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Economy

Economic Data (USA)

Monday, July 31, 2006

All 3 Majors Down for The Day; The NASDAQ Lost Ground in July

The 3 major indices declined today; the NASDAQ Composite Index also lost ground for the month of July. 1,616,212,110 shares were traded @ The New York Stock Exchange®.

For the month, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) gained 0.3%, the NASDAQ Composite Index fell by 3.7%, and the S&P 500 Index gained 0.5%.


Shares of DJIA component Boeing (BA) fell by $1.49 (-1.89%) to close @ $77.42; the stock then recovered $0.37 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of NYSE Group (NYX) fell by $1.73 (-2.71%) to close @ $62.19. NYSE Group owns the New York Stock Exchange®.


Shares of Scottish Re Group Ltd. (SCT) fell by $12.01 (-75.06%) to close @ $3.99.


Shares of Nam Tai Electronics Inc. (NTE) fell by $2.89 (-14.45%) to close @ $17.11.


Shares of VistaPrint Ltd. (VPRT) fell by $2.72 (-10.95%) to close @ $22.12.


Shares of Itron Inc. (ITRI) fell by $5.04 (-9.77%) to close @ $46.54.


Shares of Jones Lang Lasalle Inc. (JLL) fell by $4.92 (-5.68%) to close @ $81.70.


Shares of NVE Corp. (NVEC) gained $4.48 (+26.23%) to close @ $21.56.


Shares of M Systems Flash Disk Pioneers Ltd. (FLSH) gained $4.21 (+13.24%) to close @ $36.00.


Shares of Gehl Co. (GEHL) gained $3.43 (+14.18%) to close @ $27.62.


Shares of Optelecom-NKF Inc. (OPTC) gained $1.95 (+18.29%) to close @ $12.61.


Shares of CPI Corporation (CPY) gained $3.25 (+11.27%) to close @ $32.10.


Shares of Arch Coal Inc. (ACI) gained $3.24 (+9.34%) to close @ $37.94.


Shares of Core Laboratories NV (CLB) gained $5.69 (+8.45%) to close @ $73.00.


Shares of W-H Energy Services Inc. (WHQ) gained $3.52 (+6.83%) to close @ $55.02.


Summary of The U.S. Markets:

----------------------------------------------------------

DJIA: Closed @ 11,185.68 (-34.02)

NASDAQ: Closed @ 2,091.47 (-2.67)

S&P 500: Closed @ 1,276.66 (-1.89)

----------------------------------------------------------

NYMEX Crude Oil Future is currently @ $74.45/barrel

NY Spot Gold closed @ $633.80/ounce (-$1.50)

In New York, The U.S. Dollar buys 0.7844 Euros

In New York, The Euro buys 1.2749 U.S. Dollars

The U.S. Prime Rate (Fed Prime Rate) is 8.25%


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Friday, July 28, 2006

The 3 Majors Enjoyed Strong Gains Today, On Cheaper Crude and Interest Rate Hopes

The 3 major indices finished the day with strong gains, as investors got bullish on cheaper crude oil and second-quarter GDP numbers that may prompt the Fed to forgo another interest rate increase on August 8TH. 1,689,293,470 shares were traded @ The New York Stock Exchange®.

For the week, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) gained 3.2%, the NASDAQ Composite Index gained by 3.7%, and the S&P 500 Index gained 3.1%.


Shares of DJIA component Citigroup (C) gained $1.02 (+2.16%) to close @ $48.33.

Shares of DJIA component Wal-Mart (WMT) gained $0.93 (+2.14%) to close @ $44.46 on news that the company will sell all of its stores in Germany to Metro AG. A couple of months ago, Wal-Mart let the world know that they are pulling out of South Korea.


Shares of NBTY Inc. (NTY) gained $4.32 (+17.36%) to close @ $29.20.


Shares of Deckers Outdoor Corporation (DECK) gained $6.17 (+16.61%) to close @ $43.31.


Shares of IDEXX Laboratories Inc. (IDXX) gained $11.71 (+15.59%) to close @ $86.81; the stock then gained an additional $0.16 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of FormFactor Inc. (FORM) gained $6.85 (+19.35%) to close @ $42.25; the stock then gained an additional $0.23 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. (XMSR) gained $1.78 (+16.35%) to close @ $12.67; the stock then lost $0.12 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of Nidec Corporation (NJ) gained $2.69 (+17.18%) to close @ $18.35.


Shares of Titanium Metals Corporation (TIE) gained $3.06 (+11.81%) to close @ $28.98.


Shares of Global Payments Inc. (GPN) gained $4.64 (+11.55%) to close @ $44.80.


Shares of Teleflex Inc. (TFX) gained $5.30 (+10.18%) to close @ $57.34.


Shares of Kaydon Corporation (KDN) gained $3.25 (+9.71%) to close @ $36.72.


Shares of Universal Health Services Inc. (UHS) gained $4.49 (+8.67%) to close @ $56.29.


Shares of Genitope Corporation (GTOP) fell by $2.71 (-48.57%) to close @ $2.87.


Shares of Rackable Systems Inc. (RACK) fell by $13.68 (-39.19%) to close @ $21.23.


Shares of Volcom Inc (VLCM) fell by $8.36 (-29.44%) to close @ $20.04; the stock then recovered $0.41 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of Sierra Wireless Inc. (SWIR) fell by $3.55 (-21.85%) to close @ $12.70; the stock then lost an additional $0.15 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of United Surgical Partners International Inc. (USPI) fell by $5.05 (-17.18%) to close @ $24.34; the stock then recovered $0.24 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of Massey Energy Co. (MEE) fell by $4.06 (-13.95%) to close @ $25.05.


Shares of Nelnet Inc. (NNI) fell by $5.16 (-13.91%) to close @ $31.93.


Shares of PerkinElmer Inc. (PKI) fell by $2.12 (-10.54%) to close @ $18.00.


Summary of The U.S. Markets:

----------------------------------------------------------

DJIA: Closed @ 11,219.70 (+119.27)

NASDAQ: Closed @ 2,094.14 (+39.67)

S&P 500: Closed @ 1,278.55 (+15.35)

----------------------------------------------------------

NYMEX Crude Oil Future closed @ $73.36/barrel

NY Spot Gold closed @ $635.30/ounce (+$1.90)

In New York, The U.S. Dollar buys 0.7837 Euros

In New York, The Euro buys 1.276 U.S. Dollars

The U.S. Prime Rate (Fed Prime Rate) is 8.25%


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Gross Domestic Product (GDP) "Advance" Released Today for Q2, 2006

U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) numbers for the second-quarter of 2006 were released this morning by the Commerce Department's Bureau of Economic Analysis:

Consensus: 3.2%
Actual: 2.5%

The above percentages represent the quarter-to-quarter change in the Gross Domestic Product for the United States. The "consensus" is what economists and Wall Street forecasters were expecting, while the "actual" is the actual or real figure.

The GDP is a very broad measure of economic activity for the entire United States, covering all sectors of the economy.

