Economy & Markets
The important economic and stock market news that advisors need to know.
EU Considers Stronger Bailout Fund; ECB Doesn’t Raise Rates
By Marlene Y. SatterEuropean Union leaders on Friday will discuss strengthening the European Financial Stability Facility. France and Germany are also expected to present attendees with joint proposals to impose financial commitments within euro zone nations.
February 04, 2011
Unemployment Rate Drops to 9% but Job Gains MutedThe unemployment rate dropped sharply last month to 9.0% from 9.4% based on a government survey that found that more than a half-million people found work, but a separate survey of company payrolls showed a scant increase of 36,000 net jobs.
February 03, 2011
2010 Q4 Earnings: Hartford Beats Estimates on Strong Wealth ResultsAnnuity deposits dropped 59% as the Hartford exits international markets and revamps its U.S. sales
February 03, 2011
2010 Q4 Earnings: Fiserv Revenue Edges Up, Profit Edges DownFiserv reported Thursday modest increases in revenue for the fourth quarter and for full-year 2010.
February 03, 2011
Service Sector, Retail, Factory Orders Gain; Jobless Claims FallThe U.S. service sector grew in January at the fastest pace in five years. The report capped a string of data on Thursday that pointed to an expanding economy and stronger hiring.
February 02, 2011
2010 Q4 Earnings: Symetra Profit Is Nearly Double 2009 ResultsSymetra Financial announced Wednesday that fourth quarter net income was $62.2 million.
February 02, 2011
SEC Proposes ‘Security-Based Swap Execution Facility’ RulesInstead of trading over-the-counter, as these have, the SEC wants to add ‘transparency, efficiency, and competitiveness’ and oversight.
February 02, 2011
Portugal Borrowing Costs Fall on Treasuries Sale; S&P Cuts Ireland RatingFinancially troubled Portugal raised 1.26 billion euros ($1.74 billion) in a Treasury bill sale Wednesday and its borrowing costs fell as tension over Europe's debt woes continued to ebb, though, Ireland saw its credit rating cut by Standard & Poor's.