Economy & Markets
The important economic and stock market news that advisors need to know.
BlackRock Issues Russia ETF
By Ron DeLeggeThe benchmark index is a customized variation of the MSCI Russia Index
November 28, 2010
Government Bond Yields of Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Spain Continue to RiseThe bond markets, worried that Ireland's political situation could upset bailout plans and fearing contagion to other euro zone countries, widened bond spreads and demand for U.S. 10-year Treasuries and the German bund rising on Friday.
November 28, 2010
EU Finance Ministers Approve Ireland BailoutEU officials unanimously approved a bailout plan for Ireland, and discussed building a permanent vehicle for future bailouts.
November 28, 2010
Holiday Retail Sales and Jobs, Housing and Spanish-Accented Euro Jitters: Advisor Briefing for the Week of Nov. 29, 2010This week brings more retail news, including Cyber Monday, along with key reports on housing and, at week's end, the jobs picture for November. In Europe, concern is being raised over Spain's debt woes.
November 26, 2010
Top 10 Holiday Trends Show Glimmer of HopeWith the dawn of Black Friday--which is now really on Thanksgiving--the holiday shopping rush officially began, and the National Retail Federation has found some interesting data.
November 26, 2010
Portuguese Parliament Passes Austerity BudgetPortugal passed a tough austerity budget for 2011 on Friday, in a bid to cut the country's deficit to 4.6% of GDP in 2011. The 2011 budget raises the value added tax (VAT) from 21% to 23%, cuts civil servant wages by 5%, and slashes public spending.
November 26, 2010
November’s Closed-End Fund Theme: Volatility in Muni BondsThe story in closed-end funds in November has been the volatility in the municipal asset class, with 12-month highs in trading volume, widening discounts and lower prices.
November 24, 2010
Personal Income, Spending Rise; New Home Sales FallWith personal income and spending, though not on homes, both up and consumer confidence on the increase, the holiday season may be brighter than anticipated.