The "advance" estimates are based on data that are incomplete or subject to future revision. Next month, the Commerce Department will release "preliminary" data for the above referenced quarter, which will be a more accurate report. A "final" GDP report will be released later this year, which will contain the most authoritative data on the above-referenced quarter.

Click here to view the full Commerce Department report (PDF).


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Consumer Sentiment for July, 2006

The Consumer Sentiment numbers for July, 2006 were released this morning:

Consensus: 82.5
Actual: 84.7

The Consumer Sentiment Index is compiled on a monthly basis by the University of Michigan; 500 U.S. households are queried about their own financial circumstances and about the economy in general. 200 questions are asked, e.g. "Do you think that right now is a good time to purchase a major household item, like a new microwave oven, TV set, or a new sofa?"

The Consumer Sentiment Index uses a 1966 baseline, i.e. for 1966, the Consumer Sentiment Index = 100. So any number that is below the 1966 baseline of 100 means that the folks who were polled recently aren't as optimistic about the U.S. economy as the sample that was polled back in 1966.

The Consumer Sentiment Index is similar to the Consumer Confidence Index in that they both measure consumer attitudes and offer insight into consumer spending.

The "consensus" is what economists and Wall Street forecasters were expecting, while the "actual" is the actual or real figure.


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Thursday, July 27, 2006

All 3 Majors Declined Again Today

Markets closed with all 3 major indices losing ground for the second day in a row. 1,819,668,390 shares were traded @ The New York Stock Exchange®.


Shares of Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) component Boeing (BA) fell by $1.19 (-1.49%) to close @ $78.71; the stock then recovered $0.17 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of NYSE Group (NYX) gained $2.66 (+4.30%) to close @ $64.50; the stock then lost $1.50 in after-hours action this evening. The NYSE Group owns The New York Stock Exchange®.


Shares of Akamai Technologies (AKAM) gained $6.83 (+22.77%) to close @ $36.83.


Shares of K-Swiss Inc. (KSWS) gained $3.80 (+15.87%) to close @ $27.74; the stock then lost $0.13 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of Psychiatric Solutions Inc. (PSYS) gained $4.04 (+15.62%) to close @ $29.90.


Shares of NeuroMetrix Inc. (NURO) gained $3.94 (+13.99%) to close @ $32.11; the stock then lost $0.10 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of Core Laboratories NV (CLB) gained $9.07 (+14.87%) to close @ $70.06.


Shares of Harris Corporation (HRS) gained $4.45 (+11.50%) to close @ $43.14.


Shares of Iron Mountain Inc. (IRM) gained $3.84 (+10.74%) to close @ $39.61.


Shares of Harsco Corporation (HSC) gained $6.84 (+9.61%) to close @ $78.05.


Shares of Questar Corporation (STR) gained $5.83 (+7.14%) to close @ $87.52.


Shares of Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan, Inc. (POT) gained $5.74 (+6.55%) to close @ $93.34.


Shares of Aldila Inc. (ALDA) fell by $11.80 (-45.88%) to close @ $13.92.


Shares of Plexus Corporation (PLXS) fell by $10.71 (-31.87%) to close @ $22.89; the stock then recovered $0.31 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of NAVTEQ Corporation (NVT) fell by $8.51 (-24.48%) to close @ $26.25; the stock then recovered $0.25 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of Baidu.com, Inc. (BIDU) fell by $19.19 (-20.87%) to close @ $72.78; the stock then lost an additional $0.78 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of SonoSite Inc. (SONO) fell by $6.97 (-18.48%) to close @ $30.75; the stock then lost an additional $0.15 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of Kendle International Inc. (KNDL) fell by $8.54 (-23.99%) to close @ $27.06.


Shares of ICOS Vision Systems Corporation NV (IVIS) fell by $8.55 (-21.06%) to close @ $32.05.


Shares of StanCorp Financial Group Inc. (SFG) fell by $8.09 (-16.06%) to close @ $42.27.


Shares of Carbo Ceramics Inc. (CRR) fell by $8.31 (-18.02%) to close @ $37.81.


Shares of Monarch Casino & Resort Inc. (MCRI) fell by $3.33 (-14.73%) to close @ $19.28.


Shares of Haemonetics Corporation (HAE) fell by $5.46 (-11.73%) to close @ $41.09.


Shares of Petroleum Geo Services ASA (PGS) fell by $6.45 (-11.01%) to close @ $52.15.


Summary of The U.S. Markets
:

----------------------------------------------------------

DJIA: Closed @ 11,100.43 (-2.08)

NASDAQ: Closed @ 2,054.47 (-15.99)

S&P 500: Closed @ 1,263.20 (-5.20)

----------------------------------------------------------

NYMEX Crude Oil Future closed @ $74.72/barrel

NY Spot Gold closed @ $633.40/ounce (+$11.60)

In New York, The U.S. Dollar buys 0.7885 Euros

In New York, The Euro buys 1.2682 U.S. Dollars

The U.S. Prime Rate (Fed Prime Rate) is 8.25%


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New Home Sales for June, 2006

The June, 2006 New Home Sales report was released this morning:

New Home Sales for June: 1,131,000

June New Home Sales: Average Price: $290,600

June New Home Sales: Median Price: $231,300

May, 2006 New Home Sales (Revised): 1,166,000


Compiled jointly by the U.S. Commerce Department and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the monthly New Home Sales report measures the number of newly-built homes with committed buyers for a given month.

The New Home Sales report is watched by economists and investors because it offers insight into the state of the U.S. housing market, and also provides data that can be used to predict sales of large household furniture and appliances like refrigerators, air conditioners and cooking ranges.

Click here to view the full Commerce Department report (PDF).


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New Unemployment Insurance Claims for The Week of July 22, 2006

The U.S. Department of Labor this morning released the New Unemployment Insurance Claims report for the week that ended on July 22, 2006:

Consensus: 310,000
Actual: 298,000

The above figures represent the number of new claims for unemployment benefits for the entire United States. The "consensus" is what economists and Wall Street forecasters were expecting, while the "actual" is the actual or real figure.

Click here to view the full Labor Department report.


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Durable Goods Orders Report for June, 2006 Released Today

The Durable Goods Orders report for June, 2006 was released this morning:

Consensus: +1.9%
Actual: +3.1%

The above percentages represent the month-to-month change in orders for durable or hard goods for immediate or future delivery from U.S. manufacturers. Examples of durable goods: cars, washing machines, computers--items that are built to last 3+ years.

The "consensus" is what economists and Wall Street forecasters were expecting, while the "actual" is the actual or real figure. The U.S. Durable Goods Orders report is produced by the U.S. Commerce Department.

Click here to view the full Commerce Department report (PDF).


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Wednesday, July 26, 2006

All 3 Majors Lost Some Ground Today

All 3 major indices lost some ground today. 1,813,155,320 shares were traded @ The New York Stock Exchange®.


Shares of DJIA component General Motors (GM) gained $1.34 (+4.37%) to close @ $32.00.

Shares of DJIA component Boeing (BA) fell by $3.85 (-4.60%) to close @ $79.90; the stock then recovered $0.40 in after-hours action this evening.

