Weekly Newsletter August 26th - September 1st

Current Events: The battle for the White House has become a growing factor in the market. With little news coming from earnings, economic data, or abroad, many investors will look to U.S. politics to gauge the current health of the economy.

What to Look for This Week

For the 10th day this month, NYSE volume has come in below 3 billion shares traded for the day. The last time such an occurrence was recorded in the NYSE was September 2007. At this pace, this month will be the lowest volume of the year.

News Affecting the Markets

With Hurricane Isaac hitting Louisiana today as a category 1 hurricane oil futures are quickly rising. The spike is undoubtedly tied to concerns that the hurricane is affecting oil production out of the Gulf of Mexico.

Smart Investing

Control Credit Cards before Investing: Any profitable trader or investor knows that you must only use disposable income when aggressively participating in the markets. However, for some it's not that easy as credit card debt has eliminated such options. For this reason it is clear that if you want to get ahead financially you want to use credit cards and not let credit cards use you. Of course, as mentioned, this is easier said than done. Try to only spend money that you have. If you struggle with spending control, keep your credit limit low. Utilize only relevant credit card rewards and pay off your balance every single month. Do not let your balance become outstanding as this compiles quickly. If credit card debt is a struggle even after wise adjustments, be weary of seeking financial resolve from participating aggressively in the markets as buy and sell decisions can be clouded.

Earnings for the Week

Monday: Perfect World Co Ltd (PWRD) {After the Close}, PVH Corp (PVH), Seadrill Ltd (SDRL), Tiffany & Co (TIF)

Tuesday: Brown Shoe Co Inc (BWS)

Wednesday: Collective Brands Inc (PSS), H.J. Heinz Co (HNZ), JA Solar Holdings Co Ltd (JASO), Joy Global Inc (JOY), Pandora Media Inc (P) {After the Close}, Vera Bradley Inc (VRA) {After the Close}

Thursday: Ciena Corp (CIEN)

Friday: Rosetta Genomics Ltd (ROSG)
* Earnings dates and times are subject to change

Economic Data this Week

Monday
No announcements scheduled.

Tuesday
Case Shiller 20-city Index @ 9:00 AM for June (Est. = -0.3%, Actual = 0.5%)
Consumer Confidence @ 10:00 AM for August (Est. = 65.7 to 66.5, Actual = 60.6)

Wednesday
MBA Mortgage Index @ 7:00 AM for 08/25 (Est. = n/a, Prior = -7.4%)
Pending Home Sales @ 10:00 AM for July (Est. = 0.0%, Prior = -1.4%)
Crude Oil Inventories @ 10:30 AM for 08/25 (Est. = n/a, Prior = -5.412M)
Fed Beige Book @ 2:00 PM for August

Thursday
Initial Claims @ 8:30 AM for 08/25 (Est. = 370K, Prior = 372K)
Continuing Claims @ 8:30 AM for 08/18 (Est. = 3300K, Prior = 3317K)

Friday
Chicago PMI @ 9:45 AM for August (Est. = 53.0 to 53.8, Prior = 53.7)
Michigan Sentiment @ 9:55 AM for August (Est. = 73.6 to 74.0, Prior = 73.6)
Factory Orders @ 10:00 AM for July 8 (Est. = 2.0% to 2.1%, Prior = -0.5%)

Current Events: A very strong week across all major U.S. indexes has each within striking distance of new year-to-date highs. The lack in data from an earnings and economic standpoint this week may leave the market without enough fuel to break through obvious resistance that will be waiting at index highs. Moreover, with a big five day surge in oil prices last week, concerns over rising gas prices affecting consumers may soon weigh on investor's minds.

What to Look for This Week

With this clearly being the a very quiet week of the year thus far in regards to earnings announcements, investors will look elsewhere for signs of strength and stability in the U.S. and global economy. However, barring the housing data, few signals will come from economic reports as this week is a relatively light one for such scheduled data announcements. Thus, most investors will look abroad and play close attention for key updates on the euro-zone crisis.

News Affecting the Markets

A report released on Sunday by a German magazine outlines a radical new plan that the European Central Bank is considering. This controversial plan would cap borrowing costs for struggling euro-zone governments by buying unlimited amounts of bonds. Such a move would mark an aggressive and drastic turn by the central bank in an effort to bring down borrowing costs for Spain and Italy. Designed to prevent borrowing costs from climbing to unsustainable levels and ensuring that the spread between peripheral and core yields does not grow too wide, this plan would see the ECB step in to buy bonds when the spread between yields on distressed government bonds moved above a certain, unspecified level versus German government debt.

