Getting good data from China is problematic, but it is pretty clear house prices there are falling (see here, here and here).  At first blush, this shouldn’t cause too much worry, because the Chinese... Read »

European Bank Recapitalization  Read More →

This morning, the S&P 500 index e-mini futures (ES Z1) are trading higher by 9.00 points to 1227.00 per contract. While the markets are starting higher before the opening bell, it is important to... Read »

The markets are hovering around the flat line as all eyes remain on Europe. Europe has been quiet this week and that is making investors uneasy. The SPDR S&P 500 ETF (NYSE:SPY) $122.28, +0.57 (+0.47%).... Read »

This morning, the all of the leading financial stocks are trading higher. When the financial stocks rally it is usually a good sign that the major stock market indexes will hold up. Traders should follow... Read »

The Department of Labor reported today that seasonally-adjusted jobless claims fell to 366,000 for the week ending December 10, which is the lowest level since May 2008, two and-a-half years ago. That... Read »

[Via: On Fairy Tales about Inequality]  Read More →

Gold prices are currently under some pressure following a decline below $1,700, but I view weakness in the precious metal not as a sign to sell, but as an opportunity to buy. The fact that gold is losing... Read »

Carry on… Most importantly a few hawks exit stage right in 2012, and more Yellen and Bernanke types will enter.  Also with the ‘inflation is easing’ commentary they take care of any... Read »

The correlation between the S&P 500 and the euro has been running extremely high in recent months. Therefore, if the euro can mount a sustained charge higher, stocks could do the same. As we mentioned... Read »