Shares of DJIA component Wal-Mart (WMT) fell by $1.00 (-2.24%) to close @ $43.67.


Summary of The U.S. Markets
:

----------------------------------------------------------

DJIA: Closed @ 11,102.51 (-1.20)

NASDAQ: Closed @ 2,070.46 (-3.44)

S + P 500: Closed @ 1,268.40 (-0.48)

----------------------------------------------------------

NYMEX Crude Oil Future closed @ $73.85/barrel

NY Spot Gold closed @ $621.80/ounce (+$4.60)

In New York, The U.S. Dollar buys 0.7862 Euros

In New York, The Euro buys 1.2719 U.S. Dollars

The U.S. Prime Rate (Fed Prime Rate) is 8.25%


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Crude Oil Inventories Report for Week of July 21, 2006

The U.S. Crude Oil Inventories report for the week that ended on July 21, 2006 was released this morning:

Weekly Change: No Change!

Yearly Change: +17,700,000 Barrels

Current U.S. Crude Oil Stocks: 335,500,000 Barrels

Diminishing crude oil inventories can often translate to higher crude oil prices (and vice versa), but not always.

The report is produced by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

Click here for a more detailed summary of The Week in Petroleum.


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Tuesday, July 25, 2006

Consumer Confidence and Cheaper Crude Oil Helped All 3 Majors Advance Today

Cheaper crude oil and an unexpected rise in Consumer Confidence helped the 3 major indices gain ground today. 1,746,638,070 shares were traded @ The New York Stock Exchange®.


Shares of DJIA component Boeing (BA) gained $2.31 (+2.84%) to close @ $83.75.

Shares of DJIA component AT&T (T) gained $1.17 (+4.21%) to close @ $28.95; the stock then gained an additional $0.26 in after-hours action this evening. The company announced strong Q2 earnings thanks in part to job cuts and an increased number of Cingular wireless subscribers (Cingular is the U.S. #1 wireless company; AT&T owns a 60% stake in Cingular.)

Shares of DJIA component 3M (MMM) fell by $3.58 (-4.99%) to close @ $68.11; the stock then recovered $0.14 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of DXP Enterprises Inc. (DXPE) gained $7.03 (+28.58%) to close @ $31.63.


Shares of Momenta Pharmaceuticals Inc. (MNTA) gained $4.97 (+38.08%) to close @ $18.02.


Shares of Agere Systems Inc. (AGR) gained $2.90 (+24.17%) to close @ $14.90.


Shares of Ryan's Restaurant Group Inc. (RYAN) gained $4.48 (+39.93%) to close @ $15.70.


Shares of Rent-A-Center Inc. (RCII) gained $4.24 (+18.43%) to close @ $27.25.


Shares of Myogen Inc. (MYOG) gained $3.76 (+13.30%) to close @ $32.03.


Shares of Alcon Inc. (ACL) gained $12.86 (+13.69%) to close @ $106.79.


Shares of Precision Castparts Corporation (PCP) gained $6.94 (+12.69%) to close @ $61.62.


Shares of Brown & Brown Inc. (BRO) gained $3.31 (+11.85%) to close @ $31.25.


Shares of Energizer Holdings Inc. (ENR) gained $5.02 (+9.03%) to close @ $60.60.


Shares of Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. (JEC) gained $6.55 (+9.14%) to close @ $78.25.


Shares of Anixter International Inc. (AXE) gained $4.15 (+8.91%) to close @ $50.75.


Shares of Eagle Materials Inc. (EXP) gained $2.66 (+7.16%) to close @ $39.82; the stock then lost $0.32 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of NutriSystem Inc. (NTRI) fell by $13.38 (-19.73%) to close @ $54.42; the stock then lost an additional $0.92 in after-hours trading this evening. Investors reacted negatively to the resignation of company president and Chief Operating Officer George Jankovic.


Shares of Legg Mason Inc. (LM) fell by $8.01 (-8.49%) to close @ $86.32; the stock then lost an additional $0.51 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of LCA-Vision Inc. (LCAV) fell by $6.22 (-13.45%) to close @ $40.02; the stock then lost an additional $0.47 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation (WAB) fell by $7.00 (-21.57%) to close @ $25.45; the stock then recovered $0.53 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of Zoran Corporation (ZRAN) fell by $5.56 (-28.18%) to close @ $14.17; the stock then recovered $0.26 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of United Parcel Service (UPS) fell by $8.20 (-10.25%) to close @ $71.80; the stock then recovered $0.20 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of Netflix (NFLX) fell by $4.98 (-20.96) to close @ $18.78; the stock then recovered $0.12 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of Forward Air Corporation (FWRD) fell by $5.21 (-13.48) to close @ $33.44.


Shares of Altus Pharmaceuticals (ALTU) fell by $4.58 (-26.37) to close @ $12.79.

Shares of Encysive Pharmaceuticals (ENCY) fell by $2.49 (-40.29) to close @ $3.69.


Shares of Champion Enterprises Inc. (CHB) fell by $1.98 (-23.02) to close @ $6.62.


Shares of Thomas & Betts Corporation (TNB) fell by $4.45 (-9.08) to close @ $44.54.


Summary of The U.S. Markets
:

----------------------------------------------------------

DJIA: Closed @ 11,103.71 (+52.66)

NASDAQ: Closed @ 2,073.90 (+12.06)

S&P 500: Closed @ 1,268.88 (+7.97)

----------------------------------------------------------

NYMEX Crude Oil Future closed @ $73.70/barrel

NY Spot Gold closed @ $617.20/ounce (+$4.30)

In New York, The U.S. Dollar buys 0.795 Euros

In New York, The Euro buys 1.2579 U.S. Dollars

The U.S. Prime Rate (Fed Prime Rate) is 8.25%


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Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) for July, 2006

The Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) for this month (July, 2006) was released by The Conference Board this morning:

Consensus: 104.0
Actual: 106.5

The "consensus" is what economists and Wall Street forecasters were expecting, while the "actual" is the actual or real figure.

Every month, The Conference Board sends a questionnaire to 5,000 U.S. households. Survey participants are polled about their feeling regarding the current U.S. economy, the future of the U.S. economy, and about their own fiscal circumstances. On average, 3,500 participants complete and return the 5-question survey.

The baseline "100" score for the CCI is pegged to 1985 survey data.

When consumers feel good about the economy, they tend to do more spending, and vice versa.

Based in New York City, The Conference Board is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to, "create and disseminate knowledge about management and the marketplace to help businesses strengthen their performance and better serve society."

The CCI is always released on the last Tuesday of the month.

Last month, the CCI was 105.7.


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Existing Home Sales for June, 2006

The Existing Home Sales report for June, 2006 was released by The National Association of Realtors this morning:

Consensus: 6,600,000
Actual: 6,620,000

The U.S. Existing Home Sales report is a sales count of existing homes, co-ops and condominiums for a given month. The "consensus" is what economists and Wall Street forecasters were expecting, while the "actual" is the actual or real figure.


