Economy & Markets
The important economic and stock market news that advisors need to know.
Democrats Propose to Extend, Expand Payroll Tax Cut; Republicans Scoff
By Joyce HansonSenate Democrats on Monday urged Congress to extend the tax cuts now in place for employers and employees, but Republicans countered that the tax holiday should end because it isnt stimulating the economy.
November 28, 2011
IMF, Japan Deny Italy Talks on AidWith yields on Italian bonds skyrocketing, a report in the Monday daily La Stampa that the International Monetary Fund would provide a loan package to Italy of up to 600 billion euros ($798 billion) at an interest rate of between 4-5% was denied by the IMF.
November 28, 2011
Eurozone Teetering on Break Up: Banks, Ratings AgenciesAll of Europe's credit ratings could be in danger from the escalating debt crisis, Moody's Investors Service said on Monday, and both banks and ratings agencies said that the euro zone itself is in danger of breaking up.
November 28, 2011
Four Strong Companies With Stable Dividends Might Beat TreasuriesSlipping quality, miniscule returnsemerging market banana republic? Actually, U.S. Treasury bonds.
November 25, 2011
Will Black Friday Save Economy?As consumers abandoned Thanksgiving dinners to head out in search of holiday bargains at stores that opened earlier this year than ever for Black Friday sales, one thing was fairly sure: they were shoppers with budgets in mind rather than those looking for luxury gifts.
November 25, 2011
France Nominates Treasury Official for ECB BoardFrance has nominated its second-highest Treasury official, Benoit Coeure, to a seat on the European Central Banks six-member executive board. If Coeure is appointed, he would once again give France a voice in the ECBs policies and decisions.
November 25, 2011
German Business Confidence RisesDespite disastrous bond sale, survey of business leaders depicts a strong economy.
November 25, 2011
Italy's ‘Awful’ Debt Sale Doesn't Ease CrisisItaly managed to sell 10 billion euros ($13.2 billion) worth of sovereign bonds on Friday in an "awful" auction, but thats about the only good thing that can be said about the event, according to experts.