Economy & Markets
The important economic and stock market news that advisors need to know.
S&P Cracks 1,400 for First Time Since 2008
By Samantha BomkampOn Thursday, the stock market cleared another barrier: The Standard & Poor's 500 index closed above 1,400 for the first time since June 2008.
March 15, 2012
Advisors Bullish on Markets, While Clients More Positive on ReturnsThe latest Russell survey of advisors also finds they have different portfolio priorities than their clients.
March 15, 2012
How to Take Advantage of Irrational Stock BuyingAsk Ralf Scherschmidt if its a bad idea to invest right now in Europe, and hell tell you that most people are underinvested in international small-cap stocks because their emotions are overruling reason.
March 14, 2012
Nomura to Cut Fixed Income ManagersIn January Nomura saw the resignations of Jesse Bhattal, former deputy president and chief of wholesale banking, and Tarun Jotwani, who had led the global markets unit prior to its split.
March 14, 2012
Britain May Revive Perpetual GiltsEverything old is new againBritain is considering bringing back perpetual gilts, long-term bonds that were first debuted after the South Seas Bubble crisis of 1720. With 100-year maturities and todays extra-low interest rates, the idea is attractive to many.
March 14, 2012
U.K. Unemployment Higher Than ExpectedThe rise in the rate of claims may push criticism that cuts in government spending by Prime Minister David Cameron are too aggressive as he attempts to reduce Britains deficit. Consumer confidence is sagging, based in part on fears of job loss, and the countrys economy contracted in Q4 of...
March 13, 2012
Spain Faces Tough HaulAlready mired in debt and unemployment, Spain has been told that the target deficit rate of 5.8% of GDP that new Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy declared only 10 days ago is inadequate, and Madrid must seek a faster reduction in its deficit.
March 13, 2012
German Concern over ECB Funding GrowsGermany is getting worriedmore worried than usualabout the level of debt in the eurozone. The European Central Banks Target2 system indicates that money owed to the Bundesbank now totals 489 billion euros ($656 billion