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Redbook Numbers for The Week of July 22, 2006

The Redbook numbers for the week that ended on July 22, 2006 were released this morning:

Actual: +2.1%

The Redbook measures the weekly sales at chain stores, discount stores, and department stores--about 9,000 stores in total--and is therefore an important gauge of current consumer spending in the U.S. The above figure represents the year-to-year change in the Redbook sales figures, so sales are up by 2.1% when compared to sales during the corresponding week back in July of 2005.

The weekly Johnson Redbook Index report is produced by Redbook Research.


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Monday, July 24, 2006

Buyouts and Earnings Reports Helped All 3 Majors Advance Today

News of company buyouts contributed to many stocks advancing today, as investors got bullish on the potential for further acquisition activity for 2006. All 3 major indices enjoyed healthy gains today; 1,578,998,640 shares were traded @ The New York Stock Exchange®.


Shares of DJIA component Merck (MRK) gained $1.59 (+4.26%) to close @ $38.95 on news of strong sales of pharmaceuticals like the cholesterol drugs Vytorin® and Zetia®.

Shares of DJIA component United Technologies (UTX) gained $1.49 (+2.48%) to close @ $61.45.

Shares of DJIA component Boeing (BA) gained $2.36 (+2.98%) to close @ $81.44.


Shares of DJIA component Caterpillar (CAT) gained $2.17 (+3.17%) to close @ $70.52; the stock then lost $0.87 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of NYSE Group (NYX) gained $3.00 (+5.00%) to close @ $62.96. The NYSE Group owns The New York Stock Exchange®.


Shares of Yahoo! Inc. (YHOO) gained $1.05 (+4.06%) to close @ $26.94.


Shares of HCA Inc. (HCA) gained $1.61 (+3.36%) to close @ $49.48; the stock then lost $0.24 in after-hours trading this evening. A group of investors that includes HCA's current management team and co-founder Thomas F. Frist Jr. will purchase the U.S. #1 hospital chain along with the company's debt in deal that worth about $33 billion.


Shares of Canadian chipmaker ATI Technologies (ATYT) gained $3.11 (+18.78%) to close @ $19.67 on news that Advanced Micro Devices will purchase the company in a deal that's worth about $5.4 billion.


Shares of Cardiome Pharma Corporation (CRME) gained $3.24 (+36.36%) to close @ $12.15; the stock then gained an additional $0.14 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of Silicon Laboratories Inc. (SLAB) gained $6.20 (+21.02%) to close @ $35.70; the stock then gained an additional $0.55 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of T-3 Energy Services Inc. (TTES) gained $2.69 (+15.01%) to close @ $20.61; the stock then gained an additional $0.11 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of EXCO Resources Inc. (XCO) gained $1.85 (+18.05%) to close @ $12.10.


Shares of Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation (RL) gained $7.50 (+15.66%) to close @ $55.40.


Shares of ICICI Bank Ltd. (IBN) gained $3.06 (+13.75%) to close @ $25.31.


Shares of Gerber Scientific Inc. (GRB) gained $1.38 (+10.27%) to close @ $14.82.


Shares of National Interstate Corp. (NATL) gained $2.58 (+11.09%) to close @ $25.85.


Shares of JSC Tatneft (TNT) gained $7.72 (+8.41%) to close @ $99.50.


Shares of HDFC Bank Ltd. (HDB) gained $3.83 (+7.91%) to close @ $52.23.


Shares of China BAK Battery, Inc. (CBAK) fell by $2.12 (-31.22%) to close @ $4.67.


Shares of Boston Communications Group Inc. (BCGI) fell by $1.22 (-30.42%) to close @ $2.79.


Shares of Astec Industries Inc. (ASTE) fell by $5.94 (-21.49%) to close @ $21.70.


Shares of HIGHLAND CRED STRTGY (HCF) fell by $1.18 (-5.62%) to close @ $19.82.


Summary of The U.S. Markets:

----------------------------------------------------------

DJIA: Closed @ 11,051.05 (+182.67)

NASDAQ: Closed @ 2,061.84 (+41.45)

S&P 500: Closed @ 1,260.91 (+20.62)

----------------------------------------------------------

NYMEX Crude Oil Future closed @ $74.57/barrel

NY Spot Gold closed @ $612.90/ounce (-$6.80)

In New York, The U.S. Dollar buys 0.7925 Euros

In New York, The Euro buys 1.2618 U.S. Dollars

The U.S. Prime Rate (Fed Prime Rate) is 8.25%


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Friday, July 21, 2006

All 3 Major Indexes Retreated On the Day; The NASDAQ Declines On the Week

All 3 major indices lost ground today; the NASDAQ was the only major to lose ground on the week. 1,921,507,050 shares were traded @ The New York Stock Exchange®.

For the week, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) gained 1.2%, the NASDAQ Composite Index fell by 0.8%, and the S + P 500 Index gained 0.3%.


Shares of DJIA component Microsoft (MSFT) gained $1.02 (+4.46%) to close @ $23.87.

Shares of DJIA component Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) fell by $1.28 (-4.03%) to close @ $30.52.

Shares of DJIA component Boeing (BA) fell by $1.61 (-2.00%) to close @ $79.08.


Shares of Laureate Education Inc. (LAUR) gained $7.89 (+19.27%) to close @ $48.83.


Shares of Petroleum Development Corp. (PETD) gained $5.79 (+17.38%) to close @ $39.11.


Shares of Cerner Corp. (CERN) gained $4.73 (+13.80%) to close @ $39.00.


Shares of Aspreva Pharmaceuticals Corporation (ASPV) gained $1.91 (+9.37%) to close @ $22.30.


Shares of Boston Communications Group (BCGI) gained $2.09 (+108.85%) to close @ $4.01; the stock then lost $0.56 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of Johnson Controls Inc. (JCI) gained $6.35 (+8.91%) to close @ $77.65.


Shares of Choicepoint Inc. (CPS) gained $2.62 (+8.59%) to close @ $33.12.


Shares of Landstar System Inc. (LSTR) gained $3.68 (+9.20%) to close @ $43.68.


Shares of Reynolds & Reynolds Co. (REY) gained $2.48 (+8.44%) to close @ $31.85.


Shares of The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. Inc. (GAP) gained $1.47 (+6.50%) to close @ $24.10.


Shares of Dow Jones & Co. Inc. (DJ) gained $1.37 (+4.02%) to close @ $35.41.


Shares of W.W. Grainger Inc. (GWW) gained $1.98 (+3.27%) to close @ $62.60.


Shares of Satyam Computer Services Ltd. (SAY) gained $1.17 (+3.80%) to close @ $32.00.


Shares of BTU International Inc. (BTUI) fell by $3.94 (-28.06%) to close @ $10.10.


Shares of NYSE Group (NYX) fell by $1.28 (-2.09%) to close @ $59.96. The NYSE Group owns The New York Stock Exchange®.


Shares of Molecular Devices Corp. (MDCC) fell by $6.73 (-23.17%) to close @ $22.31.


