Market Update

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.

Metals Lead For the Week

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

For the week broader averages closed unchanged, after five weeks of gains. Metal markets closed higher for the week, led by copper, silver, platinum and gold. crude oil closed at three-week high. Semiconductor stocks index closed at 40-month high. General Electric sold $1.3 billion of Genworth in secondary offering.

Semis Lead Averages

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

After five straight weeks of gains in averages, market seems to have plenty of vigor. Even though broader market averages are declining, stocks in semiconductors, techs, financial brokers, and home builders are on the rise. Philadelphia index on semiconductor stocks reached a 40-month high.

Greenspan Raises Budget Deficit Issue

Elena
02 Dec, 2005
New York City

The Department of Labor released its report on the employment in November which showed that non-farm payroll employment rose by 215,000, following a downwardly revised increase of 44,000 in October. Economists had expected payrolls to increase by 225,000 compared to the increase of 56,000 previously reported for October. Greenspan urges Congress to show unrgency on the budget deficit issue, before it is too late.

Jobs Rise by 215,000

Elena
02 Dec, 2005
New York City

Asian-Pacific markets closed higher with the Nikkei up 1.9%, hitting a fresh five-year high of 15,421,60 on strong U.S. data. European shares advanced at mid-day on technology stocks with the CAC 40 rising 0.2% to 4,644 for the first time in three years. Key non-farm payrolls report is due out today, expected to show strong job growth in November and steady unemployment rate.

Buy, Buy, Buy

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

It was a day of rally in stock, metals and crude oil markets. Stocks rallied on the back of report suggesting inflation pressures may be weakening. Copper reached a new high on supply concerns and gold closed above $500 for the first time since 1983. Domestic automakers reported decline in November sales despite falling gasoline prices and generous incentives. Apparel retailers delivered weak same-store sales in October.

Auto Sales Disappoint

Elena
01 Dec, 2005
New York City

Initial jobless claims declined by 17,000 to 320,000 in the week ended Nov 26, vs expectations of a decline of around 323,000. Personal income rose 0.4% in October after surging up 1.7% in September. Personal spending increased by 0.2% in line with economist estimates. Auto sales in November increased compared with October sales, but were still disappointing.

Nasdaq Rallies 1%

Elena
01 Dec, 2005
New York City

The U.S. Department of Labor reported that initial jobless claims declined by 17,000 to 320,000 in the week ended Nov 26, vs expectations of a decline of around 323,000. The Commerce Dept. said that personal income rose 0.4% in October after surging up 1.7% in September, slightly below estimates of a 0.5% increase. Personal spending increased by 0.2% in line with economist estimates.

Jobless Claims Decline

Elena
01 Dec, 2005
New York City

Asian-Pacific markets closed mixed with the Nikkei up 1.8%, hitting a five-year high of 15,130.50, boosted by shipping and constructions stocks. European shares advanced, led by the French CAC 40, up 0.7%. Economic news, including weekly unemployment statistics, personal income and spending index is due out today. Wal-Mart reported 4.3% same-store sales increase in November. Costco posted 6% rise in comparable-store sales, missing estimates of 7.2%.

Market Falls on Stronger GDP

123jump.com Staff
30 Nov, 2005
New York City

Third quarter economic growth estimates were revised to 4.3%. Consumers and businesses both contributed to the economic growth in the quarter. The economy showed its vigor despite the hurricanes in the gulf region. Weekly petroleum report showed that crude and gasoline inventories fell driving the oil prices higher. Copper reached a new high. Tiffany reported earnings of 16 cents vs. 12 cents. Maker of BlackBerry lost its case in Federal Court.

Black Berry Settlement Invalid

Elena
30 Nov, 2005
New York City

Federal judge ruled that a $450 million settlement between a small patent holding firm and the maker of BlackBerry e-mail devices, Research in Motion Ltd is not valid. In eranings news, jewelry retailer Tiffany posted Q3 profit rise of 16 cents a share, meeting estimates.The company confirmed 2005 profit and revenue guidance. Dress Barn posted Q1 profit rise of 64 cents a share on 62% sales jump, exceeding estimates.

Oil Inventories Sharply Drop

Elena
30 Nov, 2005
New York City

Bigger-than-expected growth of U.S. Gross Domestic Product in the third quarter generated some optimism about the strength of the economy. According to a report from the Department of Commerce the GDP rose at an annual rate of 4.3% compared to the 3.3% growth seen in the second quarter. Economists had been expecting third quarter GDP growth to be revised up to 4.1%.