Smart Investing

Set Investment Goals:  The fact is setting goals is not just about achieving success, but experiencing an enriching journey while on the process of acquiring your goal. There is so much to be had when you have set your goals in life. One of which is achieving self-development. Setting goals is a sign of maturity in a person. Clear cut intent will help develop motivation and forces you to practice some of the important values in life like determination, perseverance and discipline. Setting a goal will also give you a clear road map on which direction and will enhance your self-esteem as you know what you want to achieve and how to get there. People who lack goals in life have no clear cut directions and are just relying on fate and luck to lead their life. Even though there is no guarantee that you will achieve every goal, what matters most is the growing process that you will experience even as making that journey that will enable you to take on similar or even better opportunities. Thus, whether dealing with investments, or life as a whole, it is essential to set clear and realistic goals for yourself in order to achieve success.

Earnings for the Week

Monday: No earnings announcements

Tuesday: No earnings announcements

Wednesday: No earnings announcements

Thursday: No earnings announcements

Friday: No earnings announcements
* Earnings dates and times are subject to change

 Economic Data this Week

Monday

No announcements scheduled.

Tuesday

FOMC Minutes @ 2:00 PM for 7/31

Wednesday
MBA Mortgage Index @ 7:00 AM for 08/18 (Est. = n/a, Prior = -4.5%)
Existing Home Sales @ 10:00 AM for July (Est. = 4.30M to 4.55M, Prior = 4.37M)
Crude Oil Inventories @ 10:30 AM for 08/18 (Est. = n/a, Prior = -3.699M)

Thursday
Initial Claims @ 8:30 AM for 08/18 (Est. = 365K, Prior = 366K)
Continuing Claims @ 8:30 AM for 08/11 (Est. = 3298K to 3300K, Prior = 3305K)
FHFA Housing Price Index @ 10:00 AM for June (Est. = n/a, Prior = 0.8%)
New Home Sales @ 10:00 AM for July (Est. = 368K to 375K, Prior = 35K0)

Friday

Durable Orders @ 8:30 AM for July (Est. = 2.5% to 3.5%, Prior = 1.3%)

Weekly Newsletter August 12th - August 18th

Current Events: Last week proved to be a very choppy week in the financial markets as investors seemed uncertain on the long-term direction and stability of the U.S. and global economy.

What to Look for This Week

The plethora of retail giants announcing earnings this week indicates that the end of the summer earnings season is fast approaching. Popular retailers, Wal-Mart, Target, Gap, and Saks are just a few of the household names which will release highly anticipated earnings this week.

News Affecting the Markets

Groupon, whose shares have already plunged nearly 70% over the last six months, took a further tumble after its release of its second quarter earnings following the closing bell Monday. While better-than-expected profits were announced, a gloomy third quarter forecast has set the stock on track to hit a record new low on Tuesday.

Smart Investing

Structured Settlements: Typically paid out in response to personal injury claim, a structured settlement is a series of relatively small, periodic payments meant as a steadier alternative to the lump sum for one who doesn’t want all of their eggs in one basket. However, this is not meant to imply that structured settlements are only given to injured unfortunates, as lottery winners who choose to gradate their winnings into a series of weekly or monthly payments, for example, are also owners of structured settlement agreements. Structured settlements are not ‘better’ or ‘worse’ than other formats of payment; they, like any other payment plan, meet the need of a specific demographic of people. If you are currently in the process of receiving some money and have the opportunity to decide upon how it will be distributed to you, then give structured settlements the consideration they rightfully deserve. They are equally capable of making a good situation better and compensating for harm wrongfully done to one’s physical or mental well being.