Shares of Packeteer Inc. (PKTR) fell by $2.22 (-21.92%) to close @ $7.91.


Shares of PMC-Sierra Inc. (PMCS) fell by $1.84 (-26.36%) to close @ $5.14.


Shares of PDF Solutions Inc. (PDFS) fell by $2.27 (-19.29%) to close @ $9.50.


Shares of MEMC Electronic Materials Inc. (WFR) fell by $4.28 (-13.59%) to close @ $27.21.


Shares of Thornburg Mortgage Inc. (TMA) fell by $3.61 (-12.73%) to close @ $24.75; the stock then recovered $0.15 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of Broadcom Corp. (BRCM) fell by $3.24 (-12.30%) to close @ $23.11.


Shares of Amcol International Corp. (ACO) fell by $2.75 (-11.79%) to close @ $20.57.


Shares of Flagstar Bancorp Inc. (FBC) fell by $1.86 (-11.72%) to close @ $14.01.


Shares of Capital One Financial Corp. (COF) fell by $8.47 (-9.83%) to close @ $77.70.


Summary of The U.S. Markets:

----------------------------------------------------------

DJIA: Closed @ 10,868.38 (-59.72)

NASDAQ: Closed @ 2,020.39 (-19.03)

S&P 500: Closed @ 1,240.29 (-8.84)

----------------------------------------------------------

NYMEX Crude Oil Future closed @ $74.57/barrel

NY Spot Gold closed @ $619.70/ounce (-$11.70)

In New York, The U.S. Dollar buys 0.7878 Euros

In New York, The Euro buys 1.2694 U.S. Dollars

The U.S. Prime Rate (Fed Prime Rate) is 8.25%


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Thursday, July 20, 2006

The 3 Major Indices Lost Ground Today

All 3 major indexes lost ground today. 1,694,746,580 shares were traded @ The New York Stock Exchange®.


Shares of HCA Inc. (HCA) gained $4.53 (+10.37%) to close @ $48.20; the stock then gained an additional $0.30 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of Apple Computer (AAPL) gained $6.40 (+11.83%) to close @ $60.50; the stock then gained an additional $0.22 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of Rediff.com India Ltd. (REDF) gained $2.23 (+17.77%) to close @ $14.78; the stock then gained an additional $0.42 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of Rimage Corp. (RIMG) gained $3.08 (+16.40%) to close @ $21.83.


Shares of Avici Systems Inc. (AVCI) gained $1.88 (+34.00%) to close @ $7.41.


Shares of CHICOPEE BANCORP (CBNK) gained $4.46 (+44.60%) to close @ $14.46.


Shares of Amdocs Ltd. (DOX) gained $3.35 (+10.01%) to close @ $36.80.


Shares of Logitech International SA (LOGI) gained $1.82 (+10.14%) to close @ $19.77.


Shares of Safeway Inc. (SWY) gained $2.25 (+8.77%) to close @ $27.92; the stock then lost $0.22 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of Benchmark Electronics (BHE) gained $1.98 (+8.62%) to close @ $24.95.


Shares of Brookdale Senior Living (BKD) gained $3.25 (+8.17%) to close @ $43.05.


Shares of Radian Group Inc. (RDN) gained $3.32 (+5.43%) to close @ $64.45.


Shares of CBOT Holdings Inc. (BOT) gained $5.61 (+4.86%) to close @ $121.12.


Shares of NYSE Group (NYX) fell by $1.62 (-2.58%) to close @ $61.24. The NYSE Group owns The New York Stock Exchange®.


Shares of MGI Pharma Inc. (MOGN) fell by $6.89 (-32.15%) to close @ $14.54; the stock then recovered $0.19 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of Taleo Corporation (TLEO) fell by $3.21 (-28.71%) to close @ $7.97.


Shares of Choicepoint Inc. (CPS) fell by $5.50 (-15.28%) to close @ $30.50; the stock then recovered $0.59 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of Citrix Systems, Inc. (CTXS) fell by $4.80 (-13.81%) to close @ $29.97; the stock then recovered $0.33 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of Johnson Controls Inc. (JCI) fell by $9.97 (-12.27%) to close @ $71.30; the stock then recovered $0.34 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of LAM Research Corp. (LRCX) fell by $5.60 (-12.46%) to close @ $39.34; the stock then recovered $0.56 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of Air Methods Corp. (AIRM) fell by $5.01 (-21.51%) to close @ $18.28; the stock then recovered $0.47 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of WESCO International Inc. (WCC) fell by $6.37 (-9.66%) to close @ $59.60; the stock then recovered $0.15 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of Labor Ready Inc. (LRW) fell by $4.39 (-21.56%) to close @ $15.97.


Shares of Watsco Inc. (WSO) fell by $7.89 (-14.55%) to close @ $46.35.


Shares of CR Bard Inc. (BCR) fell by $6.18 (-8.24%) to close @ $68.79.


Summary of The U.S. Markets:

----------------------------------------------------------

DJIA: Closed @ 10,928.10 (-83.32)

NASDAQ: Closed @ 2,039.42 (-41.29)

S&P 500: Closed @ 1,249.13 (-10.68)

----------------------------------------------------------

NYMEX Crude Oil Future is currently @ $73.99/barrel

NY Spot Gold closed @ $631.40/ounce (-$10.40)

In New York, The U.S. Dollar buys 0.7919 Euros

In New York, The Euro buys 1.2628 U.S. Dollars

The U.S. Prime Rate (WSJ Prime Rate) is 8.25%


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Leading Economic Indicators for June, 2006

The Conference Board report on the nation's Leading Economic Indicators for June, 2006 was released this morning:

Consensus: +0.2 %
Actual: +0.1%

The above numbers represent the month-to-month change for the nation's leading economic indicators. The "consensus" is what economists and Wall Street forecasters were expecting, while the "actual" is the actual or real figure.

The Leading Economic Indicators Index is a composite of 10 of the nation's economic data releases that's put together by The Conference Board. Statistically, the components listed below have shown a significant increase or decrease before national economic upturns or downturns, respectively:

  1. The Money Supply (M2)
  2. The Standard + Poor's 500 Index
  3. The interest rate spread between 10-year Treasury Bonds and Fed Funds Target Rate
  4. Manufacturer's new orders for consumer goods or materials
  5. Manufacturer's new orders for non-defense capital goods
  6. Average weekly claims for unemployment insurance
  7. Average weekly manufacturing hours
  8. The Index of Consumer Expectations
  9. Vendor performance
  10. Building permits for new private housing


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New Unemployment Insurance Claims for The Week of July 15, 2006

The U.S. Department of Labor this morning released the New Unemployment Insurance Claims report for the week that ended on July 15, 2006:

Consensus: 325,000
Actual: 304,000

The above figures represent the number of new claims for unemployment benefits for the entire United States. The "consensus" is what economists and Wall Street forecasters were expecting, while the "actual" is the actual or real figure.

Click here to view the full Labor Department report.


