Economy & Markets
The important economic and stock market news that advisors need to know.
Fewest Requests for Jobless Claims Since 2008
By Jeannine AversaThe number of people applying for unemployment benefits plunged last week to the lowest level in nearly three years, continuing a downward trend that suggests hiring could pick up this year.
February 10, 2011
Bank of England Holds Firm on Interest RatesThe Bank of England on Thursday held the line on interest rates, keeping them at 0.5% despite money market expectations of a quarter-point rise.
February 10, 2011
Euro Hit by Selloff, Lack of Clear PolicyThe euro took a hit on Thursday as a failure by the European Central Bank to initiate strong policy measures took its toll. I
February 10, 2011
Outgoing Irish Government Throws Curve; Moody’s Downgrades Bank SecuritiesThe outgoing Irish government has dropped a bomb on the incoming politicians, declining to recapitalize the nation’s banks and leaving it to the opposition to decide if and when banks should be funded.
February 09, 2011
2010 Q4 Earnings: Prudential Profit Is $213 Million on Strong Annuity SalesAccount values pass $100 billion milestone.
February 09, 2011
Inflation-Fighting Funds Come to Fore as Bernanke Defends Fed PolicyInflation fears stoked by government spending and Republicans’ questioning of Fed policy have investors seeking inflation-adjusted returns, and this trend has some companies offering new or repackaged funds.
February 09, 2011
NYSE Euronext in Merger Talks With Deutsche BoerseGermany's Deutsche Boerse AG, the company that runs the stock exchange in Europe's largest economy, could soon take over the New York Stock Exchange.
February 09, 2011
Mortgage Applications Driven Down by Rate SpikeThe Mortgage Bankers Association said Wednesday its overall mortgage application index fell 5.5% from the previous week.