far from the weekly headlines. (The more things change) Go Giants (a week early).
Results 51–100
of 303 found.