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Wednesday, July 19, 2006

The 3 Majors Enjoyed Healthy Gains On Bernanke Comments and Cheaper Crude Oil

All 3 major indices enjoyed healthy gains today as Federal Reserve Chairman Bernanke made encouraging remarks about inflation before the Senate Banking Committee, which may portend an end to interest rate hikes after August 8TH. 1,868,600,190 shares were traded @ The New York Stock Exchange®.


Shares of Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) component Boeing (BA) gained $3.12 (+3.94%) to close @ $82.29; the stock then gained an additional $0.66 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of DJIA component JP Morgan Chase (JPM) gained $2.34 (+5.75%) to close @ $43.05.


Shares of DJIA component United Technologies (UTX) gained $2.19 (+3.72%) to close @ $61.07; the stock then gained an additional $0.70 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of DJIA component Caterpillar (CAT) gained $1.65 (+2.38%) to close @ $71.12.


Shares of DJIA component Procter & Gamble (PG) gained $1.14 (+2.05%) to close @ $56.64.


Shares of DJIA component International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) gained $1.81 (+2.44%) to close @ $76.07; the stock then gained an additional $0.13 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of DJIA component Home Depot (HD) gained $1.22 (+3.68%) to close @ $34.35.


Shares of DJIA component Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) gained $1.30 (+4.20%) to close @ $32.25.


Shares of DJIA component American Express (AXP) gained $1.15 (+2.26%) to close @ $52.10.


Shares of DJIA component Wal-Mart (WMT) gained $1.03 (+2.39%) to close @ $44.20; the stock then gained an additional $0.30 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of Westbank Corp. (WBKC) gained $4.25 (+23.61%) to close @ $22.25.


Shares of Valmont Industries (VMI) gained $7.50 (+17.38%) to close @ $50.65.


Shares of Illumina Inc. (ILMN) gained $8.24 (+28.55%) to close @ $37.10; the stock then lost $0.15 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of Keane Inc. (KEA) gained $1.71 (+15.25%) to close @ $12.92.


Shares of Nuveen Investments (JNC) gained $4.29 (+10.34%) to close @ $45.77.


Shares of Packaging Corporation of America (PKG) gained $1.99 (+9.47%) to close @ $23.00.


Shares of Southwest Airlines Co. (LUV) gained $1.30 (+8.16%) to close @ $17.24.


Shares of JSC Tatneft (TNT) gained $7.07 (+8.39%) to close @ $91.35.


Shares of NYSE Group (NYX) gained $2.86 (+4.77%) to close @ $62.86; the stock then gained an additional $0.11 in after-hours trading this evening. The NYSE Group owns The New York Stock Exchange®.


Shares of Yahoo! (YHOO) fell by $7.04 (-21.84%) to close @ $25.20; the stock then recovered $0.20 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of PLX Technology (PLXT) fell by $2.50 (-21.24%) to close @ $9.27.


Shares of China Yuchai International (CYD) fell by $1.06 (-16.77%) to close @ $5.26.


Shares of ADC Telecommunications (ADCT) fell by $1.84 (-12.81%) to close @ $12.52.


Shares of Rambus Inc. (RMBS) fell by $2.83 (-14.44%) to close @ $16.77; the stock then recovered $0.23 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of JAKKS Pacific (JAKK) fell by $1.76 (-9.41%) to close @ $16.95.


Shares of CIT Group (CIT) fell by $4.12 (-8.02%) to close @ $47.28.


Shares of Briggs & Stratton (BGG) fell by $1.52 (-5.32%) to close @ $27.07.


Shares of Con-Way, Inc. (CNW) fell by $1.21 (-2.28%) to close @ $51.77.


Summary of The U.S. Markets:

----------------------------------------------------------

DJIA: Closed @ 11,011.42 (+212.19)

NASDAQ: Closed @ 2,080.71 (+37.49)

S&P 500: Closed @ 1,259.81 (+22.95)

----------------------------------------------------------

NYMEX Crude Oil Future is currently @ $73.03/barrel

NY Spot Gold closed @ $641.80/ounce (-$14.20)

In New York, The U.S. Dollar buys 0.794 Euros

In New York, The Euro buys 1.2594 U.S. Dollars

The U.S. Prime Rate (Fed Prime Rate) is 8.25%


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Consumer Price Index (CPI) for June, 2006

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) numbers for June, 2006 were released by The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics this morning:

Consensus: +0.2%
Actual: +0.2%

Here are the numbers when food and energy are subtracted from the equation:

Consensus: +0.2%
Actual: +0.3%

The "consensus" is what economists and Wall Street forecasters were expecting, while the "actual" is the actual or real figure.

The above numbers represent the month-to-month change in prices for a specific group of goods and services that consumers buy, and is, therefore, a very important part of the overall inflation picture for the country.

General categories are:

  • Healthcare
  • Housing
  • Clothing
  • Communications
  • Education
  • Transportation
  • Food & Beverages
  • Recreation
  • Miscellaneous Goods & Services (grooming expenses, etc.)

Click here to view the full Labor Department report
.


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Housing Starts in June, 2006

The U.S. Commerce Department this morning released the Housing Starts report for June, 2006:

Housing Starts:
Consensus: 1,890,000
Actual: 1,850,000

Building Permits:
Actual: 1,862,000

The above is a measure of initial construction of single and multi-family residential units in The United States for last month. The "consensus" is what economists and Wall Street forecasters were expecting, while the "actual" is the actual or real figure.

If you're wondering about the demand for new homes in the United States, or about the American construction industry in general, then you should pay attention to the monthly Housing Starts report. The monthly Housing Starts report also offers insight into specific types of consumer spending: when housing starts are up, demand for the stuff that a consumer would purchase for a new home (large appliances, consumer electronics, furniture, etc.) tends to also rise--and vice versa.

Click here to view the full Commerce Department report (PDF).


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Crude Oil Inventories Report for Week of July 14, 2006

The U.S. Crude Oil Inventories report for the week that ended on July 14, 2006 was released this morning:

Weekly Change: +200,000 Barrels

Yearly Change: +15,400,000 Barrels

Current U.S. Crude Oil Stocks: 335,500,000 Barrels

Diminishing crude oil inventories can often translate to higher crude oil prices (and vice versa), but not always.

The report is produced by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

Click here for a more detailed summary of The Week in Petroleum.


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Tuesday, July 18, 2006

All 3 Major Indices Advanced On Cheaper Crude, Cheaper Gold and A Stronger Dollar

The 3 major indexes advanced today as both crude oil for future delivery and New York Spot Gold got cheaper; the dollar advanced against the euro. 1,724,150,890 shares were traded @ The New York Stock Exchange®.


Shares of Centene (CNC) fell by $7.44 (-35.36%) to close @ $13.60.


Shares of Koss Corp. (KOSS) fell by $4.31 (-17.90%) to close @ $19.78.


Shares of BlackRock, Inc. (BLK) fell by $7.11 (-5.26%) to close @ $127.97.


Shares of Molina Healthcare (MOH) fell by $5.05 (-13.72%) to close @ $31.75.


Shares of Nextest Systems (NEXT) fell by $2.34 (-15.24%) to close @ $13.01.


