Insights

The Case-Schiller composite index of housing prices in 20 major metropolitan areas came out today and was higher for the 3rd month in a row, up about 1.2% if you strip out the seasonal adjustment. Prices were still about 2% lower than last April but it is encouraging...

US stocks bounced today after yesterday's big decline but as is usual got back only a small portion of yesterday's drop. The S&P 500 index was up 0.72% today, gold was up 0.4% while natural gas gained 1.9%. Oil was up 2%+ and bonds were slightly down. European debt...

The U.S. stock market as measured by the S&P 500 index lost 2.23% today which is really just a give-back of the runup on Tuesday in anticipation of the Fed meeting which yielded nothing of substance. That is a pretty normal pattern for trading around a Federal Reserve...

According to CNBC, an industry survey by Markit showed that, "U.S. 'flash' manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index fell to 52.9 from 54.0 in May. The June reading was the lowest since last July although it stayed above 50, indicating expansion in activity." New claims...

Markets were choppy but ended not far from breakeven. The S&P 500 was down 2 points, bonds were fairly flat, gold lost 3/4%, natural gas was down 1%, giving back a little of the big pop a few days ago. European stocks were up a bit, Asia was mixed. The Fed statement...

Stocks had a nice day today, led by European stocks that were up roughly 1.4% - 1.9% today. U.S. stocks finished up 1% - 1.7% with small stocks leading the way. The market pulled back from a short term resistance level late in the day but still had a very good day....

Are you a business owner or executive whose company has a 401k plan? Did you know that you have specific duties to perform on the plan and may have liability associated with not performing them? Owners or senior execs of a company providing a 401k plan to its...

Over the weekend it was announced that Spain would receive a bailout of up to $120 bilion to shore up its banks that are smarting from a real estate downturn and a poor economy. Asia loved it, European stock traders loved it for a few hours and US investors loved it...

I have posted the June newsletter titled Europe at the Crossroads. Look at theotop of the page for the Newsletters tab. As usual, the title only covers the main subject and I have numerous updates in the newsletter.

Today's emergency meeting of the G-7 came up with no significant announcement. Click to enlarge. Here is a chart from the Wall St. Journal online site showing the two-speed Europe. Art Cashin, one of my favorite commenters reminded viewers on CNBC today that Margaret...