The so-called earnings “pre-announcement season” is upon us. This is the time when corporate leaders often pre-announce any changes to their earnings expectations ahead of their second quarter earnings reports that begin in mid-July. These pre-announcements Continue reading —>
The second quarter of 2011 draws to a close, financial market participants are once again asking the question: are we headed for a double-dip recession? This week’s busy economic calendar in the United States is likely to leave investors wanting more, Continue reading —>
Before television, the internet, football, cars and movie stars, Americans were obsessed with baseball. Baseball was the one thing that everyone could talk about with family, neighbors, and co-workers. It became America’s favorite summer pastime one hundred and fifty years ago. Continue reading —>
Fresh data on manufacturing and housing for June highlight this week’s busy economic data calendar in the United States as markets try to assess the duration and severity of the economic soft spot. Fiscal and monetary policy intersect this week Continue reading —>
Reports on April inflation dominate this week’s economic calendar, but China’s economic calendar and a possible rate hike in China are also on the market’s radar. The April jobs report was solid (not spectacular), but it is still a long climb back for the labor market. Continue reading —>
| Over the past week, the LPL Financial Current Conditions Index slid to 225. The level of the CCI indicates an environment fostering growth in the economy and markets. Recent monthly economic data including employment, manufacturing activity, and retail sales also point to solid growth. Continue reading —> |
A year after Greece agreed to a 110 billion-euro financial aid package from the European Union (EU) and International Monetary Fund (IMF) the curtain has yet to close. We are likely still in the early acts. Ireland and Portugal have joined Greece in accepting bailout packages and yields on peripheral European government bonds suggest that investors believe risks remain high on select European government bonds. Continue reading —>
One of the most persistent questions facing bond investors is what happens to the bond market once the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) $600 billion Treasury bond purchase program, known as QE2 (Quantitative Easing), ends this June. The Fed continues to purchase approximately $100 billion Continue reading —>