Shares of AMERIGROUP Corp. (AGP) fell by $2.55 (-8.08%) to close @ $29.00.


Shares of Cryptologic Inc. (CRYP) fell by $3.19 (-14.61%) to close @ $18.64.


Shares of China Techfaith Wireless Communication Technology (CNTF) fell by $1.77 (-14.03%) to close @ $10.85.


Shares of Green Plains Renewable Energy (GPRE) fell by $3.61 (-10.74%) to close @ $30.00.


Shares of Enterra Energy Trust (ENT) fell by $1.31 (-9.66%) to close @ $12.25.


Shares of MGIC Investment Corp. (MTG) fell by $3.51 (-5.65%) to close @ $58.56.


Shares of Aeropostale Inc. (ARO) fell by $1.57 (-5.22%) to close @ $28.52.


Shares of Piper Jaffray Companies (PJC) fell by $2.56 (-4.78%) to close @ $51.00.


Shares of Abercrombie & Fitch (ANF) fell by $2.56 (-4.78%) to close @ $50.95.


Shares of Wellcare Health Plans (WCG) fell by $4.10 (-7.54%) to close @ $50.25.


Shares of Pfeiffer Vacuum Technology AG (PV) fell by $3.76 (-5.87%) to close @ $60.24.


Shares of Google (GOOG) fell by $4.84 (-1.19%) to close @ $403.05; the stock then lost an additional $11.20 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of NYSE Group (NYX) fell by $1.85 (-2.99%) to close @ $60.00. The NYSE Group owns The New York Stock Exchange®.


Shares of Yahoo! (YHOO) gained $0.40 (+1.26%) to close @ $32.24; the stock then lost $4.41 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of Geo Group Inc. (GGI) gained $6.19 (+18.73%) to close @ $39.24.


Shares of LaserCard Corp. (LCRD) gained $1.81 (+17.57%) to close @ $12.11.


Shares of Thomas Group Inc. (TGIS) gained $1.47 (+13.65%) to close @ $12.24.


Shares of Encore Wire Corp. (WIRE) gained $3.07 (+10.07%) to close @ $33.57; the stock then lost $0.37 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of Coca-Cola FEMSA SA de CV (KOF) gained $1.53 (+5.36%) to close @ $30.06.


Shares of Crown Holdings (CCK) gained $1.33 (+8.78%) to close @ $16.48.


Shares of ITT Industries Inc. (ITT) gained $2.19 (+4.81%) to close @ $47.69.


Shares of American Greetings Corp. (AM) gained $1.36 (+6.54%) to close @ $22.14.


Shares of WMS Industries Inc. (WMS) gained $1.41 (+5.70%) to close @ $26.14.


Shares of Stepan Co. (SCL) gained $1.59 (+5.16%) to close @ $32.39.


Shares of Covance Inc. (CVD) gained $3.28 (+5.54%) to close @ $62.49.


Shares of Timken Co. (TKR) gained $1.74 (+5.86%) to close @ $31.44.


Shares of EnerSys (ENS) gained $1.98 (+11.86%) to close @ $18.68.


Summary of The U.S. Markets:

----------------------------------------------------------

DJIA: Closed @ 10,799.23 (+51.87)

NASDAQ: Closed @ 2,043.22 (+5.50)

S&P 500: Closed @ 1,236.86 (+2.37)

----------------------------------------------------------

NYMEX Crude Oil Future is currently @ $73.88/barrel

NY Spot Gold closed @ $627.60/ounce (-$22.70)

In New York, The U.S. Dollar buys 0.8006 Euros

In New York, The Euro buys 1.249 U.S. Dollars

The U.S. Prime Rate (WSJ Prime Rate) is 8.25%


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Producer Price Index (PPI) for June, 2006

The Producer Price Index (PPI) numbers for June, 2006 were released this morning:

Consensus: +0.2%
Actual: +0.5%

Here are the numbers when food and energy are subtracted from the equation:

Consensus: +0.2%
Actual: +0.2%


The above numbers represent the month-to-month change in prices for a specific group of goods and capital equipment that producers buy in order to produce finished goods for consumers. The PPI is an important part of the overall inflation picture for the country because when costs go up for producers, producers will often pass those increased costs on to consumers.

The PPI is released by the Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The "consensus" is what economists and Wall Street forecasters were expecting, while the "actual" is the actual or real figure.

The PPI is a family or amalgamation of indexes, including The:

  • All Commodities Index
  • Crude Energy Materials Index
  • Crude Foodstuffs & Feedstuffs Index
  • Crude Materials for Further Processing Index
  • Finished Goods Index
  • Finished Consumer Foods Index
  • Finished Consumer Goods Index
  • Finished Consumer Goods Excluding Foods Index
  • Finished Energy Goods Index
  • Finished Goods: Capital Equipment Index
  • Finished Goods Excluding Foods Index
  • Finished Goods Less Energy Index
  • Finished Goods Less Food & Energy Index
  • Fuels & Related Products & Power Index
  • Industrial Commodities Index
  • Intermediate Energy Goods Index
  • Intermediate Foods & Feeds Index
  • Intermediate Materials: Supplies & Components Index

Click here to view the full Labor Department report.


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Redbook Numbers for The Week of July 15, 2006

The Redbook numbers for the week that ended on July 15, 2006 were released this morning:

Actual: +2.4%

The Redbook measures the weekly sales at chain stores, discount stores, and department stores--about 9,000 stores in total--and is therefore an important gauge of current consumer spending in the U.S. The above figure represents the year-to-year change in the Redbook sales figures, so sales are up by 2.4% when compared to sales during the corresponding week back in July of 2005.

The weekly Johnson Redbook Index report is produced by Redbook Research.


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Monday, July 17, 2006

Modest Gains for The Dow and NASDAQ; S&P 500 Declines

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) and the NASDAQ Composite ended the day with modest gains, but the S&P 500 lost almost 2 points. Spot Gold fell by $16.00 in New York. 1,478,501,500 shares were traded @ The New York Stock Exchange®.

Shares of DJIA component Citigroup (C) fell by $1.18 (-2.48) to close @ $46.40.

Shares of DJIA component McDonald's (MCD) gained $1.68 (+5.08) to close @ $34.72; the stock then gained an additional $0.21 in after-hours action this evening. McDonald's reported strong Q2 sales and profits, thanks in part to menu expansion and marketing in Europe aimed at the World Cup audience.


Shares of NYSE Group (NYX) gained $1.65 (+2.74%) to close @ $61.85. The NYSE Group owns The New York Stock Exchange®.


Shares of U.S. #2 satellite TV provider EchoStar Communications (DISH) added $1.89 to close @ $32.52 on news that the DirecTV Group may offer to buy the company.


Shares of Apple Computer (AAPL) gained $1.70 (3.36%) to close @ $52.37; the stock then gained an additional $0.12 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of Perdigao S.A. (PDA) gained $4.25 (+20.99%) to close @ $24.50.

Shares of Sadia S.A. (SDA) gained $1.88 (+7.23%) to close @ $27.90.


