Filed under: International Markets

A new Bloomberg News survey indicated another modest setback on the global economic front as confidence in the world economy fell in March on concern that the lateral effects from Greece's budget crisis would hurt the recovery.

The Bloomberg Professional Global Confidence Index (BPGCI) fell to 53.8 in March from a record-high 54.9 in February, Bloomberg News reported Wednesday. However, the index remained above 50 for the eighth consecutive month. Readings above 50 mean there were more optimists than pessimists in the survey. The index was at 66.6 in January.

Continue reading Poll: Global Economic Confidence Dips on Greece's Debt Woes

Poll: Global Economic Confidence Dips on Greece's Debt Woes originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Filed under: Bad News

They don't all work out. The fundamentals of Central Garden & Pet Company (CENT), first written about here on June 22, 2009 at a price of $10.16, have not improved considerably, after about a year's performance window.

What's more, the U.S.'s 'frugal consumer' era, strong competition, and the 50/50 prospect for a sluggish U.S. housing sector recovery do not provide encouragement, moving forward, hence the calculation is to close the position at this time and take the roughly $1 gain.

Continue reading Central Garden & Pet: The Patience Ends

Central Garden & Pet: The Patience Ends originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Filed under: Exxon Mobil (XOM), Chevron Corp (CVX), ConocoPhillips (COP), Oil

Oil is trading higher on the day, but prices have fallen a good bit from the high they hit immediately following this week's inventory report.

Prices rose as high as $83.03 a barrel, and are currently trading at $81.97, up $0.48.

The reason why prices spiked so much following the report was the initial reaction to the smaller than expected rise in crude reserves. Analysts had been looking to see a jump of 2.1 million barrels last week, but the report indicated that inventories rose by a much smaller 1.4 million barrels.

Continue reading Oil Gives Back Some Gains

Oil Gives Back Some Gains originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Filed under: JetBlue Airways (JBLU), Delta Air Lines (DAL)

It's a bitter pill for U.S. airlines, but it's medicine they have to take.

Beginning next month, airlines can be fined up to $27,500 per passenger if a plane is delayed three hours and passengers can't get off the plane, according to a new federal rule issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation, The Associated Press reported Wednesday.

Airlines may respond by canceling flights, but the goal of the program is to encourage airlines to do a better job of scheduling flights and crews -- and, by extension, a better job of treating passengers.

Continue reading U.S. Airlines to Face $27,500 Per Passenger Fine for Long Tarmac Delays

U.S. Airlines to Face $27,500 Per Passenger Fine for Long Tarmac Delays originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Filed under: Citigroup Inc. (C), Chevron Corp (CVX), Amer Intl Group (AIG)

Today's market was described as another wishy-washy day where no directional feel was present because of fluctuations from positive to negative. The closing bell being positive or negative was something that was not certain until the end of the trading day. Unemployment rose in 30 states, but this was a January figure. The notion that February's deficit was a record hardly had any significant dent.

The unofficial closing bell levels were as follows:

Dow 10,565.67 +1.29 (0.01%)
S&P 500 1,145.57 +5.13 (0.45%)
Nasdaq 2,357.90 +17.22 (0.74%)

Top Analyst Calls

Continue reading Closing Bell: Another Wishy-Washy Day of Trading (MCO, MHP, CVX, ITMN, AIG, C, MU)

Closing Bell: Another Wishy-Washy Day of Trading (MCO, MHP, CVX, ITMN, AIG, C, MU) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Filed under: Earnings Reports, Gap Inc (GPS), Abercrombie and Fitch (ANF), American Eagle Outfitters (AEO)

American Eagle Outfitters (AEO), whose colleagues include Abercrombie & Fitch (ANF) and Gap (GPS), responded well to the company's fourth-quarter report. Adjusted income was 33 cents per diluted share. A year ago, only 19 cents per diluted share was generated. Oddly enough, 33 cents was the analyst's call.

I'm characterizing this as odd because I guess I was expecting to see a big beat on the bottom line after observing the strong rally in the stock. At the time of this writing, shares of the retailer were trading higher by over 6%, with tons of volume backing the bid.

