Economy & Markets
The important economic and stock market news that advisors need to know.
Prudential Experts Forecast Equities Gains in 2012, but Continuing Market Volatility Stemming from Global Risks
By Warren S. HerschEquities should outperform bonds in 2012, but markets remain vulnerable to continuing global risks, including the European sovereign debt crisis and a potential bursting of the real bubble in China.
January 05, 2012
Equity Funds Off 6% in ’11: Lipper ReportsThe last few months of 2011 entailed sovereign-debt issues in Europe, partisan gridlock and other tough scenarios, but the average equity fund still rose 8.73% in the fourth quarter, according to Lipper.
January 05, 2012
France Bonds Sell on Higher YieldsInvestors still have an appetite for French bonds. A Thursday auction of 10- to 30-year sovereign debt saw higher yields, but buyers were ready to open…
January 05, 2012
Hungary Fails to Reach Bond Auction TargetHungarys financial situation has been steadily worsening, and after its Thursday bond auction failed to raise as much money as it had hoped, it now says it wants a fast deal with the European Union and the International Monetary Fund.
January 04, 2012
Fed to Shine Light on Interest Rate Plans (The Hill)In another move to increase transparency, the Federal Reserve will begin forecasting interest rate activity in its package of economic predictions, released four times per year.
January 04, 2012
Goolsbee: ‘Groundhog Day’ Over Payroll Tax Cut Will ContinueAustan Goolsbee, former chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, appeared on Bloomberg T.V. with Margaret Brennan Tuesday to discuss the Republican field of candidates, the payroll tax cut fight and the overall state of the economy.
January 04, 2012
Seven Predictions for Hedge Funds in 2012This year promises to be the best since 2007 for net flows into hedge funds, according predictions by Agecroft Partners, a global consulting and third-party marketing firm.
January 04, 2012
Probability of Recession ‘20% or Less’: Raymond James ExpertThe markets could see some upside this year as business spending rises 5% and GDP growth hits 2-3%, according the investment and economic analysts at Raymond James.