Earnings for the Week

Monday: Groupon Inc (GRPN) {After the close}, Sysco Corp (SYY)

Tuesday: Dick's Sporting Goods Inc (DKS), Estee Lauder Companies Inc (EL), Home Depot Inc (HD), Michael Kors Holdings Ltd (KORS), Nationstar Mortgage Holdings Inc (NSM), Saks Inc (SKS), The Valspar Corp (VAL), TJX Companies Inc (TJX)

Wednesday: Abercrombie & Fitch Co (ANF), Agilent Technologies Inc (A) {After the close}, Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO) {After the close}, Deere & Co (DE), Limited Brands Inc (LTD) {After the close}, NetApp Inc (NTAP) {After the close}, PetSmart Inc (PETM) {After the close}, Target Corp (TGT), VimpelCom Ltd (VIP)

Thursday: Aeropostale Inc (ARO) {After the close}, Brocade Communications Systems Inc (BRCD) {After the close}, GameStop Corp (GME), Gap Inc (GPS) {After the close}, Wal-Mart Stores Inc (WMT)

Friday: ANN INC (ANN), Foot Locker Inc (FL)
* Earnings dates and times are subject to change

Economic Data this Week

Monday
No announcements scheduled.

Tuesday
Retail Sales @ 8:30 AM for July (Est. = 0.0% to 0.2%, Prior = -0.5%)
PPI @ 8:30 AM for July (Est. = 0.2%, Prior = 0.1%)
Business Inventories @ 10:00 AM for June (Est. = 0.2%, Prior = 0.3%)

Wednesday
MBA Mortgage Index @ 7:00 AM for 08/11 (Est. = n/a, Prior = -1.8%)
CPI @ 8:30 AM for July (Est. = 0.2%, Prior = 0.0%)
Empire Manufacturing @ 8:30 AM for August (Est. = 5.0, Prior = 7.4)
Industrial Production @ 9:15 AM for July (Est. = 0.6% to 1.0%, Prior = 0.4%)
Capacity Utilization @ 9:15 AM for July (Est. = 79.3% to 79.4%, Prior = 78.9%)
NAHB Housing Market Index @ 10:00 AM for August (Est. = 35, Prior = 35)
Crude Oil Inventories @ 10:30 AM for 08/11 (Est. = n/a, Prior = -3.729M)

Thursday
Initial Claims @ 8:30 AM for 08/11 (Est. = 365K to 368K, Prior = 361K)
Continuing Claims @ 8:30 AM for 08/04 (Est. = 3300K, Prior = 3332K)
Housing Starts @ 8:30 AM for July (Est. = 763K to 770K, Prior = 760K)
Building Permits @ 8:30 AM for July (Est. = 750K to 770K, Prior = 755K)
Philadelphia Fed @ 10:00 AM for August (Est. = -5.0%, Prior = -12.9%)

Friday
Michigan Sentiment @ 9:55 AM for August (Est. = 71.0 to 72.2, Prior = 72.3)
Leading Indicators @ 10:00 AM for July (Est. = 0.2%, Prior = -0.3%)

Weekly Newsletter August 5th - August 11th

Current Events: For the second straight week the U.S. markets finished the week strong. Friday's massive surge was enough to reverse a minor down-trending week with the release of somewhat favorable economic data on the health of the job market.

What to Look for This Week

While only a few blue chips are scheduled to announce this week, earnings are likely to take center stage as few economic reports are to be released this week. Household favorites such as Walt Disney and MGM are scheduled to report this week, along with popular retail giants J C Penny's, Macy's and Nordstrom.

News Affecting the Markets

On Monday, the U.S. stock markets (including the Dow Jones, Nasdaq, and S&P 500) successfully closed at their highest point in three months. This is in large part due to better-than-anticipated corporate earnings and a recent diminishing concern about Europe’s debt troubles.

Smart Investing

Most Common Way Your 401k Leaks Money: Picking the right funds for your retirement account is vital, but so is understanding how to take full advantage of your savings. Make sure to avoid the common costly mistakes to ensure your 401k stays healthy and prosperous. For starters, pay attention to detail. Awareness of the fees and logistics of your 401k or IRA plan can be just as important as picking the right places to put your money. Investors who don't read the fine print or perform regular portfolio maintenance can see their retirement accounts suffer, even if they have the right funds picked out. The most obvious charges that 401k investors have to endure are the "expense ratios" of their mutual funds. You might have seen these on your portfolio documents and just shrugged them off. After all, what's the big deal about a 1% fee? However, little fees add up fast. In real terms, that 1% fee gets shaved off your 401k account each year. In 30 years, those small fees can end up costing you hundreds of thousands of dollars. Thus, be cognoscente of the health of your 401k, it will greatly benefit you in the long run.