Continue reading American Eagle Outfitters Rallies on Q4 Stats

American Eagle Outfitters Rallies on Q4 Stats originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Filed under: Industry, Economic Data

It was only a matter of time. Where there are catastrophe losses, there is talk of reinsurance rate increases.

In light of the high catastrophe losses from the Chilean earthquake, which could reach $8 billion, reinsurers are now signaling that they may try to raise rates at the next renewal. QBE Insurance (QBEIF) believes that rate increases may be necessary, as reinsurers try to recapture capital depleted by quake-related payouts.

Continue reading No Surprise: Chile Leads to Reinsurance Rate Increase Debate

No Surprise: Chile Leads to Reinsurance Rate Increase Debate originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Filed under: Hasbro Inc (HAS), Stocks to Buy

As expected, toymaker Hasbro Inc. (HAS), which I first wrote about on June 22, 2009, at a price of $24.30, has powered ahead, aided by a better-than-expected December quarter, and a revenue outlook that's more-than sufficient for today's reserved times.

Note: I consider Hasbro to be a high-risk stock not suitable for low/moderate-risk investors.

Hasbro is a toy sector survivor. New products, a strong performance in the interactive toy trend, and an improved product mix have positioned HAS for the economic recovery. Also, Hasbro's strong relationship with its major retail customers is another strategic plus.

Continue reading Hasbro Powers Ahead

Hasbro Powers Ahead originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Filed under: International Markets, Forecasts, India, China, Brazil, Russia, Mexico, Economic Data

Devan Kaloo, of Aberdeen Asset Management foresees a 15% drop for stocks of developing countries. His fund is investing in the developing countries of Mexico, India and Turkey. He is neutral on Brazil and underweight on Russia.

He is holding fewer Chinese stocks because he feels that stock valuations in China are overdone. The $586 billion stimulus package is due to run out this year. The helped the Shanghai Composite Index to rise 80% last year. This year to date the index is down 6.4%.

Continue reading Aberdeen Foresees Stocks of Developing Countries Falling 15%

Aberdeen Foresees Stocks of Developing Countries Falling 15% originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Filed under: Forecasts, Employees, Housing

Most investors understand the relationship between job growth and the U.S. economy: For a sustained U.S. economic expansion to occur, there must be job growth.

Further, politically, the responsibility for lowering unemployment rests with the party in power -- President Barack Obama and congressional Democrats. That's how the American political system works. It doesn't matter whether the problem started on your watch -- if you hold the office, you're responsible at election time. End of discussion.

Continue reading This Decade's U.S. Expansion Will Have Few 'Bubble' Construction, Mortgage Jobs

This Decade's U.S. Expansion Will Have Few 'Bubble' Construction, Mortgage Jobs originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Filed under: Good news, Allergan (AGN), Options, Technical Analysis

Allergan (AGN - option chain) shares are rising today after the FDA approved Allergan's drug Botox for treatment of increased muscle stiffness in the elbow, wrist and fingers in adults with upper limb spasticity. If you think that the stock won't fall by too much in the coming months, then now could be a good time to look at a bullish hedged trade on AGN.

AGN opened this morning at $62.60. So far today the stock has hit a low of $61.90 and a high of $62.78. As of 12:00, AGN is trading at $62.42 up $1.07 (1.7%). The chart for AGN looks neutral and S&P gives AGN a neutral 3 STARS (out of 5) hold ranking.

Continue reading Allergan Rises On FDA Botox Approval

Allergan Rises On FDA Botox Approval originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Cobra Golf, maker of the Baffler line of clubs, is being sold by Fortune Brands to athletic shoe and clothing company PUMA. The deal gives PUMA an entry into the golf business, and lets Fortune focus on its other golf brands, such as Titleist and FootJoy.

Continue reading PUMA Bags Cobra Golf in Deal with Fortune

PUMA Bags Cobra Golf in Deal with Fortune originally appeared on DailyFinance on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:18:00.

