Market Watch: US and European Economies
Investors continue to follow the markets with eyes wide open. One eye is focused on Europe, where leaders of the European Union try and cobble together a comprehensive plan to contain rising sovereign debt costs in its weaker economies, deal with a restructuring of Greek debt and fortify the banking system.
Will Strong Corporate Earnings Hold Up Since the Downgrade?
Company earnings have been a bright growth spot in this otherwise subpar economic recovery. But can these corporate earnings hold up?
This is one of the key questions being asked by stock investors these days. Portfolio Manager Matt Freund talks about this week’s market activity.
Will Investors Buy into Operation Twist
Yesterday, the Federal Reserve concluded its two-day meeting with the widely anticipated announcement of “Operation Twist.” This program involves the selling of shorter-term Treasury securities and the buying of longer-term securities in an effort to lower long-term interest rates to help stimulate the economy. The Federal Reserve cited “significant downside risks” to the economy as the reason for taking this action.
Get to Know Your IRAs
If you’re ready to start saving for your future using an individual retirement account, you’re in good company. According to the Investment Company Institute, Americans held more than $4 trillion in IRAs as of March 31, 2010.
World Markets: Born to Be Wild
This week’s market action reminds us of the classic Steppenwolf song, “Born to Be Wild.” All of the major world stock and bond markets were “looking for adventure” of the volatility kind. When the week’s dust settled, the S&P 500 registered a loss of 1.64%, closing at 1,178.81. U.S. Treasury bonds rallied, with the yield on the 10-year, after plunging to new generational lows, closed at a 2.25% yield, down 0.31% on the week.
