Wondering why stocks rose the most in over three years in February? Bloomberg reports that $104 billion in repurchases were announced last month—the most since TrimTabs Investment Research began tracking the data in 1995. You can read the full story here. The highlights are below. Even with 10-year Treasury yields holding below 2.1 percent, economic growth trailing forecasts and earnings estimates deteriorating, the stock market snapped back last month as companies announced an average of more than $5 billion in buybacks each day. That’s enough to cover about 2 percent of the value of shares … [Read more...]
Archives for March 2015
The Monday Melee: Baltic Dry Index Anchored
Baltic Dry Index Sits a Lows: The Baltic Exchange is the world's only independent source of maritime market information. It's 600 members are responsible for a large proportion of the world's dry cargo and tanker fixtures. Recently the index derived from the members' pricing information for shipping fell to an all-time low and has remained near that level for days. Global Ship Tracking Seen from Space: Massive Container Ship Docks at London Gateway: From Maersk: Watch the spectacular time lapse video capturing Munkebo Maersk, Maersk Line's latest Triple-E, calling at London Gateway … [Read more...]
Lawyers 1, Savers 0
President Obama’s latest financial regulation on retirement accounts will not help savers. But it will help the lawyers. What the White House is trying to do is force savers to work with investment advisors, not brokers, when rolling over their 401(k). I’ve long been a proponent of investments advisors for my own obvious reasons—I am one. But this rats nest of regulation will steer money to big Wall Street, not Main Street. Read here on the fiduciary standard and why a fiduciary should be your guide when looking for investment advice. … [Read more...]