Earnings for the Week

Monday: AES Corp (AES), Boston Properties Inc (BXP) {After the close}, Brookdale Senior Living Inc (BKD) {After the close}, CF Industries Holdings Inc (CF) {After the close}, Chesapeake Energy Corp (CHK) {After the close}, Cinemark Holdings Inc (CNK), Concho Resources Inc (CXO) {After the close}, Dillard's Inc (DDS), Goodrich Petroleum Corp (GDP) {After the close}, HCA Holdings Inc (HCA), Health Care REIT Inc (HCN), Manitowoc Co Inc (MTW) {After the close}, McDermott International Inc (MDR) {After the close}, Mindray Medical International Ltd (MR) {After the close}, Rosetta Genomics Ltd (ROSG), Strategic Hotels and Resorts Inc (BEE) {After the close}, Titanium Metals Corp (TIE), Tyson Foods Inc (TSN), Vornado Realty Trust (VNO) {After the close}, WMS Industries Inc (WMS) {After the close}

Tuesday: AECOM Technology Corp (ACM), Cablevision Systems Corp (CVC), Coeur d'Alene Mines Corp (CDE), CVS Caremark Corp (CVS), Emerson Electric Co (EMR), Energy Transfer Partners LP (ETP) {After the close}, Firstenergy Corp (FE), Fossil Inc (FOSL), Hecla Mining Co (HL), Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc (MMC), MGM Resorts International (MGM), Office Depot Inc (ODP), Pepco Holdings Inc (POM), PG&E Corp (PCG), Quicksilver Resources Inc (KWK), Rackspace Hosting Inc (RAX) {After the close}, Rosetta Resources Inc (ROSE) {After the close}, Sirius XM Radio Inc (SIRI), Sotheby's (BID), Tenet Healthcare Corp (THC), Walt Disney Co (DIS) {After the close}, XL Group PLC (XL) Zillow Inc (Z)

Wednesday: Accretive Health Inc (AH), Alpha Natural Resources Inc (ANR), Avnet Inc (AVT), BrightPoint Inc (CELL) {After the close}, CenturyLink Inc (CTL) {After the close}, Cincinnati Bell Inc (CBB), Computer Sciences Corp (CSC), Continental Resources Inc (CLR) {After the close}, Corrections Corp Of America (CXW) {After the close}, Dean Foods Co (DF), Macy's Inc (M), MBIA Inc (MBI) {After the close}, Medicis Pharmaceutical Corp (MRX), NRG Energy Inc (NRG), PPL Corp (PPL), Ralph Lauren Corp (RL), Stillwater Mining Co (SWC), SunPower Corp (SPWR) {After the close}

Thursday: Advance Auto Parts Inc (AAP), Assured Guaranty Ltd (AGO) {After the close}, Brinker International Inc (EAT), CareFusion Corp (CFN) {After the close}, DeVry Inc (DV) {After the close}, Emulex Corp (ELX) {After the close}, GenOn Energy Inc (GEN), Kohl's Corp (KSS), Kronos Worldwide Inc (KRO), Magnum Hunter Resources Corp (MHR), Medical Properties Trust Inc (MPW), Nordstrom Inc (JWN) {After the close}, Northern Oil and Gas Inc (NOG), NVIDIA Corp (NVDA) {After the close}, The Wendy's Co (WEN), Windstream Corp (WIN)

Friday: Energy Transfer Equity LP (ETE), Harman International Industries Inc (HAR), J C Penney Company Inc (JCP), VirnetX Holding Corp (VHC)
* Earnings dates and times are subject to change

Economic Data this Week

Monday
No announcements scheduled.

Tuesday
Consumer Credit @ 3:00 PM for June (Est. = $10.0B, Prior = $17.1B)

Wednesday
MBA Mortgage Index @ 7:00 AM for 08/04 (Est. = n/a, Prior = 0.2%)
Crude Oil Inventories @ 10:30 AM for 08/04 (Est. = n/a, Prior = -6.522M)

Thursday
Initial Claims @ 8:30 AM for 08/04 (Est. = 375K to 385K, Prior = 365K)
Continuing Claims @ 8:30 AM for 07/28 (Est. = 3290K to 3300K, Prior = 3272K)
Trade Balance @ 8:30 AM for June (Est. = -$47.5B to -$48.0B, Prior = -$48.7B)
Wholesale Inventories @ 10:00 AM for June (Est. = 0.3% to 0.6%, Prior = 0.3%)

Friday
Treasury Budget @ 2:00 PM for July (Est. = n/a, Prior = -$129.4B)