Shares of Elbit Medical Imaging (EMITF) gained $2.02 (+10.05%) to close @ $22.12.


Shares of Vimicro International (VIMC) gained $1.30 (+14.44%) to close @ $10.30; the stock then gained an additional $0.45 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of Mattel (MAT) gained $1.72 (+10.83%) to close @ $17.60.


Shares of Kinetic Concepts (KCI) gained $2.36 (+5.29%) to close @ $47.01.


Shares of Intermec (IN) gained $1.45 (+6.84%) to close @ $22.66.


Shares of Jackson Hewitt Tax Service (JTX) gained $1.34 (+4.16%) to close @ $33.55.


Shares of Schlumberger (SLB) lost $4.29 (-6.30%) to close @ $63.78; the stock then recovered $0.17 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of Phelps Dodge (PD) lost $2.84 (-3.56%) to close @ $76.95; the stock then recovered $0.37 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of Threshold Pharmaceuticals (THLD) lost $1.63 (-51.26%) to close @ $1.55.


Shares of Spectrum Brands (SPC) lost $3.55 (-33.18%) to close @ $7.15.


Shares of W.W. Grainger (GWW) fell $10.00 (13.70%) to close @ $63.00.


Shares of FortuNet (FNET) lost $1.59 (-11.52%) to close @ $12.21.


Shares of Origin Agritech Limited (SEED) lost $1.73 (-13.34%) to close @ $11.24.


Shares of Crucell NV (CRXL) lost $2.64 (-12.95%) to close @ $17.75.


Shares of BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust (BPT) lost $5.99 (-6.65%) to close @ $84.02.


Shares of Dril-Quip (DRQ) lost $4.84 (-5.85%) to close @ $77.94.


Shares of Rowan Companies (RDC) lost $2.04 (-5.84%) to close @ $32.92.


Shares of Giant Industries (GI) lost $4.48 (-6.33%) to close @ $66.34.


Summary of The U.S. Markets:

----------------------------------------------------------

DJIA: Closed @ 10,747.36 (+8.01)

NASDAQ: Closed @ 2,037.72 (+0.37)

S&P 500: Closed @ 1,234.49 (-1.71)

----------------------------------------------------------

NYMEX Crude Oil Future is currently @ $75.45/barrel

NY Spot Gold fell by $16.00 to close @ $650.30/ounce

In New York, The U.S. Dollar buys 0.7987 Euros

In New York, The Euro buys 1.252 U.S. Dollars

The U.S. Prime Rate (Fed Prime Rate) is 8.25%


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Friday, July 14, 2006

The 3 Majors Declined Today, On Crude Prices, Retail Sales and Consumer Sentiment

The 3 major indices lost ground today as investors reacted to lower-than-expected Retail Sales and Consumer Sentiment numbers; the realization that $80 crude oil could be around the corner also contributed to the day's bearishness. 1,716,619,970 shares were traded @ The New York Stock Exchange®.

For the week, the DJIA fell by 3.2%, the NASDAQ Composite Index fell by 4.4%, and the S + P 500 Index fell by 2.3%.


Shares of Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) component Wal-Mart (WMT) fell by $1.11 (-2.51%) to close @ $43.05.


Shares of DJIA component Boeing (BA) fell by $2.34 (-2.94%) to close @ $77.25; the stock then recovered $0.86 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of DJIA component United Technologies (UTX) fell by $2.62 (-4.27%) to close @ $58.81.


Shares of NYSE Group (NYX) fell by $2.85 (-4.52%) to close @ $60.20. The NYSE Group owns The New York Stock Exchange®.


Shares of Nucor Corp. (NWRE) fell by $2.36 (-17.59%) to close @ $11.06.

Shares of RTI International Metals (RTI) fell by $3.63 (-7.46%) to close @ $45.00.


Shares of AMR Corp. (AMR) fell by $1.74 (-6.96%) to close @ $23.25.


Shares of DR Horton (DHI) fell by $1.66 (-7.26%) to close @ $21.20.

Shares of Beazer Homes USA (BZH) fell by $2.13 (-5.22%) to close @ $38.68.

Shares of Meritage Homes Corp. (MTH) fell by $3.32 (-7.89%) to close @ $38.75.


Shares of Chemed Corp. (CHE) fell by $10.35 (-20.50%) to close @ $40.15.


Shares of Terex Corp. (TEX) fell by $4.77 (-5.09%) to close @ $88.97.


Shares of Rocky Brands (RCKY) fell by $9.57 (-42.93%) to close @ $12.72; the stock then lost an additional $0.21 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of Mikron Infrared Inc. (MIKR) fell by $2.29 (-15.92%) to close @ $12.09.


Shares of Apple Computer (AAPL) fell by $1.58 (-3.02%) to close @ $50.67; the stock then lost an additional $0.28 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of Google (GOOG) fell by $5.33 (-1.30%) to close @ $403.50.


Shares of Smith Micro Software (SMSI) fell by $1.74 (-12.38%) to close @ $12.32.


Shares of Blue Coat Systems Inc. (BCSI) fell by $2.83 (-16.74%) to close @ $14.08.


Shares of Manitowoc Co. Inc. (MTW) fell by $3.52 (-8.49%) to close @ $37.94.


Shares of Alaska Air Group (ALK) fell by $2.24 (-6.19%) to close @ $33.96.


Shares of Petco Animal Supplies Inc. (PETC) gained $8.44 (+43.39%) to close @ $27.89.


Shares of Frontier Oil (FTO) gained $2.13 (+6.44%) to close @ $35.23.


Shares of Zanett Inc. (ZANE) gained $1.20 (+65.57%) to close @ $3.03.


Shares of Forest Laboratories (FRX) gained $6.00 (+15.62%) to close @ $44.40.


Shares of NEXEN INC (NXY) gained $2.39 (+4.38%) to close @ $57.01.


Shares of Chesapeake Utilities (CPK) gained $1.92 (+6.07%) to close @ $33.57.


Shares of W HOLDING CO PFD G (WBPRK) gained $2.03 (+9.46%) to close @ $23.50.


Shares of Kinetic Concepts (KCI) gained $3.50 (+8.51%) to close @ $44.65.


Shares of Regions Financial Corp. (RF) gained $1.68 (+5.18%) to close @ $34.13.


Shares of Corning Inc. (GLW) gained $1.31 (+6.34%) to close @ $21.96; the stock then lost $0.20 in after-hours action this evening.


Summary of The U.S. Markets:

----------------------------------------------------------

DJIA: Closed @ 10,739.35 (-106.94)

NASDAQ: Closed @ 2,037.35 (-16.76)

S&P 500: Closed @ 1,236.20 (-6.09)

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NYMEX Crude Oil Future is currently @ $76.80/barrel

NY Spot Gold gained $13.80 to close @ $666.30/ounce

In New York, The U.S. Dollar buys 0.7904 Euros

In New York, The Euro buys 1.2652 U.S. Dollars

The U.S. Prime Rate (Fed Prime Rate) is 8.25%


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