Earnings reports on Wednesday from big banks like Goldman Sachs (GS) and JPMorgan Chase (JPM) were encouraging. And Apple (AAPL) got a much-needed boost from the top tech analysts. However, Goldman’s analysts tried to throw a wet blanket on the markets earlier this week with their expectation that earnings reports overall this year would be “uninspiring” and that equity returns this year likely will be only in the single digits. Read more about Sector Detector: Bulls resist giving up any ground
I was stuck in a Dallas hotel on October 29, 2012 trying to get to New York City. The flights to JFK were canceled Monday and Wednesday due to Hurricane Sandy which has left the upper East Coast “Riding the Storm Out.” I won’t add anything other than my prayers to those affected by this storm as the media has inundated us with plenty of information. Read more about Dark Horse Traders' Hedge: Ride out the Storm with FCX, Option Review
Last Monday was a banner day for most indices with S&P 500 hitting at new 46-month high of 1422. Alas, a week later, today, it closed at 1382, down nearly -3%. The NASDAQ and DJIA exhibited similar behavior. Read more about What the Market Wants: Concerned Outlook
For U.S. equities, ETFs offer a higher percentage (10%) of attractive investment options than mutual funds (1%) at a lower cost. The radically higher number of US equity mutual funds (4,700+) versus ETFs (380+) is not indicative of better stock selection from active management. On the contrary, the vast majority of actively-managed funds do not justify the higher fees they charge. Read more about ETF vs Mutual Funds: The Winner Is…
Basic Materials and Energy have been the leading sectors so far this week, as the overall market continues to seek support, as well as leadership for moving higher. But the dollar seems determined to spoil the party. Read more about Sector Detector: Stocks spar with the dollar
We have all heard the old Wall Street adage to “sell in May and go away” until October, as the market historically underperforms in the May-September timeframe. And indeed, after the “bin Laden gap up” at the open on Monday, stocks quickly turned tail. Today, the selling intensified following the disappointing ISM Non-Manufacturing Index for April, with Energy and Materials the hardest hit. Read more about Sector Detector: Rest and Refuel
As it turned out, the market was undaunted by the S&P negative outlook on U.S. debt. After the initial shock wore off, which took one down-day last Monday, the market bounced back and was quite positive for the rest of the week. Read more about What the Market Wants: 4 Stocks for an Odd Market
Phil explains how the oil markets are a colossal scam, once again enriching the big bankers at the expense of everyone else. And of course, our propaganda machine mainstream media is making matters worse rather than engaging in objective reporting. - IleneRead more about Fake-Out Thursday – Oil Scam Continues Unabated
GS) and JPMorgan Chase (JPM) were encouraging. And Apple (AAPL) got a much-needed boost from the top tech analysts. However, Goldman’s analysts tried to throw a wet blanket on the markets earlier this week with their expectation that earnings reports overall this year would be “uninspiring” and that equity returns this year likely will be only in the single digits. 
I was stuck in a Dallas hotel on October 29, 2012 trying to get to New York City. The flights to JFK were canceled Monday and Wednesday due to Hurricane Sandy which has left the upper East Coast “Riding the Storm Out.” I won’t add anything other than my prayers to those affected by this storm as the media has inundated us with plenty of information. 
Last Monday was a banner day for most indices with S&P 500 hitting at new 46-month high of 1422. Alas, a week later, today, it closed at 1382, down nearly -3%. The NASDAQ and DJIA exhibited similar behavior. 
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