With global economic activity exceeding low expectations and the Fed stating the threshold is high to scale back its money-printing program (QE2), it is a good time to examine the upside potential of the stock market.
Right now, the markets have pulled gold back in the face of what seemed to be an upward turn in the U.S. economy. Many may feel this is the time to sell gold. The growing Eurozone debt crises could spell the end of the euro as we know it. The debt problems of the U.S. are worse than Europe so it is a time to ask, “Will these three forms of money collapse?”
Since 2007, we at Barnes Capital have been making predictions about what will happen in the New Year. Thinking about the future and what could happen is crucial for us in our role as a steward of people’s finances. History has shown the importance of a diverse portfolio, particularly in times of great change.
While the markets have known for almost three months that the 2010 election delivered the House of Representatives to the tea-infused Republican Party, I did expect a greater reaction on Wall Street to the formalities of the opening sessions of Congress yesterday.
Consensus forecasts have been running very hot since most into last week were expecting 135,000-150,000 December total nonfarm payroll gain of versus last month's 39,000 jobs gain reported for November, with unemployment holding at November's level of 9.8%.
If there were ever a year when “Seeking Alpha” is likely to be very difficult, 2011 is likely to be it. Instead, properly Forecasting and following Beta, whether Long or Short, will be the Key to Profit, and Wealth Protection, in 2011.
As would be expected, economic reports are becoming more and more positive as the economic recovery continues. Many analysts are touting those reports as a reason not to be concerned about the market’s overbought condition and the very high level of bullish investor sentiment, both at levels often seen at rally tops. I disagree.
Good morning. I was chatting with a colleague before lunchtime Wednesday and his mood quickly went south as the market began to move to the upside in earnest. In an exasperated tone he cried, "Why on earth is this thing going higher?" Apparently my friend had put on some short positions in anticipation of what he believed to be a "no brainer" move to the downside and was already feeling the pain of the positions.
Tyler Durden (ZeroHedge.com) has been pounding on the Baltic Dry Index plunge story. I’m fascinated by this. Shipping is the backbone of global trade. So when a big index like this makes a big move in a short period of time there is almost always a message. But what message?
