Economy & Markets
The important economic and stock market news that advisors need to know.
Stocks Rise; S&P Turns Positive for 2011
By DANIEL WAGNER, AP Business WriterStocks rose in quiet, pre-holiday trading Friday. The S&P 500 index turned positive for the year.Traders were relieved by news that Congress extended a payroll tax holiday for workers and emergency unemployment benefits.
December 23, 2011
Congress Approves Two-Month Payroll Tax Cut ExtensionFollowing House GOP change of heart, bill approved by both Houses in Dec. 23 pro forma sessions.
December 23, 2011
Austria Stable at AAA: Moody'sMoody's kept Austria's credit rating stable at AAA on Friday, but warned about the effects of the debt crisis not just on Austria but also on other euro zone countries.
December 22, 2011
A Christmas Song for AdvisorsOh, nimble sells, closing bellsNimble all the way!Oh, what fun it is to tradeAmid volatility!
December 22, 2011
Survey Shows Many Advisors Grew in 2011, Despite VolatilitySEI Quick Poll of advisors poll found that 40% boosted their firms' net new assets by more than 10% in 2011, and 12% expanded their practices by more than 20%.
December 22, 2011
Data Casts New Doubt on Housing Market TurnaroundThe health of the housing market has come under fresh doubts after the National Association of Realtors released substantially revised figures showing 3 million fewer homes than previously thought were sold between 2007 and 2010.
December 22, 2011
Fewest Layoffs Since '08 as Economy StrengthensThe job market is getting healthier, adding to evidence that the economy is improving as 2011 nears an end. The number of people seeking unemployment benefits fell last week to its lowest level since April 2008, the government said.
December 22, 2011
Fewest Layoffs Since '08 as Economy StrengthensThe job market is getting healthier, adding to evidence that the economy is improving as 2011 nears an end. The number of people seeking unemployment benefits fell last week to its lowest level since April 2008, the government said.