Market Update

Natural Gas Rally Lifts Stocks

Elena
08 Dec, 2005
New York City

U.S. stock markets opened weak Thursday, with homebuilder Toll Brothers issuing a cautious outlook and with the semiconductor sector in focus after Texas Instruments sharpened its quarterly outlook and before Intel Corp. issues its mid-quarter update. Later stocks rebounded as crude oil prices boosted shares of energy companies and tech company Qualcomm Inc released improved revenue forecast.

Toll Bros Weighs on Sentiment

Elena
08 Dec, 2005
New York City

Stocks extended their losses Thursday after a cautious outlook from homebuilder Toll Brothers which posted Q4 70% profit jump on 40% revenue growth, but cut 2006 outlook. Costco Wholesale Corp. announced Q1 12% earnings rise to 45 cents a share, from 40 cents a year ago, in line with analyst expectations. Intel is expected to raise the low end of its Q4 sales range when it updates investors after market close.

Jobless Claims Rise Unexpectedly

Elena
08 Dec, 2005
New York City

Asian-Pacific benchmarks closed in the red, led by the Nikkei, down nearly 2% on profit taking, mangled IPO and cautiousness ahead of economic data. European averages were also weak at mid-day on insurance stocks with the German DAX 30 falling 0.6%. In earnings news, Costco Wholesale Corp. announced Q1 12% earnings rise to 45 cents a share, from 40 cents a year ago, in line with analyst expectations. Toll Brothers posted Q4 70% profit jump, but cut 2006 outlook.

Silver Approaches $9

123jump.com Staff
07 Dec, 2005
New York City

Fourth quarter stock market rally looked tired today. As the market entered into the final three weeks of the months, averages traded sideways for the most of the session. Semiconductor, energy, utilities and materials sectors fell during the day. Gold, silver and copper rose and traded near record highs. Texas instruments raised its low end of the earnings guidance from 36 cents to 38 cent and range to 38 cents to 40 cents. Microsoft to invest $1.7 B in India in the next four years.

Ford Rises on Restructuring Plan

Elena
07 Dec, 2005
New York City

U.S. market averages declined on lackluster trading as investors found little reason to extend a year-end buying spree. Surprisingly strong weekly inventory numbers from the Department of Energy sent crude oil futures lower at $59.60. Oil inventories rose by 2.7 million barrels for the week ended Dec 2, climbing to 320.3 million barrels vs.a decline of 4.2 million barrels last week.

Oil Inventories Rise

Elena
07 Dec, 2005
New York City

Stock averages opened slightly higher, but failed to move to the upside, pressured by rising oil prices ahead of inventory report and very little significant news. In corporate news, Cisco Systems advanced after J.P.Morgan upgraded it from neutral to overweight on reaffirmed long-term growth forecast. Microsoft Corp. rose after the company announced plans to add 3,000 jobs in India over the next three to four years.

Cisco Rises on Upgrade

Elena
07 Dec, 2005
New York City

Asian-Pacific benchmarks finished higher with the Nikkei rebounding from Tuesday''s losses and closing up 0.4%. South Korean Kospi climbed 0.3%, reaching a record high on tech stocks. European markets slightly advanced at mid-day, lifted by metals stocks. In economic news, U.S. weekly inventory report is expected to show a 900,000-barrel crude stock draw for the week ended on Friday.

Trimmed Rally

123jump.com Staff
06 Dec, 2005
New York City

October new factory orders showed a jump of 2.2% after declining by 1.4% in Septemeber. Third quarter labor productivity was revised upwards 4.3% from 4.1% as labor cost declined 1% revised from previous estimate of 0.5% fall. Kroger, grocery chain, delivered earning in-line with the estimates of 25 cents for the Q3. Apple stock rose 3% on a recommendation from a broker.

Retails and Techs Rise

Elena
06 Dec, 2005
New York City

Time Warner Inc. slid on news that the company''s America Online division is close to a deal with Microsoft Corp. to create an online advertising service in competition with Google Inc. Sears Holdings Corp. posted sharp quarterly profit drop from the prior year, but beat estimates. UBS analyst raised estimates for both Apple''''s stock price and Q1 earnings because of the great popularity of iPods with consumers.

Apple Hits a New High

Elena
06 Dec, 2005
New York City

Time Warner Inc. slid on news that the company''s America Online division is close to a deal with Microsoft Corp. to create an online advertising service in competition with Google Inc. Sears Holdings Corp. posted sharp quarterly profit drop from the prior year, but beat estimates. UBS analyst raised estimates for both Apple''s stock price and Q1 earnings because of the great popularity of iPods with consumers.

Healthier Gain In Productivity

Elena
06 Dec, 2005
New York City

Asian-Pacific benchmarks finished in the red on profit-taking and higher oil prices. Hong Kong was the biggest decliner, down 1.1%, followed by the Nikkei, down 0.8%. European stocks advanced at mid-day, boosted by telecoms and financials with the German DAX 30 in the lead, rising 0.7%. In economic news, the Department of Labor released its revised reading for Q3 productivity with the measure now showing a 4.7% seasonally adjusted annual growth rate, above expectations of 4.5%.

Two Mega Deals

123jump.com Staff
05 Dec, 2005
New York City

News of two large deals supported early rise in the averages, which faded quickly. The rise of oil and natural gas drove yields on ten-year bonds to 4.57% and averages lower at clsoe. Tech stocks and financials were weak during the session. Stocks in energy, brokerage, and housing sector were in favor during the session. Oil reached $60 for the first time in the month, and Dow has rebounded 7% from the lows of the year.Gold shines in the session.

Oil and Inflation Pressure Stocks

Elena
05 Dec, 2005
New York City

Stocks have been weak in Monday morning session, pressured by profit-taking from November rally, oil prices over $60 a barrel and news on slowing growth in the service sector. The Institute for Supply Management said its non-manufacturing index slid to 58.5 in November from an October reading of 60, slightly below expectations of a reading of 59.

Slower Growth in the Service Sector

Elena
05 Dec, 2005
New York City

Stocks opened weak on one-month jump in oil prices over $60 a barrel, raising concerns about holiday spending. An increase in deal news cushioned the decline with Guidant being the centre of attention after Boston Scientific offered $25 billion in cash and stock to acquire the company. The stock rose 10%. In another deal, Liberty Media agreed to acquire Provide Commerce for $477 million in cash, or $33.75 a share.

Guidant Offsets Oil Rise

Elena
05 Dec, 2005
New York City

Asian-Pacific benchmarks closed mixed with the Nikkei up 0.8% at 15,551,31, boosted by domestic capital-spending data. European stocks declined at mid-day, dragged by mining and health care shares with the German DAX 30 leading decliners, down 0.2%. In corporate news, Boston Scientific bid $25 billion in cash and stock for Guidant. Liberty Media agreed to acquire Provide Commerce for $477 million in cash, or $33.75 a share.