Filed Under: Company News, Investing

Permalink | Tweet this! | Comments

Filed under: Newsletters, Stocks to Buy, Israel

"For our latest recommendation, we enter into the world of software again with an Israeli small cap: Click Software Technologies (CKSW)," says Vivian Lewis.

The editor of Global Investing says, "Its software lets companies and government entities manage their workforce and customer service by fully integrating call centers, customer relationship management (CRM), scheduling, location tracking, and mobile telephony links with workers in the field and their waiting customers."

Continue reading Click Software (CKSW): Israeli Firm Eyes Workforce Management

Click Software (CKSW): Israeli Firm Eyes Workforce Management originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Filed under: Management, Law, Pfizer (PFE)

As class action lawsuits go, I have never encountered one any more questionable than the recent complaint issued against Medivation Inc. (MDVN), via the law firm Izard Nobel LLP.

Readers of this space may recall that just a few days ago I decried the sell off of shares that occurred on the heels of Medivation's ill-fated phase 3 drug trial of the potential Alzheimer's treatment dimebon. At that time, I pointed out that one failed drug trial is not equal to the failure of a company. I still stand by that common sense determination.

Continue reading Medivation Class Action Has Questionable Roots

Medivation Class Action Has Questionable Roots originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Filed under: Competitive Strategy, China Mobile Limited (CHL)

In terms of subscribers, China Mobile (CHL) is the largest mobile carrier (the base is more than 500 million). But of course, the company wants to become even bigger.

And one of the most promising markets is mobile payment. However, it can be difficult to pull this off. So, China Mobile has agreed to pay $5.83 billion for a 20% stake in Shanghai Pudong Development Bank. The transaction was priced at a 13% discount.

Continue reading China Mobile Bets $5.8 Billion on Mobile Banking

China Mobile Bets $5.8 Billion on Mobile Banking originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Filed under: Major Movement, Analyst Reports, Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades, Good news, Products and Services

Late Tuesday, an advisory panel of the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) voiced its approval for pirfenidone, the experimental lung drug from InterMune (ITMN). The panel voted 9-3 in favor of recommending pirfenidone to patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

The FDA is expected to follow the advice of the advisory panel, although it's not required to do so. The regulatory agency is due to issue its final ruling on the drug's fate by early May.

Continue reading InterMune Showered with Analyst Love on FDA Approval

InterMune Showered with Analyst Love on FDA Approval originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Filed under: Analyst Reports, Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades, Analyst Initiations

Analyst Upgrades

• ThinkEquity upgraded InterMune (ITMN) to buy from hold following the FDA advisory committee's approval of Esbriet. InterMune was also upgraded to outperform from market perform at Wells Fargo.
• Piper Jaffray upgraded Radian (RDN) to neutral from underweight with a $9 target. The firm believes the company will not have to raise capital as the government is allowing it to increase its leverage ratio beyond historic maximum levels.
• JPMorgan upgraded ExlService (EXLS) to neutral from underweight following the company's Q4 results.
• Lockheed Martin (LMT) was upgraded to neutral from underperform at Macquarie.
• Analog Devices (ADI) was upgraded to outperform from market perform at Bernstein.
• Goodrich (GR) was upgraded to conviction buy from buy at Goldman.

Continue reading Analyst Calls: ADI, BCS, CMA, CVX, FACT, GR, ITMN, JCG, LMT, NFLX ...

Analyst Calls: ADI, BCS, CMA, CVX, FACT, GR, ITMN, JCG, LMT, NFLX ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Filed under: International Markets, Newsletters, ETF Investing, Commodities, Stocks to Buy

"Our latest buy recommendation, the iShares MSCI Chile Investable Market Index (ECH), is a high-risk bet that Chile's stock market will weather the devastation of the earthquake just fine and resume its already strong upward trend," says international expert Nicholas Vardy.

In The Global Bull Market Alert, he explains, "The market will very likely be weak near term because of the general level of uncertainty and concerns over damage to infrastructure. Looking back a few weeks from now, I believe this will represent a buying opportunity.

Continue reading Chile Fund (ECH): Post-Quake Buy

Chile Fund (ECH): Post-Quake Buy originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments