The continuing improvement in the performance of the US economy in recent months has fueled a significant rise in auto sales. As confidence improves consumers feel better equipped to make new car purchases. There is also a larger than usual number of people replacing old cars due to the fact that they held off making… Continue Reading
Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said in a pre-recorded speech delivered at the convention of Independent Community Bankers of America that, despite the slow improvement of the US economy, American community banks are developing and getting stronger. The remarks were broadcast on a video monitor at the convention of community bankers held earlier this week… Continue Reading
The alternative investment industry includes hedge funds, funds of funds, managed future funds and others. Alternative investments are unconventional investment products, unlike other investments which generally focus on assets like property, cash and stocks. According to Managed Fund Association, “Alternative investment managers are distinguished by their objective to deliver absolute returns, regardless of market conditions.… Continue Reading
A recent Elon Poll has revealed that President Barack Obama is gaining support in North Carolina as economic optimism increases. Questions involving Obama and his policies gained higher approval rates since last year. For example, 28.5% of the participants showed support for Obama’s handling of the economy, up from 22.9% in November. Elon Poll’s John… Continue Reading
In a recent Q&A, David Stockman implied that the only way to safeguard assets today is with cash or gold bars. From his perspective, the efforts made by the Federal Reserve do little but push stock and bond markets closer to the brink. And Stockman’s opinion is not one to take lightly. The man is… Continue Reading
For the past few months the various economic indicators which tell analysts which way the economy is heading have delivered good news. Consistent with those barometers such as job rate and unemployment rate is the cost of oil, which is proving stable, hovering at around $107 per barrel on Thursday in Asia. Investor Confidence The… Continue Reading
As debt crisis and economic turmoil sweep across Europe, the International Monetary Fund has identified another looming threat to global economy; rising oil prices. The fund strongly suggests monitoring tension between Iran and the Western world. The United States have sanctioned Iran’s oil consumers, and the EU is considering an embargo as well. Seeing as… Continue Reading
If we use the past to predict the future, then there may be cause for concern as we watch the cost of gasoline continue to climb. The upward movement of gas prices can’t help but remind us of a similar scenario, when early in 2011 the political turmoil in the Middle East caused oil prices… Continue Reading
Profit Confidential’s Michael Lombardi has warned that despite January’s outstanding performance, stock markets should brace themselves for a sudden sell-off. He explains that fourth quarter earnings reports show that only 46% of S&P 500 companies have surpassed market predictions; the lowest level since 2008. “Many companies were citing increased input costs and a new general… Continue Reading
Iran’s recent oil trade threats have pushed oil prices to a six month high, up more than 30% since September. Obama’s advisors and other White House officials are bracing for a Republican onslaught strengthened by consumer concerns just as a cautious optimism reaches the economy. The Democratic party worries that oil and gasoline prices, bringing… Continue Reading